Victim Selection

An analysis of the movement and body language of the people on the videotape had the following results:

• Stride. People selected as victims had an exaggerated stride: either abnormally short or long. They dragged, shuffled, or lifted their feet unnaturally as they walked. Non-victims, on the other hand, tended to have a smooth, natural, heel-to-toe stride.
• Rate. Victims tend to walk at a different rate than non-victims. Usually, they walk slower than the flow of pedestrian traffic. Their movement lacks a sense of deliberateness or purpose. However, an unnaturally rapid pace can project nervousness or fear.
• Fluidity. Victims had an awkward body movement. Jerkiness, raising and lowering one's center of gravity, or wavering from side to side. This was contrasted with smoother, more coordinated movement of the non-victims.
• Wholeness. Victims lacked "wholeness" in their body movement. They swung their arms as if they were detached and independent from the rest of their body. Non-victims moved their body from their "center" as a coordinated whole implying strength, balance, and confidence
• Posture and Gaze. A slumped posture is indicative of weakness or submissiveness. A downward gaze implies preoccupation and being unaware of one's surroundings. Also, someone reluctant to establish eye contact can be perceived as submissive.

These traits reflect a person's perceived vigilance and potential to fight. The researchers concluded that, when people understand how to move confidently, they can reduce their risk of assault. Taekwondo study and training develops the qualities of movement that discourage victim selection and helps people project a "don't mess with me" demeanor. You cannot simply "pretend" or "fake" confidence and expect to ward off predatory selection. However, each of these qualities may be developed through the study of Taekwondo and may dramatically reduce the risk of assault.