Pick up an issue of Black Belt or Inside Kung Fu magazine. Watch a self-defense DVD. Browse a martial arts website. If you had to write captions under each picture, what would they say?
My hands are deadly weapons.
I am nobody’s victim.
Don’t mess with me, or you’ll regret it.
These poses remind your would-be attacker what they stand to lose. And sure, they are intimidating, to a degree.
The problem is, your attacker doesn’t harbor any intention of losing, and so the potential downside may just be disregarded.
Perhaps a different approach to self-defense would be more effective. Instead of emphasizing the risks, how about eliminating the benefits? How about advertising no upside to the attacker, even if they were to achieve a complete and total victory?
My hands can offer no challenge.
Beating me will not enhance your reputation.
Don’t bother messing with me; I forfeit.
Instead of hiding your weakness, conceal your strength. Play the lamb instead of the lion.
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7 responses so far ↓
1 Thomas // Jun 13, 2008
But wouldn’t muggers and thieves be looking for those kinds of people? Those that give up easily, walk away from open spaces, have their head turned low; these are traits that make great robbery victims. There’s almost always something to gain, whether it’s a wallet, a watch, or a cell phone.
The philosophy works fine for bar-fights I guess, but thieves aren’t looking for a reputation, they’re looking for easy cash.
2 Chris // Jun 14, 2008
If that were the case, then looking poor and difficult would have to be part of the solution.
3 Thomas // Jun 14, 2008
I suppose dressing like a homeless person is one viable solution to getting mugged or robbed… however, I don’t think all of us have a set of extra ragged clothing with us at all times…
4 kledon // Aug 25, 2008
My wallet offers no money.
I have no riches for you to take.
I am a waste of your time.
5 Archie Goodwin // Sep 11, 2008
I have found that a relaxed demeanor, open hands, and a pleasant voice foils many an aggresive intent.
6 Gabe // Nov 16, 2008
This method does not work on sociopaths. They don’t care who you are. Or what you say. Its still going to happen to you.
7 Chris // Nov 17, 2008
Gabe, this method does work on people who care only about themselves. Perhaps I have met a few?
This was the broader point I meant to convey: to succeed in self-defense, one needs to stop thinking solely about one’s own interests, or the interests of “fairness” and “justice”, and consider the perspective of the immoral/amoral attacker. Fighting is a form of communication. Don’t let it become a monologue.
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