Most people try to go about their day without conflicts or trouble, and I’m sure you’re no exception. Sometimes, however, a verbal or physical confrontation can’t be avoided, no matter how hard you may try. Learning to read and understand your foe may be your best defense.

Learn to Read Your Foe or Adversary

Perhaps you crossed paths with an angry driver on the highway or accidentally bumped into them at a crowded bar. There could also be a situation where you were mistaken for someone else, and a conflict arises from that. In truth, there are many scenarios where you may have been just minding your own business, and trouble comes your way. When that happens, and an enraged person is in front of you, what do you do? Well, this all depends on them and their intentions. You need to read your foe and make your best prediction from their body language, and this is how it’s done.

Avoid Verbal Taunting

In the majority of situations when facing an angered person, tough talk, mixed with profanity, insults, and threats are most likely coming your way. This is done for a majority of reasons. First, your aggressor may simply be pissed off, and that’s the way they are letting it all out. It’s natural and common. It doesn’t necessarily mean that their words will be followed by action. 

At this stage, you need to do everything in your power to de-escalate the problem verbally. Tell them to calm down. Tell them you can work it out, or tell them you can explain how to solve the issue. This may or may not work, but it’s your first step. However, if they intend to use profanity and insults to invoke you into a physical conflict, you must determine that quickly and prepare for what comes next. 

It’s up to you to resist fighting back with your own words. That is precisely what they want you to do. Instead, ignore it and don’t take it personally. Continue the de-escalation process, and you may avoid a fight. 

When a Man “Puffs Up”

Before getting physical, both men and women will try to get close to you. Usually, they push their chest forward and upward to show their dominance over you. It’s up to you to notice this trait and understand that the next move is usually an attack. Don’t get into a “who’s bigger” game with an aggressive person. 

Number one, being close to an angry person is not a good thing for you, and second, you’ll be doing exactly what your foe wants, and playing their game is also not beneficial for you. Instead, watch their body language from the beginning of the conflict. Do they open their arms wide, walk your way, and “puff” out their chest? If so, back off a bit and try to talk them down. It may very well save you some bruises or worse. 

The Removal of Clothing

Another way to foresee a possible physical entanglement is if you learn to read how your foe tends to their clothing. For example, if that person is wearing a jacket, sweatshirt, or even heavier coat and removes it as they approach you, it’s a sure bet they want to engage in a physical fight. Such garments would impede a person’s ability to move quickly or to swing their arms to strike you fully. 

The removal of clothing is a direct sign that you need to be defensive and alert of your foe’s next move. Additionally, if they begin to unbutton and roll up their shirt sleeves, trouble is on the way. Going along these same lines of observation, removing a baseball cap, taking off a shoulder bag or backpack, or putting down their cell phone are also key signs they intend to fight. 

Hiding The Hands

If you can’t see your possible opponent’s hands, then there’s a problem. Hiding the hands is a sure sign that either a punch is coming your way, or worse, they are hiding a deadly weapon. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. First, if your foe is giving you a half stance (meaning, one foot is back and the adjacent arm), you need to be on high alert. 

That “invisible” hand is usually hiding behind the back leg with a knife, bottle, or box cutter and is ready to strike when you least expect it. Second, your aggressor could be holding a bag or pouch that helps to hide their weapon. 

Finally, if they are facing you squarely, but their hand is hovering around their back pants pocket, then it’s a sure bet they have a weapon hidden there or attached to their belt (think a small knife or baton.) If you notice any of these signs, then keep your distance or try to find an obstacle to create a barrier between you and your possibly-armed foe. 

When Push Comes to Shove

Most aggressors will get a bit pushy before striking, meaning they will enter your personal space and physically push you back with one or both hands. This is to either show their dominance over you or set you up for a power strike coming very soon. It’s their intention for you to push back and thus give them an excuse to go all out on you. Learning to read your foe early on will ensure you have the upper hand in the situation.

A few things to look for from your foe before this happens is them advancing towards you with their hands up and in front of their chest. Don’t engage, but rather firmly say, “Stop right there.” or “Stay back.” Your direct order may give them pause, but if not, back up and create some distance. Or, if possible, find something to impede their advancement. 

Call for Backup

If an aggressor calls their nearby buddies to get involved, then something bad may come your way. Whether the primary thug wants backup to pummel you or they want some help, it makes no difference. Two or more against you is not a winning scenario, and your best bet is to flee the scene to a safer place. 

Learn to Read the Signs

You may find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. It happens to nearly everyone sometime in their lives. However, if you stay sharp and learn to read your foe, you have a great chance of coming out unscathed.

Want even more Skillset Fight Club? Then look no further: Drunken Master