My daughters friend was walking out the front door of her house on the way to her car to go to work and a armed man approached and stole her car. The friends moms reply when told was, I hope the police don't hurt him. What a messed up world we live in that we have to so aware of our surroundings at all times. And criminals get such undeserved sympathy.
I used to drive an inner city delivery route in a marked commercial truck as part of a self employed franchise that was a target for predators, many co workers and competitor colleagues working for other companies in the industry were preyed upon during the decades I worked. A few were killed, many injured. The same principles described by Kevin while afoot apply while driving and parking. You can be carjacked on the road, so drive defensively, and ambushed while exiting or getting back into the vehicle, so be situationally aware in condition yellow, ready to go red if circumstances escalate.
Yes and I will now stop people n say hey. You gotta be aware n try to have a Convo with them. I say I care n want you safe. They appreciate my gesture most the time. I tell them folks like us in condition yellow not always around.
According to the Concealed Carry magazine, CRIMINALS fear someone making eye contact, especially with the look of " I wish a mother____would", they thrive on distractions, I do absolutely nothing with my phone when I am out and about, even when I am at the v.a. hospital, I am observing for ptsd Veterans and veterans trying to put on a show to increase their ratings. I digress
Tip...someone with ill intent may approach and before you have eyes directly on them they will ask you "what time is it?" It's almost natural to respond by looking at your wrist or looking down at your phone. This is a perfect strike time as your head and eyes are temporarily diverted away from them.
For the past few years, my instant response to a sudden approach has been to hold up a stopping hand and tell them to STOP! Completely throws them off. Well, it worked on the two that have done this so far.... probably didn't hurt that I moved my shirt jacket to reveal a large USMC knife. I'm guessing that people who really need to know the time would be set on their heels, aghast. But a meth head in it for what you got will just quickly turn away and say nothing like the two mentioned.
It's a good time to mention the meaning of politeness. It is for situations like this. Polite people will say, "excuse me" and you then acknowledge or don't acknowledge. If you acknowledge then you are hopefully now paying attention. Anybody circumventing this politeness is putting off a red flag - just pay note of it.
A perfect strike Time would be just walk up not even make eye contact or speak and then bang right behind the ear with a good hard short right down you go. Then I start helping you I say call the ambulance call the ambulance this guy passed out. Why would a person with criminal intent want to let you hear their voice and get your attention and focus on them?
Thank you for this. I'm always talking about these things with people I know. Never ignore your sixth sense / gut feeling. Always expect more than one attacker. Watch hands
Is there anyone with the sense God gave a goose? If you feel something is up that little hinky feeling that is never wrong it's telling you to go away from this place. Everyone seems to buy a pistol and wants to enforce his right to park in the assigned parking lot as an apartment building with his pistol. If you feel something is up get out of that location as quickly as possible. Don't hang around waiting for multiple attackers or to see if your hunch was right or if everybody was there that you shot was in on it or somebody got hit by the crossfire that didn't intend to be hit or anyone of 10,000 disasters that can happen when you draw a weapon. Just get out of there as quickly as you can
@@wlonsdale1 I believe the fellow doing the threatening with the law-abiding weapon got knocked down and then shot the guy. Regardless law abiding gun owners have fired a lot of shots and went to jail for them.
I had a 6 sense since I was young ...then the U.S.Army and overseas duty in harms way has super tune it ...Very good advice . To the average person ,when you get and ready to start your day , look outside before going out ...once outside stop and take a scan of your surroundings, look 360 or your field of view . Make you don't have someone in your yard or by your vehicle. Take a good long look back and forth . Have your keys already to go ,don't dig around looking for them ,have them when you come out . Also have you weapon ready and chamber/ loaded, you will not have time to do it ,if something happens or someone comes up on you quick . Have a back up weapon if you like . Also a knife, pepper spray, etc . Carry as much ammo as you can on you ,in other words loaded clips. Keep your head on a swivel when out and about ,learn to read people..go somewhere one day safe ,like a food place ,where you can sit and watch people, you'll be amazed at what you can learn . Always look people in the eye , don't back down or lower you head ,it's a sign of weakness. If someone is giving you a hard stare ,give it back ... If you get into a confrontation with someone ,try and keep you distance from them so they can't just grab you , if in fear for your life pull your gun and let them know it and try to back out , NEVER EVER let them take your firearm from you period . If in a place where you end up trap ,back yourself into a corner ,so they'll have to come to you face to face and you can't be attacked from behind. If you end up hand to hand all bets off and do whatever you have to do to WIN ,PICKUP whatever you find to use as a weapon, bricks , wood, table ,chair, anything ...bite, jab in the eyes, you name it...once done call the police...if your gun was used ,let them know you were in fear for your life ,you need to go to the hospital, you'll not make any official statements for 48 hours ,and after you talk with your lawyer . Just a few thoughts and insights from this Ol Soldier....smile . Stay alert ...stay alive
I'm glad I don't have raving paranoia I have situational awareness. I'm on fire watch I'm looking for fire. That's what you see mostly fire gas leaks things like that. You have the raving paranoia version of situational awareness it's all about the people around you.
Just happened to me last week. I changed my stance and prepared to draw while verbally asking the perp, "You good?" He kept copying what I would say and do. Once he realized I was in a draw position yet not revealing my tool, he walked past me. It was then that I saw he was pretending to grip a gun in a holster but it was really a black cellphone in a hip holster while he is dressed in all black at night with a black hat and black face mask on. I found out a few days later that in our same neighborhood that same weekend 2 groups of people had been robbed with the perps pretending that they had a gun while robbing the victims.
I'm happy you didn't wind up shooting someone or shooting at someone and missing and hitting someone else. All these people cheering for you like you're some law enforcement hero are totally misguided. Even if you were threatened in a populated area and you pull out your pistol to defend yourself you still can miss and shoot an innocent bystander. I prefer the death penalty for any legitimate gun owner who shoots at a legitimate criminal and Mrs and hit someone who was not involved
When I was leaving work in a not too great part of town 2 men approached me. One was talking to me at 100 mph while his companion drifted to my side trying to get behind me. I did a side step and turned to face both of them twice and laughed at them before they realized I wasn't going to let one of them get behind me. I am sure being a big guy helped them decide to move along, but demonstrating situational awareness, or street smarts helped too. They generally want an easy target.
Twice now I've had no-s**t encounters that ended short of physical violence because I took action that led potential attackers to realize I was not going to be an easy target. Get your heads out of your phones people and pay attention to what is going on around you.
I was taught situational awareness when I was just a boy. It has proven to be a very valuable tool and has enabled me to quick and quietly remove myself from the threatening situation without harm coming to anyone.
Outstanding episode! It was the horse which tipped me off to something unusual at the pasture - Scarlett's head was held up high, ears forward, intently looking up the hill behind me. Turning around to see what she was paying attention to, I see a trespasser emerging from a stand of trees. He had been stealing fruit and did not communicate in English. I escorted him out without incident then notified the sheriff. Scarlett enjoyed some extra cookies for her great detective work.
@@wlonsdale1 Trespassing and theft? Likely could be justifiable if you shoot. You steal food from a farm, you're stealing the farmers paycheck. I doubt the majority of people would shoot someone for stealing fruits, its not like its livestock, but regardless it could be justified, especially if its in a castle doctrine state.
Another indicator that you are about to be attacked is if the person or persons are walking toward you and they have no expression at all on their face. I experienced this many years ago and put my hand under my sweater and on the grip of my pistol to be ready. As soon as l did this the 2 men walking toward me and my wife turned around and went in the opposite direction.
I experienced a stare down once that chilled me to the core. I was in a grocery store and a customers cart was blocking the isle unattended, so I moved it to one side. That lead to the stare down. I shrugged it off and moved on. Next thing you know while at checkout the alarms went off and the person staring me down was pushing their cart out the door without paying full of meat and throwing it into their vehicle. Good thing we were in the grocery store.
You can feel it in your gut, the tension in the air. Once I’m alarmed I’m always watching their hands at this point. If avoiding the situation is not an option than it’s time to go on the offense and strike first and open throttle.
Thanks for detailing the signs of an imminent attack. They can be subtle but when your Spidey Sense is telling you things aren't right, these physical details serve to keep you from dismissing it as paranoia and can save your life... maybe even save the perp's life if he's smart and lucky. I don't ever want to have to shoot someone but I will. I refuse to be a victim.
In my younger days in the Navy, when they called me Delta Dawn, I spent time in many countries, as well as, less-than-desireable parts of town in U.S. cities. I developed a very alert attitude that roamed with me wherever I went, even when I was in a safe space. I retired from the Navy 22 years ago and the edge slowly dulled. Recently, I've noticed my edge getting sharper again somewhat automatically with the local news. I've even found myself avoiding a person's left, what I consider the grab hand. Keeping my head on a swivel. Good advice on the vid. Thanks for the refresher.
Good video. I mark my journey in self defense, 5 years ago, not with the purchase of my first pistol (10 years ago) , but with reading Jeff Cooper. Information like this, dealing with reading the signals of a coming attack has saved me from 4 ambushes. Keep up the excellent work Kevin
I'm sure that you are absolutely certain that something was going to happen but did not. My situational awareness training has kept me from being trampled by an elephant four times.
That last point, the hunch, saved my life about a yr ago. A casual acquaintence had too much drink, or was on something and felt offended by something i did or didnt say, ill never know. When i asked what his problem was, he started swinging his fingers at my throat. 4 yrs of filipino martial arts training kicked in and i jumped back and caught a glimpse of the blade he was cupping with his hand. Thankfully i was able to keep dodging and created enough distance to run. Thankfully we had practiced reality in the dojo with one side being unarmed vs armed. That and being street smart and realizing something was off saved me that night.
Someone followed me around the grocery store once and then followed me when I left the parking lot. .I locked my doors and drove aimlessly around so that he wouldn't know where I live. He gave up after a while knowing I was on to him. It really creeped me out. Point is, I wouldn't have noticed him if I hadn't been alert or on my cell phone instead.
It seems that what you teach in this video especially about attackers is absolutely correct. I know as a carrier I became a lot more aware of these mechanisms. I am a lot more cautious and have a more wait and see attitude toward aggressive people with certain behaviors. I always look around a room where I am and pay attention to the number of possible threats. Self awareness is a key factor.
One thing I have learned on security jobs and just out and about is that de-escalation works. Gaining space works. Space = time. What I mean is watch videos of successful self defense. One element is usually the supposed victim will gain space which then allows them to pull a weapon or OC spray, whatever. If de-escalation fails set a verbal "fence," by saying loudly "stop, no closer!" This also calms you. Law enforcers are trained to shout out a command like this for two reasons: 1. By yelling, you squelch your own tendency to hold air in during stress, and 2. it allows any witnesses to see that you are the victim and not part of a voluntary fight (also of course it signals to the potential attacker that you mean business). I did this recently on a shoplifter who followed me back into a store and it worked. Also, if you are going to flee, flee somewhere -toward something like a building with security. In my case, I knew that there was security in the store I fled into and he would have to back me up against a confronting attacker, which was true and he did. It changed the dynamic from street/public 1-on-1 to private space 2-on-1. In the case my would-be attacker, after I set the verbal fence and had backup, the bad guy decided against further aggression. I had OC spray in my hand by this time and if he had rejected my verbal fence and renewed negotiation and continued to advance I would have "blessed him with the hot sauce."
as a 60 year old life long motorcyclist, you don't last long by being foolish or not keeping your head on a swivel. people try to kill me on my bike less than a mile from my home. every time. i would not exit any dwelling - including my own, without not knowing what was out there. you've GOT to pay attention to what's going on around you!
This is a superb video that everyone should watch. Every word and sentence is carefully crafted. Pay attention. Situational awareness and learning to "move" in your current situation is the key to your survival. Don't look like a soft target and you wont become one. Project confidence and strength and potential attackers will always choose a less secure target.
So glad I'm a member of USCCA. been for 2 years now. My wife covered. I never hope I will need you. But I find your training courses most helpful. Thank you USCCA!!!
i agree, im currrently living closer to where i work, and i moved into a fixer upper house doing the owner a favor, with the trade off of low rent for working on renovations. I often get many gut feelings when out and about and even friends notice me being extremely aware. i always tell them theres no such thing as too safe. once im done with college im moving out into a nice neighborhood when i start my career
@@vicnighthorse unfortunately, stupid is damn near unavoidable these days. its always best to not need to, but it may be the circumstance youre in, best to practice it regardless, random crime is rare but real. us more experienced folks definitely should be teaching the little guys and girls how to make sure theyre safe aswell.
hey guys, i give yall grief sometimes as i dont agree on some things , BUT,, this time your dead in target... most attacks are telegraphed through certain moves and body language... you are totally right on this,,,
Videos like this and active self protection literally saved me and my family! They tried to block me in at a gas station and stepped out of the car with a high point 9mm in hand. Because I recognized what was up before they got out of the car he saw me staring him down with all the fury of hell pointed at him with my hand on my appendix. He sat right back down and spead away as fast as they could.
@Tom Gulbranson In the 1990s, before the FBI became so political, the FBI reported that around 400,000 crimes in the US were prevented each year without a shot being fired because the intended victim had a gun.
@Tom Gulbranson Most likely by reviewing police reports. Years ago a friend of mine was looking at some family property in a wooded area with his elderly father when two men pulled up in a truck and got out. They said “Hi” but the two men said nothing just walked toward them. My friend turned so they could see the revolver on his hip and quickly returned to their truck and drove off. This type of thing happens many times without any police report so the number could actually be over a million.
I also recommend that LAW-ABIDING Citizens wear body cameras of various types to help when you are confronted by the INJUSTICE SYSTEM FOR DEFENDING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY.
@@terryjohnson7196 Fully understand brother, I wasn't poo pooing your suggestion I was merely opening the conversation to the good and bad . Thank you for your service. I'd really like to see @USCCA address this in a video. I think it would be a informative discussion
The thing for me is I do these things by instinct that take involuntary situational awareness. I have always been that way but now with PTSD and a lot of training it is super intense and it wares me out sometimes! This is one reason I try to avoid crowds. Crowds of folks are just to vulnerable in and of itself. But when you realize it is near impossible to find cover much less anything that could protect you until you can see the threat, that is where my mind goes automatically! I have to stay away from things like crowds where I have no control or very little in what in happening around me.
I have great respect for you because you are willing to look at yourself as possibly a little bit over sensitive to these things. You are not saying everyone in the crowd is a monster that is trying to get you and I really respect that more than you could possibly know. You are saying that a crowd of people represents a lot of variables that you cannot control and you are uncomfortable in a situation where you don't have enough control so you avoid those places. My hat is off to you.
@ Daniel Morgan Though I do not share your PTSD experience, we do have a common sense of venerability in crowds. It limits my social life in that I avoid situations that most enjoy but I avoid. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.
@ Mark Mcgoveran Imagine my surprise seeing your supportive comment here for Daniel Morgan. I thought you were just another troll after you smart-as* comment to me earlier. Hats off to you as well.
7 signs that you are going to be attacked: 1. Live in a liberal area, mainly in the Northeast and far west. 2. Your area has a lot of anti-gun laws/regulations. 3. The government in your area turns a blind eye or even supports Black Lives Matter or other "mostly peaceful" protesters (aka rioters). 4. You have a legal duty to retreat from someone who is threatening your life. 5. For the law abiding, your area has high taxes and overregulation which suffocates the law abiding. 6. The news channel of the area refers to a handful of guns as an "arsenal." 7. The legal system of the area thinks people who defend themselves and/or owns guns are a public menace to be stopped at all costs.
Course interception is huge, cross the street and pause, casually, then change directions. If they follow ...Bob's your uncle. No such thing as a coincidence. I'd recommend Tim Larkin's book "When Violence is the Answer." He discusses Social Hierarchy (intimidation) and the difference with Asocial Behavior (Predators). Get it on Audible. Seriously, especially if you have kids.
I read a statistic that said nearly every single person who was a victim of a violet crime said : 1. I was totally surprised by it. and… 2. I never saw it coming. That’s what situational awareness is all about, first and foremost know it CAN happen to me, then look for it TO happen to me and then avoid it. That’s not being paranoid nor fearful, just being always aware.
My buddy was walking down the sidewalk and got hit by a black guy he didn't know from behind, it wasn't the color of his hat, it was the color of his skin. So if you live somewhere that that is possible you have to basically be paranoid, looking behind you over your shoulder or in window reflections, etc, on a regular basis. A women friend walks a lot, in the city from home to work and back, and she hikes or jogs in the country. She had some sketchy guys making her feel uncomfortable more than once, I bought her a knife and pepper spray gel. She was stoked, you should have seen the smile on her face, and the confidence she felt when she was getting used to the knife. Most likely it will be a deterrent that she never has to use. But if she needs it, she's got it.
"Being aware that such a game exists, and maintaining proper situational awareness, to identify these pre-attack signs, will give you a heads up to avoid & even deter such a threat"
I have a huge advantage over most people when it comes to someone trying to attack me. It's my size, I am 6' 7" and over 300#. So that in itself says to others that I am not going to be an easy target. Then add in I have good situational awareness.
Good info here, got too get past the service dog beside me tho... you wont be able too rush me to knock me out without me at least knowing you are rushing me, which still gives me some chance too response or at least move enough the initial hit doesn't knock me out. Then we will have too figure out how too get the dog off your face afterwards..... goodluck too all parties involved tho cause its gonna get crazzy. Love yal fam, stay Frosty
I keep advising my students and anyone in general, there is no such thing as "situational awareness" because life is a situation and you should *always* be aware of your circumstances. Situational awareness comes from the military and learning certain things which may be more relevant in different "situations." Being a person moving through daily life requires a different type of continuous awareness of all the general things around you. It means not walking down the street with ear phones in, staring at your texts or anything which takes your attention to places other than what's in a 30' circle around you. Walking up to your apt. door, know who is around you and if they belong or are strangers. People walk up and unlock their door while talking on the phone or simply not paying attention to anything other than what's under their noses, next thing, some guy behind and to the side of you moves up behind and pushes you into your apt., house, business, etc. and gets between you and the door, blocking your egress and starts doing bad things to you. If someone you don't recognize is close enough to make you uncomfortable, turn around and walk away to an open, lit, populated place, back towards your car, feigning having forgotten something, etc. but get yourself away from the vulnerable spot. Crossing the street if you think you're being followed will sometimes deter someone who doesn't want to draw attention and will at least let you know to be alert and concerned, should someone cross the street or match your position and pace on the opposite side of the street. See who's focused on you and change what you're doing. Moving down the street you always want to know who is within 30' of you. That's the distance that people can cover in a very short period of time if you're not paying attention and step into a shadow, blind spot, alley or whatever and they can rob, assault, rape or kill you and walk away like nothing happened. He'll, that's how people walk into open man holes and ditches and get seriously hurt or die. As I say, life is a situation and you're in it all day, every day. Stop being mindless about what's happening around you and simply pay attention. Bad things happen to people every day and when the cops ask the 20 people who were in close proximity, "nobody saw a thing" and it's not from being scared, it's literally from everyone having their heads down, thinking about things miles away. As I said, you're not in the military, going into a specific operation which requires knowledge and awareness of certain variables as well as what's happening around you in your immediate environment... Which is the definition of "situational awareness." You are a person who has been rendered vulnerable by our society and the unpredictable environment of living with and around a series of unknowns, including the people and in which you could fall victim to both accidents and the acts of criminals, "unsavory people" and those around you that aren't paying a damned bit of attention to what they're doing, either and puting you at risk on a constant basis, like driving or waking down the street. It's a matter of reconditioning oneself to constantly monitoring your environment. It doesn't mean you become paranoid or hyper-aware to the point you can't function, it just means that you realize that you're not alone, that things can and do happen to "innocent" people every day and to put away your cell phone and walk with your eyes up and moving around as you go through life. That act alone, letting potential bad guys see that you're aware of your environment and not walking in a fog will be the difference between being attacked by an opportunist or moving safely to your home, business or car. Badguys look for easy marks, people walking, talking to someone else and looking at their phone, all at the same time. At the person with an arm load of groceries, so intent on getting their keys out and not dropping something while talking on the phone, telling someone "don't worry, I'm home and safe" when they haven't made it in the door yet. Then they get hit from behind. The smart, safe thing to do to ensure your safety is to first see who's hanging around. To pit down the arm load of groceries to free your hands to both open your door and to defend yourself against a badguy and if you're on the phone, *tell them* that your about to let yourself in and that you need two hands. You don't have to hang up, simply put your phone in a pocket, on a railing, etc. that's close to you so that if you have a problem, you can yell and alert the person on the phone that you need help. So many people are robbed, assaulted, hurt or worse right as they are entering their home. It doesn't have to be a dark hallway in a NY apartment building. It can be a nice home in the burbs but the bushes by the front door are overgrown and provide a hiding spot for someone who saw you approach and knows your husband is away. The Situations are endless so your awareness should be a natural state of being, not something you have to stop and think about. Make being aware of what's going on around you a habit, a natural thing and even a game you play with your children. "How many people can you count that are close to the house?" etc. as you get home. Call it the "Safety game" or anything you like, just let them know it's a game to keep them safe, not just silliness. If everyone would just lift their eyes as they approach their destination or leave a bank or business, so many less attacks would happen.
@@larrychandler2551 Probably so. 😉 It just agrivates me when people teach the same things, over and over without including the real world stuff and propagating the clichés. I'll live. 😆
Eye contact is a problem for me. Personally i prefer to watch your shoulders hands and mouth. Its easier to read lips when youre watching the mouth. Watching the shoulders will allow you to see a hand coming, before you throw a punch or swing a blade your shoulders will move.
Biggest thing is hands in pockets particularly if that person is asking for the time or something wherein you would show your hands. Also, there are flash mobs and something called polar bear hunting in addition to the knock put game...all of these are, at least as far as the cases I have read about, racially motivated..I suggest everyone do their own research it could save your life especially in large cities. All that said, another tactic is two guys walking towards you with no sign that they are yielding any space for you to get by. Moreover, avoid sidewalks on bridges with rails on either side of you off hours. Of course there is the old tactic of asking you a question so they can get close enough to you that you are in arms reach. One other tactic I have seen is a car driving unusual slow near you..one guy drives another gets out and robs you then he's gone.
As much time as Dexter spent on the gut feeling I don’t think it can ever be over emphasized. Trust your first gut feeling. It’s never far from the truth.
Situational awareness. Learned it at age 11. Would cut grass in the neighborhood for money weekends and summer. Had two kids around 12 and 13 ride up on bikes asking if I was so and so. I shut the engine off of the mower when they came up. They asked me something irrelevant and I answered thinking no big deal. looked down to grab the pull start and got punched right in the nose and they hauled ass Good sucker punch too Didn't break my nose but close, blood everywhere. Found out later who they were and someone had them do it. Apparently someone broke someone's windows and said it was me. Well having a older brother paid off. He kicked their ass. To this day especially cutting my grass at 50 I still keep a eye out. Sorry for the long post just sharing
Non verbal communication includes several modalities; environment, appearance and artifacts, proxemics and territoriality, haptics, paralanguage, chronemics, kinesics, and eye contact. All these happen and are used on an unconscious level all the time, so when it feels off it may be one or several of these telling you something beyond that which the other individual many want you to know. It is important to know that these nonverbal modalities have cultural and even regional components however it is better to be ready and not need to be than the other way around. I find one of the most powerful nonverbal modality is chronemics or the use of time. This is one that is often not mentioned but as a young man chasing skirts I often used this as an indicator or predictor. If someone, anyone is interested or wants something of or from you regardless of intent they are going to give you and ask or try to otherwise take time from you and give you their time. When this happens if you consider or try to consider it consciously it can be a good indicator of interest being place on you. This interest can be good or bad intentioned but time and it's use it's give and take is often a good indicator that something is up.
I really like your content, but Instead of focusing on the confrontation, how about tactics to avoid contact with these people in the first place. Things like travel in groups. Stay to known safe paths. Etc. My employer has online training, how about develop an online curriculum for the USCCA? Seems like packs use squad style tactics, how about some counter tactics? Maybe talk to Tony Blaeur.
All great advice. Too. Just know A trip to the grocery store is dangerous too. Hell I had a lady walking toward me..in her phone and a guy came out at a distance but aggressive toward her. My Spidey senses kicked on and I got to her n pretended to be a friend. Guy looked at her as he walked by I looked right in his eyes like yeah. I made you. Not happening. Girl was grateful. She didn't know the guy n she said he probably was gonna steal my purse. I said or worse. So yeah good idea take people with you who can defend themselves.
I would like to see a segment on here on legal regarding first responder self defense. In my area, some companies have policies against firearms whatsoever. I’m more so speaking from EMS side of it. It’s very difficult to be defended in court if you defend yourself in anyway. It’s especially hard when the company you’re employed with may not have your back. I know I can’t be the only one concerned that if I defend myself rightfully on the job as a paramedic, yet not defended legally by my employer, can there be another defense in court? I’d really love to see a segment on first responder self defense and the legal side of it.
@@Steve-ls3yy one of our medics were over powered by a large teenager. I guess the main example I’m asking about is any kind of attempted hostage situation, which may be far fetched. Gun point situations. I’m a a neighboring city, a medic and his partner were working a medical call when the boyfriend got in the ambulance and was in the medics space. When the medic confronted him, the boyfriend pulled a firearm and discharged at both crews. The medic also was armed and shot back, resulting in a ruled self defense shooting. I’m just curious on legal perspective with the mixes of firearms and narcotics and the use of self defense, considering we are supposed to be helping people instead if inflicting injury.
@@jefferyhunter4654 That's some crazy stuff you discribe. My respect for all you do even without risking you own life. I don't know what Kevin Michalowski or the USCCA legal staff would say but I will bring it up with them on my USCCA account (member since 2016) and when I see a USCCA rep at my local gun range.
Thanks for the great tips. People interested in this topic might try reading "Left of Bang" by Patrick Van Horne and Jason Rilley. It really digs deep deeply into the art of quickly assesing individules or groups of people in public settings, based on the US Marine Corps Combat Hunter program. Stay safe. :-)
@@irishrose7053 Bitchslap the person hard enough to spin their head around 360° then ask if they are awake yet as they pick themselves up from the floor. 🤣
I have been a victim of the "knockout game" about 2013 when it first was gaining attention while sitting at a bus stop. They only hit me once from behind and ran away because i quicky stood up from the spot i was sitting and saw a group running back to a car. I have also been jumped twice and in multiple fist fights but never been unconscious. I cant imagine the horror of not being able to be aware and it's always been my worst nightmare, actually been concussed during one time i was jumped but still remember everything, the next 2 weeks was torture and my equilibrium was out of wack. I hope people don't still play that stupid game.
Along with situational awareness, there is no good reason these days for anyone you don't know to directly or indirectly approach you. They are an immediate threat and need to be immediately addressed before they get close. I personally like a shoot through crossbody or deep coat pocket. I don't have to draw and they never see the pistol. So no brandishing.
Very well said, that 6th sense has saved my tail many times, as a government employee I was trained in situational he try his oawareness. I make sure when I feel threatened I look directly at them, criminals are looking for victims. Watch hands, watch eyes, watch shoulders, feet. There is a tone in body language! Learn to listen. I also Always carry my keys between fingers if defense punch be necessary. If I feel someone behind me I stop and turn around, then if I feel it safe I walk a safe distance behind them…. Also learned skills to fight effectively if needed. Forethought is for-prepared! Kevin as a woman I wish you’d do a video on how to handle being followed in your vehicle as well, what to do, where to go and what not to do! I know but so many do not know!
Driving to a police station proved futile for a friend that I know. The perp just followed her in to the station yard in his car as he had been doing for about 15mins already and denied the accusations when he was confronted. Admitted living in Africa (Zambia) our cops are not as reactive as first world countries. I am not knocking the idea but rather just conveying what happened and to take from it what you will.
I was walking down the street one day when a guy punched me and started following me home while sporadically attacking me again. I don't know what it was, but I had an inkling the he may be planning to attack me.
Always keep your head on a swivel, and present yourself as a formidable opponent. Like most predators, these people look for weakness and easy targets.
Great point about not looking like a "easy target". It's a challenge for old people like me that look too much like a safe target. My best hope is that, with my training, is to spot the threat first to ward it off or failing that, know that their surprise attack will be met with a surprise response.
My daughters friend was walking out the front door of her house on the way to her car to go to work and a armed man approached and stole her car. The friends moms reply when told was, I hope the police don't hurt him. What a messed up world we live in that we have to so aware of our surroundings at all times. And criminals get such undeserved sympathy.
OMG.
Good GRIEF!🤬
That’s why you got to have the insurance because if you kill a threat the family will feel like you are wrong
I used to drive an inner city delivery route in a marked commercial truck as part of a self employed franchise that was a target for predators, many co workers and competitor colleagues working for other companies in the industry were preyed upon during the decades I worked. A few were killed, many injured. The same principles described by Kevin while afoot apply while driving and parking. You can be carjacked on the road, so drive defensively, and ambushed while exiting or getting back into the vehicle, so be situationally aware in condition yellow, ready to go red if circumstances escalate.
amen
Yes, Yes and Yes. What really kills me are people tuned into their phone, and completely tuned out to their surroundings.
Yes and I will now stop people n say hey. You gotta be aware n try to have a Convo with them. I say I care n want you safe. They appreciate my gesture most the time. I tell them folks like us in condition yellow not always around.
@@MrBlack-vg8rv yes! I'll try this. I use my phone to look preoccupied, when I'm really tuned in.
According to the Concealed Carry magazine, CRIMINALS fear someone making eye contact, especially with the look of " I wish a mother____would", they thrive on distractions, I do absolutely nothing with my phone when I am out and about, even when I am at the v.a. hospital, I am observing for ptsd Veterans and veterans trying to put on a show to increase their ratings. I digress
@@CajunReaper95 go have a drink
@@chicago44tj What the hell are you talking about? Increasing their ratings..😂 I guess you missed the last 15yrs of the War on Terror
Tip...someone with ill intent may approach and before you have eyes directly on them they will ask you "what time is it?" It's almost natural to respond by looking at your wrist or looking down at your phone. This is a perfect strike time as your head and eyes are temporarily diverted away from them.
For the past few years, my instant response to a sudden approach has been to hold up a stopping hand and tell them to STOP! Completely throws them off. Well, it worked on the two that have done this so far.... probably didn't hurt that I moved my shirt jacket to reveal a large USMC knife. I'm guessing that people who really need to know the time would be set on their heels, aghast. But a meth head in it for what you got will just quickly turn away and say nothing like the two mentioned.
Can I axe u a question ? Nope
It's a good time to mention the meaning of politeness. It is for situations like this. Polite people will say, "excuse me" and you then acknowledge or don't acknowledge. If you acknowledge then you are hopefully now paying attention. Anybody circumventing this politeness is putting off a red flag - just pay note of it.
Time for you to buy a watch.
A perfect strike Time would be just walk up not even make eye contact or speak and then bang right behind the ear with a good hard short right down you go. Then I start helping you I say call the ambulance call the ambulance this guy passed out. Why would a person with criminal intent want to let you hear their voice and get your attention and focus on them?
Thank you for this. I'm always talking about these things with people I know. Never ignore your sixth sense / gut feeling. Always expect more than one attacker. Watch hands
Is there anyone with the sense God gave a goose? If you feel something is up that little hinky feeling that is never wrong it's telling you to go away from this place. Everyone seems to buy a pistol and wants to enforce his right to park in the assigned parking lot as an apartment building with his pistol. If you feel something is up get out of that location as quickly as possible. Don't hang around waiting for multiple attackers or to see if your hunch was right or if everybody was there that you shot was in on it or somebody got hit by the crossfire that didn't intend to be hit or anyone of 10,000 disasters that can happen when you draw a weapon. Just get out of there as quickly as you can
@@wlonsdale1 I believe the fellow doing the threatening with the law-abiding weapon got knocked down and then shot the guy. Regardless law abiding gun owners have fired a lot of shots and went to jail for them.
Lol. #1 is train
*_Fun Fact:_* Humans are the only creature that will second guess the given instinct instead of taking immediate action😢
I had a 6 sense since I was young ...then the U.S.Army and overseas duty in harms way has super tune it ...Very good advice . To the average person ,when you get and ready to start your day , look outside before going out ...once outside stop and take a scan of your surroundings, look 360 or your field of view . Make you don't have someone in your yard or by your vehicle. Take a good long look back and forth . Have your keys already to go ,don't dig around looking for them ,have them when you come out . Also have you weapon ready and chamber/ loaded, you will not have time to do it ,if something happens or someone comes up on you quick . Have a back up weapon if you like . Also a knife, pepper spray, etc . Carry as much ammo as you can on you ,in other words loaded clips.
Keep your head on a swivel when out and about ,learn to read people..go somewhere one day safe ,like a food place ,where you can sit and watch people, you'll be amazed at what you can learn .
Always look people in the eye , don't back down or lower you head ,it's a sign of weakness. If someone is giving you a hard stare ,give it back ...
If you get into a confrontation with someone ,try and keep you distance from them so they can't just grab you , if in fear for your life pull your gun and let them know it and try to back out , NEVER EVER let them take your firearm from you period . If in a place where you end up trap ,back yourself into a corner ,so they'll have to come to you face to face and you can't be attacked from behind. If you end up hand to hand all bets off and do whatever you have to do to WIN ,PICKUP whatever you find to use as a weapon, bricks , wood, table ,chair, anything ...bite, jab in the eyes, you name it...once done call the police...if your gun was used ,let them know you were in fear for your life ,you need to go to the hospital, you'll not make any official statements for 48 hours ,and after you talk with your lawyer . Just a few thoughts and insights from this Ol Soldier....smile . Stay alert ...stay alive
Wish I can like this a few time your 1000 percent right
I'm glad I don't have raving paranoia I have situational awareness. I'm on fire watch I'm looking for fire. That's what you see mostly fire gas leaks things like that. You have the raving paranoia version of situational awareness it's all about the people around you.
Just happened to me last week. I changed my stance and prepared to draw while verbally asking the perp, "You good?" He kept copying what I would say and do. Once he realized I was in a draw position yet not revealing my tool, he walked past me. It was then that I saw he was pretending to grip a gun in a holster but it was really a black cellphone in a hip holster while he is dressed in all black at night with a black hat and black face mask on. I found out a few days later that in our same neighborhood that same weekend 2 groups of people had been robbed with the perps pretending that they had a gun while robbing the victims.
Get em boss, good on you for calling that bluff. Awareness is paramount, without it we are all the next victim.
Wow. Now imagine if u didn’t have ur gun on you smh. Great job on your situational awareness.
I'm happy you didn't wind up shooting someone or shooting at someone and missing and hitting someone else. All these people cheering for you like you're some law enforcement hero are totally misguided. Even if you were threatened in a populated area and you pull out your pistol to defend yourself you still can miss and shoot an innocent bystander. I prefer the death penalty for any legitimate gun owner who shoots at a legitimate criminal and Mrs and hit someone who was not involved
@@CajunReaper95 probably ur upper lip
I showed you mine, now you show me yours.
When I was leaving work in a not too great part of town 2 men approached me. One was talking to me at 100 mph while his companion drifted to my side trying to get behind me. I did a side step and turned to face both of them twice and laughed at them before they realized I wasn't going to let one of them get behind me. I am sure being a big guy helped them decide to move along, but demonstrating situational awareness, or street smarts helped too. They generally want an easy target.
Twice now I've had no-s**t encounters that ended short of physical violence because I took action that led potential attackers to realize I was not going to be an easy target. Get your heads out of your phones people and pay attention to what is going on around you.
I was taught situational awareness when I was just a boy. It has proven to be a very valuable tool and has enabled me to quick and quietly remove myself from the threatening situation without harm coming to anyone.
Outstanding episode!
It was the horse which tipped me off to something unusual at the pasture - Scarlett's head was held up high, ears forward, intently looking up the hill behind me. Turning around to see what she was paying attention to, I see a trespasser emerging from a stand of trees. He had been stealing fruit and did not communicate in English. I escorted him out without incident then notified the sheriff.
Scarlett enjoyed some extra cookies for her great detective work.
Thanks for not shooting or intimidating a hungry person with a weapon on your property
@@wlonsdale1 Trespassing and theft? Likely could be justifiable if you shoot. You steal food from a farm, you're stealing the farmers paycheck. I doubt the majority of people would shoot someone for stealing fruits, its not like its livestock, but regardless it could be justified, especially if its in a castle doctrine state.
Another indicator that you are about to be attacked is if the person or persons are walking toward you and they have no expression at all on their face. I experienced this many years ago and put my hand under my sweater and on the grip of my pistol to be ready. As soon as l did this the 2 men walking toward me and my wife turned around and went in the opposite direction.
Thank you for all the situation awareness. It helps me everyday in my life. God bless you all and stay safe.USCCA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks for the support!
I experienced a stare down once that chilled me to the core.
I was in a grocery store and a customers cart was blocking the isle unattended, so I moved it to one side. That lead to the stare down.
I shrugged it off and moved on.
Next thing you know while at checkout the alarms went off and the person staring me down was pushing their cart out the door without paying full of meat and throwing it into their vehicle.
Good thing we were in the grocery store.
You can feel it in your gut, the tension in the air. Once I’m alarmed I’m always watching their hands at this point. If avoiding the situation is not an option than it’s time to go on the offense and strike first and open throttle.
Thanks for detailing the signs of an imminent attack. They can be subtle but when your Spidey Sense is telling you things aren't right, these physical details serve to keep you from dismissing it as paranoia and can save your life... maybe even save the perp's life if he's smart and lucky. I don't ever want to have to shoot someone but I will. I refuse to be a victim.
Great point about not dismissing a potential threat as just paranoia. This is called "normalcy bias" and can get you killed.
In my younger days in the Navy, when they called me Delta Dawn, I spent time in many countries, as well as, less-than-desireable parts of town in U.S. cities. I developed a very alert attitude that roamed with me wherever I went, even when I was in a safe space. I retired from the Navy 22 years ago and the edge slowly dulled. Recently, I've noticed my edge getting sharper again somewhat automatically with the local news. I've even found myself avoiding a person's left, what I consider the grab hand. Keeping my head on a swivel. Good advice on the vid. Thanks for the refresher.
Good video. I mark my journey in self defense, 5 years ago, not with the purchase of my first pistol (10 years ago) , but with reading Jeff Cooper. Information like this, dealing with reading the signals of a coming attack has saved me from 4 ambushes. Keep up the excellent work Kevin
I'm sure that you are absolutely certain that something was going to happen but did not. My situational awareness training has kept me from being trampled by an elephant four times.
@@markmcgoveran6811 My situational awareness game needs to improve: I wasn't expecting a troll attack on this site.
I have learned so much watching your self defense and 'legal' informational videos. Thank you for these videos and tips. God bless all-yall's!
Absolutely on point. This is why I’m a member of the USCCA
Me too!!
I’m a member but I will probably never use them for anything but training their insurance policy is sketchy af
@@danielwaters306 so where else is your coverage
Me to Elite member since September 30 of 2021
@@danielwaters306 may I ask why you feel this way
That last point, the hunch, saved my life about a yr ago. A casual acquaintence had too much drink, or was on something and felt offended by something i did or didnt say, ill never know. When i asked what his problem was, he started swinging his fingers at my throat. 4 yrs of filipino martial arts training kicked in and i jumped back and caught a glimpse of the blade he was cupping with his hand. Thankfully i was able to keep dodging and created enough distance to run.
Thankfully we had practiced reality in the dojo with one side being unarmed vs armed. That and being street smart and realizing something was off saved me that night.
Someone followed me around the grocery store once and then followed me when I left the parking lot. .I locked my doors and drove aimlessly around so that he wouldn't know where I live. He gave up after a while knowing I was on to him. It really creeped me out. Point is, I wouldn't have noticed him if I hadn't been alert or on my cell phone instead.
It seems that what you teach in this video especially about attackers is absolutely correct. I know as a carrier I became a lot more aware of these mechanisms. I am a lot more cautious and have a more wait and see attitude toward aggressive people with certain behaviors. I always look around a room where I am and pay attention to the number of possible threats. Self awareness is a key factor.
Indeed, instinct is a great tool, and remember "is better to mistake a rock as a bear, than to mistake a bear as a rock"
One thing I have learned on security jobs and just out and about is that de-escalation works. Gaining space works. Space = time. What I mean is watch videos of successful self defense. One element is usually the supposed victim will gain space which then allows them to pull a weapon or OC spray, whatever. If de-escalation fails set a verbal "fence," by saying loudly "stop, no closer!" This also calms you. Law enforcers are trained to shout out a command like this for two reasons: 1. By yelling, you squelch your own tendency to hold air in during stress, and 2. it allows any witnesses to see that you are the victim and not part of a voluntary fight (also of course it signals to the potential attacker that you mean business). I did this recently on a shoplifter who followed me back into a store and it worked. Also, if you are going to flee, flee somewhere -toward something like a building with security. In my case, I knew that there was security in the store I fled into and he would have to back me up against a confronting attacker, which was true and he did. It changed the dynamic from street/public 1-on-1 to private space 2-on-1. In the case my would-be attacker, after I set the verbal fence and had backup, the bad guy decided against further aggression. I had OC spray in my hand by this time and if he had rejected my verbal fence and renewed negotiation and continued to advance I would have "blessed him with the hot sauce."
as a 60 year old life long motorcyclist, you don't last long by being foolish or not keeping your head on a swivel. people try to kill me on my bike less than a mile from my home. every time. i would not exit any dwelling - including my own, without not knowing what was out there. you've GOT to pay attention to what's going on around you!
This is a superb video that everyone should watch. Every word and sentence is carefully crafted. Pay attention. Situational awareness and learning to "move" in your current situation is the key to your survival. Don't look like a soft target and you wont become one. Project confidence and strength and potential attackers will always choose a less secure target.
Carefully crafted, yeah he’s reading it
So glad I'm a member of USCCA.
been for 2 years now. My wife covered. I never hope I will need you. But I find your training courses most helpful.
Thank you USCCA!!!
live in the wrong area long enough you learn this stuff without even realizing
i agree, im currrently living closer to where i work, and i moved into a fixer upper house doing the owner a favor, with the trade off of low rent for working on renovations. I often get many gut feelings when out and about and even friends notice me being extremely aware. i always tell them theres no such thing as too safe. once im done with college im moving out into a nice neighborhood when i start my career
@@vicnighthorse unfortunately, stupid is damn near unavoidable these days. its always best to not need to, but it may be the circumstance youre in, best to practice it regardless, random crime is rare but real. us more experienced folks definitely should be teaching the little guys and girls how to make sure theyre safe aswell.
hey guys, i give yall grief sometimes as i dont agree on some things , BUT,, this time your dead in target... most attacks are telegraphed through certain moves and body language... you are totally right on this,,,
Videos like this and active self protection literally saved me and my family! They tried to block me in at a gas station and stepped out of the car with a high point 9mm in hand. Because I recognized what was up before they got out of the car he saw me staring him down with all the fury of hell pointed at him with my hand on my appendix. He sat right back down and spead away as fast as they could.
My wife and I are also very happy elite USCCA members if my situational awareness won’t be enough next time. 👍🏻🇺🇸
@@CajunReaper95 Oh thank you, your doubt means so much. 🥴👍
@@wlonsdale1 Active self protection is not an insurance company as far as I know, I am referring to the UA-cam channel.
@Tom Gulbranson In the 1990s, before the FBI became so political, the FBI reported that around 400,000 crimes in the US were prevented each year without a shot being fired because the intended victim had a gun.
@Tom Gulbranson Most likely by reviewing police reports. Years ago a friend of mine was looking at some family property in a wooded area with his elderly father when two men pulled up in a truck and got out. They said “Hi” but the two men said nothing just walked toward them. My friend turned so they could see the revolver on his hip and quickly returned to their truck and drove off. This type of thing happens many times without any police report so the number could actually be over a million.
This is similar to instructions I received while in the military. Situational awareness buys time, and time buys options.
I also recommend that LAW-ABIDING Citizens wear body cameras of various types to help when you are confronted by the INJUSTICE SYSTEM FOR DEFENDING YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY.
Good idea
Too risky, that video can possibly clear you of a crime, but can also seal your fate 😉
@@davidsuminski4243 David, since I am a LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS/VETERAN I will take my chance, and with the help of USCCA I feel confident.
@@terryjohnson7196 Fully understand brother, I wasn't poo pooing your suggestion I was merely opening the conversation to the good and bad . Thank you for your service.
I'd really like to see @USCCA address this in a video. I think it would be a informative discussion
Good idea my next place gonna have ring n security cameras motion lights etc. I will be putting dashcams in vehicle too
The thing for me is I do these things by instinct that take involuntary situational awareness. I have always been that way but now with PTSD and a lot of training it is super intense and it wares me out sometimes! This is one reason I try to avoid crowds. Crowds of folks are just to vulnerable in and of itself. But when you realize it is near impossible to find cover much less anything that could protect you until you can see the threat, that is where my mind goes automatically! I have to stay away from things like crowds where I have no control or very little in what in happening around me.
right there with you I am always on alert even when I'm around known people
I have great respect for you because you are willing to look at yourself as possibly a little bit over sensitive to these things. You are not saying everyone in the crowd is a monster that is trying to get you and I really respect that more than you could possibly know. You are saying that a crowd of people represents a lot of variables that you cannot control and you are uncomfortable in a situation where you don't have enough control so you avoid those places. My hat is off to you.
@@markmcgoveran6811 exactly 💯 correct
@ Daniel Morgan Though I do not share your PTSD experience, we do have a common sense of venerability in crowds. It limits my social life in that I avoid situations that most enjoy but I avoid. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing.
@ Mark Mcgoveran Imagine my surprise seeing your supportive comment here for Daniel Morgan. I thought you were just another troll after you smart-as* comment to me earlier. Hats off to you as well.
Great points. Being able to avoid a needless fight is a victory. Celebrate that.
Great video I have always been keenly aware of my surroundings I can tell if some one is walking behind me without even looking or hearing them
7 signs that you are going to be attacked:
1. Live in a liberal area, mainly in the Northeast and far west.
2. Your area has a lot of anti-gun laws/regulations.
3. The government in your area turns a blind eye or even supports Black Lives Matter or other "mostly peaceful" protesters (aka rioters).
4. You have a legal duty to retreat from someone who is threatening your life.
5. For the law abiding, your area has high taxes and overregulation which suffocates the law abiding.
6. The news channel of the area refers to a handful of guns as an "arsenal."
7. The legal system of the area thinks people who defend themselves and/or owns guns are a public menace to be stopped at all costs.
@ Damn funny stuff there. I'm stealing that for my next class.
@@Steve-ls3yy It is sad, funny and true. Enjoy :)
Course interception is huge, cross the street and pause, casually, then change directions. If they follow ...Bob's your uncle. No such thing as a coincidence. I'd recommend Tim Larkin's book "When Violence is the Answer." He discusses Social Hierarchy (intimidation) and the difference with Asocial Behavior (Predators). Get it on Audible. Seriously, especially if you have kids.
The gift of fear by Gavin Debecker is an outstanding read on this subject
I have that book excellent read
@atgoh93 I second that book! Bought 2 for my daughters as well.
I had that book
Good information and I needed a little brush up on one item I have not thought about in a while.
I read a statistic that said nearly every single person who was a victim of a violet crime said :
1. I was totally surprised by it. and…
2. I never saw it coming.
That’s what situational awareness is all about, first and foremost know it CAN happen to me, then look for it TO happen to me and then avoid it. That’s not being paranoid nor fearful, just being always aware.
Great reminders. Always useful content from USCCA…. Proud to be a member.
My buddy was walking down the sidewalk and got hit by a black guy he didn't know from behind, it wasn't the color of his hat, it was the color of his skin. So if you live somewhere that that is possible you have to basically be paranoid, looking behind you over your shoulder or in window reflections, etc, on a regular basis.
A women friend walks a lot, in the city from home to work and back, and she hikes or jogs in the country. She had some sketchy guys making her feel uncomfortable more than once, I bought her a knife and pepper spray gel. She was stoked, you should have seen the smile on her face, and the confidence she felt when she was getting used to the knife. Most likely it will be a deterrent that she never has to use. But if she needs it, she's got it.
Good info, Kevin. Thank you. Posted this on Truth Social, as well to share with other patriots.
The first sign that you are about to be attacked is the guy looking at you is wearing a knitted winter hat in the middle of summer.
So how do we defend ourselves in these situations?
In addition to Gladwell's "Blink", also read Gavin de Becker's "The Gift of Fear".
Thank you for this video. It contains great information. I am going to watch it several times.
"Being aware that such a game exists, and maintaining proper situational awareness, to identify these pre-attack signs, will give you a heads up to avoid & even deter such a threat"
I have a huge advantage over most people when it comes to someone trying to attack me. It's my size, I am 6' 7" and over 300#. So that in itself says to others that I am not going to be an easy target. Then add in I have good situational awareness.
Great advice. Thank you!!
Excellent ! Just Excellent presentation Kevin. Thank You !
I personally found the Taurus G3C to be an excellent choice for CC!
Love the Gladwell reference. Thin slicing works
Great video.. At 72 I'm too old to fight... BUT I'M NOT too old to SHOOT!!
Good info here, got too get past the service dog beside me tho... you wont be able too rush me to knock me out without me at least knowing you are rushing me, which still gives me some chance too response or at least move enough the initial hit doesn't knock me out. Then we will have too figure out how too get the dog off your face afterwards..... goodluck too all parties involved tho cause its gonna get crazzy.
Love yal fam, stay Frosty
Another great video, thanks. Can you expand on this and talk about the next steps, after identifying these threats? Thanks.
I keep advising my students and anyone in general, there is no such thing as "situational awareness" because life is a situation and you should *always* be aware of your circumstances.
Situational awareness comes from the military and learning certain things which may be more relevant in different "situations."
Being a person moving through daily life requires a different type of continuous awareness of all the general things around you.
It means not walking down the street with ear phones in, staring at your texts or anything which takes your attention to places other than what's in a 30' circle around you.
Walking up to your apt. door, know who is around you and if they belong or are strangers. People walk up and unlock their door while talking on the phone or simply not paying attention to anything other than what's under their noses, next thing, some guy behind and to the side of you moves up behind and pushes you into your apt., house, business, etc. and gets between you and the door, blocking your egress and starts doing bad things to you.
If someone you don't recognize is close enough to make you uncomfortable, turn around and walk away to an open, lit, populated place, back towards your car, feigning having forgotten something, etc. but get yourself away from the vulnerable spot. Crossing the street if you think you're being followed will sometimes deter someone who doesn't want to draw attention and will at least let you know to be alert and concerned, should someone cross the street or match your position and pace on the opposite side of the street. See who's focused on you and change what you're doing.
Moving down the street you always want to know who is within 30' of you. That's the distance that people can cover in a very short period of time if you're not paying attention and step into a shadow, blind spot, alley or whatever and they can rob, assault, rape or kill you and walk away like nothing happened. He'll, that's how people walk into open man holes and ditches and get seriously hurt or die.
As I say, life is a situation and you're in it all day, every day. Stop being mindless about what's happening around you and simply pay attention.
Bad things happen to people every day and when the cops ask the 20 people who were in close proximity, "nobody saw a thing" and it's not from being scared, it's literally from everyone having their heads down, thinking about things miles away.
As I said, you're not in the military, going into a specific operation which requires knowledge and awareness of certain variables as well as what's happening around you in your immediate environment... Which is the definition of "situational awareness." You are a person who has been rendered vulnerable by our society and the unpredictable environment of living with and around a series of unknowns, including the people and in which you could fall victim to both accidents and the acts of criminals, "unsavory people" and those around you that aren't paying a damned bit of attention to what they're doing, either and puting you at risk on a constant basis, like driving or waking down the street.
It's a matter of reconditioning oneself to constantly monitoring your environment. It doesn't mean you become paranoid or hyper-aware to the point you can't function, it just means that you realize that you're not alone, that things can and do happen to "innocent" people every day and to put away your cell phone and walk with your eyes up and moving around as you go through life. That act alone, letting potential bad guys see that you're aware of your environment and not walking in a fog will be the difference between being attacked by an opportunist or moving safely to your home, business or car. Badguys look for easy marks, people walking, talking to someone else and looking at their phone, all at the same time. At the person with an arm load of groceries, so intent on getting their keys out and not dropping something while talking on the phone, telling someone "don't worry, I'm home and safe" when they haven't made it in the door yet. Then they get hit from behind.
The smart, safe thing to do to ensure your safety is to first see who's hanging around. To pit down the arm load of groceries to free your hands to both open your door and to defend yourself against a badguy and if you're on the phone, *tell them* that your about to let yourself in and that you need two hands. You don't have to hang up, simply put your phone in a pocket, on a railing, etc. that's close to you so that if you have a problem, you can yell and alert the person on the phone that you need help.
So many people are robbed, assaulted, hurt or worse right as they are entering their home. It doesn't have to be a dark hallway in a NY apartment building. It can be a nice home in the burbs but the bushes by the front door are overgrown and provide a hiding spot for someone who saw you approach and knows your husband is away.
The Situations are endless so your awareness should be a natural state of being, not something you have to stop and think about. Make being aware of what's going on around you a habit, a natural thing and even a game you play with your children. "How many people can you count that are close to the house?" etc. as you get home. Call it the "Safety game" or anything you like, just let them know it's a game to keep them safe, not just silliness.
If everyone would just lift their eyes as they approach their destination or leave a bank or business, so many less attacks would happen.
You need cliff notes😁
@@larrychandler2551
Probably so. 😉
It just agrivates me when people teach the same things, over and over without including the real world stuff and propagating the clichés. I'll live. 😆
Great stuff . Don’t forget to the power of great edc flood light like the ThruNite t1 or t2 to scan your area
Very informative and educational. Thank you very much
Thank you for your support Thomas!
I appreciate the info. Thank you and everyone at USCCA.
Outstanding video! Thanks!
Eye contact is a problem for me. Personally i prefer to watch your shoulders hands and mouth. Its easier to read lips when youre watching the mouth. Watching the shoulders will allow you to see a hand coming, before you throw a punch or swing a blade your shoulders will move.
Kevin thank you. I really enjoy your videos. Proud to be a member.
Biggest thing is hands in pockets particularly if that person is asking for the time or something wherein you would show your hands. Also, there are flash mobs and something called polar bear hunting in addition to the knock put game...all of these are, at least as far as the cases I have read about, racially motivated..I suggest everyone do their own research it could save your life especially in large cities. All that said, another tactic is two guys walking towards you with no sign that they are yielding any space for you to get by. Moreover, avoid sidewalks on bridges with rails on either side of you off hours. Of course there is the old tactic of asking you a question so they can get close enough to you that you are in arms reach. One other tactic I have seen is a car driving unusual slow near you..one guy drives another gets out and robs you then he's gone.
Very good summary of pre-attack indicators. Found it to be useful review of the subject.
My husband and I are applying for our CCL. Before we did we joined USCCA.
Very informative and very well done. Thanks.
love the video, great point of view.
In my Active Shooter Training, My instructor from FLETC Told me to always Watch Hands & Waistbands! Great 4 days of Training!
Very well said and studied. I will share this will my loved onces.
As much time as Dexter spent on the gut feeling I don’t think it can ever be over emphasized. Trust your first gut feeling. It’s never far from the truth.
And sometimes you don't know you're being attacked sometimes it just comes completely out of the blue.
Thank you for this video!!!!
I have a favorite saying: "Be ever vigilant!"
Out of all the situation you described that 6th sense is the most important it never ever lies to you
Thank you for the most valuable information. Appreciated.
Keep you Is surroundings on a swibble, That would be my best guess and then get out of Dodge
Situational awareness. Learned it at age 11. Would cut grass in the neighborhood for money weekends and summer. Had two kids around 12 and 13 ride up on bikes asking if I was so and so. I shut the engine off of the mower when they came up. They asked me something irrelevant and I answered thinking no big deal. looked down to grab the pull start and got punched right in the nose and they hauled ass Good sucker punch too Didn't break my nose but close, blood everywhere. Found out later who they were and someone had them do it. Apparently someone broke someone's windows and said it was me. Well having a older brother paid off. He kicked their ass. To this day especially cutting my grass at 50 I still keep a eye out. Sorry for the long post just sharing
Nowadays your brother would be in prison and those punks would be getting cash settlements.
@@al6r725 exactly the backbone of America is gone
Does USCCA cover all States and Puerto Rico?
Great information, thanks.
very good information and very true...vigilance is paramount.
Non verbal communication includes several modalities; environment, appearance and artifacts, proxemics and territoriality, haptics, paralanguage, chronemics, kinesics, and eye contact. All these happen and are used on an unconscious level all the time, so when it feels off it may be one or several of these telling you something beyond that which the other individual many want you to know. It is important to know that these nonverbal modalities have cultural and even regional components however it is better to be ready and not need to be than the other way around. I find one of the most powerful nonverbal modality is chronemics or the use of time. This is one that is often not mentioned but as a young man chasing skirts I often used this as an indicator or predictor. If someone, anyone is interested or wants something of or from you regardless of intent they are going to give you and ask or try to otherwise take time from you and give you their time. When this happens if you consider or try to consider it consciously it can be a good indicator of interest being place on you. This interest can be good or bad intentioned but time and it's use it's give and take is often a good indicator that something is up.
I really like your content, but Instead of focusing on the confrontation, how about tactics to avoid contact with these people in the first place. Things like travel in groups. Stay to known safe paths. Etc. My employer has online training, how about develop an online curriculum for the USCCA? Seems like packs use squad style tactics, how about some counter tactics? Maybe talk to Tony Blaeur.
All great advice. Too. Just know A trip to the grocery store is dangerous too. Hell I had a lady walking toward me..in her phone and a guy came out at a distance but aggressive toward her. My Spidey senses kicked on and I got to her n pretended to be a friend. Guy looked at her as he walked by I looked right in his eyes like yeah. I made you. Not happening. Girl was grateful. She didn't know the guy n she said he probably was gonna steal my purse. I said or worse. So yeah good idea take people with you who can defend themselves.
@ Sam B Thanks for the mention of Tony Blaeur. I just google that and it looks promising.
I would like to see a segment on here on legal regarding first responder self defense. In my area, some companies have policies against firearms whatsoever. I’m more so speaking from EMS side of it. It’s very difficult to be defended in court if you defend yourself in anyway. It’s especially hard when the company you’re employed with may not have your back. I know I can’t be the only one concerned that if I defend myself rightfully on the job as a paramedic, yet not defended legally by my employer, can there be another defense in court? I’d really love to see a segment on first responder self defense and the legal side of it.
@Jeffery Hunter May I ask what type of threat you are concerned about? Can you give examples that you have heard?
@@Steve-ls3yy one of our medics were over powered by a large teenager. I guess the main example I’m asking about is any kind of attempted hostage situation, which may be far fetched. Gun point situations. I’m a a neighboring city, a medic and his partner were working a medical call when the boyfriend got in the ambulance and was in the medics space. When the medic confronted him, the boyfriend pulled a firearm and discharged at both crews. The medic also was armed and shot back, resulting in a ruled self defense shooting. I’m just curious on legal perspective with the mixes of firearms and narcotics and the use of self defense, considering we are supposed to be helping people instead if inflicting injury.
@@jefferyhunter4654 That's some crazy stuff you discribe. My respect for all you do even without risking you own life. I don't know what Kevin Michalowski or the USCCA legal staff would say but I will bring it up with them on my USCCA account (member since 2016) and when I see a USCCA rep at my local gun range.
Thanks for the great tips. People interested in this topic might try reading "Left of Bang" by Patrick Van Horne and Jason Rilley. It really digs deep deeply into the art of quickly assesing individules or groups of people in public settings, based on the US Marine Corps Combat Hunter program. Stay safe. :-)
I second the recommendation of Left of Bang. It was a game changer for me.
Thank you for content like this.
I carry always every morning pocket carry so it’s called out of site out of mind so an attacking person may not know that I may be armed
Very good info Sir
Staying on yellow alert is always helpful. Unfortunately a lot of folks are walking around in condition white are oblivious to their surroundings.
Very true unfortunately. It's scary. I wanna shake folks n says hello.
@@irishrose7053
Bitchslap the person hard enough to spin their head around 360° then ask if they are awake yet as they pick themselves up from the floor. 🤣
@@13BGunBunny right. 🤣😂🤣
I have been a victim of the "knockout game" about 2013 when it first was gaining attention while sitting at a bus stop. They only hit me once from behind and ran away because i quicky stood up from the spot i was sitting and saw a group running back to a car. I have also been jumped twice and in multiple fist fights but never been unconscious. I cant imagine the horror of not being able to be aware and it's always been my worst nightmare, actually been concussed during one time i was jumped but still remember everything, the next 2 weeks was torture and my equilibrium was out of wack. I hope people don't still play that stupid game.
Me when I stand bladed and make assertive eye contact at all times when in public areas with large crowds.
Along with situational awareness, there is no good reason these days for anyone you don't know to directly or indirectly approach you. They are an immediate threat and need to be immediately addressed before they get close. I personally like a shoot through crossbody or deep coat pocket. I don't have to draw and they never see the pistol. So no brandishing.
Very well said, that 6th sense has saved my tail many times, as a government employee I was trained in situational he try his oawareness. I make sure when I feel threatened I look directly at them, criminals are looking for victims. Watch hands, watch eyes, watch shoulders, feet. There is a tone in body language! Learn to listen. I also Always carry my keys between fingers if defense punch be necessary. If I feel someone behind me I stop and turn around, then if I feel it safe I walk a safe distance behind them…. Also learned skills to fight effectively if needed. Forethought is for-prepared!
Kevin as a woman I wish you’d do a video on how to handle being followed in your vehicle as well, what to do, where to go and what not to do! I know but so many do not know!
Drive to the police station or the ER of the closest hospital.
Driving to a police station proved futile for a friend that I know. The perp just followed her in to the station yard in his car as he had been doing for about 15mins already and denied the accusations when he was confronted. Admitted living in Africa (Zambia) our cops are not as reactive as first world countries. I am not knocking the idea but rather just conveying what happened and to take from it what you will.
I was walking down the street one day when a guy punched me and started following me home while sporadically attacking me again. I don't know what it was, but I had an inkling the he may be planning to attack me.
Great video.....thanks!!
Situational awareness should be your first tool of defense preceding a potential threat. Be educated, be prepared, be focused, be safe.
I’ve had a phone call with uscca to send me the paperwork to join and haven’t got any info yet
Always keep your head on a swivel, and present yourself as a formidable opponent. Like most predators, these people look for weakness and easy targets.
Great point about not looking like a "easy target". It's a challenge for old people like me that look too much like a safe target. My best hope is that, with my training, is to spot the threat first to ward it off or failing that, know that their surprise attack will be met with a surprise response.
thank you
I bought a cz p10c for conceal carry and it is crushing my junk tubes. Any advice for a good appendix carry gun?
Maybe it's not the gun but the holster. I'm happy with my appendix carry Philster for the Glock 45.
I agree, the cheapest option would be probably to try a good quality holster. Otherwise, Sig P365 is the boss for CCW. Good luck.