Introduction

Common scent prevails within visual awareness, it is a key element in self-defence a skill that has to be trained, to pin point methods that make up a major potion in self-defence.
These methods are skills of deception used by many throughout history for misfortune. Importantly and poorly enough, there is still a need to learn the signs and methods in this present today. Many have their importance in security and self-defence, each serving their own purpose and is a needed focus within self-defence.
The following terms and their definitions are methods I believe we must consider within Visual Awareness, some may consist of physical attributes and other may be of a psychological nature.

Masking
It is the process of creating a false personality for the purpose of:
- Lying;
- Formulating a set-up; and
- To cover up the intent of action, or that has taken place
Commonly used to bridge the distance, to create a common trust or repour with the victim, to draw them in for assault or for a con.
Just like the old saying “ a wolf in sheep’s clothing”, so it is important to study the cues and the pre-imitative body language that may be forecasted by the user of this method before they achieve the desired objective.

Illusion / Distraction
This is the process of a physical con, usually coincides with the method of “masking”. The user displays to the victim or opponent a motion of movement to distract them by an illusion, this is done by offering or asking the subject to focus on something else.
Alternatively a non-verbal method may be used to motion or draw focus to another entity setting them into a trap. I.e. asking for the time or pointing behind you to make you turn.

Deception / Disguise
This area of visual awareness is likened to illusion, but only in your own eyes. It is the over estimating of the person or situation, not perceiving the possible threat or danger. This deception or disguise might take on many forms such as:
- An older person
- Someone of smaller stature;
- Someone with a disability; or
- An unsafe environmental condition.

Even in nature this method is widely used, spiders, fish, and lizards etc., they may change colour, look cute and harmless; in reality they have the biggest bite and the strongest sting.
Even hunters use this method to capture animals in traps, by luring them with the use of food i.e. cheese on a mousetrap.
Environmentally conditions may seem safe, especially when entering the water at the beach or a pool of water. A nice day can turn into a nightmare when you do not know the dangers such as a rip or diving into a shallow pool of water.
Once again we find this even in everyday life, sales and marketing people use this method to caption our attention. They create a wonderful image to trick us into buying the cheap or shonky products.

Visual Void of Engagement
Method using visual cues in a group either voluntary or involuntary within multi attack. Signals are made voluntary in multiple attacks to draw the victim into a set-up.
Involuntary body language is usually displayed when entering a surrounded area, and the signals displayed are of stillness of motion, loss of conversation and closed body language. This may indicates two outcomes; a possible set-up or an occurrence has taken place.

Signs of Pain

The study of pain is of great importance as a practitioner of Jujitsu; this is made clear in the training hall. We practice applying techniques on our partners and they indicate their pain or discomfort by signalling a tap.
In a real situation there are factors that blur the clarity and a nice tap as in a controlled training area will not be possible. The person we wish to control or escort will not have the knowledge of the techniques and may be intoxicated. There body will react in different ways in which we are not usually aware of in training.
When placed into a situation your fear will reduce your ability to react in a sound manner. Visual awareness is important to seek out and scan the signs of pain upon the subject. Some of the following may be displayed:
- Shaking
- Change of colour
- Access sweat
- Stop of motion
- Over reactive response
- Desire to comply by changing stance by drawing away from pain

Knowing these signs will assist you in having better success in controlling the situation and may provide you with the correct amount of force needed for the application of the techniques.

Reflection

This is a powerful tool within visual awareness, being able to use the environment to your advantage. There are many scenarios where this method can be incorporated; an example is when travelling on public transport or even driving in your car. There are times when travelling when it is necessary to use the reflection method for safety, before an action may occur. Street self-defence requires you to use every asset possible to decrease an undesired outcome.
Using your watch face, glasses, mirrors, windows or even the reflection of another’s eyes to provide you with the means of using this method for self-protection.

Evaluating the aggressor / Signs of attack

- Level of intoxication
- Length of hair and type of clothing worn
- The body language that may display that they have a weapon/s concealed
- Rapid eye movement
- Intake of breath
- Facial tension
- Clinching of fists
- Foot movement to gain striking distance

Body language

When a situation develops the last thing you need to do is escalate it by sending poor body language to the aggressor. We often send involuntary body language when placed into the panic situation. We say something but our body sends something completely different.
This can be trained out of us by providing options for when you are placed into these situations. I.e. when asked for the time, do not look down to your wristwatch but rather bring your arm to a clear viewing level.
This example may not be perceived as a threat but may provide your aggressor with a potential opportunity.
We place our body and stance into a position called a “Pretence Weak Position”.

Definition:
A position that provides safety at the same time not unnecessary escalating the situation. It must be a position that makes the potential aggressor feel that they are not threaten, but sends a signal that you are ready and are in control i.e. standing sightly side on with hands cupped in front.
Consider your hand movements and gestures when communicating. Don’t keep your hands in your pockets or your arms crossed. Adopt a neutral position using your hands with open gestures.

Signs of fear

When faced with fear many systems of the body are affected, undergoing a series of processes, some can be visual displayed from both the victim and the attacker, the level depending on the individual’s threat assessment.

- Excessive muscular tensions causing the muscles to freeze, which creates,
- Overloading of adrenaline in an inactive body causes vibrations, shivering and spasms,
- Pupils dilate to allow the eyes to adjust for far vision,
- Sweating is promoted in anticipating the excess of heat the body will produce during physical exertion.

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