Many people wonder how they would react if a criminal suddenly confronted them. The truth is that fear is natural. Your body reacts with a rush of adrenaline and sometimes this makes you freeze. Freezing is a normal response but it can put you in more danger if you are unable to act.
The first step in overcoming fear is understanding that it will happen. You cannot control the first feeling of shock but you can control what you do after. Breathing slowly and focusing on your surroundings can help you think more clearly. Training yourself to stay calm is just as important as learning self defence moves.
One of the most effective ways to prepare is through regular scenario training. This is when you practise realistic situations with a trainer or a group. For example you might act out what to do if someone tries to rob you at an ATM or if an attacker blocks your way while you are walking. By repeating these situations your body and mind start to remember what to do. The more you practise the less chance you have of freezing when it really happens.
It also helps to understand that criminals are not superhuman. They have weaknesses just like anyone else. In fact most criminals are cowards. That is why they often carry weapons or attack in groups. They rely on surprise and fear to control their victims. Very few of them have any real training. Most do not plan for resistance and can be caught off guard if you resist in a trained and correct way.
Criminals also have vulnerable areas that can be struck if there is no other option. The eyes throat and groin are sensitive targets that even the biggest attacker cannot ignore. Knowing that they are not invincible gives you confidence that you can fight back if your life depends on it.
Scenario training also teaches you when to escape and when to comply. Not every situation calls for fighting back. Sometimes the safest option is to hand over your belongings and get away quickly. Training helps you make these decisions under pressure instead of letting fear make the choice for you.
Confidence is another benefit. When you know you have faced similar scenarios in training you believe in your ability to respond. This confidence shows in your body language which can sometimes discourage a criminal from pushing further.
In South Africa crime is a daily reality for many people. We cannot always avoid dangerous encounters but we can prepare ourselves. By learning to manage fear by understanding the weaknesses of criminals and by practising through scenario training we can increase our chances of staying safe. Preparation does not remove fear but it helps us act despite it.