Self-defense is more than just learning how to fight. It’s about developing a holistic approach to protecting yourself from harm. This includes being aware of your surroundings, projecting confidence, and knowing how to escape and disengage from dangerous situations.
The 5 D’s of Self-Defense
A Smart Martial Artist base his/her decision on a simplified 5D`s process
- Decide: Decide not to be a victim. Learn about criminal behavior and how to defend against it. Train regularly so you can respond to any form of aggression. Practice reducing your personal risk and avoiding dangerous situations.
- Deter: Be aware of your surroundings and listen to your intuition. Use your body language and tone to project confidence. Be assertive to set boundaries and create a safety zone for yourself. If necessary, use deception to keep yourself safe.
- Disrupt: If you are attacked, your goal is to disrupt the aggressor’s plans so you can escape. Use any available verbal and/or physical means of attack to surprise, shock, or cause injury to the attacker. This could mean yelling as loud as possible, utilizing nearby objects as weapons, and kicking, stomping, or gouging sensitive areas.
- Disengage: As soon as you have the opportunity, disengage from the conflict and get away as fast as you can to a safe location. Never corner your attacker, even if you think you have the upper hand. Your goal is to flee as soon as possible.
- Debrief: As soon as you’re safe, contact the police and get medical attention if you need it. Make sure you preserve any evidence you have. Debriefing involves minimizing long-term physical and emotional effects from the aggression. You don’t have to do this alone. Seek legal counsel if you need it, and reach out to people you trust or a licensed therapist for support as you process what happened.