There but for the grace of God go I ....
This type of unprevoked attack (albeit usually not with a knife) is all to common place. It is a sad but all too real reflection on the society we find ourselves living today.
This cctv footage is from the Brewery complex in my hometown of Romford in Essex UK.
In a place I myself have walked many times.
The two victims are sitting on the edge of a pedestrianized area, adjacent to the main ground floor parking area for the complex, within 100 yards there are several pubs/clubs, a bowling ally, a multiscreen cinema and various fast food places most of which would have overlooked the scene from full length windows on the first floor.
Where the boys are sitting is a common place for people to wait and be picked up by minicab or family members it is well lit and usually quite busy. On a typical Saturday night Romford attracts up to 20,000 people most of which are aged between 16 are 25, there are a high number of assaults mainly fueled by irresponsible consumption of alcohol and or drugs.
Once you find yourself in that relative isolation my level of awareness trully peaks and I would not have my back to those guys walking behind me so that they can easily launch a surprise attack. _Awareness__ is the single most important aspect of self defense and this poor fellow might have had a chance like his friend to react and get away with minimal injury.
( It wasn't the boy in the white shirt sitting with his back to the camera that died it was the one that got up and seemed to get away).
Practicing awareness might seem to some as a paranoid state but I like to think of it as being alert and ready to go.Meditaton, awareness, sensitivity and listening to your gut are very important aspects to self awareness and preservation that we have lost in the civilized culture of tuning out and plugging in.There are some awareness practices that with our readers' experiences and training would be good to share and learn from......
I agree wholeheartedly with John Belardo and his points on awareness.
But this assault could have taken place anywhere in the town center, even inside the club. When frequenting potentially hostile areas you should always be aware of your surroundings and judge each and every change within it on its own merits and as to whether or not it poses a threat. (IMO an area where there are a large number or intoxicated youths is potentially hostile).
Being alert and ready to go is a natural responce for most people walking down a dark allyway, reaching this level of awareness in a crowded bar is well worth the practice.
