The best way to handle any confrontational situation is to avoid putting oneself in harm’s way. Unfortunately this is not always possible.
The nature of violence
When faced with an aggressive, unprovoked act of physical violence, there needs to be an awareness and recognition of the reality of this situation. Human nature is quite predictable in that the strongest will typically try to dominate a smaller opponent with foreseeable human behaviour – posturing, lifting of their chin, threatening their prey. Predators typically select victims that they feel they have an advantage over, those that appear vulnerable or those that they think they can easily overpower.
It will be confronting, violent, brutal, laced with vulgar language. Self-preservation becomes the sole focus.
When faced with a confrontational situation, it is important to understand and be aware of the physiological changes that your body will experience. Fear is a normal human instinct, and your body will react to this emotion – increased heart rate, adrenalin dump, nerves/anxiety and tunnel vision. With senses heightened your ability to make logical, rational decisions is likely to be impaired. It is important that you are able to acknowledge these changes in your own body and mindset, and to recognise that your opponent will be experiencing the same reactions.
Understanding the flee (do whatever to escape), freeze or fight response is significant. This response is innate, and will vary from person to person and from situation to situation. Some people will naturally choose to flee from confrontational situations, but this may not always be possible. For example, when backed up against the wall, escape may not be possible. In contrast, someone with a natural fight response may be overwhelmed by numerous, armed opponents, and flight may be their best option.
“Everyone is an individual and liable to react differently under chaotic circumstances”
In a survival situation, human instincts will kick in with a single minded focus on the immediate threat. While it sounds like this is the most appropriate response to handle the situation, it may leave you vulnerable to an attack from a third party who may choose to enter the fight (eg. a friend of your opponent).
The best scenario is obviously to avoid a physical confrontation. The next best option is to control the situation through verbal negotiation. Physical confrontation is always the last resort. In today’s litigious society, preference is for self-defence techniques that control a situation rather than critically injuring an opponent. The need to use excessive force is an undesirable outcome – the results of such an interaction are not likely to favour you or your opponent. In saying that, in a life or death situation, protecting and defending yourself and loved ones is number one priority and “anything goes”.
A critical part of self-defence is an awareness of the intentions of your opponent, self-awareness and awareness of the physical environment.
Awareness of your opponent refers to their body language, body positioning, tone of their voice, the way they hold themselves. Understanding the intensity of the aggressor i.e. is there a clear intention to fight, are they highly agitated? Are they holding a weapon? Do you know your opponent? Do you know their capability? Are there any other factors in play such as the influence of drugs/alcohol, peer-group pressure? Ego, pride and fear are key factors which need to be carefully considered.
In addition to understanding these indicators, your ability to evaluate their intent is crucial in identifying the options you may have to de-escalate the issue. You may only have seconds to weigh up all of these factors, therefore your ability to rapidly assess the situation is essential. Your initial, instant assessment will form your profile of your opponent including your evaluation of their physical ability, mental state, and degree of motivation. It is not likely that these factors will remain static throughout your confrontation, therefore it is important that you remain 