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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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Why Just Run is Terrible Self Defense Advice
So, whenever someone asks for the best self-defense tactic, there’s always that know-it-all person who says something like, “Just run.”
Key Takeaways
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- Running as Self-Defense: Relying solely on running is risky as it depends on athleticism and environment and may escalate danger.
- Situational Limitations: Running isn’t feasible in confined spaces, with multiple attackers, or when accompanied by others who can’t run.
- Turning Your Back: Never turn your back on an attacker; it signals weakness and leaves you vulnerable.
- Multi-Strategy Approach: Self-defense should include tactics such as de-escalation, martial arts training, and situational awareness.
Based on real-life experience and extensive self-defense knowledge, running is terrible advice. I equate telling an average person to run just as horrible as telling an untrained person to “just knock him out.”
Don’t get me wrong—running can be a lifesaver in certain situations and has severely saved my skin. But in most situations, I’ve found that running should NEVER be your first self-defense technique; there are many other better self-defense options to consider.
Why Just Run is the Russian roulette of Self Defense
If just running is your only self-defense strategy, you’re:
1) Relying on your athleticism
If you’re considering running as your self-defense strategy, you’re betting you’re in shape, faster, and by a good margin than your assailant.
50% chances are you might be wrong. And once your opponent catches up on you, you’ll be too exhausted to fight, let alone defend yourself.
I also think that simply breaking into a flat-out sprint rarely ends favorably when your body isn’t prepared. In any case, it may cause as much damage as fighting would have, including sprained ankles and a bruised leg in case you trip.
2) Assuming you’re in a flat, open environment
Many protagonists of Just Run usually assume you’re in a perfect environment that allows you to escape.
See, the just-run strategy is usually thrown out of the window when you’re in a “closed environment.” For example, a door in your path or a corner will inhibit your progress, even if you’re faster than the opponent. Also, if your attacker stands close enough to gran you, the just-run strategy won’t likely work.
Why Shouldn’t You Just Run?
Just Run is as Dangerous as Fighting
Not running challenges your opponent into a physical duel, and unfortunately, they may probably be more physically endowed and more physically capable than you. In most cases, therefore, the results won’t end in your favor.
“Just run” is not as dangerous as fighting, but it is not always a safe or viable option. Running away can be an effective self-defense strategy in some situations, such as when facing an unarmed attacker and there is a clear and safe escape route. However, it’s important to note that running away is not always possible or practical and may even escalate the danger in some cases.
Here are a few reasons why “just run” can be dangerous:
- Obstacles: In some situations, there may be obstacles that make running away tricky or impossible, such as if you are in a small, confined space or if the attacker is blocking your path.
- Multiple attackers: If you are facing multiple attackers, running away may not be a safe option, as one of the attackers may be pursued or caught while trying to escape from the others.
- Pursuit: Depending on the situation, running away may provoke the attacker to chase you, putting you in greater danger. For example, if the attacker is armed and feels threatened or provoked, they may be more likely to pursue you and use their weapon.
- Physical ability: Not everyone is physically capable of running, whether due to health issues, injuries, or physical limitations. In some cases, attempting to run away may put the person at greater risk of injury or harm.
“Just run” can be a helpful self-defense strategy in some situations, but assessing the specific circumstances and determining the best course of action for your safety is essential. It’s also important to be aware of your surroundings, have a plan for self-defense, and be prepared to defend yourself if necessary.
Turn your Back to the Attacker
A golden rule of self-defense is never to turn your back on your opponent. It would be best if you always faced them head-on.
The problem with just running is that first, you signal to the opponent that you’re “weak” and fearful. This may give your assailant more reasons to pursue you, even if they hesitate.
More importantly, if you fail to outrun your opponent, you will be exhausted, and when they catch you with your back turned on them, they’ll be in a better position to inflict more harm. You’re more defenseless with your back turned.
Turning your back to an attacker is generally not a good self-defense strategy. It can leave you vulnerable to further attack and limit your ability to defend or escape. Here are a few reasons why:
Limited visibility: When you turn your back on an attacker, you lose sight of them, making it harder to anticipate their movements and respond effectively. You may not see a weapon or other potential threats, and you may be unable to identify an escape route.
Loss of balance: When you turn your back to an attacker, you also lose your center of gravity and balance. This can make it easier for the attacker to push or pull you off balance, making it harder for you to defend yourself or escape.
Vulnerable targets: When you turn your back, you expose vulnerable targets, such as your back, neck, and head, which can be easier for an attacker to strike or choke.
No escape route: If you turn your back to an attacker, you may not be able to see where you are going, making it harder to identify an escape route. This can leave you trapped or cornered, making it harder to defend yourself or escape.
Running isn’t always an option
Sometimes, just running isn’t always an option. For example, running isn’t an option if you’re with someone other than yourself who isn’t as athletically capable as you are.
Also, if you’re confronted with your kids or family, running isn’t an option again. There are plenty of other situations where just running won’t work.
Should I Run?
Running away as your only self-defense strategy isn’t phenomenally reliable. In my opinion, the running strategy is heavily context-dependent and isn’t available in many self-defense scenarios.
When you think of running as a self-defense technique, you need to address what the running strategy is actually about. For example, when running from an attacker, the most crucial goal shouldn’t necessarily be to outrun them; it’s to change the environment.
For example, if you’re accosted in a dark alley with no one around, running towards the streets might deter the opponents. And if it doesn’t, running towards people will give you a greater chance that someone else will come to your help.
The other great thing about running is that it signals to bystanders that the aggressor and the victim are in a situation. It would be hard to determine if you just started fighting and someone happens to walk by.
But “just running away” isn’t always good literal advice; the mentality behind it is crucial. As in any self-defense tactic, the goal is usually not to beat up the opponent but to escape the attack in one piece.
And therefore, any advice regarding self-defense that includes the word “just” is bullshit. Otherwise, if it were that simple, there would be no violence.
Run
But I need to clarify: I’m not against running, and I am not saying you should never run. That would be stupid.
Running has saved my skin several times. It would be best to decide whether to run based on the situation and not use it as the only strategy.
For example, running away would probably be the best option if a group of overweight drunkards attacked you in an open field. On the other hand, if an athletic youngster grabs you while you’re inside a train or a closed room, running away would only put you in a more vulnerable position.
The best way to think about self-defense strategies, particularly running, is to use them only as a tool in the toolbox. Have a quiver of strategies that you can unleash depending on the situation.
If you can run, are confident in your athletic abilities, and have time for it, go for it. But simply relying on one strategy to keep you safe is beyond stupid. I can only equate it to not wearing a seatbelt just because your airbags will cushion you to keep you safe.
Furthermore, there’s a reason, even the most seasoned self-defense experts train martial arts and other techniques for self-defense and do not simply hit the tack all day.
Covering your Bases
If just running isn’t a reliable strategy, what is? In my opinion, there’s no best martial art for self-defense. It depends on the circumstances and situation at hand.
The best option is covering all your bases: learning a practical martial art, working on your athleticism, diffusing conflicts before they escalate, and deciding on the best approach, depending on the situation.
De-escalating the situation will depend on the situation and the attacker. For example, fighting back would be foolish if an incensed assailant corners you.
I’d say the best way to avoid the need for self-defense is to try not to find yourself in sticky situations in the first place. I understand it’s unrealistic, but trusting your guts, being aware of your surroundings, and exercising your judgment can help.
Conclusion
“Just run” is not always the best or most viable self-defense strategy in every situation. While it may be the safest option in some cases, such as when facing an armed attacker or in a situation where escape is possible and feasible, it’s not always possible or practical.
Running may not be a safe option in certain situations, such as when facing multiple attackers or when obstacles are in the way. In some cases, running may even escalate the danger and put the person at greater risk.
It’s important to note that self-defense involves more than physical techniques or strategies. It also includes situational awareness, assertiveness, and the ability to set boundaries and communicate effectively. Learning self-defense skills and strategies, such as how to de-escalate a situation or use physical force as a last resort, can be helpful in various situations.
In any case, the best self-defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances and should be determined on a case-by-case basis. It’s always a good idea to seek guidance from a self-defense expert or law enforcement professional to learn how to protect yourself in different situations.
Never assume that you can beat or outrun your opponent; choose either act as a last resort or when you don’t have any other option.
DISCLAIMER:
It’s important to note that self-defense advice is general guidance and may not be appropriate or effective in all situations. Self-defense involves assessing specific circumstances and making decisions based on available information and individual capabilities. Self-defense training should always be approached with caution and with the understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Moreover, it’s essential to understand the laws related to self-defense in your area. In many places, using force in self-defense is legal only under specific circumstances and with certain limitations. Understanding the legal aspects of self-defense is essential to avoid inadvertently breaking the law or putting yourself in further danger.
If you are interested in learning self-defense, it’s recommended that you seek out professional training from a reputable instructor. A good instructor will teach you physical techniques and cover situational awareness, de-escalation tactics, and legal considerations.
Remember, the best self-defense strategy is to avoid dangerous situations whenever possible. Stay aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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