Ian K Ramdhanie, MSc,
Principal, CISPS
Many Trinbagonians often say that if someone comes to attack or rob them, “they will go down fighting.” Well, professional self-defence training may put a stop to “going down” and actually save one’s life.
There have been too many instances of people being attacked, raped, assaulted and even killed in our beloved Republic. Such victims come from all races, ages, sexes, socioeconomic background, geographical location and even, nationalities. None have been spared.
A person can be a victim of attack at home, work, school, while travelling, in a car park, while walking along the street, at beaches, rivers and other outings, in fetes—literally when undertaking any of their normal daily activities.
What can a person do when in such situations? Many times, the situation involves a firearm, other times, other weapons. Self-defence training involves a person defending his/her well-being and may include the defence of another person. Some of these are highlighted below.
Many people do not know that there are several simple techniques that one can learn from professionals to protect themselves. For example, there are certain parts of the human body that can be target areas. Would-be victims can target these of the attackers. This is other than trying to hit a male in his private parts.
Further, other self-defence techniques involve placing oneself in the “right” position when being attacked. It can just be matter of turning yourself in a particular direction that can save you. Then, there are blocking techniques that can be employed. For example, if you have an item with you or close to you, such can be used strategically. Further, striking techniques can be quite effective if you get an opportunity to strike; you can know how best to do so in various situations.
Other self-defence techniques like takedowns, weapon disarming, as well as control and restraint holds can be quite effective. They can save your life. For example, depending on how the attacker holds and points a weapon at you, you can know how to respond accordingly.
Usually, there are two main categories of self-defence techniques: physical and mental. Physical, being the most common, involves the use of physical force to counter threats of violence. Mental self-defence techniques deal with getting the proper mindset for executing the physical self-defence techniques. Mental self-defence techniques are of extreme importance because it makes no sense knowing what to do physically when you are in a particular situation but your mental state of mind does not allow you to effectively implement it.
Knowing self-defence techniques will not make you a super hero. It is to be used only as a method of self-defence when in certain situations. Therefore, such professional training will also empower you in determining which situations you can use what techniques, how, etc.
Some other useful self-defence techniques include the common sense “avoidance” technique. This is where you avoid being in particular places and situations where you can be attacked as far as possible. This is simply because potential attackers stalk these places looking for victims.
Then there are the de-escalation techniques where verbal strategies are used as self-defence measures. Words are used as weapons. More precisely, elements of voice, tone and body language come into play in a kind a conflict management/dispute resolution approach. And, there is a range of ways to use such verbal techniques for different situations.
A very interesting self-defence technique involves “alarming” oneself. This is where a person assesses the threat levels in his/her environment and responds accordingly. There are several approaches to this. One technique uses a colour scheme approach where various colours indicate different threat or risk levels and thus requires different self-defence responses.
Self-defence techniques deal with real-world situations as opposed to the various forms of pure martial arts training. Further, just as how first aid and CPR training are critical and can save lives at the workplace and at homes, so too, self-defence training is a fundamental life-saving skills set that everyone should possess. It is a skill that you can always tap into in time of need.
All responsible businesses and organisations as well as people and community groups should seek professional training in self-defence. A few hours spent on such training can save lives and prevent lifetime scars. Many persons think that self-defence training is not for them as they are too old, too young, too macho, ‘I can’t do it’ thinking, or it wouldn’t happen to me.
Self-defence training will not eliminate victimisation but it can go a long way in dealing with many such instances. Other measures should be instituted as well such as those dealing personal and home/business security.
n Contact the Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety for professional self-defence training for corporations, organisations and individuals as well as certified First Aid and CPR training and other programmes in security, law enforcement, supervision, management and OSH/HSE-related areas. Tel: 223-6999, 222-8347, info@caribbeansecurityinstitute.com, www.caribbeansecurityinstitute.com.