Quote Originally Posted by GQ-Bouncer View Post
most of the time though, you can diffuse any situation by speaking, "hey man, i don't want this, i just want to go home, i'm sorry" - as long as you make the attacker(s) feel dominant, they should have no reason to physically attack you. At the same time, if you show fear, psychologically (doctors have proven this) you have more of a chance of getting pounced upon - apparently it happened in the animal kingdom pretty often. As long as your assertive and articulant you should never be in to much danger
This is even more effective if you keep your hands up, palms out, and arms extended in front of you. The average guy is gonna think that you are showing him that you have nothing in your hand and that it is a "by your leave gesture." People with training will recognize that your hands are now in a position to be used more effectively than if they were at your sides...which is the point. Additionally, any witnesses that talk to the cops are going to interpret your body language the same way that the untrained do: "I am not a threat to you, leave me alone." If you do this at a few paces away don't close the distance and don't change the message. You have the right to protect yourself and your space. Your space in a reasonably uncrowded area is arm length.