In a self-defense situation, several natural human reactions to a threat can be less useful or even counterproductive. These reactions are often instinctive, driven by the body’s fight-flight-freeze-fawn response to stress or danger.
Last week we covered Freeze, today let’s take a closer look at…
2. Fawning
• What it is: The “fawn” response involves trying to appease or placate the aggressor to avoid harm, often through submission, compliance, or excessive deference (e.g., begging or pleading).
• Why it’s not useful: While fawning might de-escalate some situations, it can backfire in self-defense scenarios where the attacker is intent on harm. Compliance may signal weakness, emboldening the aggressor or giving them time to execute their plan. For instance, agreeing to go to a secondary location with an attacker often increases danger.
• Context where it might help: Fawning can work in verbal confrontations or low-threat situations to avoid escalation, but it’s risky if the attacker’s intent is clearly violent.
Check back next week to learn more… Written by Pawel Cichowlas #kravmaga #mindset #fighting #survival #bjj #wrestling #mauythai #military #lawenforcement #personalsafety #training #weforgewarriors #livelife #Birminghammi