Self Defence Hints & Tips:
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- The most importance aspects of self defence are awareness and reaction.
- Always be aware of your surroundings, who might be nearby and where any potential trouble may come from.
- Try and appear confident without looking aggressive. Avoid an aggressive stance, crossed arms, hands on hips, or a raised arm is challenging and confrontational. Avoid looking down on anyone or touching someone unnecessarily.
- It is essential that you react to an attack. Time taken to think about your defence is time that your attacker will use to his or her advantage.
- Most attackers succeed because they manage to take their victims by surprise. You must be alert enough to shift the element of surprise in your favour.
- Think about where you are going and how you intend to get there. Plan your route to avoid deserted streets and dark areas. Consider pre-booking a taxi or arranging a lift home. Always make sure you have enough money to get home and that someone knows where you are and when you expect to be home.
- Avoid wearing headphones or chatting on a mobile phone when walking down the street alone, as this will prevent you from hearing any danger warning signals.
- If you hear or see trouble ahead then cut off, or turn around before you get to it and head to the nearest safe place such as a garage, police station or anywhere where there will be lots of people.
- If you are trapped in an aggressive situation, then try to stay calm and talk your way out of it. Physical self defence should only be used as a last resort. It limits your options and commits you to a fight you could lose. It is not weak to walk away from violence.
- Avoid using unlit or isolated cash machines.
- Keep fit. Good posture, stamina, strength and tension control can all aid your personal safety.
- Steer clear of trouble - if you see any trouble or suspect it may be about to start - keep clear. The best thing you can do is alert the police and keep away.
- If someone is becoming agitated or aggressive, don't crowd them. Invading someone's personal space will only make them more uptight and defensive and therefore more likely to become violent.
- Never assume it wont happen to you. Nobody is invincible. Even though the risks are slight, they are there. Think about your personal safety and don't become another victim.