Myths And Lies About Self Defence

We're constantly bombarded in movies and TV by images of people heroically surviving attacks by employing some breathtaking self-defense hack. Couple that with all the sketchy, free advice online, and it's pretty easy to get lulled into a false sense of security.

The thing is, a lot of that advice is not only bad, but dangerous. So today, I'm going to ferret out some terrible advice and portrayals of self-defense, debunk them, and show y'all what people should actually do.

1) MYTH - Scream "FIRE" instead of "HELP" for a better chance at getting the attention of bystanders.

You'll get their attention, but you'll also turn them away, since no one would willingly run towards a fire. Stick to "HELP" or "I'M BEING ATTACKED".

2) MYTH - Avoid eye contact

Avoiding eye contact can send the signal that you're an easy, intimidated target. MAKE EYE CONTACT, it conveys strength, a willingness to defend yourself, and that you can identify your attacker to the police.

3) MYTH - A knife-wielding attacker won't always threaten you with it.

In fact, many stabbing victims did not actually know their attackers had a knife until after they were stabbed. Always assume your assailant is armed, even when it is not obvious at first.

4) MYTH - If you're being mugged, it might seem like a good idea to throw your valuables and run in the opposite direction

But that could be really dangerous. A mugger wants you to do exactly what they say. Doing something sudden and unexpected instead could agitate the mugger, and they may react by hurting you.

5) MYTH - Size doesn't matter in self defence

This is a completely void claim, seeing as most predators pick out smaller victims. Training with people who are considerably bigger and stronger than you are will better equip you with the mindset and the skills you need to handle attackers of various sizes.

6) MYTH - If held at gunpoint, your safest bet is to just do whatever you're told

NOT EXACTLY. If they tell you to get in a car, resist like hell. You're unlikely to come back from a kidnapping. Be defiant. Distract them and run. If you're ambushed in your car, don't drive where they tell you. Go to a public area or a police station and start honking. Chances of you surviving are much more likely.

HOWEVER, THE BEST IDEA OR TRICK IF YOU'RE EVER CONFRONTED BY A KIDNAPPER OR MUGGER, IS TO RUN. "STANDING YOUR GROUND" OR BEING HEROIC WILL JUST PUT YOUR LIFE IN MUCH MORE DANGER. THE ATTACKER HAS NO "VIRTUES" AND WON'T CARE. SO THE BEST STRATEGY IS TO DISTRACT THE ATTACKER AND FLEE, AS MOST ATTACKERS ARE LAZY AND WON'T CHASE YOU, THEY WILL LOOK FOR AN EASIER TARGET INSTEAD.

STAY SAFE EVERYONE.