Until
a few years back I used to run first year classes at a major university. As an
incurable people watcher the first few weeks of the first term were always
entertaining. Something interesting I observed when it was time for the first
large practical class. This was a stressful time. There is a big room of people
you don’t know and you are not sure what to expect. I would usually be standing
near the door and would be one of the first things the student would encounter.
I am big, ugly and look like I own the place. Here is what I noticed.
Young
males would enter the room, obviously nervous and uncertain. On seeing me they
would puff themselves out and try to walk with a swagger. Didn’t fool anyone
and I would often have to repress the urge to laugh.
Young
women, on the other hand would usually smile at me and would often say hello. Interestingly
many of the more mature male students also would acknowledge or greet me.
What
has this got to do with self-defence? Quite a bit really, since the first stage
of defence is to avoid a fight entirely. The young male response was to posture,
the female to placate and establish a rapport. Something to think about.
