“Location, location, location” Several years ago, there was a resort that used that tag line in their advertising campaign. Since then, I have heard it used for all sorts of different situations. Strangely enough, I haven’t heard it used in reference to self-defense. The location principle is one of the greatest tools in the self-defense bag. The most efficient way to insure that you will not get hurt in a fight is simply never to have the fight to begin with. In other words, DON’T BE THERE!

There are so many confrontations that can be avoided by simply placing yourself in a safer situation. For instance, walking alone down a dark street in the inner city is a great way to get mugged. Jogging alone on an unfamiliar route. Spending a lot of time in bars will eventually cause you to be in the vicinity of (or a participant in) a physical altercation. Choosing to remain on the train tracks when you hear the whistle blow….you get the picture.

So how do we avoid confrontations by choosing a good location? One way is to listen to your “gut”. Just like the famed Leroy Jethro Gibbs from the show NCIS, we all have those gut feelings when something isn’t right. Often times, that feeling is our senses and subconscious analysis telling us that we should avoid a certain area, activity, or person. Got a “bad feeling”? Listen to it! It may save your life! Another way we avoid confrontation is by utilizing safety in numbers. If you have to go into an area that seems risky, you should try to bring someone with you. If you are walking down a street that makes you nervous, wait a few minutes for someone else to be going the same way and walk in company with them. Of course, you want to choose someone who isn’t of questionable character ;) Finally, a great way to make sure you are in a good location is to have some basic skills in situational awareness. Come back to read my blog next post to learn more about how to develop your own situational awareness.