Unexpected Attacks

Verbal action trigger

When a preemptive attack is necessary, attack from your guard with ferocity and power, preceded by a verbal action trigger, which is a word or sentence that you can use to initiate your attack. When facing an intimidating aggressor, it is difficult to know exactly when to initiate your attack. A verbal action trigger will take away your indecisiveness and automatically initiate your attack. Use an out-of-context question, such as "Do you ride a motorcycle?" so it will engage the person's brain in thought and fool him or her into thinking you are engaging in conversation. Once you state the trigger, attack with one of two of your most powerful techniques that are appropriate for the range and then escape. If by some chance your pre-emptive attack fails, the situation will enter a combat stage. Use all your defenses and attack with frenzy until you can escape. Self-protection and escape are the primary reasons for the preemptive strike but preemptive strikes may open you to criminal charges or civil liability. See the Laws of Self-Defense topic for more information.

Escape

Escape is not "running from a fight." It the adversary is not sufficiently stunned, he or she will recover in a few seconds and may attack you. Your adversary might have or obtain a weapon to use against you. Your adversary may have friends who may gang up on you. Once at a safe location, you can call the paramedics if you are concerned about the welfare of your adversary and notify the police to report the incident.

Sun Tzu in the Art or War wrote, "Attack is the secret to defense. Defense is the planning of an attack." Once an attack is inevitable, make a preemptive strike to gain the advantage. You are not in a fight where each person tries to block and counter the others attacks. You are protecting yourself from harm. It does not have to be pretty; it only needs to be effective. Sir Winston Churchill once said, "Many people stumble upon the truth and then get back up and wander off as though nothing happened." A preemptive attack may seem to be counter to your Taekwondo training, but it is the most effective way to end a threatening situation, so do not dismiss it lightly.