Verbal "fence"

[Tant01]

WHEN TO PUT YOUR GUARD UP?

Recently I have been thinking about the subtle indicators of confrontation or INTENT.

It is a fairly common tactic to use ruse to put a victim at ease before the attack.

I have heard more than my share of "feelers" or deceptions.

For instance: I was approached at Disneyland by a younger woman that wanted to know what time it was... That is fairly innocent enough but also a good "feeler" as I call it. If someone approaches you they might use a verbal ice breaker to further evaluate your potential as a victim.

If they seem excited or in danger it may only be a simulated hysteria to judge your reaction to the unexpected event.

If you can think of any "line" or courtesy from "Excuse me sir" to "Dude you dropped this" Or even a plea for HELP! Remember that it could be a trick to bait you into a vulnerable position. Don't let anyone close enough to shank you.

You don't need to bleed to heed a simple warning. Some tricks are only meant to get close enough for the attachment.

[bigred389]

If they're trying to get close, I'd say that's a good enough reason to start paying attention.

Back home I live in an unsavory part of town...at night people will regularly approach someone walking alone to ask the time...directions...for money...Metrocards.

Harmless enough, but when it's 11PM and you're on a fairly deserted street next to Central Park it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

[Tom Yum]

WHEN TO PUT YOUR GAURD UP?

Recently I have been thinking about the subtle indicators of confrontation or INTENT.

It is a fairly common tactic to use ruse to put a victim at ease before the attack.

I have heard more than my share of "feelers" or deceptions.

For instance: I was approached at Disneyland by a younger woman that wanted to know what time it was... That is fairly innocent enough but also a good "feeler" as I call it. If someone approaches you they might use a verbal ice breaker to further evaluate your potential as a victim.

If they seem excited or in danger it may only be a simulated hysteria to judge your reaction to the unexpected event.

If you can think of any "line" or courtesy from "Excuse me sir" to "Dude you dropped this" Or even a plea for HELP! Remember that it could be a trick to bait you into a vulnerable position. Don't let anyone close enough to shank you.

You don't need to bleed to heed a simple warning. Some tricks are only meant to get get close enough for the attachment.

Good stuff.

I like to keep eye contact, with peripherals on the chest and shoulder. Just a habit from sparring...but I think it keeps you mentally prepaired too.

[WildWest.]

Going by what I've read by the experts, reading your environment whenever you are out will help prevent or diffuse a situation from developing. For example, reading people's body language, what people are doing, what's going on around you. If you walk down the street with you head down chatting on your cellphone you are unaware of your environment and a potential victim.

All that being said, avoidance is the best option. Don't go to dodgy areas, avoid late night walks through the short cut in the park and don't hang with dubious people.

[Tant01]

Tanto,
Good stuff indeed. I think that when you've taken martial "art" out of the realm of practice or sport, it's time to look at things from a perspective of what gives you the biggest advantage. That sounds absurdly "common sense" but I mean it a little different than is commonly discussed. .....


P.S.
Sorry to be so "all over the place" with this response, but this was actually the subject of this morning's training, and I got a little excited.

Not at all Mr. B. Your thoughts are always appreciated. You have a way with articulation that I lack not to mention typing skills!

Your suggestion of, ". consider carrying near your wallet so that reaching for one looks just like reaching for the other Things like that can make a huge difference in terms of fighting for one's life. (hits very close to home) I keep a little D-2 thing there myself

I don't suppose LEO's would appreciate the convenience of that but it has never been an issue before...

In my younger days I had some trouble with the kind of folks that would rob you with an ice pick for a nickle or in his words "snuff anyone for a dime"...

He may have been putting on a scary face but he wasn't far off. LOTS of people just dissapear. In some places up to half of the homicides go unsolved. (see missing persons)

The tactics of the people that prey on other people are not unlike those of a wolf pack. The single threat scenario can be no less violent or deceptive. For a cigarette or a light be ready to fight. If they want the time they may want more. I'm just saying, think like the bad guy and don't be fooled by a " Hey sir"

As the boxers might say "KEEP YOUR GUARD UP!!"

[wado_kai]

i will be sure to wear my stab proof vest to disneyland next time....

[shaolin-warrior]

Another thought thats less personal,
Beware of the bump and run. Thats when your in the safety of your vehicle and someone rearends you. Their intention is to get you out of the vehicle. The bumper may be a pretty girl but beware of the vehicle behind her filled with thugs.