Getting caught in the middle of a self-defense situation – as the target of a violent attack – is not the place that any sane person wants to be. And, while it is important to know how to deal with and survive a physical assault, there is another type of training that your self-defense or martial arts program should be covering. That is, if it’s really designed to be a reality-based self-defense program to begin with.

At this point you need to know that, if you’re only looking for step-by-step fighting techniques, then this article is not for you. Even though I know that you should have a well-rounded skill set, including physical and non-physical self-defense techniques, tactics, and strategies, I also know that I can’t make a tough-guy, fighter personality, want to be a diplomat!

If you’re still reading, here’s something to think about.

Defending yourself, and the need for self-defense begins long before any punches, kicks, or grabbing attacks are thrown – long before the weapon is drawn.

Always? No. There are truly those times when the attacker gets the jump on you. Whether he or she is a criminal attacker who is really good at what they do, or it’s a friend or family member whom you would never expect. There is always the possibility of being “blind-sided.”

However, if you are working on and actively using your powers of perception and awareness – paying attention to your surroundings – these become less and less of a problem. They don’t become less of a problem because they stop existing, but rather because you are able to pick up on danger signals and clues that the average person just never notices.

Either way, physical attack or not… the better you are at using non-physical self-defense tactics and strategies, the more likely you are to save yourself from injury. You also stand a much better chance of not aggravating a situation to a more dangerous one, and lessening your chance of seeing the wrong side of the justice system – when you were the victim!

At any time you might be forced to defend yourself using non-violent means. This could be caused by:

• Coming home late at night and finding yourself face-to-face with intruders in your home.
• Personal conflict with a family member or friend
• Finding your date turning into a potential for sexual assault
• From a jealous lover or an ex-spouse or significant-other
• …the list goes on and on

So, in the event that the concept of non-violent self-defense is new to you, or something that you want to focus on at this point in your training…

Here are a few non-violent, non-physical self-defense tips and ideas.

1) Not all conflict has to be resolved violently. Before rushing straight to the assumption that things have to go physical, try speaking calmly to the other person, to see if you can solve the situation without violence.

Remember that a “soft” approach can turn a heated moment into a light one. Say something funny. Control your emotions, and remember that…sometimes “you” are the reason things escalate. If you’re not careful or mindful, you can start an unnecessary argument, whether at home or you with your friends, and blow an incident out of proportion.

2) Know when to walk away. Remember that it takes two to fight – regardless of whether that “fight” is trading blows, an argument, or something else.

If neither of you is willing to listen, then walking away sometimes is best. As the saying goes, “Let cooler heads prevail.”

3) Some conflict will end in violence, no matter what you say or do; keep that in mind. No matter how hard you try to avoid this and be prepared. Someone once said that, “If you fail to prepare, then you should be prepared to fail.” Part of non-physical self-defense, and the stages that lead up to the point where the fists start flying, include more than just talking.

Remember… Your attacker will have only one aim in mind, and that is to hurt you or your love ones. So, whether or not you believe that a situation will become physical or not, you need to begin “posturing,” positioning to give yourself the greatest advantage should violence erupt. That way, when this does happen, you are in a better place from which to defend yourself.

Also remember that there is no such thing as a clean or fair fight. You must do whatever it takes to survive.

If you have any training in any martial arts, then you “should” know how to do this. If not, then do what comes naturally. We all have the ability to defend ourselves. Training in reality-based martial arts like ninjutsu just makes us better at doing this. And ninjutsu, the self-protection art of Japan’s ancient Ninja families, is one of the most effective self-defense methods in the world.

Some people might argue that the concept of avoiding fights and the concept of self-defense do not go together. But, they’re wrong.

Some people say that, doing whatever it takes to win, is wrong. They are misguided.

The truth is that, these two extremes are part of one, complete self-defense and survival strategy. And, you need to be able to do both.

Once you have tried to defend yourself non-violently and your attacker keeps coming, then you can defend yourself by whatever means you have to. And, if you have to, you will be in a much better position from which to defend yourself from the legal system, and maybe even the attacker’s lawyers who may try to sue “you” for damages done to their client!

Remember…

Self defense is not about killing it’s about self-preservation – in whatever form that takes!

Effective self-defense requires more than just a few “karate moves.” It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don’t know about how to master self-defense and how to survive a real street attack, read this life-saving self defense ebook: “Fight Smarter – Not Harder!” It’s available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert and the master instructor of Warrior Concepts Black Belt & Life Mastery Academy in Selinsgrove, Pa. He is a former federal police officer, bodyguard, and private investigator who has more than a black belt in the martial arts, but who has what very few instructors do – the real-world street experience with using what he teaches you against the same kind of violent attackers you’re concerned about. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students, both in the Academy and across the globe, through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today’s often dangerous world.

Ready to develop the kind of rock-solid confidence, power, and control of a true master warrior-protector that your family and the world needs you to be? If so, why not call the Academy today at (570) 884-1118 and speak with one of our staff members who can answer your questions and help you schedule your first Introductory Trial Program lesson right now!