human combative behavior manifesto v1

8/2/2019 Human Combative Behavior Manifesto V1

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The

Human Combative Behavior

Manifesto

Human Combative Behavior Manifesto

www.lowtechcombat.com 1

by Adam @ Low Tech Combatwww.lowtechcombat.com
http://www.lowtechcombat.com/http://www.lowtechcombat.com/http://www.lowtechcombat.com/http://www.lowtechcombat.com/


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Table of Contents

Introduction! 6Do they actually want to be able to avoid violence? 6Why is Human Combative Behavior Important? 9

Introducing The Alpha Male and Predator Model! 11Fundamental Difference 11The Differences 12The Approach 13

The Two Faces! 15The International Hoplology Society 15

A profound impact 15Human Combative Behavior 16Combat Between Animals of the Same Species 16Combat Between Different Animal Species 17Fundamental Differences 17This Animal to Animal Combative Behavior Shines Great Light into Human to HumanCombative Behavior 18

Alpha Male Behavior! 19Internal action 19External action 19Context 19Personal 19

Predatory Behavior! 20Internal action 20External action 20




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Context 20Not personal 20

Alpha Male Behavior and the Group 21Predatory Behavior and the Group 22Non-Mortal Alpha Male Type Combat More Common 22Different Combative Traits Affect Martial Systems too 23

Hard Data Showcases the Fundamental Differences

Between Alpha Male and Predatory Human Combative

Behavior! 25Statistics 25

Assault Statistics 25Robbery Statistics 26

Assault v Robbery Statistics and the Alpha Male v

Predatory Model! 291. Knowledge of the Victim 292. Weapons 293. Location 294. Activity 305. Alcohol 30

Charts Showing 50 Year Trends in Violent Crime! 32Assault 32Robbery 33

Avoidance and De-Escalation! 35Alpha Male MO 35Avoidance 36De-escalation 36




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Predator MO 37Avoidance 38De-escalation 39Do not get these mixed up 39

The Caveat! 41Thank you! 42Join the Low Tech Combat Newsletter! 43Recommended Further Reading! 44

Facing Violence

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Introduction

What is the real goal of self defence?

When people make the decision for themselves that they want to be able todefend themselves, what do they really want to achieve?

Do they want to be able to counter aturning kick to the head? Do theywant to be able to do a perfectthrow? Do they want to be able toknock someone out? Do they want tobe an awesome fighter?

Or is it something different?

Do they actually want to not get caught up in a violent encounter at all? Dothey want to be able recognize the signs of violent behavior about to flare up

so they can take preventative action?

Do they actually want to be able to avoid

violence?

That is exactly what the vast majority of people want to be able to do. Butmany people forget this because almost the entire self defence industry is

telling people that self defence is something physical so you must practisephysical things.

As the new student begins pursuing this world that is the martial arts and selfdefence industry they are often thrust into classes that teach them aspectsof human combat that is really of very low importance to the above goal ofself defence.

They are shown how to punch and kick or lock a joint or sink a choke.




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Not once have they been asked where they live, if they go out drinkingregularly or get a train every morning before the sun comes up or anything likethat. The student is never asked about their lifestyle so they can teach an

appropriate response to their most likely threats they may face.

The training is not personalized at all.

Worse still, they are usually NEVER taught the fundamentals of HumanCombative Behaviour. If they are never taught this they can NEVER put anyother training in context.

The vast majority of all training in martialarts and self defence goes somethinglike this. And this is an important point.

An attacker does some form of anattacking technique.

Then the defender performs some type of counter to it.

And that is it. On and on it goes.

It is an endless process of learning techniques and counters to an almostinfinite amount of attacking techniques. Not only is it basically endless, it can

seem very complicated. And that methodology is very complicated. Thestudent needs to be able to apply a certain counter attacking technique foreach attacking technique. Under the heat of the moment, this isunderstandably a tall task and does little to instill confidence.

But what about BEFORE the attacker launched their technique?

Generally only lip service is paid to this. And this is how the advice usuallygoes:




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Always be aware of your surroundings and run away if you can.

And that is about it. Good advice but it doesnt even cover all of the topics of

the pre fight.

This physical based, one size fits all approach to self defence is completelyout of date and leaves a student perhaps worse off by learning new andtechnical movements that do not work under the pressure of real human tohuman combat.

Many students would actually be better off NOT receiving such formaltraining so in a real situation, they would draw on their instincts which havedeveloped through humankinds longand turbulent evolution which usuallyinvolves covering their head and goingforward aggressively and lashing outalmost uncontrollably at the attacker.

This is actually better than trying todo some technical move and freezing(usually completely open becausethey forgot the move or they didnthave time or they paused because they stuffed up the move they were tryingto do...) or performing a poor move well which leaves them in a worse position.

Make no mistake, there ARE excellent training providers out there who teachthe physical aspects well. These providers are in the minority. They teachtactics and techniques that work under pressure. But this Manifesto is notabout physical responses to attacks. This Manifesto is about understandingthe dynamic behind all human to human violence. It is about the nature of itand the reasons it happens and the moments leading up to the pre fight goingphysical. This Manifesto goes no further than that. This subject matter needs

to be understood before any physical training takes place. Strategic directionneeds to occur before embarking on the pursuit of learning relevant tactics.


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Why is Human Combative Behavior Important?

There is a fundamental and important area that people need to first

understand before any type of physical training takes place. That area isHuman Combative Behavior. This knowledge is fundamental to understandinghow violence happens, why it happens and how it can be avoided.

This is what this Manifesto was written for. The aim of this Human CombativeBehavior Manifesto is to spread the word as to what the two types of HumanCombative Behavior are, how they can be easily recognised, understand the

dynamic of the situation and how to avoid it becoming physical if possible. Ifavoiding it is not possible, how to de-escalate the situation wheneverpossible.

Understanding Human CombativeBehaviour is the first step in being ableto RECOGNISE when a situation is

about to turn violent well before it does.This situational awareness provides thetime that enables one to be able to avoidthese situations before they turnphysical. This is how real, high level selfdefence happens.

Once these two types of Human Combative Behaviour are understood, theyare easily recognized. From there, the rest becomes much easier.

When the punches are flying and people are falling to the ground in publicplaces, there are no winners, just losers. The fight has been lost by all partiesinvolved.




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Todefeat100 enemyin 100 batlesinnotehighestskil,Tosubdueeenemywioutfighngisehighestskil.

-Sun Tzu




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Introducing The Alpha Male and

Predator Model

There are basically two types of attackers. One is an Alpha Male (or wanna

be Alpha Male) and one is a Predator. Anyone who has watched any wildlifedocumentaries will instinctually know what is meant by this. Looking at howanimals use violence shines a light onto how humans engage in combat.

The Alpha Male wants to beat down or argue his point with anyone whodares challenge his correctness or who he sees as a threat. This is typicallyseen in arguments and fights out the front of pubs. Young aggressive males.

Predatory attacks are ambush attacks. This is the type of attack used bysomeone after a wallet or money, all the way up to kidnapping andsometimes murder.

Fundamental Difference

You see, these are the two types of

attack. That is all. One is an 'AlphaMale' and the other is the 'Predator.'Forget about the technique of an attackfor the moment. Think beyondtechniques, think mindset. Think humancombative behavior. All aspects of anencounter are affected by the type of

attack it is.

Both groups target their victims differently. They are looking for two verydifferent types of victims. Two very different situations lead up to the attack.It requires two very different approaches immediately prior to the encountergoing physical if de-escalation and avoidance is going to be achieved, and itrequires a different mindset and commitment if it does go physical. They

happen in different locations and in different circumstances.




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All of these differences will be explored in further detail throughout thisManifesto.

The Differences

The 'Alpha Male' is perhaps best explained as the typical intoxicated malewho wants to prove either to himself, his friends, a girl or a combination of theabove, that he is the top dog. He can beat anyone. He is a hard man. Thistype of person will often pick the biggest guy around to fight for no otherreason than he is the biggest. HE wants to be the biggest, strongest andfastest male around!

Alpha Male behaviour also commonly manifests itself through heatedarguments and disagreements. All too often, these lead to fights. The personthe Alpha Male is arguing with, often gets caught up in the heat of themoment and says things and does things they would not normally do. Such isthe primal nature of these emotional situations. No-one want to back downonce they have begun. People are watching after all. They will look weak if

they back down now...

It needs to be said also, that this type of violence is not only done by trueAlpha Male types. Many true Alpha Males will rarely get involved in fights orpick fights. They know they are the Alpha Male. His group knows he is theAlpha Male. Often, Alpha Male type violence is done by people in smallergroups. They want to be the Alpha in their own little group. They may pick

fights with others to show their little group that they are the toughest. It is aform of posturing. So do not think that anyone who picks a fight is a toughAlpha Male type. Mostly they wont be. They will be insecure people lookingfor status. But the manner in which these encounters evolve, begin and getcarried out are much the same.

The 'Predator' is very different. He wants to choose a weak victim. He wants

someone who will not fight back. The 'Predator' often simply wants to takesomething from its victim such as a wallet or money. Kidnapping is also




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something a 'Predator' engages in. They will avoid the strong and go after theweak. Often the selected victim will not know they have been chosen. They donot know the danger they are in and often find themselves being mugged orrobbed or kidnapped out of nowhere.

Victims are often surprised.

The above are only simple examples to best demonstrate each type of humancombative behavior. There arenumerous other ways both AlphaMale and Predatory behavior can

emerge, not just a drunk guy or amugger.

It is generally only crimes labelledAssault, which are 'Alpha Male'activity. The rest are generally'Predatory' type attacks such as

Robbery, Break and Enter, Motor Vehicle theft and as mentioned above,Kidnapping.

The Approach

Events leading up to an encounter going physical are quite stark in theirdifferences. For an encounter involving the 'Alpha Male', there will generallybe some posturing much like what is seen between animals of the same specieson wildlife documentaries. Chests will be puffed out, loud voices used,emotions will be high, there may be some chest poking or pushing andaggressive body language and gestures. Often an Alpha Male will want to winthe fight through posturing or at least gain an advantage psychologicallyprior to launching their physical attack.

The 'Predator' will be silent. He will stalk his proposed victim and assess hischances of success. He will choose the weakest in the pack. That will often bethe lone person. To use the wildlife documentary analogy again, the 'Predator'



HUMAN - ANIMAL VIOLENCE

Alpha Male*Combat between the same species

Predatory

*Combat between different speciesie, Predator-Prey


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is like the big cat stalking a group of its prey. It wants to choose prey who hasbeen separated from the herd (group). It looks for the weakest victim. Itwants the maximum chance of success with the least likelihood of sustainingan injury in the process.

The following chapters will expand on this whole concept and break the modelof the Alpha Male and the Predator down into more of the fundamentals ofhuman combative behavior. This will provide a deeper and more accurateunderstanding of this very important subject matter.

The next chapter is largely a commentary by Low Tech Combat of anacademic and very important article which paves the way for understandingHuman Combative Behaviour.




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The Two Faces

An absolutely well researched and well written article called The Two Faces ofCombatives is thoroughly recommended reading. It is truly eye opening and

will probably change the way you think about human to human combat. Thisarticle has been the catalyst for all subsequent research done at Low TechCombat on the subject of Human Combative Behaviour. Without that article,possibly none of this would have been done.

There is more to consider than just being able to defend against an attack.There are different types of attack and these differences are truly

fundamental. The psychology behind these different attacks are also verydifferent.

The International

Hoplology Society

The Two Faces of Combatives was writtenby Hunter B. Armstrong, from The

International Hoplology Society.Hoplology is the term used to describethe study of the evolution and development of human combative behaviourand performance. It is essentially the study of how different cultures engagein combat and why they do this and differentiating between what is naturaland what is taught.

A profound impact

The following will present some excerpts from the article and somecommentary to expand on certain areas. Regular readers and subscribers ofLow Tech Combatwill be able to detect that this piece was very influential andwas the catalyst for the development of the Alpha Male and the Predatormodel beingfundamentally, the two different types of attackers. Thefollowing will build on the previous discussions on the Alpha Male and the

Predator.



Hoplology is the term used todescribe the study of theevolution and development ofhuman combative behavior andperformance
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Later, we will go into more detail to further support such a model through theresearch conducted by Low Tech Combat largely analysing real statistics andcase studies from around the world. The results of this research presentedhere in this Manifesto is the product which builds on top of the excellent work

previously done by Armstrong.

Human Combative Behavior

Itisappropria...lookinbomanscultureandhisbiology, (i.e., animalbehavior) understandmansbiologicalybased, culturalymanifesd, combavebehaviors.

This passage means that the study of human

to human combat and how it is engaged in, isnot complete without analyzing what isinstinctive or natural or even at its most base,how the animal inside each human is 'wired up'to engage in combat. On top of that, wecannot ignore the effect that our upbringingand how our culture that surrounds us

impacts on human combative behavior andhow we engage in it. Even today, people fromdifferent cultures engage in fightsdifferently depending on where they occur.

Examining human to human combat at these very fundamental root levelsgives Hunter B. Armstrong a very solid foundation to work from.

Combat Between Animals of the Same Species

Ina-specificaggressionisataggressiondisplayedbetweenmemberofsamespecieswhensetlingrririaldispus, hierarchy, mang, etc. Typicalofispeofaggressionaree

mangduelsofmaleanimalswiinaspecies.

Armstrong refers to this type of aggression as 'Affective-Aggression'. Thistype of behavior is also clearly seen in wildlife documentaries. This is typically

seen when a male lion begins to challenge the supremacy of the head male lionin the pride.




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Once they first make eye contact, there is much posturing and positioning.Each male lion will stand tall and proud and will strive to appear the moredominant. Often, they will roar as a show of strength. When and if they do

actually engage in physical combat, the result is rarely lethal. Generally, onemale lion will be injured and will saunter off, prideless.

Imagining this, it is easy to imagine, or even remember, how humans engage in avery similar type of combative dynamic. Most of us have seen or been involvedin this type of Alpha Male human combative behaviour.

Combat Between Different Animal Species

Inr-specificrefersataggressionshownbymembersofonespecies, suchasawolf,wardsmembersofanoerspecies, suchasadeer. eaggressionwouldbepifiedbye

predarwolfstalking, chasing, andatackingitsprey, edeer.

This type of behavior is clearlyseen in wildlife documentaries

where one animal slowly andpainstakingly stalks anotheranimal. Here, the intent is to kill.This type of behavior is typicallyconducted by an animal for itsown survival. The hunter will kill itsprey and then eat it. It must do

this to survive.Again, we can easily imagine humans engaging in a very similar type ofcombative behaviour in the lead up to a mugging occurring. As the wolf will tryto launch a surprise attack (or at least delay the prey becoming aware of thedanger), so too do humans intent on mugging another human.

Fundamental Differences




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As can be seen, both types of combative behavior are very different.Consider the approach. With combative behavior between different speciesof animals, the predator stays low and utilizes camouflage and concealment.The predator does not want to be detected by the prey. The predator is

calm. The predator requires the element of surprise in order to ensure goodchances of success. The attack is launched at the last possible moment.

Now compare this to the combativebehavior between animals of the samespecies. There is no surprise. Both animalsare very much overt in their displays and

intent. Often, each animal is determiningtheir chances of success in the event this'dance' becomes physical. In this type ofcombative behavior, each animal is'adrenalised', meaning they are both

'pumped up' and probably feeling the physiological effects of combat such asloss of fine motor control and a movement of the blood away from the

extremities. Their bodies are preparing for combat.This Animal to Animal Combative Behavior Shines

Great Light into Human to Human Combative

Behavior

Instinctually, I am sure you are already drawing parallels between the twodifferent types of combative behavior of animals and the two fundamental

types of combative behavior of humans.

Armstrong then goes on to highlight these same two types of animalcombative behavior, and applies them to human combative behavior. Theseare now paraphrased below:




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Alpha Male Behavior

Internal action

High arousal Substantially influenced by hormones Intense activation of autonomous system

External action

Goal - To intimidate

Threatening posture, language and tone/pitch Emotionally provoked by opponents action Often spontaneous Often results in minor damage inflicted

Context

Mood of heated emotions

Often territorial/spatial ratherthan economic motives

Personal

Opponent is known Emotionally weighted enemy

Eye contact Insult or hurt given or received Dignity/Honor often involved, related to self esteem

These are just some examples of what Armstrong presents in his article. Thistype of combative behavior is typically found today in bars, house parties andclubs around the world along with almost all fights between friends andpartners.




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Predatory Behavior

Internal action

Low or no arousal Very slightly influenced by hormones Slight activation of autonomous system Non emotional

External action

Goal - To subdue Ready/luring posture Controlled respiratory/vocality Not provoked, but initiated Results often incapacitation or

lethal

Context Dispassionate Often economically based motive

Not personal

Unattached to opponent

No eye contact Sometimes play, insult/vengeance not factors

Very different findings here. A typical predatory attack is robbery andmuggings. A case of robbery is very different to a fight between males over adispute to do with a female. The list above provides key indicators of this.




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Alpha Male Behavior and the Group

The following is a reproduction of what is perhaps the very best explanationof 'Alpha Male' behavior I have ever come across.

Wiinesocialgroup, osepesofaggressionandcombavebehavioratenhanceeindividualsposion/statusandsurvivabili, wioutreaningegroupasawhole,wouldbeadapve. Inerealmofcombatiscanbeseeninatpeofbehaviorwecal

affecvecombavebehavior, whichgeneralyresultsinminimalinjuryandonlyinfequentlyindea. ispeofemoonalyarousedbehaviorcanbeaimedat

enhancingstatus (boselfandgroup-esem), mangconflicts (smuladbyjealousy),enhancing/preservingpersonalproper, etc. Whileesesituaonsofnleadviolence,

whenkeptwiineparamersofegroup, eyrarelyinvolvemortalcombatincoldweaponconxts. Onlyinrare, rogue situaonswilanindividualriskosacismfome

groupbyviolanggroup-cohesion.

This is a very clear, and I feel important, area of human to human combat tounderstand. A simple question would be this. If we have two people thatbecome engaged in a fight, what person will have the highest morale

afterwards, all other things beingequal? The person who won or the'loser'? The person that has won willfeel that their position or status hasincreased. I am not saying that thiswas the known intent at the time but isperhaps certainly working at the sub-

conscious level??Of note, most assaults occur between people who know each other. This hasbeen explored in some detail at the article by Low Tech CombatHERE forthose after further details on this. Statistics and numerous case studies arepresented.


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This implementation of the social factor to human combative behavior cannotbe ignored as indeed, humans are a very social animal, and survivingindependently is very difficult and dangerous.

Predatory Behavior and the Group

The following is an excellent explanation on how 'inter species' type combativebehavior can eventuate for humans.

Group-idenisconsciouslyandsubconsciouslyavitalpartofself-iden. isisrerevidencedbyeaconsofindividualmembersofagroupwhenegroupcomesinsurvival-reladconflictwimembersofaseparagroup (inr-groupconflict). Here,

groupidenficaoncanbeheighnedeexntatemembersofeoergrouparenolongerrecognizedasbeingmembersofesamespecies (knownas pseudo-speciaon) -

eyarenotlikeus; eyarentrealyhuman....Bydehumanizingopposinggroupmembers, ey oers become nomoreananimals, andbosocialandbiological

inhibionsagainstkilingfelowhumanscanbecircumvendagrearorlesserdegree.

This dehumanizing process allows humans to

willingly inflict serious injury or death ontoanother human being. The group doesn't evenneed to be present for this dehumanizing tohappen. A person may have strong bonds andconnections with a certain group and anyone elsethey come across in their travels are different.They are not the same, they are 'others' and canbe freely hunted like a lion hunts its prey.

Non-Mortal Alpha Male Type

Combat More Common

Armstrong goes on to state that the less lethal, Alpha Male combativebehavior is more common due to much of our time as humans involving dealingwith other humans. We are very social animals and the 'group' makes up a largepart of our lives. He states that it is only natural that much of human to humanconflict revolves around Alpha Male combative behavior.




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This is probably why this continues to be the trend today. Indeed, Alpha Malecombative behavior is still very much the most likely type of combat engagedin by humans today.

Research by Low Tech Combat into statistics from around the worldcomparing Assault to Robbery indicates Assault is about 10 times morecommon than Robbery. This is very much in line with Armstrongs work. Thiswill be discussed in more detail in later chapters.

Different Combative Traits Affect Martial Systems

too

...esetwopesofcombavebehaviordermineininsicfacrsofalcombave-sysms(respecveeircombaveapplicaons). atis, eaffecveandpredarycombavebehavioraitsofmanareinherentinelearnedbehaviorsandperformanceaitsof

combave-sysms...

This is an interesting point Armstrong makes. Indeed, when looked at in thislight, many systems of martial arts or self defence today, are focused

primarily on just one of the two types of human combative behavior. Whichtype of combative behavior doesyour martial system focus on?And is it relevant to you?

Often, only a very specific area ofAlpha Male type human combative

behavior is taught in one martialsystem, thus further limiting itseffectiveness and often relevance.

A further question would be, just how effective is that martial system inteaching that one specific area of human combative behavior? Food forthought.




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It must also be stated, that many martial systems today are not even aware ofthese fundamental differences and teach one approach for all types ofattack. As can be seen now, this is a deeply flawed strategy.

Systems focusing on affective or Alpha Male combative behavior are common.Attack and defence using Alpha Male tactics is common. Of Predatorycombative behavior, only defence from a Predatory attack is taught in modernmartial arts. How to defend against robbery, rape and kidnapping forexample. Rarely will Predatory type attacks be taught.

Armstrong goes on in some detail about this being the main difference

between 'martial arts' and what is taught in combat arms units in the militarytoday. The military get taught and practice Predatory-aggressive offensivebehavior along with all of the tactics that go along with these essential militaryskills, such as how to actively seek out and kill other human beings.




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Hard Data Showcases the

Fundamental Differences Between

Alpha Male and Predatory Human

Combative Behavior

Statistics

From research into statistics from the US, UK, Canada and Australia, it hasbeen identified by Low Tech Combatthat there are some very identifiable andquantitative differences between certain violent crimes. Most evident is the

differences between Assault and Robbery.Note: The term Robbery usually includes muggings in many statisticsclassifications. For ease of writing, the term Robbery will be used for boththroughout this Manifesto.

Assault can clearly be seen to be very much an Alpha

Male type physical encounter. Robbery can clearlybe seen to be very much Predatory in nature.

Below is a list of the key points which were gatheredand analyzed from the statistics from the US, UK,Canada and Australia.

Keep in mind the previous chapters about the cleardifferences between the two types of human combative behavior as you goon. An analysis of the statistics indicate:

Assault Statistics

1. Most Assaults occurred between people who know each other (Just overhalf)

2. Only a small number of assault cases involved weapons



Alpha Male Attacks*Assault

Predatory Attacks*Robbery*Muggings*Property Crime*Theft/Larceny*Kidnapping
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3. Most Assaults occur at home or near a place of entertainment away fromhome

4. Most people were doing something at home or some leisure activity awayfrom home at the time of the assault

5. About half of all assaults involved people who were believed to be underthe influence of alcohol (Victim interviews)

Robbery Statistics

1. Most Robberies occurred between people who did NOT know each other

2. Almost half of the robbery cases involved weapons

3. Most Robberies occur on the street or some other open lands

4. Most people were going from one place to another at the time of therobbery

5. Only about one quarter of robberies involved people who were believed tobe under the effects of alcohol (Victim interviews)

Again, Assault is roughly 10 times more common than Robbery.

As we can see, these results gleaned from real statistics support the AlphaMale and Predatory model of human combative behavior. The statistics movethe model away from just being a theory to become a proven, applicable,practical and very relevant real world model. Such a proven model should betaught in all forms of self defence and martial arts training.




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We will see in the next chapter how the results from these statistics match withthe underlying Human Combative Behavior of the Alpha Male and thePredator Model.




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DRAFT

Violent Crime Statistics Sources

There are a significant number of Government bodies that provide detailedstatistics on violent crime from around the world. A wide range of sourceswere used in obtaining the hard data used in this Manifesto.

As a resource for you, the Low Tech Combat Tribe, some start points arelisted below for your further study and research. These were the resourcesused by Low Tech Combat to identify universal truths through an analysisof statistics of violent crimes.

AustraliaThe Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) - Crime and Safety Survey

- Crime Victimisation- Victims of Crime

USThe Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Uniform Crime ReportsBureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) - National Crime Victimisation Survey

UKThe Home Office - British Crime Survey

- Police Reported Crime

CanadaStatistics Canada - Violent Crime in Canada


http://www.lowtechcombat.com/http://www.statcan.gc.ca/stcsr/query.html?qt=violent+crime&qm=1&charset=iso-8859-1&spid=2693&GO!=Go&la=eng&col=alle&style=empsbshttp://www.statcan.gc.ca/stcsr/query.html?qt=violent+crime&qm=1&charset=iso-8859-1&spid=2693&GO!=Go&la=eng&col=alle&style=empsbshttp://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/bcs1.htmlhttp://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/bcs1.htmlhttp://www.lowtechcombat.com/http://www.lowtechcombat.com/http://www.statcan.gc.ca/stcsr/query.html?qt=violent+crime&qm=1&charset=iso-8859-1&spid=2693&GO!=Go&la=eng&col=alle&style=empsbshttp://www.statcan.gc.ca/stcsr/query.html?qt=violent+crime&qm=1&charset=iso-8859-1&spid=2693&GO!=Go&la=eng&col=alle&style=empsbshttp://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/recordedcrime1.htmlhttp://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/recordedcrime1.htmlhttp://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/bcs1.htmlhttp://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/bcs1.htmlhttp://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/ucrhttp://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/ucrhttp://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Products/4510.0~2009~Chapter~Victims+of+crime,+Australia?OpenDocumenthttp://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Products/4510.0~2009~Chapter~Victims+of+crime,+Australia?OpenDocumenthttp://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Products/4530.0~2008-09~Main+Features~Summary+of+findings?OpenDocumenthttp://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/Products/4530.0~2008-09~Main+Features~Summary+of+findings?OpenDocumenthttp://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/ProductsbyTopic/669C5A997EAED891CA2568A900139405?OpenDocumenthttp://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/ProductsbyTopic/669C5A997EAED891CA2568A900139405?OpenDocument


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Assault v Robbery Statistics and

the Alpha Male v Predatory Model

What we will be looking at in this chapter are some key results that have beenseen to be common across the board from statistics from Australia, the US,UK and Canada. The key results will be presented and then some discussionas to how this relates to the Alpha male and Predatory model of HumanCombative behaviour.

1. Knowledge of the Victim

Assault - Know the victim Robbery - Do not know.

Same as Alpha Male and Predatory model. This result clearly shows thatAssault (Alpha Male) activity involves face and high emotions where groupdynamics come into play. People who engage in Robbery (Predatory attacks)dehumanise their selected victims. It is not personal, they simply wantsomething. It would be harder mentally to rob someone you know, andobviously make it easy for them to identify the Robber.

2. Weapons

Assault - Few weapons used Robbery - Higher number of weapons used

Same as Alpha Male and Predatory model. Robbery (Predatory attacks) canbe more lethal as they are premeditated. Therefore, the Robber arms himselfto give him the best chances of success. Assault (Alpha Male) is morespontaneous, therefore weapons need to be at hand or improvised weaponsacquired. Alpha Male encounters are generally less lethal than Predatoryones.

3. Location




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Assault - At home or entertainment venue Robbery - On street or some other open landSame as Alpha Male and Predatory model. At home and in entertainment

venues is where people mix and socialise. Where people socialise, there will bedifferences of opinion and accepted social norms and violence can occur.When people are on the street, they are in no-mans land essentially. It is likewildebeest moving through the plains of Africa where Predators lurk and seekout the weakest Prey. For humans, this environment is the street and openland.

4. Activity

Assault - Home or some leisure activity Robbery - Going from one place to anotherSame as Alpha Male and Predatory model. For Assault, most people wereengaging within a group. As we have seen, this can create issues. They can

also be engaging with other separate social groups. This creates furtherissues as well. For Robbery, the victim was traveling from one place toanother. This fits perfectly the example above of the Predator lurking andseeking out the weaker, unaware victim who has been isolated from its group.

5. Alcohol

Assault - Half involving alcohol Robbery - Few involving alcoholSame as Alpha Male and Predatory model. Alcohol fuels peoples willingnessto voice their differences of opinion, argue and generally not back down oradmit they are wrong. One person wants to stand up to the other, they do notwant to lose face as this will elevate the other person to a higher social status,

they will then be the Alpha Male or on the next wrung above the other. Thedifference between Alpha Male and Predatory human combative behavior can




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be seen again where Robbery is premeditated and sees the attacker mostlysober. It is not emotional or personal, the Predator is actively seeking out avictim. He wants his best chance of success.

As we can see, this Alpha Male and Predator Model is not just a theory butcan be seen in action around the world through an analysis of statistics. Thestatistics show that the model is playing out around the world, every day.

Next, we will be looking at something a little different which adds furtherweight to the Alpha Male and Predator Model.




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DRAFT

Charts Showing 50 Year Trends in

Violent Crime

A surprising result which was identified on the main site ofLow Tech Combatlate in 2010, was the shape of the charts which showed the trends in violentcrime in the US over a period of 50 years. From these charts, it was identifiedthat there were clear differences between Alpha Male type violent crimes(Assault) and Predatory type violent crimes (Robbery and Murder).

Here are the two charts shown below:

Assault

The chart above shows the trends in Aggravated Assault in the US over a 50year period from 1960 to 2010. Note the shape of the chart and how itgenerally trends smoothly upward to a peak around the early 90s.

Now compare this chart to the next one.


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Robbery

The chart above shows the trends in Robbery in the US over a 50 year periodfrom 1960 to 2010. Note how different this chart is to the Assault chart.Instead of the smooth upward trend to one clear peak, there are insteadthree separate peaks, being in the mid 70s, the early 80s and early 90s.

It is important to note that many other charts which show Predatory typecrimes also exhibit a similar overall chart shape to this Robbery chart. Seehere for further details of this. This is important. The Assault (Alpha Male)chart shows clear differences to crimes of a Predatory nature.

This indicates that whatever the causes were for the changes in the crimenumbers (be they legal, social and/or other causes of which numerousdiscussions took place in comments in the link from the previous paragraph),they had an effect on a particular TYPE of human combative behavior! This isimportant.

The causes for the changes in Predatory crime numbers did not affect the

Alpha Male type crimes which are primarily Assault. Likewise, any changesthat affected Alpha Male type crimes had no affect on Predatory type crimes.


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The differences in the charts are clear. The causes affected the whole varietyof Predatory type violent crimes, whereas the Alpha Male crime numbersmoved independently and vice versa.




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Avoidance and De-Escalation

You now have a clear understanding of the two types of human combativebehavior. You now know where each type of human combative behavior getscarried out. Alpha Male combative behavior happens mostly in the home orentertainment area whereas Predatory combative behavior happens mostly onthe street or other open land. When we are in these areas, we know what typeof threat is now most likely. After having read this much, instinctually you willalso have a picture of what physical traits or behavior each likely attacker willbe exhibiting.

You cannot use the same avoidance andde-escalation tactics for both Alpha Maleand Predatory type attacks. You may havecome to that conclusion already. Instead,two very different approaches need to bemade for each type of threat. Theseparate approaches highlight the key

aspects that can be utilised from thestatistics results showcased previously.These will be discussed below.

Alpha Male MO

Anyone can turn into an Alpha Male. Even someone you know. Even you.

Actually, it is more likely to be someone you know than a stranger (just overhalf of all assaults occur between people who know each other). Suchsituations can happen very quickly or over time. It depends. Such situationsare very dynamic and peoples responses can quickly ensure the situationdeteriorates fast.

A look, a spilt drink, a disagreement, a difference of opinion, a perceived

poor attitude, a self opinion of standing up for oneself or even someonetaking a dislike for another persons music taste. Whatever the cause, an




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argument or disagreement ensues. This takes place in the presence of agroup. This is an Alpha Male situation.

Avoidance

Avoidance is not so simple with Alpha Male situations because they canhappen anywhere and at any time. The best way to avoid such a scenario is tolimit or stop going to places where a significant number of alcoholic drinks willbe consumed and where large numbers of people will be. These are the twobiggest common areas that we can affect that relate to Alpha Male typeincidents we have seen through the statistics.

This sounds extreme to somepeople. Why should I change my lifebecause of my concern for gettinginto a fight? That is a personalopinion and has been discussed atlength HERE. Whether you chooseto or not, that is the most effectiveway avoidance can work with AlphaMale type behavior.

Other options include, a) avoid hanging around people you know whobecome violent when drunk. Changing the people you socialise with in suchcircumstances is a smart way to avoid such trouble, and b) move to an area orgo out to an area where fights are less common in public areas if they are aregular occurrence where you usually go out with friends.

De-escalation

The best way de-escalation can work is to recognise early what is happening

and choose to not take it any further. Stopping participating early is the onlyway de-escalation can occur. The hard part is recognising what is happening


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as people can get emotionally involved very quickly and get caught up in theheat of the argument.

Once you have recognised what is going on (and probably reprimand yourself

for allowing yourself to get caught up in arguments), it is time to step back,take a breath and stop the argument. Admit you are wrong, explain amisunderstanding or whatever else is suitable for that situation.

It is worth spending some time to consider some things to say in the event youget caught up arguing with someone over likely topics. Consider what youcould say if you get in an argument over a spilt drink, looking at another mans

girl, eye-balling and other such likely situations. Do not tell the person theyare wrong, do not antagonise the person. Think of some random story orexplain you were staring because you recently lost your job and are a bitspaced out, you think your girlfriend is cheating on you etc.

It is important to note, de-escalation is not always possible.

All you can do is give it your bestshot as sometimes it does work.Losing an argument meansnothing. Avoiding and de-escalating a possible prisonsentence or serious injury ordeath is more important than how

right you are. You know inside yourself your opinions and one argument willnot change the world.

Predator MO

For the Predator, think of someone lurking in a street or car park or someother similar area. Remember, from statistics these are the locations these

attacks occur. The Predator will want enough foot traffic passing by so hecan pick and choose a victim much like a leopard will select its victim who gets




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separated from its herd. Marc MacYoung calls these areas Fringe areas.These are areas which are close by to nearby populated areas such asentertainment areas or where people go out and congregate in large numbers.From these busy areas, people leave, often individually or in small numbers.

These are the people the Predator looks closely at for their suitability tobecome victims. And the stalk begins.

Avoidance

The best way to avoid getting selectedas prey by a Predator is to not gothrough his turf whilst he is hunting. Ifyou go out with friends, stay in agroup. Do not leave the group and donot let anyone else leave it and go offby themselves, even if there has beenan argument or fight in the group.

There have been cases where females have stormed off from their boyfriendsafter having a fight and have then been subsequently raped. The samehappens for muggings as well.

If you are by yourself, do not go down lane ways or cut through car parks ortrain stations. This is where statistics tell us that most Predatory attacksoccur. Simply avoid going to quiet areas away from the public eye. When youare out, consider what the Predator is looking for. A weak and unaware victim.It is looking for that weak young animal that is separated from the group.

Do not be that young and weak and unaware prey. Be the fully grown stronghuman who is looking straight at the Predator when it is close. Never leaveyour back facing the Predator for too long. The Predator knows the stronghuman has some fight in them and has spotted him. Thus, the element ofsurprise is gone. The Predator will let that animal go by. Be that animal.


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If you do recognise ahead that a predator may be sizing you up, you canalways turn around and go back in the direction you came from. You couldeven cross the road or go into a store. You could get your phone out and beready to call the police. By recognising the threat early, you can take action

to avoid it. That is proactive self defence.

De-escalation

De-escalation is not as clear as with AlphaMale type attacks. Often, a Predator will aska distracting question to their selected victimas one last way to determine their chancesof success. If you look surprised by thatquestion or offer a weak response, chancesare high that the Predator will launch hisattack. If you look like you were waiting forthat question, and answer directly andconfidently with strong eye contact, chancesare high that the Predator will let you go andwait for someone who is more submissive.

If an attack does eventuate, the best thing to do is to give them what theywant. If they want your wallet, give them your wallet. Consider carrying awallet with 20 bucks in it to throw to a mugger. That is a cheap insurancepolicy. It may not work, but it may. If they want you, as in kidnapping, that isdifferent. It is always up to you, but this would probably be one of thosesituations where fighting back may be the best choice.

Do not get these mixed up

There are clear differences in the avoidance and de-escalation tactics foreach type of attack. Do not do the responses meant for the Predator to an

Alpha Male attacker. This will only make things much much worse. This is whyit is important to have a real understanding of the two types of Human




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Combative Behavior so that in any situation you may become involved with,the nature of the attack will be obvious. Then, an appropriate response canbe utilized.




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The Caveat

The tactics for avoiding and de-escalating both Alpha Male and Predatoryattacks are not foolproof. There is no magic bullet. Some attacks will be acombination of the types. Some psychopathic individuals do not fit into what

can be labelled as normalcombative behavior. Somepeople are just random andwhen it comes to violence, areimaginative.

This Alpha Male and Predatormodel of Human CombativeBehaviour is just that. A model.It does not and cannot place alltypes of human combat into

neat little holes that can then be dealt with in absolute terms. This is notpossible. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, they are wrong and are trying

to fool you.

Although this model is a very fundamental model, strengthened by an analysisof real statistics and is very simple and logical and is easily understood, it isstill just an aid. If you realise this and use it as it is meant to be used (as anaid), then no doubt, it is a very important and useful tool for anyoneinterested in self defence and defending those they care about.

Understanding human to human violence is the first step in being able to avoidit.




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Thank you

So that is the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto. I hope you haveenjoyed it and got something out of it. If you did, please let your friends andnetworks know about it. It may just be of great interest to them.

Please drop by to Low Tech Combat and leave a comment about theManifesto at the below link.

Leave feedback here

All the best, and safe travels.

AdamEditor of Low Tech Combat.

Images from Flickr (Creative Commons) thanks to:http://www.flickr.com/photos/philippeleroyer/http://www.flickr.com/photos/51600413@N02/http://www.flickr.com/photos/neonman/http://www.flickr.com/photos/doom64/http://www.flickr.com/photos/picmasta/http://www.flickr.com/photos/gakige/http://www.flickr.com/photos/fiammifero/http://www.flickr.com/photos/tudor_mitrea/http://www.flickr.com/photos/rogermeyer/http://www.flickr.com/photos/abennett96/http://www.flickr.com/photos/mharrsch/http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardignatius/http://www.flickr.com/photos/tfrancis/

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Join the Low Tech Combat

Newsletter

If you were sent this Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto by a friend andliked it, consider subscribing to our special Low Tech Combat Newsletter.

This Newsletter, as well as providing access to this Manifesto, provides aspecial 5 Part series which presents an analysis of 5 Case Studies of realattacks. It builds on the knowledge gained in this Manifesto and breaks downthese attacks to highlight the real world application of the principles ofHuman Combative Behaviour.

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The Case Studies clearly show if the attack was by an Alpha Male or aPredator. They also clearly showcase the uniqueness of that particular typeof attack. They also demonstrate some key Risk Factors which should havealerted the victim that they were at the highest risk time and place for such anattack to occur and often were doing the highest risk activity for the type ofattack they became the victim of.

As well as this special 5 part series, there will be lots of other exclusivecontent which will only be provided to newsletter subscribers. An example ofthis will be the Special Features which will each provide a number of articles onone specific sub topic of Low Tech Combat.

You will also receive new articles by Low Tech Combat direct to your inbox asthey are published. Overall, you will not get too many emails as we do notwant to flood your inbox. We are well aware of the growing tide of emails toour inboxes these days and will not add to that.

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Recommended Further Reading

Facing Violence

If you have enjoyed reading this Manifestoand want more, this book by Rory Miller is thebest place to go next for more detailedinformation.

Some topics include:

Social violence (similar to Alpha Male) Asocial violence (similar to Predator) Avoidance Counter Ambush Freezing under stress The fight After the fight - psychological and legal

The good thing about Facing Violence is that it covers mostly the mental (andpsychological), aspects of self defence, much like this Manifesto does. It alsoincludes the actual physical encounter as well as post encounter.

It is thoroughly recommended reading if you want something more.


...ifyouwantproctyourselffomviolencebyunderstandingitbeter- recognising

causes

and

signs,

knowing

how

de-

escala,

having

a

plan

for

what

do

if

de-

escalaon

ails, beingpreparedforelegalandoerconsequencesatcancomeafr- enFacingViolenceisebookforyou.

Barry Eisler-Author of the bestselling John Rain series of books
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594392137/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lowteccom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1594392137http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594392137/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=lowteccom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217145&creative=399373&creativeASIN=1594392137

human combative behavior manifesto v1

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