Using The Environment to Your Advantage

Defending yourself can be helped or hindered by your environment. The environment defines the encounter on numerous levels, ranging from where you can hide, what tactical options you have, and what offensive options present themselves. Your goal should be to be aware of these options whenever you enter a new environment so that you can take better advantage of those options should danger present itself.

Yes, We’ve Already Covered This BUT….

When you go into a new environment, make sure that you at least scan the area for cameras, ambush spots, and escape routes. If the cameras are active, where they can see is the safest as few people want their more nefarious activities caught on tape. Obviously, you should avoid any spots where others can sneak up on you; if you can find a good place next to a wall so you can watch the area, so much the better. You should always have multiple routes out of the area if at all possible.

Also, be aware of any security protocols, such as which “drink” to order if you’re in trouble and where guards or bouncers tend to gather. Avoid sitting next to guys or anywhere near a TV screen if you’re in a bar, and near wherever food or drinks are being served in general. Your ideal situation is to be where you can be seen but still allow for some privacy, where you fit in without being too noticeable, and where you can return with as few problems as possible.

Choose Your Battleground

Sadly, the reality is that you will sometimes need to fight to survive. In these situations, you have two options: Choose the area, or do with it as you can. If you are stuck in a place where your attacker has the advantage, look for features that may give you an edge: A pool can give you an excellent opportunity to escape or get rid of your attacker, a lot of bushes can be a great hiding place (especially if you’re in dark clothing), and a store is a great place to duck into if you need to call the cops. Even a local playground gives plenty of defensive options; just look around at the possibilities during the day if possible. If you can, get to a better location.

If you can choose your battleground, then pick one where you have as many advantages as possible. A bar may not seem ideal, but it does provide a crowd, a camera, and plenty of routes of escape. A small store is similar and gives you plenty of things to throw (just try to keep to cans or you could rack up a bill). If you have specialized knowledge and the other person doesn’t, exploit it: If you know where the deep areas of a nearby creek are and they are virtually indistinguishable from the shallow areas, that gives you a major tactical advantage, especially if the person chasing you has problems swimming. It should not have to be said that a kitchen gives you a lot of sharp, sharp options.

With Adrenalin, Anything is a Weapon

If you’re in a fight-for-your-life situation, don’t get imaginative: Just grab and figure it out as you go. Most improvised fall into two camps, smashing and throwing, with a lot of weapons falling into both. Smashing weapons add to the damage you do up close while throwing weapons gives you a range advantage. If the attacker is coming at you, grab and throw; if the attacker is right on you, grab and smash. Do not worry about subtlety; just attack. If you’re in a situation with lots of throwables, just grab-throw-repeat; do the same if you can grab something to smack the attacker, just do it.

[For throwing, you want small, light, and lots of them while for smashing you want big, heavy, and durable. Rocks. small jars, and cans are your best thrown objects, while tire irons, bats, and large sticks are great for smashing. If you can hit them with something that sticks or spreads, so much the better, especially if it can blind them; flour, potting soil, or a can of oil works well as both obscure vision, but the oil may stick longer.

Spending time playing catch or in a batter’s cage may not be a bad idea, either.]

Targeting is the dealer’s choice, but the two most effective targets are the head and chest. You’re more likely to hit if you aim for “central mass”; it’s easier to parry but harder to dodge. Conversely, headshots are easier to just dodge, but hits are more effective and you may get them to blink, especially if you hit them with some sort of liquid or dust; if you can get them to blink, then you get some time to run. Unless you’ve got something sharp, attacking legs aren’t overall effective, the arms are just too small, and the groin is too small and protected.

The idea is to make attacking you something they need to work for, and the more they need to work for it the more likely they are to give up, especially if they’re taking damage. Sure, some will see this as a challenge or may actually get off on it, but you’re going to make them pay a price for their enjoyment.

Survival is Job One

In short, your goal is survival. Running away is optimal, but if you can’t you’d better be prepared to fight. Part of you should always be analyzing your environment for possible tactical advantages should something arise; the less you have to think and the more you can just react the better. Pay special attention to ambush spots, hiding places, and potential weapons; you should also be looking for escape routes. Try to keep mobile; moving targets are always harder to hit.

Above all, keeping your wits is paramount, and having some sort of plan, or even looking for one, helps. Do that, and your likelihood of surviving an attack is so much better.