In any potentially violent encounter, it is important to remember that there are steps we can take before needing to go hands on. Avoidance and evasion are the first two. Common sense dictates that not being where the problem exists and running away from it when it does occur are better remedies than engaging with your would-be attacker at all.
If those options are not available, than de-escalation becomes your last tactic before actually getting physical. It is this area of self defense that I wish to discuss today.
At the point of first contact, there are, oftentimes, opportunities for you to resolve the possible conflict with just verbal redirection. What is most important to understand is what is motivating your attacker. If the attacker is after something of perceived financial value (wallet/purse, car, phone, etc), then the self defense tactic is merely handing over the goods and walking away with your body intact.
If, however, the assailant has perceived you to have provoked this moment through you unknowingly showing some signs of disrespect (looking at his date, wearing the wrong logo on your clothing, accidentally bumping into them while crossing paths, etc.), then the remedy is verbally assuaging his ego.
My general rule for engaging with all people (whether friend or foe) is to ALWAYS GIVE A PERSON A PATH TO DIGNITY.
By making a verbal statement of apology or a reframing the moment as an innocent misunderstanding, you create that path for your attacker and potentially de-fang the snake. The video above is a master class in redirection and should act as an example for all us to follow.
At Krav Maga Personal Safety, we emphasize physical remedies as the last resort in any encounter. Remember, you don’t know your attacker’s skill set, you don’t know if they’re carrying a weapon and you can’t be certain they don’t have friends about to jump in to help them. Another consideration, as is discussed in the video, is the moment you physically engage, you open the door to legal consequences (both criminal and civil). That is not something to be dismissed out of hand.
My steadfast belief is the best and most impressive victory in a fight is the one you win without ever throwing a punch!
