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I have a German Shepherd, a young, well-trained dog with a big bark. Occasionally we’re out on a walk we’ll come across another dog and it’s not uncommon for her to act aggressively. In one case the hair was up from her neck clear down to her tail, she was barking and jumped forward at which point the other dog turned and left. As she walked behind me and leaned on me I could feel her shaking. She learned that a good bluff – a good offense can mean not having to defend. She appeared threatening but the reality was she was trembling to not back it up.

What does this have to do with protection? It doesn’t mean go get a German shepherd. It does mean learn from one. Be aware of your surroundings and if there is a threat don’t hesitate to come off a little “psycho”. Thugs like an easy target – if you’re not one it might not be worth the effort.

Many years ago in a martial arts class the importance of the yells made during maneuvers was explained, in basic terms. It gets the adrenaline going. It catches the would-be attacker off guard. It gives you power.

Put yourself mentally in a seat…you’re minding your own business. A guy comes out and starts screaming, shouting insults and obscenities, taunting you. Perhaps insults are tossed out a few moves like leaning in, standing a little taller, walking aggressively. Put that in your mind and what happens…for most there’s that feeling in the gut. You’re caught off guard, you really don’t want to be anywhere around this guy.

Even a black belt training doesn’t help when the mind has you backing down. Adrenaline can affect not only senses but motor skills and mental focus. With this it means having a plan that minimizes fine motor coordination.

The fear produced by a high volume of adrenaline is normal, but you must be ready for it. You can’t stop it, but you can be ready to deal with it. Street self defense can take this into consideration. Pressure points and lock moves are great if practiced until they are second nature. Each person has different pain levels and this can make a difference. This needs to be factored in.

Take a street self defense course. Learn from a professional how to use your individual strengths against an attacker and minimize your weaknesses.

Some experts claim that a predator can walk into a room and in minutes pick his next victim(s). There are a few things you can do to give that appearance that prevents it from being you. A few of these include:

1. When walking or in a crowd keep your head up. Don’t look down at the sidewalk – head up, shoulders back. Look at people you pass – make eye contact. Say hello. If nothing else this says “I see you.”
2. Be aware of what is going on around you. Use all your senses to the best of your ability. Work on increasing awareness of those that are not as strong.
3. Women – don’t loop your purse around your neck! Long handled purses become a weapon to be turned against you and you can’t let go. Keep valuables in a safe place under your shirt – there’s nothing in the purse worth dying for.
4. When parked safely in a parking lot look at your rig from a distance as you approach. Look for shadows, for anything that looks out of place or not normal.

Remember – if you’re shaking don’t show it. USE it. Stand a little taller, act a little tougher and be ready. If the bluff doesn’t work…be ready to defend.

Part 2 next week.