Australian Personal Combatives

Good advice

Personal Security Tip #9

Know your escape route before you need it.

When you enter a café, restaurant or other public space, take a few seconds to identify how you would get out if something went wrong.

When choosing where to sit, position yourself as best you can to observe the main entry points and maintain awareness of who is coming into the space. At the same time, consider your access to an alternative exit.

Don’t automatically assume the door you entered through will be the best way out. Identify secondary exits, emergency doors and other possible routes before you need them.

Avoid unnecessarily placing yourself somewhere that leaves you boxed in or forces you to move towards a developing threat to escape.

You don’t need to be paranoid. You simply need to be aware.

See who is coming in. Know how you’re getting out.

A few seconds of thought when you sit down can give you options when seconds matter.

So relevant.

Winning Before the Sword Is Drawn

The highest expression of skill is not found in defeating an opponent.

It is found in making the need for violence disappear.

Yagyū Munenori (samurai swordsman and strategist) taught that the greatest victory was one that avoided unnecessary killing. Takuan Sōhō (Zen Buddhist monk) shared this understanding. The accomplished swordsman develops such presence, clarity, composure and discernment that conflict is resolved before the sword ever needs to leave its scabbard.

This is the spirit of Katsujinken (活人剣) the Life-Giving Sword. Its purpose is not simply to preserve life, but to cultivate the wisdom and character that prevent violence whenever possible.

Its opposite is Satsujinken (殺人剣) the Death-Dealing Sword where technical ability exists without the deeper cultivation of mind and spirit.

For the Budō practitioner, this is a reminder that training is not merely about becoming more capable in conflict. It is about becoming the kind of person whose calm presence, sound judgement and disciplined character make conflict less likely to occur at all.

The greatest victory is often the one no one else ever sees.

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Personal Security Tip #7

Don’t Let Politeness Override Security

Most decent people are conditioned to be polite. Criminals know this.

Many offenders deliberately exploit social expectations. They may approach with a smile, ask for help, invade your personal space, or make a request that feels just reasonable enough to make saying “no” uncomfortable.

Your instincts may tell you something isn’t right, but many people ignore that feeling because they don’t want to appear rude, suspicious, or confrontational.

Security must always take precedence over politeness.

You are under no obligation to stop for a stranger, engage in unwanted conversation, allow someone into your personal space, or open your door simply because someone asks. You don’t owe anyone your time, your attention, or an explanation for protecting yourself.

How to React

* Step back. Create distance immediately. A simple step backwards establishes a boundary while giving you more time to assess the situation.
* Use barriers. Position a desk, shopping trolley, vehicle, bench or other object between yourself and the other person whenever possible. Barriers slow movement and buy you valuable reaction time.
* Speak up. If someone continues to close the distance, say clearly and confidently, “Could you please give me a little more room?” or “Please stay there.”
* Keep an exit. Avoid becoming trapped against a wall, inside a doorway, or between parked vehicles. Always maintain a path to move away.
* Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, leave. You don’t need to justify protecting yourself.

A genuine person who needs assistance will usually respect your boundaries. Someone with malicious intent often won’t.

Criminals rely on hesitation. They rely on your desire to avoid appearing rude. Don’t give them that advantage.

Remember: It is better to be thought of as rude for a few moments than to become the victim of someone who exploited your politeness.

Stay present. Stay aware. Stay harder to target.

“Matters of great concern should be decided within seven breaths.”

— Hagakure

The lesson isn’t to act recklessly. It is to prepare yourself so thoroughly that, when the moment comes, you can decide without being captured by doubt.

Gather the facts. Breathe. Decide. Then move with commitment.

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Personal Security Tip #6

Don’t walk directly to your vehicle.

Observe your vehicle and the surrounding area during your approach.

As you approach your vehicle, keep your attention on the environment rather than simply getting to the driver’s door. Continuously scan the area around your vehicle and the vehicles nearby, looking for anything or anyone that appears out of place.

Have your keys ready before you reach your vehicle so you don’t need to look down or search through a bag or pocket. Keep your head up, maintain awareness, and continue observing as you close the distance.

If something doesn’t look or feel right, trust that instinct. Don’t continue your approach simply because you’re almost there. Change direction, return to a populated area, or seek assistance if necessary.

Your awareness is your first layer of personal security.

Stay present. Stay aware. Stay harder to target.

Personal Security Tip #5

Get off your phone during transitions.

Criminals look for distracted people.

Car parks, service stations, and the walk to or from your vehicle are poor places to surrender your awareness. Looking at your phone narrows your focus, reduces your ability to recognise potential threats, and makes you an easier target.

Keep your head up, scan your surroundings, and use your phone once you’re safely inside your vehicle with the doors locked, or when you’ve reached a safe location.

Stay present. Stay aware. Stay harder to target.