Mindset & Situational Awareness

Smart choices prevent fights. This lesson gives you a practical awareness model, simple de-escalation tools,
and a civilian use-of-force overview so you can avoid problems — and make lawful, ethical decisions if danger finds you.

🧠 Why Mindset Matters

You won’t “rise” to the occasion — you’ll fall to your level of training and habits.
Avoidance beats performance: the best win is not being there.
Decide ahead of time: your priority is escape, not ego. Winning an argument isn’t worth losing your freedom or safety.

①–④ Awareness Levels (Civilian-Friendly)

Use these as behavior goals, not fear states. Most days live in Yellow.

① White: Unaware/inattentive. OK at home with doors locked; not in public.
② Yellow: Relaxed awareness. Head up, hands free, light scan, notice exits/people.
③ Orange: Specific concern identified (“That guy is closing fast”). Make a plan: change path, add distance, put a barrier between.
④ Red: Imminent threat. Act on your plan — move, verbalize, escape, or if unavoidable, defend within the law.

👀 Pre-Assault Indicators (What to Watch For)

Target glances (looking around for witnesses) or hidden hands.
Grooming behavior (touching waistband/pocket) or blading the body to you.
Rapid closing distance / intercepting your path; sudden angle changes.
Verbal “rituals”: forced engagement, insults, demands for the time/light/phone.

② Managing Unknown Contacts (MUC)

Posture: Hands up at chest height (non-threat), bladed stance, weight athletic.
Space: Keep two arm-lengths minimum; step to maintain it, don’t retreat in a straight line forever.
Voice: Calm, firm boundary: “Sorry, can’t help. Please stay back.” Repeat once, louder.
Movement: Angle off; put a barrier (car, counter, bench) between you and them.

🗣️ De-Escalation & Disengagement

Lower your tone, slow your cadence, keep commands short (“Back up. Stop.”).
Apologize/exit even when “right” — your goal is leaving safely.
Use environment: lighting, doors, staff, crowds. Ask for help early.
Call 911 when needed; be the first good narrator of events.

📊 Use-of-Force Overview (Typical Civilian Model)

Presence → may deter.
Verbal commands → clear, firm instructions.
Empty-hand control → breaking contact, shielding, non-lethal intervention.
Less-lethal options where lawful (e.g., spray).
Deadly force → only when you face an immediate threat of death or great bodily harm.

Legal reminder: Outside the home you generally must avoid being the aggressor; deadly force requires an
imminent, credible, and unavoidable threat. Know your state’s statutes and local rules.

🏠 / 🚗 Practical Habits (Home & Public)

Park in lit, active areas; head up on approach/departure; keys ready.
Carry phone with voice-only earbuds or none; eyes up, not glued to screens.
Stage a small flashlight; light lets you identify before you act.
At home: lock/alarms, known safe-room, family call-out plan, medical kit accessible.

③ Decision Checks Under Stress

Avoid? Can I leave right now with my people?
Distance? Can I add steps/angles/barriers to break the problem?
Call help? Can I get staff/911 on the way early?
If force is unavoidable: Do they have ability, opportunity, intent, and is it imminent? Do I have a safe backstop?

✅ Quick Knowledge Check

Describe the difference between Yellow and Orange in one sentence.
List three pre-assault indicators you might see in a parking lot.
Give your short, firm boundary phrase for an unknown contact.

Coach’s note: Mindset is a habit. Practice the words, posture, and movement at home so they’re ready when you need them.