It’s better to avoid a fight if possible.
In the movies it usually works out pretty good for the star, but real life is less scripted and involves much greater risk.
That being said, It’s a good idea to “Master” at least one technique to defend yourself.
If you’re learning multiple techniques (e.g martial arts or self defense class), be sure to focus on one technique and practice it until you become competent.
You see, there are 4 levels of competency.
- Unconscious Incompetence – not knowing what you don’t know
- Conscious Incompetence – knowing what you don’t know
- Conscious Competence – consciously knowing what to do
- Unconscious Competence – unconsciously doing what you know
Ideally, when it comes to your self defense, you want to operate from level 4.
This is the area where you simply react or respond without thinking about it.
Simple strategies for any skill level (Remember appropriate context):
- Kick in the groin
- Poke keys or fingernails into their eyes
- Scream
In an attack (online or off) emotion (stress) increases. Research demonstrates your decision making ability greatly diminishes as stress levels increase.
This means that if your plan is to wait until attacked to consider how you’ll respond, it may be too late. Master one self defense technique, you can always add more.
