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Welcome, this is the first article of my S.A.F.E (Safety Advice For Everyone) Series. If you haven't already, please have a read of my introductory article: https://www.notesofnnaji.com/my-blog/s-a-f-e-safety-advice-for-everyone
What is the unknown? Who knows. I define it as anything that may cause you harm and/or make you a victim before you are able to identify it as an immediate threat. It could be a petty bag snatcher, a picket pocket, a group of muggers or maybe even teens that want to have a 'laugh' at your expense.
With this article I have decided not to bombard you with advice, but instead to simply convey a message. I believe that through reading this article, you will have a good understanding of the basis for all the other articles of my series that are to follow.
I train in a number of self-defence and martial art techniques regularly. I do so not to be the toughest guy in the room, but to possess the ability to effectively defend myself and others if need be. The hope is that I never have to use my acquired skills and techniques, ironic I know.
''It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.'' -Whitney Young
Regarding self-defence, I like to tailor the above quote and read it as: ''It is better to know how to defend yourself and not have to, than to have to defend yourself and not know how to''.
In other words, I would rather diligently practice countless techniques in hand-to-hand combat and never have to use them, as opposed to being faced with a threat or physical assault and not have the skills and/or knowledge to deal with it.
Those who train because they want to... do not know who or what they are training for. However, we train nonetheless as we are literally preparing ourselves for the unknown. In order to explain my point further I usually use boxers as an example. Take Anthony Joshua (UK Heavyweight boxer) for example.
When a fight has been agreed between AJ (Anthony Joshua) and his opponent, he has endless information at his disposal prior to the fight:
He knows who he will be fighting (age/weight/height/experience).
He knows when he will be fighting (time and date).
He knows where he will be fighting (venue, city, street).
He will also know how his opponent will be fighting i.e. professional and regulated boxing only - no weapons etc.
My point is this, my reality and your reality are not the same... our reality is the unknown.
Let's be honest, no mugger, thief or gang will give you a two weeks' notice informing you of how they intend on making you their victim. No ill-minded individual will ever let you know in advance of how the mean to cause you harm.
If that were the case, you would be able to avoid it all together. Therefore, whilst out in public you must constantly be aware of your surroundings and not make yourself an easy target.
Thank you for reading!
Be careful out there! This place we call earth can be a very dangerous place.
Stay safe. Stay blessed. Work hard. Don't stress.
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