Myths and realities of street combat (part 2)

Myth 2: "All you need to be safe is the ability to fight".

Ah, self-defence... That noble art of NOT ending up on the floor in a ball, regretting having skipped that krav maga class. Myths and realities of street combat will shatter this myth, which is as tenacious as chewing gum stuck to the bottom of a shoe: NO, knowing how to fight is not enough to be safe. And yes, even if you've mastered the triple backflip kick that kills you.

That's good, but it doesn't do everything... far from it. And it's very important to understand that!

Self-defence is all about prevention (and common sense)

The importance of vigilance

Imagine: you're in the street, headphones on, concentrating on your "Power Moves 2025" playlist. You can't see or hear anything. Even if you are the reincarnation of Bruce Lee, you risk being caught by an assailant, and he doesn't even have to be very discreet because you're dissociated.

The real superpower? Anticipation. Spotting warning signs, analysing the environment, avoiding dubious areas (like dark alleys that scream "horror film in progress"). A good self-defence practitioner is a bit like Sherlock Holmes with a keen sense of observation... and without the black tea addiction.

The real superpower is environmental awareness! If you want to go further, you can read my article on the colour codes.

Mistakes to avoid

Excessive distraction

We live in the age of the smartphone: notifications, social networks, inspirational podcasts... It's all great, except when it turns you into an urban zombie. Being absorbed by your screen or drowning in your music prevents you from picking up the warning signals around you. Someone following you too closely? Suspicious behaviour in your vicinity? You might not even notice.

Advice : always keep an eye on your surroundings. If you use headphones, opt for a single earphone and keep the volume moderate (or a bone-conduction model that lets you hear what's going on around you). As for your phone, check it at safe times, not in the middle of a deserted car park.

The predictable routine

Following exactly the same route at the same time every day is like giving a gift wrapped in ribbons to anyone who wants to track your habits. It may seem trivial, but when it comes to myths and realities of street combatThis is a major strategic flaw.

Why is it risky? Because someone with malicious intent can easily predict your movements, identify the times when you are most vulnerable (isolated street, underground car park) and plan an attack.

Advice : Vary your routes, check your mirrors, change your timetable whenever possible, and pay attention to the people you frequently meet. It's not paranoia, it's intelligent prevention.

Don't forget that this also applies to your children!

Overconfidence

Self-confidence is good. Thinking you're invincible is... well, risky. Even if you've practised martial arts for years, the street isn't a dojo. There are no rules, no soft mats to cushion falls, and above all, no referee to whistle the end of the fight.

What's the problem? Overconfidence can lead you to underestimate a threat, ignore danger signs or choose to fight when flight would have been wiser.

Advice : the real strength lies in the ability to assess a situation with a clear head. Sometimes the best decision is to run. In the world of myths and realities of street combatKnowing when NOT to fight is an art in itself.

And don't forget that your worst enemy is often your EGO!

Psychology, your best mental shield against the myths and realities of street combat!

Attackers look for easy targets. You don't need to be made of reinforced concrete: a confident posture, a steady gaze and an "I'm-not-at-all-an-intelligent-choice" attitude can be enough to make him doubt you.

Adopting the right posture

Even if you're shaking like a toffee flan inside, put on a mask of "I've seen things you can't even imagine". It's basic psychology: nobody wants to fight someone who looks ready to bite (even if in reality you're relying on your shoelaces to get away quicker). If you have to take a beating, avoid grimacing or even smiling, and don't show that you're in pain if at all possible.

Another effective strategy is to act crazy, or in any case to radically change your behaviour when you feel that things are about to explode and show that you are crazier than he is... doubt can calm the most ardent...

The art of non-verbal communication

• The direct look Don't look away, show that you're ready to react.
• The anchored posture Make sure you keep your techniques firmly rooted in the street!
• Assured body language Even if you're stressed, breathe deeply and keep a calm attitude.

Real combat: spoiler alert, this is not an action film

In real life, muggings are rarely stylish duels with cinematic slow motion. It's brutal, fast and often very ugly. Thinking you'll have time to draw on the techniques you've learnt in the gym is like believing you can catch a piece of toast falling on the buttered side. Good luck, then.

Key principles in a crisis situation

• Staying on the move A body in motion is harder to reach.
• Using the environment An obstacle, a wall or a post can become an ally.
• Making quick decisions Run, hide, react, but above all don't hesitate for too long.

You have to know when to run away (spoiler: very often) or how to defuse a situation before it gets out of hand. The art of running away isn't cowardice, it's strategy. Even the ninjas used tactical retreats.

Myths and realities about urban self-defence: the use of everyday objects

Ah, the famous "makeshift weapons". Who hasn't heard: "Put your keys between your fingers, you'll see, you're a real Wolverine!" Except that Wolverine has adamantium. You've got the keys to your flat and an "I love Paris" key ring.

What really works

In theory, yes, a torch can be useful. In practice, if you've never trained with one, you're more likely to drop it on the ground.

So remember that these are just tools and you need to use them in training, for example on a kicking BOB.

Otherwise your lamp will only be used for lighting and not as an object of impact or dazzle.

Useful everyday items

• Your rucksack Not just for carrying your lunchbox. It can be used as a shield or to create a barrier between you and the aggressor.
  You can also prepare it or improve it a little...
  Maybe we'll see about an article on this, as I have a friend who customises them, but in the meantime, put a thick enough magazine inside in A4 format... it helps if you're going to use it as a shield.
• A rolled-up magazine A surprisingly effective weapon for parrying and striking. More discreet than a baseball bat and just as practical if used properly.
  It goes unnoticed and is available at any station or airport, for example 😉
• A powerful cry underestimated, but devilishly effective. A good yell can surprise, attract attention and even frighten off an attacker (little bonus: you yell fire in the dark, not help).

What to avoid

• Relying solely on gadgets Pepper spray is good, but only if you know how to use it.
• Improvising with unplanned objects a umbrella can be useful, but not if you don't know how to use it effectively.
  Here again, it goes without saying but it's better to say it, a tool is still a tool, so train yourself to find other qualities for it and practise with it!

In a nutshell

Self-defence isn't just about knowing how to deliver an acrobatic spin kick. It's about being aware of your surroundings, anticipating danger, using your brain (and your vocal cords), and knowing that the best victory is often NOT having to fight.

And don't forget: your best ally is your common sense. (And maybe a heavy bag, just in case).

For other articles in the same style, click on here !