The Single Most Important Unarmed Skill?

[Paul Gomez]

I see a lot of guys claiming 'situational awareness' as the most important thing. While SA is incredibly valuable, in and of itself, it is not a single 'technique' or skill.

For most people, 'situational awareness' is like porn. They can't define it but they know it when they see it.

For the guys that answered 'situational awareness'; How do you learn it How do you practice it? What does it look like?

 

[cedartop]

I see a lot of guys claiming 'situational awareness' as the most important thing. While SA is incredibly valuable, in and of itself, it is not a single 'technique' or skill.

For most people, 'situational awareness' is like porn. They can't define it but they know it when they see it.

For the guys that answered 'situational awareness'; How do you learn it How do you practice it? What does it look like?

Not only that Paul, but who really stays in that mode nonstop. It simply can't be done. Anyone who has kids should be able to relate to this. Does that mean you shouldn't try? No, of course not. We should be aware of our surroundings as much as possible, but like so many things, this isn't the only answer.

 

[churchmouse]

I see a lot of guys claiming 'situational awareness' as the most important thing. While SA is incredibly valuable, in and of itself, it is not a single 'technique' or skill.

For most people, 'situational awareness' is like porn. They can't define it but they know it when they see it.

For the guys that answered 'situational awareness'; How do you learn it How do you practice it? What does it look like?

It is a spider sense in the simplest of terms. It is not a tangible, does not have form or substance. You can not see it. You learn it from training and or getting your a$$ handed to you a few times from not being aware. You scan a room casually upon entering it. You assess folks close to you. You get upset when someone moves or leaves and you did not see or become aware they were relocating. You pull into a gas station after dark. You scan the lot and around the building as you pick a place to park. You are aware of everyone as much as possible. The end all in self defense, no, But you will be a step ahead when something is not right or coming your way.

 

[churchmouse]

Not only that Paul, but who really stays in that mode nonstop. It simply can't be done. Anyone who has kids should be able to relate to this. Does that mean you shouldn't try? No, of course not. We should be aware of our surroundings as much as possible, but like so many things, this isn't the only answer.

The mode you speak of comes and goes as needed. I spend a lot of time out at night when on call. Grocery store refrigeration, convenient stores etc. Sometimes an area you would not go into on a bet, seriously. I go. I am on high alert at those times. I have met those people of the night we speak of in these threads. Over 44 years things happen. You know when to be on your toes. Spidey sense.

 

[The Bubba Effect]

I see a lot of guys claiming 'situational awareness' as the most important thing. While SA is incredibly valuable, in and of itself, it is not a single 'technique' or skill.

For most people, 'situational awareness' is like porn. They can't define it but they know it when they see it.

For the guys that answered 'situational awareness'; How do you learn it How do you practice it? What does it look like?

Situational awareness is something I actively do.

I think constantly and look constantly and position and reposition. I am looking for/thinking about the back door and the side door and what it would take to make another door. I am also considering why that girl that is flirting with my buddy keeps looking over his shoulder at that really angry guy at the end of the bar. I am watching the angry looking guy and trying to figure out how many buddies he has in the place and how far this is going to go.

I am always seeking to accurately measure cause, effect and meaning in my environment and do the best I can with the knowns and unkowns I have available to work with.

I also listen to that little voice in the back of my head. Maybe it's God, maybe it's paranoia, maybe it's schizophrenia or maybe, just maybe its my subconscious adding up things I am not consciously putting together.

Situational awareness is also having the clarity to accurately judge the nature (likely dangerous or likely not dangerous) and the wisdom to act appropriately (like not going to the bar with my buddy in the first place because he has a history of picking up women with drunk, violent boyfriends).

This might sound like bs or tiresome to practice, but I have a thing with my brain where it whirs all the time. I have found that running these things in the background helps keep the stress and boredom down. It also works fairly well as I am often able to walk away from the party before it turns into a brawl.


As to where did I learn this practice? My father taught me to keep my eyes open and to watch people and situations. He told me to never sit with my back to the door and to always make sure I knew where the back door was. And I watched a lot of ninja movies.

 

[The Bubba Effect]

Not only that Paul, but who really stays in that mode nonstop. It simply can't be done. Anyone who has kids should be able to relate to this. Does that mean you shouldn't try? No, of course not. We should be aware of our surroundings as much as possible, but like so many things, this isn't the only answer.

I don't think being aware is the only answer. I do think it is the best answer. If I am wrong, please, in all honesty, help me learn what works better.

 

[rhino]

Awareness is good and necessary and may save your life. In my experience (as limited as it is), though, awareness is more helpful for avoiding many things and at some point often fails when tense interations occur. When bad things happen, it's almost impossible to not get engrossed visually and mentally at some point in the problem at hand. That's when you need to be able to deal with it with more active tools.

 

[bwframe]

IMHO "situational awareness" is a catch phrase nearly as overused as "tactical." Of course we should be aware of our surroundings, but assuming that will always smoke out BGs is running with blinders on.

Don't believe it? Try this test;
Have a buddy reach out touch you, by surprise, some time in the next 30 days. If they have any wit to them at all, they will get it done.

 

[euby]

Reading

 

[mercop]

I break Awareness down to three types-

Self Awareness- how do I feel today, am I physically and mentally able to deal with the most probable threats I will face today.

Situational Awareness- being aware of what is going on around you.

Team Awareness- IMHO this is where many Tactical Teddy's fall apart. Most people attend training with other like minded people, not their wife and kids. They do not train to be a team leader, but Jack Bauer.

Like Gomez I believe that Awareness is just a catch phrase. I ask them aware of what?

My most popular and basis class is Personal Protection & Improvised Weapons. During that class I show a slide show of all types of different things and have people tell me what they get from the picture. This is the best picture that illustrates that the most innocent thing can clue you into criminal activity. What is this-

To most people it is only Chore Boy, used to scrub pots. To crack heads and police it is used as filter/screen in a crack pipe. If you didn't know that don't be alarmed, most of the kids out of the academy have no idea what it is until they are taught. Just an example of who people are trying to tell you something with things other than words, you just need to listen.

Another thing that always pops up is fitness, really, so my Dad who has a bum leg and walks with a cane cannot defend himself? What about my Mom who is paralyzed from a motor cycle accident?

I believe it is more important to have a personal protection program based on your current physical ability (self awareness). Take for instance someone what has a bad back, they have got to do everything they can to stay on their feet and not tweak their back.

Paul, great thread.- George