A Serial Butt Slasher in Northern Virginia?

I heard on the news this past week about a "serial butt slasher" attacking young women in the mall. I did a search and found an article about a serial butt slasher in N. Virginia, and I couldn't believe it! How could someone get away with slashing someone else's body. I hope that someone catches this guy soon, because I wouldn't want any of my friends or family members to ever be attacked. It sounds like he's distracting and then slashing them as their eyes and mind are occupied with something else. What would you do? How would you prevent something like that from happening to you?

As martial artists, we talk about being ready at every moment. We are ready to fight if something bad comes at us. But what if the attacker doesn't want you to know he's coming? Without talking about the psychological issues of the attacker, let's see some actions we can do to lessen his attack on us.

Always be aware of your surroundings! You would think nothing bad can happen in the mall. Well, it already did happen here in N. Virginia. Make it harder for someone to hit you by creating distance or having another object between you and that person. Always look for ways to exit or be able to find a safe place to go. 

Watch people! Watch how they are looking at other people or if they are looking at you. You can always notice how people have different facial expressions when they are mad, sad, or happy. Watch their hands. Are their hands clinched, ready to hit? Maybe they are reaching for a weapon? Watch their eyes. Maybe the attacker is zoning in an area where they want to attack.

Go in numbers! It's always good to be with a friend or friends when something bad happens. They can help you fend off the attacker or call for help. You can watch each other's back. But what if you're alone with your child in the mall? Use your parental instincts. I think a mother has a sixth-sense when it comes to protecting her child. Listen to your instincts if you feel like a person doesn't act or look right. Move to a safer place. You can walk to other areas of the mall that have a greater amount of people.

Each of us can do something to lessen an attack on ourselves. But you have to be willing to trust your instinct and be ready for any situation to prevent it. Some thought provoking articles to read are situational awareness by Guro Harley E., and awareness training by Guro John P.