#1
#3
To get some self-defense advice from someone who is an actual expert rather than a faceless netizen, Bored Panda got in touch with Evan Dzierzynski, owner and lead coach of NOVA Self Defense. He’s been training in various martial arts and self-defense programs for over 15 years now and has been teaching seminars and workshops to corporate groups and workplace violence prevention. More about him and his work on the NOVA Self Defense website.
#4
#5
You don’t want to see something.
#6
With “run away” being the most popular piece of self defense advice, we asked Evan about it. “Running away is sensible advice if it fits the situation and your ability,” he starts, saying that running isn’t an option if you’ve got a child or someone you care about that cannot run with you. You must also consider your own injuries and whether you’re in good enough shape to run away. Additionally, if the aggressor is too close, you may have to defend yourself and then attempt your escape, Evan adds.
#7
#8
#9
Whenever you run, you’re attempting to escape from the immediate threat to relative safety - a more populated area, a place where you can call the police, a barrier, such as a locked door, cover, a weapon, even, or you may be simply trying to put as much distance between you and the aggressor as possible.
Another tricky thing is that if you’ve got a lot of martial arts or self-defense experience, it may be difficult for you to disengage from someone who is attempting to attack you, especially if you’re under extreme duress.
#11
#12
Evan has also got some advice for de-escalating situations verbally. For a start, you should maintain your personal boundaries, as someone being verbally aggressive 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) away from you is completely different from someone getting in your face.
“Your hands should be up, open, and engaged as a barrier between you and the aggressor showing palms, what is referred to as a 'fence position' as you are using your social skills to de-escalate and remove yourself. Your goal is to safely remove yourself.”
To this end, you should avoid insulting the attacker, disrespecting them, or escalating the situation in any way, all while considering your body language. If you allow your ego to run wild, you’re likely to make a mistake, Evan continues.
#13
#14
#15
#16
If you feel unsafe, in the short term, you should seek self-defense programs or seminars that address the problem very broadly. Optimally, these topics should be covered, according to Evan: “awareness, verbal de-escalation, managing encroachment into your space, protecting yourself proactively and reactively, blending striking, grappling, and dealing with weapons and doing scenario work with role-players to pressure-test your skills with resistance.”
It may be difficult to find something that would train all of these competencies in one place, though.
For the long term - seek out a martial art that you enjoy, jiu-jitsu, striking, whatever you like. “If you want to get better, you’ll be more likely to show up when you enjoy it and like the people you train with,” Evan finishes.
Once again, if you’re interested in Evan’s work or would like to find out more about self-defense, visit his website.
#17
#18
#19
"what looks sketchy" depends on where you are. For my situation, it was a plain dark hoodie with the hood always up (hood up shows you'd rather not be recognized and that you're comfortable where you are), slightly tattered pants/shoes (I had these from skateboarding) and walking like you know exactly where you are and where you're going. My camera was compact enough to hold in my hoodie pocket.
#20
