Recognizing the Precursors of an Attack – An Excerpt from Eyes Wide Open

The Second Pillar: Recognizing the Precursors of an Attack

Once personal awareness, the ability to be mentally and emotionally present is firmly in place, the next essential layer in a progressive self-defense mindset is the ability to recognize the precursors of an attack. If awareness is your radar, then recognizing pre-attack indicators is your early warning system. It gives shape and direction to your awareness. It transforms alertness into informed, actionable insight.

These precursors, subtle cues, behaviors, environmental shifts are often the clues you’ll get before a situation escalates into violence. And they don’t shout; they whisper. You must know how to listen.

Why Recognizing Pre-Attack Indicators Is Critical

1. Violence is a Process, Not a Sudden Event

Contrary to popular belief, violence rarely erupts without warning. While it may feel “sudden” to the untrained, most attacks are preceded by a recognizable sequence of behaviors, both in the attacker and in the environment. These might include:

• Invasive body language (closing distance unnecessarily)
• Targeting behavior (watching, following, isolating)
• Verbal probing or testing (“What time is it?” “Do you live around here?”)
• Hands hidden or checking clothing (potential weapon access)
• Change in demeanor (sudden silence, clenched fists, flaring nostrils, pacing)

Learning to read these signs in real-time allows you to intervene at the earliest possible moment, ideally, before a physical threat ever manifests.

Eyes Wide Open – Because Your Life is Worth Defending, available on Amazon https://a.co/d/eke3MHq

Stay Safe