What is the best self defense trick you can learn within an hour?

Take time as you walk to your car after work or out shopping to notice the number of people who are texting, talking on their phone or listening to podcasts with ear buds while they walk.

Same is true while they are racing to get on the underground, waiting for a bus or walking down a crowded city street.

They are out in a public place around people who do bad things with no concept of it.

They have no idea who is around them or what is going on. They are in their own bubble oblivious to who or what is happening around them.

And they are the most likely target for someone who wants to assault someone.

In a word, they are prey.

They are easy to take down. They never see it coming. They are on the ground helpless before they can react. And heading to the hospital in shock.

So the best self defense technique that everyone can learn in an hour is to practice global and situational awareness.

Global awareness means paying attention to your surroundings. Who is around you? Who might be following you? Where is an area you shouldn’t walk? What group of people should you avoid?

Situational awareness means paying attention to the situation that is occurring now. Are people around you panicking? Is there a commotion? Are there loud sounds? Are people yelling? Is someone threatening heading towards you?

When I’m in a crowd I always pay attention to who is around me. I glance over my shoulder constantly because most attacks happen from behind. I check to make sure I’m not being followed. And I avoid people who look like trouble.

And I stay out of areas where attacks are more likely to occur. In a bad part of town. In an alley or narrow street. On a poorly lit street at night. And rowdy bars.

Then if I’m where a commotion starts I pay attention to what is happening. If needed I’ll get my back to a wall so everything is happening in front of me. I back up to get distance between me and whoever is causing the disturbance. And if all hell breaks lose, and I’ve been in that situation, I get away as fast as I can.

But it all starts with putting your phone away. Save calls, texting and podcasts for when you arrive at your destination.

Keep your head up, your eyes looking and your ears listening to what is happening around you.

So for an hour today pay attention to the people around you. Notice the ones you don’t want to be near. And notice the ones who are buried in their bubble and will become easy prey.

Oh, and keep doing it to make sure you’re never one of them.