Frontline
1. PHYSICAL DEFENSE AND FIGHTING IS ALWAYS ‘THE LAST RESORT’
By Fraser Duff
• For a multitude of reasons, not the least of which is; the ‘consequential harm’ that can flow, not just to you, but extends to many others including; your family and friends and it means the physical, psychological, legal and social harm of fighting. That’s why it’s ‘the last resort’, where no other option currently exists to protect yourself. • Put aside your pride and keep your ego in check, seek to avoid fighting at all costs. A hasty withdrawal in a challenging encounter is a far smarter tactic. Quickly getting away increases your chances of survival and reduces a multitude of unforeseen risks. The only downside of this approach is that your sense of ego may take a hit. 2. WHEN DEFENDING YOURSELF EXPECT TO GET HURT
• It’s a reality any physical assault will result in physical harm/injury to you and your attacker. Expect to get hurt and be mentally prepared for this. Being attacked, hit in the head/face or other vulnerable areas will come as a sudden and great shock. The shock will affect your ability to; respond, think clearly and control your natural physiological responses and it may cause you to experience
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strong emotions like fear or anger. However a quick well practiced retaliatory response will help you enormously, it can return the shock and surprise just as equally. • Remember your attacker is also human and like all humans they experience pain and fear just like you. They may be physically bigger and stronger, but they can be hurt, experience doubt and lose confidence quickly through their poor judgment and an unexpected response. 3. IN DEFENSE - DEFEND YOURSELF VIGOROUSLY
• Physical defense is your last resort to either stay alive or to escape an attacker. Therefore defend with everything you have and don’t stop defending until you can safely get away. To ensure your attacker cannot pursue you, you may need to incapacitate them (physically stop them from pursuing you). Your goal is always to escape to a place of safety as quickly as you can. • The law (common law and in many cases/states; statue law) requires that the force you use in defense has to be ‘reasonable force’. Consider also the force you apply must be necessary and proportionate in the circumstance. Be prepared to justify your use of force always. The use of excessive force without justifiable reason can be a fine line and it places you at risk of the law.