by Sherry McCourt
www.sherrymccourt.com

This past week has been particularly brutal with multiple cities reporting street attacks. Some were one bad guy against an individual and others involved groups of bad guys attacking young couples. Some involved weapons while others involved vicious intimidation by means of verbal and physical force.

How fitting is it that I have been introduced to Steven Mosley. Steven has over two decades of law enforcement experience but what has impressed me even more is his 20+ years of defensive tactics instruction. So when I decided to write a summary of what it takes to Win A Street Fight I had to share these tips Steven shares with us in his blog “Street Sense”

Random Tips for Winning On The Street
• The number one option for personal security is a lifelong commitment to avoidance, deterrence, and de-escalation.
• Make up your mind right now about what you are willing to do to win in a fight.
• Be alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid conflict.
• There’s always someone better than you.
• Keep moving
• Action beats reaction
• There is no “second place” on the street
• Always cheat. Always win.
• Keep breathing and moving your head.
• Don’t escalate the situation. If they escalate, finish them.
• Keep your head moving and your vision in play.
• Always, always check behind you (check six); always, always check around you (check 360).
• Have the mentality to do whatever has to be done. Make up your mind in advance.
• Fight until the threat is over. Be sure it’s over.
• Watch the triangle (head (eyes) to shoulders) and the hands.
• Have a plan.
• Have a back up plan, because the first one won’t survive first contact.
• Don’t drop your guard.
• Be aggressive enough, early enough.
• The faster you finish the fight, the less hurt you will be.
• THE GOLDEN RULE: KNOW WHEN YOU’RE IN A FIGHT. IT STARTS LONG BEFORE THE BLOWS GET THROWN. MOST PEOPLE GET HURT BECAUSE THEY DON’T RECOGNIZE AN INTERVIEW OR THE IMPENDING CUES AROUND THEM THAT TELL YOU — YOU’RE IN A FIGHT.

Be safe!

Sherry

By Sherry McCourt, CFE – McCourt and Associates

Have you ever felt frightened or anxious when out walking alone? Have you ever wondered what you should do if approached by an attacker?

The alarming reality is that we live in an increasingly violent world in which the fear of crime is ever-present. Personal safety has become an issue of importance for everyone, but especially for women.
The following are a few safety practices that every woman should know and use.

Awareness: The first and probably most important factor in self-defense is awareness: awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker’s likely line of attack.
The potential attacker’s primary plot is to use the advantage of surprise. Studies have shown that attackers are skilled at choosing targets that appear to be unaware of what is going on around them. By being aware of your surroundings and by projecting a strong and confident presence, many altercations which are common on the streets can be avoided.

Use Your Sixth Sense. “Sixth sense” “Women’s Intuition” Whatever you choose to call it, is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us, particularly women, have this gift, but very few of us pay any attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not “feel” safe–you’re probably right. If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street – more than once if necessary – to see if he follows you. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people – and call the police.

Escape: Always Your Best Option. What if you are suddenly confronted by a predator who demanded that you go with him? It would seem wise to obey (especially if he promises not to hurt you), but leaving the initial crime scene ensures that you are far more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Escaping by whatever means possible, be it by screaming fire, hitting your attacker in the eyes, throat, groin, or by throwing your purse or bags in his face and running the other way.

Your Right to Fight: Although your best option is to escape. It is important to understand that you can and should defend yourself physically. You have a right to do so, even if the attacker is only threatening you and hasn’t physically attacked first. Aim for the eyes first (poke and gouge) and the groin second (squeeze and pull or kick/knee hard). Try to use the element of surprise to your advantage–strike quickly, be strong and confident in your actions. You may only get one chance. Then run away. Escape to a safe place (this means anywhere where there are other people)

Self-Defense Training: The self-defense program should include simulated assaults, with fully padded instructors in realistic rape and attack scenarios; this will allow you to practice what you’ve learned. (And continue to practice).

Take the next few minutes…. Think about your safety, try to visualize how you would react to someone threatening your safety… now know how you will react, be strong and confident in your choices…

To quote H. Stanley Judd
“The ultimate security is your understanding of reality”