Self Defense Awareness: 4 Reasons to Survey Your Surroundings

If they ever design a talking Krav Maga instructor action figure (I don't anticipate this by the way) one of the phrases you will here when you pull the string is "Scan!"  Our self defense instructors in Toronto and Oakville emphasize the importance of scanning your surroundings.  It is a difficult habit to develop as most students focus exclusively on the attacker(s).

Here are 4 reasons we tell you over and over to scan, scan, scan , scan.........

1. More Attackers?:  Don't assume your assailant is alone. Look around for his "friends".
2. Environmental Dangers: Successful self defense means getting home safe.  Don't be exclusively focused on the attacker and, for example, run into busy traffic or off a subway platform. 
3. Exits/Escape Routes:  If you haven't already, now is the time to look for an escape route.  Why successfully defend a sudden knife stab only to put yourself in a corner where you have to engage the attacker again?
4. Common Objects: Look for objects you can use to defend yourself (chairs, bottles, rocks, household items...)

Yes, students will get annoyed by our "broken record" message but scanning is a skill that can save your life.

Stay safe,

Christopher Gagne
Lead Instructor and Owner
International Krav Maga Federation(IKMF), Toronto
416-657-1028

Ikmftoronto.com