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MCM180
MCM180's picture
"Little things" that might matter?

Hi all,

Just wondering if you have any tips on "little things" that might make a difference for self-protection.

For example, I teach night classes and have to walk out to my car at night after class is over. I carry my stuff in a backpack. I've started carrying the backback in one hand by the top handle rather than over a shoulder so I can quickly drop it and run (or strike) if needed without the bag hanging on my back getting in the way.

I also walk to the grocery store at night sometimes (it's right across the street and I'm in a pretty safe neighborhood). I carry the bags with a large clip thing (hard to describe - it's like a big carabiner) so I can also drop those quickly if needed and not get my hands tangled in the plastic bag handles. (Also it makes carring the bags much more comfortable.)

I don't plan to need to use my hands, but if so I've made it easier.

Anyone else have similar little things that help keep us prepared for self-defense if needed?

Marc
Marc's picture

There's always the idea to walk around the corner of a building with a little distance from that corner. That way you wouldn't bump into another person who walks around the corner from the other side. Instead you have a better angle to look around it. Thereby you can avoid conflict with other people who might get angry when colliding.

I know, this is a well known practice, but I thought I'd just throw it in, anyway, just in case.  

OnlySeisan
OnlySeisan's picture

Don't make excessive eye contact or stare someone down. This is aggressive behavior.

Be aware of escape routes, which is as simple as looking for fire exits, windows that open or even flimsy walls.

Be polite to everyone you meet. You can be firm without being aggressive.

Walk with good posture. Rounded shoulders and head down tells a criminal you aren't paying attention and are an easier victim.

Stay away from dangerous neighborhoods unless you absolutely have to be there.

Be aware of your own body language. Is it aggressive, passive, neutral?

A really good resourse is No nonsense self defense. Here's the link www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/

Jr cook
Jr cook's picture

This was an eye opener to me:

For guys, when using a public restroom, consider using the stalls. Walking into an unknown environment alone and facing the wall (while pre-occupied) exposes you and anything in your back pockets to the rest of the room. Just a thought.

/paranoia

Ian H
Ian H's picture

I once heard it said that when eating with chopsticks, one should not hold them pointing at ones' mouth, but sideways.

... like that, not like this ... 

The theory being, that chopsticks pointed at the inside of one's mouth can be turned into a weapon by one's foe (palm-heel strike, &c.)

Now, I can hear you all saying "but ... what is the likelihood that I would be (a) eating with chopsticks, and (b) attacked ... no doubt in a crowded restaurant ... while doing so??"   The point is not to lower the rate of chopstick tonsil impailments, but to consider how all our actions, even the most trivial and mundane, can be subjected to "do it this way not that way for good self defence" analysis.  

Iain Abernethy
Iain Abernethy's picture

Ian H wrote:
I once heard it said that when eating with chopsticks, one should not hold them pointing at ones' mouth, but sideways.

I’ve read that too. However, I tend to eat with metal forks and spoons which not only point toward the mouth but go into it if I wish to avoid food going everywhere. The same issue exists every time I take a take a sip from a mug, soft drinks can, water bottle or glass.

Ian H wrote:
to consider how all our actions, even the most trivial and mundane, can be subjected to "do it this way not that way for good self defence" analysis.

I get the point and agree it’s good to consider personal habits. However, as a general point, we also need to acknowledge the following:

1 – The precautions taken must always be commensurate with the risk.

2 – A disproportionate fear of crime and violence can be harmful too.

Being reckless is not good because it makes us an easier target and that can increase the likelihood of harm.

Taking sensible precautions to minimise risk, which still permit us to enjoy us to enjoy life and do not foster paranoia, is good and healthy.

Taking excessive precautions (i.e. wearing a stab vest every time you leave the house, never eating in a restaurant in case someone smashes the base of glass or fork into your mouth, etc.) is harmful because it fosters fear and paranoia.

This is the diagram I use to explain this idea on self-defence courses.

We need to objectively assess the risk, and then ensure that precautions taken are commensurate with the risk. That way we remain safe and healthy.

All the best,

Iain