Victim Selection

Much of the predator/prey selection process is subconscious. It is unlikely that you can consciously and consistently control non-verbal signals that you project. However, you can learn skills that will change your non-verbal signals. Some benefits gained from Taekwondo training include:

• Awareness. Predators seek victims who are unaware, preoccupied, and easy to ambush. By becoming more aware of your surroundings, you not only increase the odds of detecting a potential predator, but you project an image of vigilance.
• Fitness. Your level of fitness impacts your ability to defend yourself:
  • If you are attacked your ability to successfully escape or fight off the attacker is dramatically impacted by your physical condition.
  • A strong, well-toned body will manifest the quality of movement of a non-victim.
  • Fitness impacts your personality in a positive way. The increased self-esteem, confidence, and emotional resilience that result from being in good physical condition are non-victim qualities that predators want to avoid.
• Reduced Chance of Attack: Taekwondo training reduces the likelihood of having to defend yourself. It teaches you about confrontational situations and helps you develop tools to deal with them.
• Knowledge. Knowledge reduces fear and builds confidence. Confidence is a non-victim quality. Read books and articles about Taekwondo and self-defense. Do what you can to clarify your "mental maps" of how confrontations happen, how to avoid them, and how to respond if you cannot avoid them.