We teach that if you are being "interviewed" by an aggressor
that the assertive posture or position is best. What we
mean by the interview are the threats, questions or "woofing"
which are usually the prelim for a physical attack.

Police, the FBI and even criminals with a history of assaults
will all tell you that most attacks don't start off by someone
jumping out from behind a car, alleyway or bush. No, most physical
attacks start off with some type of verbal assault which we
affectionately call the interview.

The reason for this is most criminals and bullies want to know
what they are facing before getting "down to it". They want to
know how you react so that can decide whether you are an easy
victim or someone who may put up a real fight.

Ignoring these threats, insults or questions can open the door
for an immediate physical attack.

The assertive posture as taught in Street Self Defense 101 and
in Street Sense - Smart Self Defense for Women is an "in between"
posture or mode. Passive on one side and aggressive on the other.
This assertive mode lets the attacker know that you don't want
any trouble and that you will let him safe face (give him an
easy way out). At the same time is shows strength and hides fear.
That doesn't mean you won't be scared but you are doing your best
to hide it.

As a rule this is the best way to handle the interview. However
if the attack has started or is certainly evident, a compliance
position or the non threatening stance might be better. Here is
how this works.

Lets suppose someone grabs your collars and starts shaking you
and threatening to "beat you to a pulp" if you don't....whatever
(give him your money, come with him, give him your car keys, etc.)

At this point you want to bring your hands up but in a way that
shows compliance. So your hands are higher than his, open with
palms out and shaking them gently from side to side. Giving the
visual appearance as "please, please don't hurt me".

This action has the effect of giving your attacker power as he
thinks you are terrified and will do whatever he wants. Now, your
hands are up and in a position to strike (or block if he releases
one of his hands to hit you).

The compliant position gives you a tactical advantage because now
you can surprise your attacker with quick palm strikes to the face
or eye strikes. This will cause him to release one or both hands.

Once you have started striking him you will continue striking until
the threat is non existent.

For information on Street Self Defense 101 please see

http://www.easy-self-defense.com/

Shihan Michael Pace