Get FREE Instant Access
To your online Video Fighting Course.
Click Here For FREE Instant Access.

The Cascading Effect of Vulnerability In Self Defense

Murphy’s Law

I’m sure most of you have heard of this before, but for those of you who haven’t, Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. This is especially true when it comes to self-defense and survival. In this article I want to explore what I am calling the “cascading effect of vulnerability”, why it should matter to you, and what Murphy’s Law has to do with it. But to do that we must first discuss how the typical self-defense situation unfolds on the street and why it occurs in the first place.

It All Starts With A Criminal

The criminal by definition initiates the self-defense situation. In order for an attack to happen you need at least two people, an attacker and a target. The target is chosen based on a number of factors.

Here are the typical reasons for “random” criminal attacks (this is different from a predator/stalker situation or a home invasion):

  1. Gain: The criminal is looking for something. It’s usually a financial gain. They want something of yours that they can take and pawn for cash so they can get high. It could also be to get respect from their peers by proving they are tough. Then there’s sexual assault. In all cases, the criminal wants something and to get it the victim needs to be overpowered. For the typical financial gain attack there is little we can do. Nearly all “average” Americans are going to have something valuable on their person at all times. Flaunting expensive purses or a Rolex watch only sweetens the pot. It would be prudent to leave those items at home in certain instances.
  2. Ease of Acquisition: Criminals pick easy targets. Of all the people who’ve walked down the street that day, why is one person chosen over the others? Of course there is some amount randomness involved, but at the end of the day the person who gets attacked looked like an easier target than the previous potential targets.
  3. Opportunity: You could simply say that sometimes you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Isolation is key here. If you are in an empty area, with nobody else at your side, the criminal only has to overtake you, clean and simple. There are no bystanders to intervene on your behalf and you’re probably on his home turf. He knows this secluded location better than you. It could also be a really densely populated area where the criminal knows the chaos and confusion will make his get-away possible.

Those 3 pretty much sum it up. If you have something the criminal wants (hard to avoid), look like an easy target (partially in our control), and happened to wind up in the wrong place at the wrong time (also partially in our control), you are really in for it like a fresh piece of meat dangling over the shark tank.

World's Fastest Drawing Knife.

You wanna try out the fastest drawing knife on the planet? Good. Because here's your chance to get it for FREE.

It even comes with a video showing you exactly how to draw this folder from your pocket (one-handed) so that it snaps open and is ready for action in the blink of an eye. (Your buddies are going to be sooo freaked out when they see this).

>> Your Lightning Fast “Striker” Here. <<

The Harsh Truth

You’re probably thinking, “No person in their right mind would put themselves in that kind of danger on purpose,” and you’re right, but people find themselves in these kinds of situations every day. Some people are robbed and walk home with injured pride and anxiety they will deal with for a long time. Some are murdered in cold blood for 50 bucks or a nice looking watch. Others are sexually assaulted and carry physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives.

The truth is, many of these situations can be prevented. There is usually a small mistake in judgement made or an accidental situation that spirals out of control.

The Cascade of Vulnerability

That’s where the cascade comes in. One small error leads to another. One problem turns into two. The simplest example of this would be running out of gas in a very bad area of town. Most people would never make this mistake, but it does a great job of illustrating the point.

So there you are, engine sputtering, looking for a place to pull off and park. It’s night time, you are out of town, and maybe you didn’t even know this was a bad area until you arrived. Any potential criminal watching you silently coast into a parking lot is already frothing at the mouth. An easy mark. You are vulnerable and he knows it. He is eyeing your vehicle and your clothing, already counting his winnings.

Why Are You Vulnerable?

You have lost your transportation. He’s going to watch very closely to see what you do next. Cars are great protection. Lock the doors and roll up the windows and a criminal really has to make a scene to hurt you, which makes you the opposite of the quick and easy target he’s looking for.

While sitting in your car, you start to call Auto Club for roadside assistance. One ring and then silence. Sh*t your phone just died. Better plug it into the charger. You dig around the console, but it’s not there. Your teenager must have snagged it. Now you’ve lost your transportation and your only method of communication. This is where things really start to snowball.

Pause For A Moment

Three small, completely unrelated mistakes were made.

  1. You let your car run out of gas (lack of planning).
  2. Your phone died (lack of planning).
  3. You don’t have your charger (lack of planning).

Seeing a pattern? Now your only choice is to leave your car and walk somewhere to ask for help. The criminal who has been watching this whole scene unfold is now ready for action. You’ve just opened your door, and he’s going to play the part of the savior.

He starts walking over, “Hey man, you need some help?”

You are a little bit wary as he approaches, but you don’t ask him to keep his distance. You’re hoping he’s going to help you out and let you use his phone. The look on your face is relief.

Pause Again

If you had confidently ordered the approaching man to stay back and maintained control of your personal space, you would have planted the seed in the attacker’s mind that you weren’t going to go down without a fight and he would’ve started thinking twice.

But you didn’t stop him and both your posture and facial expressions are exuding vulnerability. Pretty soon he’s standing right in front of you and you are in serious danger…

Okay, okay… Enough of the overly dramatic story. You know all the very bad possibilities from that point on.

The Take Away

Here’s the take away- There were numerous mistakes made by the victim in this scenario. None of them are that big of a deal on their own, but when compounded they could become deadly. With each mistake the victim became more and more vulnerable, and once the bad situation occurred, the victim was more concerned with ending the predicament than worrying about their security.

They were overly hopeful that a kind stranger would help, and 9 times out of 10 they’d probably be right. It’s the easy thing to do. Wouldn’t it be great if we could rely on the kindness of strangers? You can if you have to, but do so cautiously and strategically, and avoid it whenever possible.

So how do your prevent the cascade of vulnerability?

First off, be prepared, especially when you are outside your daily routine or not on your home turf. If your car broke down on your way to work you’d know exactly where the next reputable business was because you’ve driven that route hundreds of times.

Take extra care to make sure you are prepared when you go to new places. Get a lay of the land. Ask about the bad areas of town. Charge your phone at every available opportunity. Never let your gas tank get down below ¼ tank. Always control your personal space, it’s your last line of defense.

The list goes on. We all know what we should do, and we’re all guilty of not doing it all the time. It’s laziness, running late, or lack of discipline that leads to these small mistakes. Most are avoidable and ultimately paying attention to all the details will probably save you time and effort in the long run. Not to mention it could save your life.

Hindsight may be 20/20, but foresight is priceless. It’s a habit anyone can develop. Quickly think of all the things that could go wrong and take the steps needed to avoid them when possible. Not all bad situations are avoidable, but most are.

You can still go to new places and do adventurous, out-of-the-ordinary things, just be prepared. Don’t be the sucker who gets targeted.

A lot of the signals that make someone a target are given off inadvertently and unknowingly by the victim. Victims never deserve to be attacked. Victim blaming is wrong and counterproductive, so don’t mistake this post as being in favor of it. But at the end of the day we are all responsible for our own security. There are bad people in every society and learning to think like a criminal allows us to avoid falling prey to their nefarious ways.

Let me know if you’ve ever experienced a “cascade of vulnerability.” How did it turn out for you? What steps did you take to make it out successfully? If it ended badly, what could you have done differently?

Twitter
Google+
Facebook

Leave A Reply:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

198 thoughts on “The Cascading Effect of Vulnerability In Self Defense”

  1. Great info. We, all of us, cannot become complacent…cannot think it cannot happen to me, it must be the other guy….etc. Take precaution and travel in orange mode at a minimum. Always be prepared.

    Reply

  3. I used to be a drummer in the Philadelphia area club scene back in the 80’s and 90’s. We did a show in Allentown Pa. one night in 1997. After tear down I was going out to my car at about 3:30am. In the parking lot approached 2 guys heading right for my car. I had received my Nidan (2nd degree black) in Aikido 6 months earlier. Luckily I already had my car door open and plenty of gas. As they approached, they asked if I wanted any drugs. I said no and got into my car quickly. It would be foolish to say I wasn’t afraid, but I would have stood my ground if I hadn’t opened the door. They were at the car when I turned the engine and quickly pulled off…no fight…no one got hurt…no big deal.

    Reply

  5. Yeah, I lived in LA near the airport in a good part of town, but only blocks away is Inglewood. I learned then that you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Parking the car, I would check all my mirrors back and look forward for any potential threats. I wanted to make sure before J got out of the car there would be no surprises. If someone was coming I didn’t know or looked wuestionable, I would act like I was busy but as they got closer I would look them in the eye and nod with a little grin like I was being polite. At least if the person was thinking of doing anything, he would pause knowing I looked him in the eye. I never ran into any problems but I know people that did, including a potential car jacking and assault while having a window open in a parked car. And I always had some kind of weapon near me. It is Los Angeles, you just never know. Great article, reminder are always welcome

    Reply

  7. I was 19 yrs old. A member of the USNavy enroute to my duty station Midway Island, coming off of 30 day leave after “A” school. I had the opportunity to report to Travis AFB for the night before boarding a flight to Hawaii and on to Midway. In stead I choose top get a room in Oakland and party one more night. After checking into the room I gave the cab driver instructions to drop me off in the “redlight” district. Long story short I found myself walking down a poorly lt alley with a a man that led me to believe there was female companionship in the offing. He asked if I had anything to protect myself. I had purchased a 6in. switch blade two days prior. He went OOH He asked where I was from, I told him Chicago (true). He said OOH. He asked what part. I said southside (true) He said OOh. He must have decided I was not a “soft Target” I truly believe my confident attitude, Though totally bluffing and my Mom’s Prayers. got me through what could have been a fatal incident. My classmate assigned to same duty station did not make it. He went through L.A. and was stabbed to death. He was 6’3″ and 230. I was 5’8” 115.

    Reply

  8. Came out of a restaurant in Chicago around 6:30 pm. Car was parked on the side of the building with a fence around the parking area. As I approached the gate to get to my car, 3 large men were standing in the sidewalk sort of blocking the way to pass. As I approached the gate, the man in the middle, about 6 feet 4 or 5 inches tall quietly said, “I think you need to give me your wallet.” I was tired from a tough day in the city and the comment angered me a little, so as I apparently reached for my wallet, I simply said, “OK, just as soon as the little hole appears in your forhead.” My pistol was in my right rear pocket and my hand was on it as I said it. The man in the middle put his hands out like to stop me and said, “Pass, brother.” I entered the parking area and got in the car and started shaking like a leaf in a storm. But it worked and I have no idea where those words came from in my brain. I never removed the gun from my pocket, but the guy believed I was going to. Attitude is a wonderful thing when you can show it.

    Reply

  9. Thank you for the inside information the cascade of vunerability I live on the Southside of Chicago an area named Englewood where gang violence and illegal drug deals and use is prevalent it’s important to know where you are at all times being on both sides of the fence one of the key things is know where you are at.never pull money out in public.if by chance recognizing you are in the jungle look for something you use for protection a lollipop in between your middle fingers a eyejab will be effective don’t give change don’t give a cigarette light your space is to be protected keep arms length confident eye contact no timid speech I use public transportation.remove jewelry.know where you are at all times being sweet could have grave effects being watchful is key the law of the jungle eat or be eaten don’t be a easy Mark or appear vunerable

    Reply

  10. I am 67 and on a walker for five years – this week working with a cane. I am now going shopping at 4 a.m. By myself. DIscharged as a Sgt UsMC in 1970, I spent my working life trying to help people, retired from our local Sheriff’s office (lots of war stories) and am just trying to just spend my end days with my wife in quiet. I could always take care of myself and still work at it. I feel for all those out there who don’t carry a 40 clock when they go shopping. When I kick this Agent Orange’s ass and start walking on my own again, I will start shopping whenever I want to. It is up to all of us that have been around abit to educate our loved ones and those around us as to the realities that are out there. Until we get an improved justice system, we must remain vigilant and hope the bad people will get their punishment in due time. THere is a God!

    Reply

  11. This reminds me of the scene from the movie “The Killer Elite”. After a foiled attempt at a ” hit”, Robert Ducal tells his partner that the hit went bad because he forgot the “Three P’s”. Proper planning prevents poor performance! Something to remember!

    Reply

  12. “Hindsight may be 20/20, but foresight is priceless”- that was a cool line. I liked it! Thanks for sharing all of your tips!

    Reply

  14. When you look like a victim, you become a victim. Always walk tall and exude confidence. the more you look in charge of your situation, the more in charge you are.

    Reply

  15. I read this article, and feel it my duty to tell what had happened to me. The year was 1986, I was a co- driver for a flatbed operation, and took a load of Hard woods to Long Island New York. I somehow got my self Turned around and basically was lost. It was night time, and For what ever reason, the city of New York, was having a strike by the cities Trash removal services, so it was a hot stinky night to be sure, and here I am, Not even knowing what direction I need to get the truck going. Here walks up a fairly large man, and With that New York accent, asked me ” What’s the problem “. My driving partner was asleep, so He never even knew what was about to happen, and never did, til it was all over. I am not ashamed to say now, that I was scared to death, I just knew I was about to be robbed, and possibly left to die. He ( the Stranger ) somehow sensed this, and assured me He was not going to harm me. But It didn’t do much to calm my nerves. I still thought I was a dead man. anyway to make this short. He told me where I was, and how to get back on course, He even told me to not go further in the direction I was currently headed, He explained that I would probably not make it out, without being robbed, and the truck stolen. Anyway, I was a lucky man that night, and have ever since thought so very well of the City of New York, I was truly helped by a stranger, But I also can still relive that feeling of utter terror as I was approached. My mistakes were that I did not take the time to plan my route, I did not make a call to my wife, Or to dispatch and tell them what was going on, I did not have a cell phone back then, all I had was my CB and that can get you even more screwed, so I did the bad thing, and went blind so to speak.. At anyrate, I could not agree more, Please don’t take things for granted, I was lucky, some are not, I lived to tell this, others never get that chance. Think, plan, and expect the awful, and Your already one step ahead. And Know where the hell your at, don’t get lost like my dumb ass did. and if ya do, don’t act frightened, Like I did, Trust me, it was beyond my control back then.. thank you for sharing this ” Heads Up” with us, It brings back the memories of how we need to be, to keep ourselves safe

    Reply

  16. As a woman, I do feel vulnerable at times. I would suggest to anyone who is on foot and out of their car not tot be talking
    or texting. This sets You up for trouble because You are not paying attention to Your surroundings.

    I was walking back to My car in the parking lot of a grocery store, and a man came out of nowhere. He kept walking toward Me quickly & was asking for money. I was firm in My answer that I didn’t have any money & told Him not to come any closer to Me. He may have been a person in real need, but You have to listen to Your inner voice warning You of danger.

    Reply

  17. Thank you very much for your tips. In a world of uncertainty and lack of love, we need all the help we can get. This article is a good warning to us all that we need to be prepared. Thanks again.

    Reply

  18. I lived in New Orleans in my 20’s and I’m a woman. One can quickly go from an OK neighborhood into a not so good one in that city. When I felt uncomfortable, I would think, “I WILL get where I’m going and I WILL kick the s**t out of anyone who tries to mess with me.” I would walk determinedly, head up, looking around me. No one ever bothered me. Whose to say whether my act worked, but I feel I looked less like a potential victim than someone who was strolling along lost in thought and not paying attention to what was going on around them. I had read that criminals in jail had participated in a study where they were shown videos of various people walking in different ways and were asked to pick out the ones they would target to rob. Those strolling along mindlessly were the most likely to be targeted.

    Reply

  19. Funny story – again, when living in New Orleans a friend told me about driving and waiting at an intersection for the light to turn green. A black man walked toward her car and reached for the door. She quickly rolled up the window. He lifted her umbrella off the door handle where she had hung it and held it toward her. She said she was so embarrassed to have misjudged him, but I told her “You would have been nuts to not do what you did.” It wa a perfectly normal and sensible response to a perceived danger.

    Reply

  20. Never had the “Cascade” experience. What did happen once: I was a Neighbourhood Watch person and a Cold Caller offered to tarmac my drive. Checking afterwards I discovered he’d quoted a false address. Later he turned up next door, paving the driveway. Or rather, two Pakistanis were paving the driveway while this guy and his extended family stood around doing nothing much. He didn’t appreciate my interest and suggested I was overly fond of masturbating. But he seemed concerned when I said I worked out with weights. Later I phoned him asking why he felt the need to use a false address and he said basically: “You’re a prick and a wanker, go suck out your grandmother’s cunt, I know where you live, I’m going to send a bunch of lads to visit you and then you’ll be sorry”. He personally wasn’t a physical threat, and I didn’t believe he actually had a gang to send round. Realising I didn’t sound too worried, he partially withdrew his threat. Later I heard about modern-day slavery and people-trafficking, so I suspect he was into something similar.

    Reply

  21. At a New Years Eve Party at a swanky Downtown Hotel, my bf and I decided to leave early. He left me in front of the Hotel so he could go get the car. There was a heater several feet from the door so I decided to stand under it as it was below Zero. As I was standing there, a man was walking along the curb, looking up and down the street as he was walking never once looking at me or in my direction. But something inside said I needed to move, so I listened and started walking back towards the entrance. As I started to move the man turned and started to make a direct b line for me. I made it to the front glass door 2 steps ahead of him and opened the door. All that seperated us was that glass door but my foot was already one step in the hotel. I starred him in the eye as we looked at each other through the glass, he quickly put his head down and ran away. I was shaking as I got inside that hotel, and knew without a doubt had I hestitated and not listened to my inner voice something terrible would have happened to me that night. Always be aware of your surroundings, and your first instinct is usually right do not dismiss it even if you are wrong, better to be wrong and alive. I now carry protection, and all women should as well as men. If not a gun at least some pepper spray with gel and red dye to mark the perp is the best, or a tazer, or something there are a few good options. Also keep them in your hand and not your purse. In a dangerous situation you don’t have time to rattle around inside your purse. But I also will never put my self purposely in that position either. I should have stayed in the Lobby till my bf got there.
    Be Vigilant as a person intent on harming you sure is. Be safe all, great advice from everyone, Thanks

    Reply

  24. Early on in my life for some reason I began floating “what ifs” scenarios and began developing best responses, modifying them over the years, but doing that planning ahead , something that most people leave to chance! Even when I hadn’t developed a plan for a particular situation, my problem solving skills I became good enough that I could utilize analogous situations and apply the most appropriate in the unplanned situation. The Boy Scouts of America have that as their motto: Always Be Prepared! As a former LEO I concur. Using your head is the key to solving any problem, my quote! !

    Reply

  25. Every bit of this blog post is true. Be aware of your surroundings. Think ahead. Also, when you’re done reading it, read it again.

    Reply

  26. I am a 67 year old man. I am in pretty good physical shape for someone my age, but I certainly am not “27”! Although I am not a tough Navy Seal or expert in fighting, I have 67 years of experiences and mistakes behind me. Mental preparedness is vital for survival, in my very unprofessional opinion. Listening to and learning from true experts seasoned by experience is the only way to even begin to achieve this preparedness. This probably sounds like some of my middle school teacher bullshit, doesn’t it ? I am training in Shaolin Kempo Kung Fu under a 10th degree black belt Grand Master (who has been doing this for nearly 50 years). I have great respect for his abilities and for his humility. The more that I learn, the more I realize how vulnerable and fragile I am. Also, fighting and hurting another is the absolute last resort for someone like me. Being aware of my surroundings and mentally prepared for whatever might happen is my only safety net. I am thankful to all experienced experts (such as yourselves) who show “the clueless” (like me) how to survive in this increasingly violent world!

    Reply

  27. I was out of state seeing a friend. We went to a liquor store. He went in,I stayed in the car. A car pulled beside with 4 guys. They got mouthy,looking for trouble.I figured a time to be brave or time for stupid. I was pretty fair in karate, so was considering odds. I chose to ignore and laugh at them. They realized my confidence and chose to ignore me, luckily. .

    Reply

  28. I totally agree w your article. I am white and live in Long Beach, Ca. Lots of bad people nearby, selling drugs and shooting ea other.

    How’s this for a reversal: I was on my way home in a nice part of town getting gas. I see a young girl in a car and she is crying. I walk over to see if there’s anything I can do… This poor black girl got lost trying to get home and wound up in this white neighborhood. She was scared and alone and crying.

    I directed her back on the freeway that would take her to her lovely neighborhood of Compton California.

    Reply

  30. Thank you much, this is valuable information. I live in Rockford, Illinois, a very high crime town. My street seems safe, but just a block or two, not safe. I have added this to my bookmarks for fast easy reference. Thanks again, this is really good ??.

    Reply

  31. Well done. In every aspect of life it is (usually) the simple, common sense behaviors that determine success or failure, life or death.
    You have pointedly, simply and directly illustrated that fact. Prepare and aware!
    I will be sharing this with my wife and others for whom I care.
    Again, well done!
    Thanx,
    Greg “Gunz” Riedi

    Reply

  32. I believe if anyone a being threatened, they should be able to defend themselves to the fullest without question depending on the threat. Violent offenders , such as rapist, murderers, child molesters should be HANGED !!! Publicly

    Reply

  33. Great advice for those who don’t take the time and effort to prepare. My friends think I’m paranoid because of the items I carry with me at all times, and the way I assess every situation. What I have done is to train myself to be mentally, physically, emotionally and psychologically prepared for most contingencies. There are also discreet self defense items that can be used to ensure you have the advantage, even when faced with a bigger, stronger attacker, or even multiple attackers.
    I tell my friends that there is a huge difference between being paranoid, and being prepared. I refuse to make myself an easy target for the criminal scumbags!

    Reply

  35. If people pd attention there’s always a mirror around. Car windshields glass doors. If attacked don’t become the victim. Make the predator become the victim. Thank you for all your blogs and information on staying alive

    Reply

  36. Just a comment, I alway find your information to be spot on. I almost always read the entire article. My take away- helps me to put my priorities in order. Even if I thought I knew, your information reinforces my knowledge and makes me strougher and more confident. I always make my teenage daughter read your articles. Thank you

    Reply

  38. Actually, I have been mugged three times in my life. Two while in Norfolk, VA as a young sailor, and once in Phoenix, AZ simply walking down the street when a strange, albeit crazy guy, crossed the street and accosted me on the sidewalk, midday. All these circumstances helped me become very alert to those closing in on my position regardless of where I was. I keep my head up and alert while walking through parking lots or on the street. I am not looking down at my iphone or anything else. I stay alert at all times. I do not allow my vehicles to run out of gas in bad sections of town or in a strange town. I realize thugs are all around and waiting for the unweary. My hand is on my weapon, whatever it is, while I walk outside the security of my vehicle or house. Being mugged taught me to always be aware of my surroundings and I keep my safe space with strangers.

    Reply

  39. Once I was lost in the wrong area of Memphis. They use to have telephone booths because there weren’t cell phones. Anyway I got lost, alone and a young female. All bad qualities at the time lol. I was on the phone trying to get directions, I was approached by a big grown man at 11:30 at night. He came up and said “Um um mama”! And knowing I didn’t have ANY kind of defence physically or weapons. I looked that guy right in the eyes and said “what the hell are you looking at”? It made him ponder what was I carrying to back up my attitude. I used the psych out. It worked. But I’ve listened to carry everything I need to protect myself, because that was the scariest and most dangerous situation I’ve been in. I NEVER want to be that vulnerable again!

    Reply

  40. Excellent advice! We had a saying in the military, “Failure to plan IS planning to fail!” Thank you for your stellar commitment to keeping us safe! God Bless!!!!

    Reply

  41. Flat tire…3 hoodlums…night time. Aha, I had tire iron…I got arrested for assault. They did get busted up a bit.

    Reply

  42. This information was very enlightening and I really appreciate you getting to us. I personally have never been in a bad situation like some others have, but I am always prepared for it if it should happen. I would prefer to not have to fight two or three bad guys, but if there are no witnesses, I would hate to have to shoot even one of them, but I would. I understand that after it’s over it’s expensive with a lot of paperwork if you do shoot. If there are no criminal chargers, there probably will be civil chargers. There goes a ton of your retirement money for your attorneys. It’s just best to take good advise like this and avoid all possible problems.

    Reply

  43. I always have a weapon of some sort with a cord loop on it, in the event of this type of situation, as I get out of my car it comes out with me and is concealed in my coat or jacket sleeve, I practise flicking it out about twice a week, and it now is quick and firmly in my hand, if needed………… I also have in the boot an exact half size BASEBALL bat which is engraved replica Micky Mantle ‘s Bat,
    because of the engraving it is not really able to be classified as a weapon, sneaky eh……..

    Reply

  44. Now more than ever the many superlative ideas concepts and techniques ya’ll afford are vitality important especially with terrorist groups and individuals who practice nefarious civilization jihad trying to convey to women children and adults whom never had the benefits of training experiences in an out of competition simple tactics body langue never feel too comfortable practicing situational awareness hitting with an open hand anything can be a weapon for or against my mantra is there are many many things worse than loosing a fight and it’s probably going to last a few seconds the US army adage from our earliest exposure to counterinsurgency the quick and the dead thanks to your practical applications of anti conflict and sadly when appropriate fight fast Americans are provided much hope and still alive hook em horns from the republic of Texas Dave

    Reply

  45. You can see how this could happen. Like many things, prevention is the key. You do NOT want to be caught in unfamiliar surroundings and possibly outnumbered. Hit the car horn and sit on it

    Reply

  47. I am not going to say that I will never be attacked, but I will say one thing that I am confident in and that is myself and my ability to defend myself. The only way it can be done is for someone to just approach me and either shot me point blank or stab me,but I tell you,if I see the danger coming,I am 100% sure I am going to be the one that walks away.I am not bragging, I am stating a fact ! I was highly trained in all sorts of self defense and how to use a gun and other weapon’s. I am not going into detail on all of my training,I 67 year’s old and I was trained for Vietnam and I survived two tour of duty.But always remember the old say “Lose Lips-Sinks Ship’s !

    Reply

  48. First of all I would not have been without a gun and or knife. Second I trust no one. Stay at least an Arm distance away. Ask what he can do to help. If he/she attacks do what you have to do. Always stay on the offensive

    Reply

  49. The way our world is changing everyone should be prepared for every situation. Don’t be over paranoid by keep yourself hidden within your home. Learn how to survive and protect yourself and your loved ones. Thank you fight fast for showing people how to survive.

    Reply

  50. This is why I teach my children Jeet Kune Do and Aikido. All of My four daughters can defend themselves. Now teaching them the 1 inch and 6 inch punches. I think all children should learn basic SD..

    Reply