I recently heard about a concert riot that made me feel the need to address this problem that seems to make

the 11 o'clock news but never with a suggestion on how to avoid such a situation. I hope the following helps

those that will be going to any event in the future.

This article will be based on my experience as a former promoter and security staff organizer but moreover,

as a trained Martial Artist.

I have had the unfortunate task of being involved in my share of event riots both as a spectator and organizer.

The most important thing I've learned is that safety starts at home. I can not emphasize this enough.

Before you grab your keys, stop and think of the danger that you might face.

Envision the worst-case scenario that can happen at your event. If by chance you don't know what the

surroundings will be like, do this as soon as you get to your destination. This will help you come up with

planed scenarios that will save you valuable time the day of the event if anything goes wrong.

Next, anticipate what type of crowd you will be surrounded by and if you might be provoking any type of

negative feedback by the way you are dressed or possibly act. A little planning goes along way.

Just recently I was making arrangements to attend a hip-hop concert where a famous rap icon was

performing in Los Angeles. This event was sure to attract an array of different people from all walks of life.

But more importantly, this was an event where many, many men from different backgrounds were about to

gather and intermingle. This, by definition, is probable cause to worry. One wrong move, one wrong stare and

the possibility for trouble is great.

Taking this in mind, I decided not to attend due to the fact that it may not be in my best interest.

Later that night, I was angry to learn but not surprised that a riot had broken out at the hip-hop concert. But

this could be any event in any town. The lessons are the same.

I saw on television the innocent bystanders become targets of the large angry mob that attacked helpless

fans like a group of wolves locked onto their pray.

This is what led me to write this article. I am currently involved with large events that at any time can become

dangerous. I must rely on my training and react to my environment to keep me safe.

Another important point is to never leave yourself vulnerable to an attack by traveling alone. Always bring one

or two friends wherever you go. That includes the bathroom. Stay alert.

Leave all your heavy belongings at home that might leave you immobile or sluggish, just incase you might be

forced to run for your life.

Always have an exit route planned. Remember, you are going to have to change it every time you relocate

your position.

NEVER turn your back on a possible threat. You don't want to get smacked with a flying bottle or sucker

punched.

One of the easiest things many people forget to do is to scan your surrounding for the unsuspected attack.

This may be direct or indirect. Get the big picture.

For example, our webmaster went with his cousins to a local car show a couple of years ago. He noticed

right away the number of gangs that showed up. He always avoided being near them. At one point he noticed

glares and stares to the point where he decided the event was becoming unsafe and he convinced his

cousins that it was time to go. It took him a half-hour to get home. He turned on the television only to see

a riot had broken out at the car show with some people being shot and stabbed. Be aware.

If you are confronted directly, try to avoid any conflict by expressing your desire not to fight but at all times

keep your hands in a stealth-like fighting position expecting the worst-case scenario. Keep in mind you

might be forced to fight.

If possible, always let your friends be aware of the threats by communicating to them any possible attack.

Have key words or gestures pre-arranged to signal help. Believe me, this is not paranoia (you wouldn't leave

the house if it was). A plan will take you all of 5 minutes to come up with which could prevent a lifetime of

grief.

If the worst-case scenario does happen and you are being attacked, remember to always stay on your feet.

Again, stay on your feet because the second you fall to the ground, you lose your mode of escape. You'll

probably end up in what is known in Martial Arts as FTP - Fetal Technique position where all you can do is

take your beating so always struggle to stay on your feet at all cost.

And last but not least, never let your attackers surround you. Always keep them in front of you and in your

sight. This will help avoid any attack from your bind spot or behind. Not doing so can lead to serious injury or

worse.

Next, realize that this is the type of environment where you must protect your face.

If you are forced to fight back, don't forget to attack vital parts of the body (if you need to) in order to open up

your exit route and run! This could be in the form of strikes to the eyes, groin, for females - the breast area to

name but a few. Don't underestimate anyone because of their size or gender.

One of the great things about Martial Arts self defense is that you learn not to think, just react to an attack.

That is what sets Martial Artists apart from the average Joe. You need to react without thinking! Go train in

Martial Arts!

The bottom line is that having a plan and being aware of your surroundings takes very little effort but yields

high dividends when called upon.

This is just part one of many on this topic. I am in the works of going into the world of the people in charge of

riot prevention - the event security staff, better know as the bouncers.

I'll cover Martial Arts in Nightclub security, Concert security, Private Patrol, and much more. 

PeAcE oUt!

Xavier

(8/19/02)