Intimidation – A Predator’s or Prey’s Tool for Control/Survival?

Intimidation – to deter by threats, to frighten into submission are two of the dictionaries definitions.

The reality is we’ve all faced it, used it and have been influenced by it. We grew up with it and all of our adult lives are continually being altered by it. But what exactly is IT?

My old Sensei once said that intimidation works best when we allow it too. We can often refuse it, but most often we don’t.

We experience many forms of intimidation from an early age and it becomes the norm almost as soon as we understand language. “If you don’t eat your dinner you won’t get any ice cream.” Or “Wait until your Dad comes home.”

Animal kingdom uses intimidation for the defeat of the prey or the retreat of the enemy. By beating their chests, gorillas intimidate others so they are no longer a threat. Other animals use visual intimidation such as mimicking another more dangerous animal simply to avoid being eaten. Others use sound, snarls or screams to intimidate would be predators. The list is endless. The objective, however, is always the same – to intimidate would be attackers from actually attacking.

Human forms of intimidation are just as diverse and include the visual, the verbal and the physical. By understanding these, you will, hopefully, be able to turn the tables on your aggressor.

Keep checking back as we will discuss the three different forms in follow up postings. Or better yet, check out the next scheduled RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) Class to learn about this and so much more.

**Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO/Founder of Women's Self-Defense Institute and EasySafety4U.com providing self defense training, education awareness & personal protection products empowering women to fight back against crime.