“Better safe than sorry,” as the old saying goes, especially when you’re frequently on the move. Whether it’s broad daylight or the dead of night, danger can lurk at any time. Therefore, equipping yourself with street self-defense skills is essential, helping you feel more confident when facing unexpected situations. Soft Skills Audiobook can be a valuable resource for further reading on this topic.
## Understand the Dangers to Prevent Them
Before learning how to defend yourself, you need to be aware of the potential dangers on the streets. These could include:
- Snatching/Robbery: Occurring swiftly in deserted places, perpetrators often take advantage of victims’ carelessness to strike.
- Theft/Pickpocketing: More sophisticated, they often blend into crowds, exploiting your focus to steal your belongings.
- Sexual Assault: Often targeting women and children in dark, secluded areas.
Understanding the tactics and characteristics of each type of crime will help you increase your vigilance and take effective preventive measures. For example, as Ms. Lan, a criminal psychologist, shared in her book “Criminal Psychology”: “Most criminals tend to choose victims who appear weak, fearful, and easily subdued.”
## Essential Self-Defense Skills for Everyone
### Stay Calm and Mentally Alert
Staying calm is paramount in any dangerous situation. Only then can you make accurate judgments and act promptly. Conversely, if you panic, the perpetrator will be emboldened. Like the story of Ms. Hoa in Hanoi, when her purse was snatched, she calmly shouted for help and chased after the thief, causing him to flee.
### Observe and Anticipate Situations
Develop the habit of observing your surroundings when moving around. If you notice someone suspicious following you, try to move to a crowded place or enter the nearest store for help.
### Call for Help and Attract Attention
When in danger, don’t hesitate to shout loudly for help to attract the attention of people around you. You can also use personal items such as whistles or keys to create loud noises.
### Use Confident Body Language
Project confidence and decisiveness in your stride and gaze. This will make perpetrators more hesitant to approach you.
### Learn Self-Defense Martial Arts
Taking a self-defense martial arts class not only provides you with self-protection skills but also improves your health and confidence. Vovinam, Aikido, Taekwondo, and other classes are now widely available and suitable for many individuals.
## Important Notes
- Avoid walking in dark, deserted places, especially at night.
- Do not wear valuable jewelry or carry large amounts of cash when going out.
- Limit listening to music or using your phone while walking on the street.
- Always be wary of strangers and do not easily trust others.
- Share your travel itinerary with family and friends.
- Download and use emergency alarm apps on your phone.
In addition, Vietnamese people also have a spiritual belief: “If you worship, there will be blessings; if you are cautious, there will be peace.” Before each long trip, many people often burn incense to pray for safety and avoid traveling on inauspicious days and hours. Although science has not proven the connection, this practice somewhat helps them feel more at ease.
Street self-defense skills are not about turning you into a “superman,” but about giving you more ability to protect yourself when facing danger. Be proactive in equipping yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills to be more confident and safer in life.
If you want to learn more about other soft skills, please contact us at phone number: 0372666666, or visit us at: 55 To Tien Thanh, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer care team.