Self-Defense can be a complex concept but understanding prevention, your states laws and practical tips, you can live life with additional confidence.
Although our world isn't invaded by powerful aliens, demons or monsters like the anime universe, our world has still become one hectic place. Year after year, we continue to see an increase in crime rate that includes but is not limited to homicide, robbery and aggravated assault. As much as we would like the world to be a safe place for everyone, we unfortunately, can't predict the future and prevent tragic events. Due to this fact, it's imperative to follow self-defense actions to at least decrease these risks and enter the world with confidence.
Overview
Mindset
Assault and battery risk
When is the use of force legal
Prevention of an attack
Defend yourself
Final thoughts
Mindset
Before reading on, the key to having your best chance of survival during an attack is having a prepared and focused mindset. Ask yourself the following questions:
1. Are you prepared to do whatever it takes to live another day?
2. Are you prepared to harm or possibly kill another human being to save your own life?
3. Are you prepared to do some jail time because you've been falsely accused of being the attacker and your reason for self-defense was not justifiable?
If you answered "yes" to all of these questions, read on. If you had the slightest hesitation to any of these questions, ask yourself, why you didn't answer "yes".
Assault and Battery
Although assault and battery isn't the only crime committed in our world, it's one of the most common. What exactly is considered assault and battery? Based on your location, your state may define assault and battery differently. Below, is how California defines this crime. "The California Penal Code defines assault as an "unlawful attempt" to cause a "violent injury on the person of another" -- assault is often described as an attempt to commit a battery." "Battery describes force or violence used against another person. The Penal Code establishes varying degrees of severity for a battery."
When is the Use of Force Legal?
Please keep in mind, every state will have different laws. Below is information on legal force based on California Laws. "California law allows use of force in self-defense or defense of others when you reasonably believe that you or they are in imminent danger of physical harm, and that force is necessary to stop the danger. However, you may only use the degree of force reasonably necessary under the circumstances", in other words, the defense response must be proportionate to the aggression. "A person can use self-defense as a legal defense when he or she defends:"
him or herself,
another person, or
his or her property.
Important Note:
If the threat has ended, you can't and shouldn't pursue the attacker. One, because that is putting you back in the risk of a threat and two, you can possibly be deemed the attacker! Yes. YOU CAN POSSIBLY BE DEEMED AS THE ATTACKER. Because the threat has ended, you are no longer in any danger.
For example, if Frieza from the Dragon Ball series has threatened you for your wallet, you then give the wallet, then Frieza runs away, you can't and shouldn't chase him down, catch Frieza and give him a powerful round house kick to the head. That is a big no, no.
Prevention of an Attack
Before you head outside for your next run or errand, think about how you're presenting yourself and how you can increase your awareness of your surroundings. Below are key prevention tips:
Increase your awareness by removing headphones or wearing only one earbud to hear your surroundings.
Run on familiar routes but change routes weekly to prevent someone from learning your training schedule.
Run on safe routes. This means, run on routes where other people are present and routes that have high visibility where no one can hide.
Don't wear jewelry or have valuables in sight.
Let a friend or family member know where you're running or going.
Run with a friend or running group.
If you think you are being followed, change direction or move to a safe spot such as a bank, grocery store or any area that is highly populated.
Don't be afraid to make eye contact. This can deter a potential attacker from attacking you now that you are aware of the attackers presence and have the opportunity to describe the attacker to law enforcement.
Move with confidence. Move with your head up and eyes focused on your surroundings.
Always trust your instinct. If you have the slightest feeling of being in an unsafe situation, find another route to take.
Defend Yourself
We always hope for the best but we cannot control the action's of others. In a worst case scenario of an attack, there are a number of options that can help one defend their self.
Prepare ahead of time by training in a self-defense class:
To be clear, martial arts such as Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing etc. are great practices but majority of training these days place a focus on sport, traditional training or overall fitness and unfortunately, this doesn't necessarily mean it will always transfer over into self-defense. Self defense teaches one how to survive outside a controlled environment by doing everything he or she can to live another day. Martial arts training, although similar to self defense, will place most focus on teaching skills and techniques with boundaries (no striking to the neck, back of head, groin etc.) in a controlled setting preparing one for contact sport or simply improving fitness. Some training styles that focus on self-defense can include but is not limited to Krav Maga, Escrima and Silat.
Self-Defense Tools:
Self-defense tools don't always guarantee surviving an attack but that doesn't mean we can't be extra prepared with some basic tools. Some tools can include pepper spray, monkey fist keychain and Kubaton keychain. Other common items we may carry on a daily basis that can be utilized as self-defense tools can be a set of keys, belt or a pen. If you're being threatened and don't have a tool prepared, use your surroundings! Look for a thick branch, rock, brick, etc. Please keep in mind that some self-defense tools may be illegal in your location. Always do your research beforehand when purchasing such tools
Offense Strikes and Striking Points:
If you're not ready or are uncomfortable carrying defense gear, your best defense tool are your hands, knees, legs and feet. There are hundreds of strikes to learn but from decades of experience, here are my top three essential strikes:
Open palm strike: This allows a larger surface to strike your attacker and opens the opportunity for eye gouging, ear, nostril and or hair pulling.
Knee strikes: This can be executed during close contact attacks. Target spots would include the sternum and groin region.
Leg and foot strikes: Fortunately, strikes with our feet don't need to be like what we see in the anime universe. Foot strikes for self defense, can be as basic as it gets but still highly effective. Strikes can include kicking to the groin region, foot stomps, attacking the shin by scraping down the leg with your foot and striking the attackers knees by push kicking the attackers knee cap back or striking the side of the knee cap.
Final Thoughts
Simply being outdoors shouldn't be a safety issue, but in reality, it is. Before you head out , go through your check-list: Is your route safe? Are you dressed appropriately? What will your response be if you encounter a threat? Remember that we can't control the action's of others but we can control our own actions.
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. Self-defense training does not always guarantee surviving an attack. Self-defense training takes years to master and should be practiced on a consistent basis. Information shared here is for educational purposes and does not replace practicing under a professional instructor and or seeking information from a licensed lawyer. Initial Mile is not responsible for your actions.
Resources:
https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/legal-defenses/self-defense/
https://statelaws.findlaw.com/california-law/california-self-defense-laws.html
https://www.uslawshield.com/california-self-defense-101/