Jermaine Andre's 22 Strategies to NEVER have to Defend Yourself

Posted on June 30, 2018 by Jermaine Andre, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

Jermaine Andre’s 22 strategies to never have to defend yourself!

Hogwash! You may say as you read the title of this article that is written by a retired world champion fighter, and bodyguard who now specializes in teaching others how to whip the socks off of someone who dares to attack them. Of course everyone thinks self-defense is about “fighting” but I’m here to tell give you a realistic and non-Hollywood outlook on what may someday save your life, and the life of a loved or innocent one.

I’ve always told the fighters and bodyguards that I train a simple philosophy, “You have to be able to take an @ss whipping before you can give one!” Well now I have a philosophy of self-defense for you! “You have to be able to not have to defend yourself, to be able to defend yourself!”

Even though this statement may sound counterproductive to making you a vigilante, locked and loaded Sylvester Stallone clone, it makes perfect sense in the world of the martial arts. That is because the first step in the martial arts is to not be offensive. Or in other words, your first tactic to defend yourself is executed by avoiding situations that can lead to a physical showdown, because in reality, no one ever wins a street fight! Weapons get introduced, multiple attackers, compromising terrain, law enforcement and worse of all, future covert retaliations.

As a professional bodyguard it was my main mission to keep my client away from any and all confrontations, especially anything that could lead to me having to defend myself. If I ever had to defend myself during a bodyguarding situation that would mean I wasn’t defending my client at the moment. And this meant I was failing! Therefore, it was my priority to always have total knowledge and control of the areas that I subjected my client to. I was also sure to have knowledge of and control of the people who would be in the area. I used strong behavior monitoring tactics to predict the intentions of others and stay 3 steps ahead of anything that could ever happen. And I used these strategies so much that they eventually became daily habits in all that I do.

So now that you’re well versed on how not getting into a fight is self-defense, allow me to educate you on how you can accomplish this goal daily with my “22 Strategies to Never Have to Defend Yourself!”

1. Know the weather.
Bad weather can get you in an accident, traffic jam and even stuck in a place that you don’t want to be stuck in. Knowing the predicted weather will allow you a head start on conditions that may hinder your travel.
2. Assure travel vehicle is full of gas and functional.
Running out of gas or breaking down can put you in position to have to defend yourself. Sometimes it can take over an hour for a tow truck or roadside assistance can get to you. Keep in mind that criminals sometimes travel the roads looking for people in distress.
3. Know ABOUT your destination prior to going.
Knowledge about your destination gives you an idea on what kinds of situations can occur. This puts you a step ahead of anything that could happen because you are expecting it. Is the place that you’re going to known for having problems and trouble makers? Even if it is a friendly establishment, is it in a neighborhood that may not be friendly? Will potential trouble makers be attending the area for the type of event that may be occurring? Always have an idea of what you’re subjecting yourself to and you can see bad things before they happen.
4. Go with sensible friends.
Attend your functions with friends who are sensible and not looking for trouble. It will do you no good to allow a hot head to constantly place you in the middle of confrontations that you didn’t start. Keep friends with you who are also aware and interested in safety.
5. Know the proprietor of the establishment that you are attending.
Get acquainted with the owner, management and security of the establishments that you frequent. This makes you a valuable face and name to them which will encourage them to pay more attention to your satisfaction & safety. It will also give them pride to make you and your associates feel safe under their umbrella.
6. Carry a small flashlight.
Light has many advantages besides illuminating dark corners when you can’t see. I advise a small flashlight that can fit on your car keys ring, or in your pants pocket. The idea of this light isn’t for bludgeoning self-defense purposes so it doesn’t need to be big. I want you to have a flashlight that you’re comfortable carrying anytime, anywhere. A small flashlight will aid you in lighting dark corners and areas in the establishment as you pass through it. You can also use your mini light to light your path and the area around your vehicle during night areas. This can ward off potential attackers. Some of them may even assume that you’re a cop and totally vacate the area.
Light can also be used as a distraction tool for an escape by flashing it in the eyes of your potential attacker. This will cause his pupils to dilate and temporarily blind him.
Your mini flashlight can also be used to signal people. Emergency responders such as police officers, medical personnel and security are conditioned to respond to blinking flashlights. This allows you the option of getting their attention without having to use your voice.
7. Book private section or RSVP if allowed.
If you’re going to a venue or show you should always have a place reserved for yourself and friends. This will keep you away from the frustrating crowd where trouble can brew. This will also put you in an area where you can monitor where your friends and other people.
8. Arrive before the crowd.
When you arrive before the crowd it allows you the choice of the best parking spots available. Park close to the establishment and assure that the area is well lit if you are going to be there during the night hours. Arriving before the crowd will also allow you the option of where you choose to sit or stand for the event that you are attending. You can then watch the rest of the crowd enter, and make evaluations regarding who appears to be a potential trouble maker.
9. Keep seats of vehicle clear.
When a criminal chooses to break into a vehicle they will usually peer into the window to see if there’s something that appears of value. Very rarely will a criminal bust the window out of random vehicles just to see if anything is in them. He would fear giving up his position for nothing. The break in is a gamble of swiftness so he wants to assure that giving up his position is worth the effort. Always keep your seats clear of bags, purses, envelopes, bank slips, wallets, weapons etc… It is my advice to leave absolutely nothing on the seats or floor. If you have valuables, lock them in the trunk or get a car safe.
10. Valet park in front of the establishment.
Valet park in front of the establishment even if it costs an extra $20. Criminals usually stay away from the entrance areas of venues due to the doorman, valet, host, police and the consistent traffic of people entering and leaving. It’s best to have your vehicle in that area rather than parked somewhere out of the establishment’s view. There is also another reason that I say it is best to have your vehicle parked right in front of the establishment. Regardless of how good the valet’s intentions may be, he may valet your vehicle to a dangerous part of the neighborhood surrounding the establishment. This could mean your car being returned to you with the windows busted out from a break in that occurred out of the valet’s sight and control.
11. Befriend and security, valets, hosts etc…
The valet, doorman, hosts, and security can play a very important part in your safety. These are the men (or women) who are one step away from what’s happening on the streets of the establishment. They usually have ties with the street people and sometimes even the “bad guys”. If an undesirable person chooses to make a move on you, your friendship with one of these staff members can bring an immediate halt to this action by their single word. Valets can also inform you of dangerous incidents that may have occurred while you were inside as well as advise on which directions to travel to better assure safety.
12. Scan and identify potential dangers and dangerous persons upon entering.
Before you enter the parking lot of the establishment look for suspicious vehicles. Also look for suspicious people hanging out in the parking lot. Always ask yourself, “Why is that there? Why are they there?” If you can’t make sense of their presence, don’t enter the area.
Look for police activity. Do the police seem aggressive and frustrated? If so, this may mean that they have been dealing with a lot of incidents. Do you see police officers arguing or fighting with individuals who seem to have no respect for authority? If so, this is a sign to stay away from that area.
Scan the tone of other patrons & staff as you enter the area or establishment. Does everyone seem happy to be there with plans of a good time or do they appear nervous and on alert? Look for potential trouble makers. Are there individuals in the area who appear to be looking for trouble rather than enjoying themselves? These are all signs that you may be in a place that could lead to your having to defend yourself.
13. Identify exits.
Always know exactly where the doors that lead out of the building are. Try to constantly identify the clearest, fastest path to one of them. It is also a good idea to remain near one of the exits if possible while also keeping a lazy eye on it to assure no one comes through it with bad intentions.
14. Scan the tone of the environment every few minutes.
Even though the area may have been kosher when you walked in, all of that can change within seconds. Be sure to randomly scan the area to check the tone of the setting. Look for the brewing of potential trouble. If things appear to be getting rowdy, it may be time for you to leave. Be smart.
15. Keep your back to a wall and always face the crowd.
I know this may sound a little along the lines of paranoia but you wanted my ideas on how to never have to use self-defense so read up. I have to give you everything. Placing your back against the wall not only shuts down the possibility of someone sneaking up behind you, it also gives you a full view of the area, and the people in it.
16. Take a friend to the bathroom with you.
If you have to get up to enter a secluded area such as the bathroom, it is best to take someone with you. We are very vulnerable when in the bathroom. It’s a place where we choose to relax as we place ourselves in a compromising position to relieve ourselves. We can be easily caught off guard by an attacker. When we take a friend with us we have another set of eyes and fists if necessary. The presence of a friend may even discourage an intended attack.
17. Befriend the local police if possible.
The local police are usually near. If you get a chance to say hi to them and shake a hand, do it. Local police usually love to befriend citizens. They enjoy the feeling of being known and appreciated as a protector of mankind. When a local police officer knows who you are, he or she will add an extra eye out for you when you’re in the area.
18. Never over inebriate.
If you’re at a function where alcohol is served and you choose to partake, be sure to never over do it. Drink a glass of water to every alcoholic drink that you consume. This will help to balance you out and keep you from entering an uncontrollable stupor state of drunkenness. Also be sure to never accept drinks from someone who you do not know, and to protect your drinks stronger than you protect your wallet.
19. Leave before the end of the show or wait 30 minutes until after the crowd leaves before leaving.
Leaving before the end of the main feature of entertainment or closing time will allow you a clear path out without having to bump shoulders with everyone else as they leave the establishment excited, enthused or possibly angry.
If you can’t leave before the end of the show it is best to stick around until the majority of the crowd has cleared out.
20. Maintain distance from street strangers.
Keep a distance of 10-20 feet from strangers whom you don’t know. Don’t be suckered by people handing out flyers for events, homeless etc… If you want to give to the homeless, find a good shelter that is helping homeless people to straighten out their lives and get involved safely with them. You never know for sure if the person who is approaching you to beg for money is really a homeless person looking for assistance, or a criminal ready to take what you have including your life. It’s not worth the gamble. It’s best to look ahead when walking and plan your route so you don’t have to pass by these types of people.
21. Identify and steer clear of suspicious vehicles.
While driving, look for vehicles that are moving slower and/or faster than normal. Change your speed and switch lanes sporadically to assure that no one is possibly following you. Assure that you stay far enough behind the vehicle that is front of you, so you have time to hit the brakes if he crashes or slams his brakes. I make a practice of assuring that I can see in front of the vehicle that is in front of me at all times. This gives me more reaction time that can aid in avoiding an accident which will surely lead to an argument and possibly a moment of having to use self-defense.
When parked and/or walking to and from your vehicle keep an eye out for suspicious looking vehicles such as:
• Vehicles with tinted windows
• More than 1 person sitting in the vehicle
• Suspiciously dressed driver and/or passengers.
o Dark colored clothing.
o Hats riding low on the face.
o Ski masks.
• Vans with blacked out windows or no windows
22. Don’t flash cash or jewelry.
Flashy jewelry and clothing are an announcement to criminals that you may be wearing or carrying things of value that can be stolen for profit. Of course we all like to look our best when under the scrutiny of the public eye, but keep in mind that while you may be impressing friends with your wonderful taste, you may be attracting those who will hurt you to acquire your styles for themselves.
It is also best to carry small amounts of cash for tipping and emergencies only. Approximately $100-$150 in medium-small bills. Mainly use credit cards to pay for purchases. You never know who is in with who when it comes to a robbery. A cashier, bartender or waiter who is in with local criminals could easily make a phone call that sets you up to be robbed right after you flash your pocket full of $100 bills.