The Top 5 Mistakes Most People Make in Self-Defense Situations

What your employees need to know to avoid becoming victims

When something bad happens, people panic.

That is normal. But in self-defense, panic leads to mistakes. And mistakes can make a bad situation worse. At COBRA Self-Defense, we train staff to recognise these mistakes and avoid them. The goal is simple. Give employees the skills to think clearly and act correctly when it matters most.

Here are the top 5 mistakes we see in self-defense situations. And why your employees need proper training to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Freezing instead of acting

When faced with a sudden threat, many people freeze. They stand still. They hope it will go away. But freezing gives the attacker the upper hand. Every second counts. Employees need to be trained to move, speak, or act. Doing nothing can make them an easier target.

Mistake 2: Relying too much on tools

Many people think their pepper spray, panic button or even firearm will protect them. But if you cannot get to it in time, or if you hesitate, it is useless. Real-world attacks happen fast. Relying only on a gadget without training your reactions is a dangerous mistake.

Mistake 3: Trying to negotiate with a criminal

Good people often want to “talk their way out” of trouble. While it is good to stay calm, it is risky to waste time trying to reason with someone who has already decided to hurt or rob you. Training teaches when to talk, when to act, and when to escape.

Mistake 4: Showing false bravado

Some employees think acting tough or threatening the criminal will scare them off. In reality, this can escalate the violence. False bravado is no substitute for skills. Knowing how and when to act is far more effective than trying to “act tough.”

Mistake 5: Not knowing what is legally allowed

Many people worry about “getting into trouble” if they defend themselves. Others do too much and end up facing legal action. Proper training teaches the law. It helps staff understand what they are allowed to do and what crosses the line.

Why your company should care

In South Africa, workplace safety does not stop at the front door. Employees face risks:

• In parking lots
• On the road
• At client visits
• On public transport
• Even in the office

When your staff panic or make poor decisions in a dangerous situation, it can lead to:

• Serious injury
• Trauma
• Missed work
• Reputational damage
• Legal issues for the business

But with the right self-defense training, employees gain the tools to avoid these mistakes. They learn to stay calm, act fast, and stay within the law.

Give your employees the skills to do the right thing

At COBRA Self-Defense, we provide:

• Short, practical training sessions
• Real-world tactics based on actual criminal behaviour
• Confidence and awareness, not false bravado