The Environment and Self-Defense

(Black Belt Magazine Nov. 1990 V-28 No. 11)

Our environment is one of our primary considerations in life, dictating what we can and cannot do.  Thus it is necessary to understand the environment and how it can be used for or against us in the martial arts.  You should be prepared physically and psychologically when you travel to new and unfamiliar surroundings.

When considering the environment as it relates to the martial arts, you should take into account social and cultural conditions, the objects around you, mental trepidations, the state of your body and body language, weather conditions, your opponents ability, objects which you or your opponent may use as weapons, and all other factors that influence your chances of survival.  It is everything around you, on you, and in you at the time of the confrontation.  Let's examine the dangers and benefits of environment.

Dangers.  Do not overlook the possibility that an opponent may know how to use the environment to his benefit.  He may be a seasoned streetfighter, aware of his surroundings.  He may know how to use a wall, the ground, or a car fender to his advantage.  To him, they are objects that can be used for support, to drive a head into, or to increase the effectiveness of his own punches and kicks.  He knows the bottle, ashtray or tire iron can be used as weapons.  You must learn not only to counter his environmental skills, but also use the environmental objects as weapons.

Streetfighter's are also skilled at reading a would-be victim's body language.  Therefore, look confident at all times.  Look as if you know what you're doing and where you're going.  Plan ahead when you travel.  Looking like a typical tourist burdened with cameras, bags, or expensive jewelry places you at risk.

Benefits.  The environment can be your ally when you guide or redirect an opponent into surrounding objects.  Or, environmental objects can serve as weapons for striking or throwing, especially when confronting an armed opponent.  Therefore, view all predicaments sensibly and realistically; your natural weapons may not always be enough to solve your problem.  If not, use any available environmental object to overcome your attacker.

When using environmental objects, you have two choices: 1) you can guide the opponent into the object, or 2) you can direct an object in your opponent provided, of course, the object is movable.  You may be able to give his head the "layered look" by forcing it into several points of contact - say a bar counter, then the bar stool, and finally the floor.

In addition to objects that surround you, consider others that may be found on you at the time trouble occurs: a comb, brush, lipstick tube, pen, pencil, keys, purse, belt, shoes, rings, umbrella, spoon, fork, salt or pepper shaker (to the eyes), can all be useful items for self-defense.

While shoes can be effective weapons in kicking, and alternative use, if there is time, is to place one shoe over the hand to protect it against a knife wielding assailant.  The shoe covered hand can be used not only for blocking, but also to strike your opponents vital areas.  Shoes that can be easily removed are best in such situations.

Be aware of all facets of your environment, and don't exclude psychological preparedness as one of your priorities.  Study all of the necessary precautions for personal safety by earnestly learning how to defend yourself in all types of environmental conditions.