THE Most Important Element in Self-Defense?

[gvf]

"If you had to choose, which is THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL element in a good program of Self-Defense?"

It's not an easy choice, but since it's my poll: I would choose situational awareness, avoidance being the easiest way to stay safe. After that, if it happens, it's an open question how it ends. I'd rather it didn't start....

I'm better at this since I've had my CCW. I was worried it would allow me to be blase' about danger. I find the reverse: I now try to avoid any hint of trouble, before it was to keep from being killed or hurt, now it's that plus wanting to avoid a split-second judgment upon which a life depends, as well as the potential of years in prison. I try to stay alert, and when I sense danger, to pay attention and not ignore it - especially when on foot at night, the time I CCW the most.

[Keltyke]

Awareness: Know where you are and be alert to your surroundings.
Willingness: Be willing to defend yourself.
Ability: Carry a weapon that you're good with and that is reliable.

[Deaf Smith]

Hmm.

Lots of things are so important it's hard to say one is the 'most important'.

Situational Awareness definatly is near the top.

Willingness to defend oneself without hesitation is also up there.

Having a vailable method of defense (I hesitate to say gun cause that might not be a feasible alternative in many situations or localities) is also up there.

Maybe just being lucky is at the top.

[BikerRN]

AWARENESS

With good awareness you can often avoid situations before they become problems. The other stuff is needed too, as we don't live in a vacum. It all "blends" together to make a cohesive functioning part, the tools, training, awareness, etc.

Biker

[Musketeer]

No Brainer.

Awareness


Even with just Awareness one without the drive to use force in his own defense can manage to avoid the vast majority of situations where it would be needed.

Without awareness the most tacticoolly armed world class shooter with a homicidal desire to shed blood can easily be taken unaware and be so far behind the curve he can never catch up.

[ISC]

its far better to avoid a confrontation than to win it by killing someone unless your mission is to kill someone. Situational awareness allows you to do that.

[txbirddog]

I would say other. My thought is "confidence". Confidence in my ability, my firearm and confidence in all of my surroundings, including bystanders.

[BamaBowtie]

I voted "other" because when it comes down to it mental preparedness is the most important factor. If you are not prepared to defend yourself without hesitation, awareness, skill, and gun/caliber will not matter.

[Keltyke]

I'll repeat and agree with the other posters, AWARENESS. "Let's get outta here!" is far better than "Get down!".

[PT111]

A fast set of legs to get you out of there. "Feets, don't fail me now"

[Chui]

MIND(set) tops all in every conceivable aspect of any and everything. Always. That has been my observation.

[chopz]

i good, healthy relationship with one's Maker.

and awareness.

[cschwanz]

I voted awareness. The most important TOOL in a SD situation is your brain!

[woodland]

I voted other. To me the most important thing is mind set. That covers all other aspects. Situational awareness is very important, but total mind set includes this. Gun/Caliber choice has been proven over and over again to not be the most important. Shooting skill will only help you if you have a gun.

Having a mind set to never quit and to keep going no matter the obstacle will enable you to survive against some amazing odds. Whereas another with the perfect gun and best skills, but lacking the mind set to survive, will fail.

[Mannlicher]

I have always felt the most important single aspect with regards to self defense, is the willingness, or ability to actually react.

[scoutleader]

Awareness is everything, don't forget to listen to that little voice in your head that is telling you something. My wife hate that I make her stop shopping and get out of stores when there is something that just doesn't feel right. The little hairs on the back of my neck have saved my hide more than just once.
my 2 cents.

[MWM]

I voted "other" that -other- being training. Appropriate training encompasses ALL other aspects of self defense or offensive aggression if required.
MWM

[Deaf Smith]

We were 'aware' the Japanese ,from the Sino-Russian war, could strike without any declairation of war. We were 'aware' they also had stuck major navial installions as they did at the first of the Sino-Russsina war. We were also 'aware' they were planning something since we cut off their oil. Still we did nothing.

Awareness does nothing if you do nothing.

[anhyun45]

I have to vote for confidence.
Even if one was aware of the dangerous situation, if he lacks confidence to deal with it effectively, he loses an edge.

[Zak Smith]

Mindset.

[yzernie]

In my mind situational awareness is a totality of the circumstances and incompasses many different things. Your consciousness of your surroundings, your observation skills of those very surroundings, your willingness to avoid those situations (if possible), your willingness to use other options than your gun, your willingness to use the gun if necessary, your proficiency with the gun. I voted situational awareness but in my mind there is much more to it than that.

[threegun]

Having something to defend yourself with is also important but getting caught off guard is bad.

[DougO83]

Grey Matter...It encompasses the options listed and many more..

[chopz]

oh wait - everyone seems to have forgotten the most important element of self defense:

don't ignore intelligence and warnings of an impending attack for 8 months.*








*just joking - please don't kick me out

[tplumeri]

i voted awareness but there's alot to be said for training. ie; being able to use your weapon like you were born with it in your hand!
JMHO
tom