Self-Defense in Brief

Awareness

The ability to be "in the present" and notice what is going on around you at all times. Maybe the single most imortant thing in self-defense... The first thing many criminals will look for is this: lack of awareness!

Boyd's cycle

Also known as the OODA-loop. This acronym stands for Obeservation - Orientation - Deciscion - Action. This describes the steps we go through (in combat, self-defense or any other conflict). It states that the side that goes through the cycle in the shortest amount of time has a huge advantage over the other. It also says something vital about the element of surprise, turning the tables to force your adversary into the cycle, and the need to adapt to the constant changes.

Color Codes

A system or scale popularized by Col. Jeff Cooper. It is used to describe levels of combat readiness. They are white, yellow, orange and red. Sometimes black is added also. White is a state where you are unaware of anything, and you're an easy target or victim. Red (or black) is combat/action/fight.

Crime-scene #2

Crime-scene #2 (or second crime-scene): Some cirminals, like rapists and murders often move their victims to a second crime scene. This may be accomplished by dragging the victim off the street into some bushes or by getting the victim into a car and driving them to a preplanned location.
At the initial state - the first crime scene - the attacker is under pressure, faces the greatest risk of apprehension and has the least control over his victim. Later - at crime scene #2 - the pressure and risk are greatly lessened, the attacker has the time to do what he wants and he has much more control of his victim.
So naturally you want to resist as early as possible. Fight back, scream, stall, run, do whatever it takes!

Hick's Law

Was developed in the 1950s. It states that our reaction time increases aprox. 150 milliseconds when the number of skillls (choices, movements etc.) increases from one to two. Se KISS principal and Murphy's Law

KISS principle

Keep It Simple, Stupid! The need to ditch all fancy, intricate and "show-off" stuff, in order to survive or "win". See: Hick's Law, Murhy's Law and adrenalin dump. Simple stuff works more often, it's as simple as that!

MO

Modus Operandi. How criminals do what they do. Most of them use the same pattern over and over. This goes for stalkers, rapists, molesters, robbers, thieves, pick-pockets and others. By being aware of these "how's", you will be a much harder target to get!

Murphy's Law

This Law also applies to combat, self-defense etc. It simply states that: All that can go wrong, will go wrong (and sometimes at the worst possible moment). You better prepare for it in your training and otherwise!

Strategy

Suckerpunch

A term used to described punches "coming out of the blue". Many attackers will punch when you are being distracted, look away (example: at your watch), or you are busy "preparing to fight" (tyeing your shoelaces, taking off your jacket etc.). You may also be punched or kicked from behind or from the side by a third person. Do never mistake self-defense with sparring or combative arts with rules!

Tactics

Tailgating

When someone has access to a building with keys, code, or a card, and forgets to check if someone is following "on their tale" into the the building (or area). A common way for intruders to gain access. Always check if someone is entering behind you!

Target

'Vics'

Short for victims. A phrase often used by criminals on people who are an easy target (that is, who makes their "job" easy).