Streetwise: How to Protect Yourself Against Aggression

Posted by Allen Baird, Partner on Mar 23, 2009 in assertiveness, confidence, news and events | 0 comments

Guest Post by Matthew Arrell.

I have seen all too many innocent people attacked for no good reason other than for some thug’s own sick pleasure. They will always prey on the vulnerable because they are easy to target and usually won’t resist.

I am very glad to see that Allen is running the “Streetwise” workshop and would encourage people to attend for the day and be shown how easy it is to improve your own personal security and ability to deal with aggressive individuals.

It is a course I believe will benefit anyone of any age or gender.  This key part of self defence has been ignored for long enough and even in some self defence classes.   I have attended some of Allen’s previous Open Learning classes and can assure everyone who attends that the day will be full of very practical tips, useful information, and it will of course be fun!

I will be delivering a short presentation on the day of the course to go into the physical side of self defence a little more.

Here are a few thoughts on the matter of personal security and how you can immediately become safer in your surroundings with a few lifestyle changes.

Preparation

This is a major part of your personal safety network. Every time you go anywhere you need to think “Am I going to be safe in this place?  Can I travel to and from there safely?   Is there any reason why I might come into physical danger there?” It’s all common sense; just make sure you prepare to meet with friends, order a taxi or ring someone at 3am for a lift home if you need to (they’ll laugh about it tomorrow!).

Awareness

You need to be aware of what is going on around you all the time, when you’re out and about.  It’s when you switch off that you may find yourself in a sticky situation.   You don’t need to become paranoid, just make yourself aware of your surroundings so you don’t get a nasty unexpected shock.

Readiness

This is the next step up from awareness. If you are aware of what’s going on, then you will find yourself in a better position to react to a situation.  Be ready to respond to what’s going on, whether it is verbal or physical.

Fitness

If you have to make a physical response to a situation, you need to be able to escape (first choice when in physical danger) or defend yourself and deal with the threat.   You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete, but if you are in good physical condition it will help you immensely in a situation where fitness can be key to survival.

Decisiveness

You may have to make quick decisions that your life could depend on, so there is no time to hesitate.  Remember, you may only have 3 or 4 seconds to react; most physical exchanges last no more than 30 seconds, usually alot less.  Decide what to do and don’t wait until you’re lying on your back on the ground to realise you should’ve reacted quicker.  By law, you are allowed to defend yourself from attack by using ‘reasonable force’ (something equivalent to what force an attacker was intending to use)

I will be going into more detail on ‘reasonable force’ on the day of the course.  It is a subject in itself and there is a whole section of law devoted to it, but I will be explaining how it works in the victim’s favour as part of your Human Rights.

Event Details & Booking

Saturday 23 May 09, 09:30 – 16:30.

Location: Queens University Belfast.

To book a place, phone the School of Education (Open Learning) on 028 9097 3539/3323 or email openlearning.education@qub.ac.uk.  Cost £23 pp.