Understanding A Confrontation In Self Defence

A confrontation by definition is a conflict of interests between 2 opposing parties. This may be a situation in which people or groups of people are fighting opposing or challenging each other in a aggressive or violent way.

In most confrontations there are 5 main stages : The Approach, The Close, The Trapp, The Attack and The Aftermath.

Stage 1: Approaching – The first sign of potential danger is approaching. An assailant may walk towards you casually, follow you from behind or jump out and surprise you. This is the pre-cursor for you to avoid the assailant or run to safety.

Remember: Don’t Run Away from Danger; Run to Safety. You don’t need to beat or defeat an assailant – there are no winners in self-defense. Your only goal is to escape safely.

Stage 2: Closing – If a person is approaching you and you feel uncomfortable do not allow the assailant to get closer than 5 to 6 feet. If they pass this distance, give a stern verbal warning: ‘don’t come any closer’, ‘get back’.

Stage 3: Trapping – An assailant who ignores a verbal warning and moves closer to you has an intention on harming you. This is cue to flee immediately without hesitation. Be aware if you begin to flee, an assailant may try to drive you to a confined area.

Stage 4: Attack – When physically attacked there are a number of things you should do that might mean the difference between life and death. (1) You should have a strong mind. Stay calm, alert and don’t panic. An experienced assailant will use your mind against you to control the situation. Take a deep breath, stand tall and be ready for anything. Stay away from the wall or corner and try and place the assailant in front of the wall. (2) Look for mistakes or weak spots. This is when you will find an opening to break through. Use his weak spots for striking or exploiting. For example, if your female and up against a 20 stone bloke strike pressure points such as his groin with a front kick or if he is wearing heavy clothing strike his throat. (3) Every physical confrontation is fluid and the changing nature of the conflict will create a number of opportunities for you to escape or counter attack. (4) Don’t dwell on mistakes – keep your sight on the entire spectrum which is your survival. (5) Have a game plan – Know how to protect your body, know where to strike, be familiar with the environmental weapons and possible exits and know where to look for help.

Stage 5: Aftermath – In the aftermath of an attack whether it be a mugging or assault, the assailant may decide to kill you. Do not let your guard down until you have escaped or the assailant has left the area.

Written by Luke James 2014

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