ile 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 vigilant and responsive to any changes in your opponent.
Self-awareness is the most important element in a confrontational situation. How do you handle fear? Are you aware of your natural fight/flight/freeze response? What is your ability to work under fatigue/stress? What are your capabilities as a martial artist? Awareness of your own mindset is also important here – has your pride been challenged, what is your intent? How is your body reacting – what is your breathing pattern? What is your body language indicating?
Environmental awareness is not just being aware of the threat of your opponent. In combat, you need to evaluate the actual physical environment eg, who else is present – are they friends of your opponent- what is their intent? What is the physical layout of the environment eg is there glass, are there obstacles like tables or walls, are there escape options? Are there materials that can be used as potential weapons? All of these are important considerations especially in public areas where there are many unknown variables.
How do you handle the threat?
Your actions will be key to the outcome of conflict. Your body language will signal your intent –the confidence you display, the tone and authority of your voice, and the language that you use. Is your body language threatening? What emotions are you exhibiting? Are your decisions driven by logic or emotion (typically in an escalated matter your judgement can be clouded by emotion)?
Your intent is also important. Is negotiation an option? Can you de-escalate the issue by managing the situation through non-threatening language?
“The greatest victory is to defeat your opponent without fighting”
If the issue continues to escalate, the way that you hold your body is important to maximise your ability to defend yourself. Do you have your hands in a position to defend yourself? Do you have the ability to freely move? Are you vulnerable from an attack from behind?
World renowned karate historian & practitioner Hanshi Patrick McCarthy has categorised the most