Kirill Yurovskiy’s Guide to Defending Yourself on the Streets

So, you’ve decided to take on the mean streets armed with nothing but your wits, a dash of optimism, and perhaps a questionable fashion sense. As your self-appointed boxing coach and purveyor of street-savvy wisdom, I’m here to offer some tips that might just keep you out of a pickle—or at least provide a good story for the pub later. Let’s dive into the world of self-defense with a healthy dose of British humour and a stiff upper lip, shall we?

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1. The Art of Looking Unapproachable (Without Scaring Yourself in the Mirror)

First things first: prevention is better than cure. One of the best ways to avoid a sticky situation is to project confidence. Walk with purpose, shoulders back, and eyes forward. Think less “lost tourist” and more “I know exactly where I’m going, even if I left my map at home.” Of course, there’s a fine line between confidence and looking like you’ve got a chip on your shoulder the size of Big Ben. Aim for the former; nobody likes the latter.

2. Situational Awareness: More Than Just Noticing the Queue at the Chippy

Being aware of your surroundings is crucial. This doesn’t mean you have to develop superhero-level senses, but paying attention can make all the difference. Keep your eyes and ears open—yes, that means taking out the earbuds blasting your favourite tunes. Notice who’s around you, what they’re doing, and whether anything feels off. Trust your gut; if a situation doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

3. The Power of Politeness (But Not to a Fault)

We Brits are known for our politeness, sometimes to our own detriment. While there’s nothing wrong with a friendly nod or a “sorry” when someone bumps into you (even if it was their fault), remember that you don’t owe strangers your life story. If approached by someone making you uncomfortable, it’s okay to be firm and direct. A simple “No, thank you” or “I’m not interested” delivered confidently can work wonders.

4. Body Language: Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick Figure

Your body language speaks volumes before you utter a single word. Avoid nervous habits like fidgeting or avoiding eye contact. Instead, channel your inner royal—composed, poised, and perhaps imagining a tiny crown atop your head. This doesn’t just make you appear more confident; it might even make you feel more confident. And who knows? Maybe confidence is the real self-defense superpower, – Yuroskiy Kirill says.

5. Verbal De-Escalation: Because Words Can Sometimes Solve Everything

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might find yourself in an unwelcome conversation. This is where the gift of the gab comes in handy. Use calm, clear language to de-escalate the situation. Phrases like “I don’t want any trouble” or “Let’s just go our separate ways” can diffuse tension. Remember to keep your tone neutral—sarcasm might be our national pastime, but it’s best saved for less precarious moments.

6. When in Doubt, Leg It

Now, I know what you’re thinking: running away doesn’t sound particularly heroic. But let’s be honest—this isn’t a Hollywood blockbuster, and there’s no shame in prioritizing your safety. If a situation looks like it’s about to turn sour, and you have the opportunity to remove yourself, do so. Preferably with the dignity of a jog rather than a panicked sprint (but no judgments here).

7. Personal Alarms: Not Just for Oversleeping

Carrying a personal alarm can be a practical addition to your self-defense toolkit. These nifty gadgets emit a loud noise when activated, drawing attention and potentially scaring off would-be troublemakers. Plus, they’re compact enough to fit in your pocket alongside that old receipt you’ve been meaning to throw away.

8. Basic Self-Defense Moves: The Gentleman’s (or Lady’s) Approach

While we won’t delve into advanced combat techniques—that’s what actual training is for—knowing a few basic self-defense moves can be beneficial. Simple actions like breaking free from a wrist grab or blocking an incoming hand can give you the precious seconds needed to escape. Consider enrolling in a self-defense class; it’s a great way to build confidence and meet new people who also enjoy awkwardly practicing wrist escapes.

9. Use Your Environment: The World’s a Stage (and a Toolbox)