Self Defence against Multiple Opponents

10 basic principles which you need to be able to apply when considering self defence against multiple opponents. 

In 2010 there were 1.7million recorded violent incidents of crime in the UK. Of these:

45% attack on their own (1 on 1)

23% attack with 4 or more (4+ on 1)

18% attack 2 on 1

12% attack 3 on 1

As you can see the majority of attacks do involve more than one person and as such, any self defence system must take this into account.

Here are 10 things you can do to help: 

1. Scan for threats and always train under the assumption that there is more than one attacker.

2. Never underestimate the potential for a situation to escalate or for the attackers to “stop” the assault.

3. Never underestimate the seriousness of a situation

4. Never underestimate your opponent(s)

5. Always fight back with 100% commitment and aggression once the attack starts

6. Always be alert/never in white zone – was there an opportunity BEFORE the attack where had the guy been alert he may of been able to avoid/run/de-escalate? (this is very important)

7. Always fight back – fight hard and never ever give up.

8. If you go the ground you MUST get back to your feet as soon as possible. You must know that the second it goes to the ground it will invite kicks/stomps to downed opponent.

9. If you must you will have to weather the blows, get to your feet, stack where possible and fight fight fight.

10. If you are a “hard” target it will increase your chances of survival eg continually fighting back/landing strikes etc.