Which are the most effective self defense techniques?

I’ve been randomly attacked.

I took an axe handle to the ribs in a riot.

I was threatened with a gun.

I got cornered by some gangbangers out looking for a victim.

I got caught up in someone else’s altercation with a gang.

It can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere.

Four critical things I’ve learned and you need to realize about being attacked.

First, it will happen when you least expect it.

Walking to your car after a movie or dinner. Having a beer with friends at your neighborhood pub. Walking out of store.

Second, it will happen faster than you can imagine.

The attacker will suddenly step out from behind a car. Or come up behind you in the pub. Or blindside you on the sidewalk. Or rush you in a park.

Third, it will usually involve more than one attacker.

The attacker is not looking for a fair fight. If you start to win another will jump in to make sure you don’t.

Fourth, the attacker will usually have a weapon.

A club, knife, gun or beer mug. At best they want to intimidate you. At worst hurt you badly.

Even if you’re trained in martial arts the chances of you getting hurt are high.

So what can you do, especially if you are not trained in self defense?

First, have what’s called global awareness.

Know what’s going on around you all the time. Is there a crowd gathering? Is someone getting aggressive? Are you in a potentially dangerous area? Pay attention.

Oh, and don’t be texting while in a vulnerable area. You’re easy prey.

Second, have what’s called situational awareness.

If someone is yelling pay attention. If someone is getting loud and obnoxious watch him. If a car of gang bangers is driving by watch them.

Third, have a plan B.

Where is the exit? Don’t have your back to the door or where the crowd is. Have an idea of what you’ll do if all hell breaks loose. Identify somewhere you can get to away from the fray.

Fourth, if something starts to go down get out.

Fast. Don’t wait around to see what happens.

Fifth, avoid needing to escape.

Stay away from areas where bad stuff happens. Dive bars, dark parking lots, alleys, dark downtown streets and areas where lowlifes gather.

The best self-defense technique is to never need to use self-defense techniques.

Edit 1: I’ve been asked about the circumstances of the personal assaults I mentioned. They happened in various locations. Some my hometown. One on a college campus. One in a large midwestern town. I just suddenly found myself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Thankfully, I survived with minimal or no injuries. And it was one of my motivations for studying and later teaching karate.