Survive In Place              Sample Lesson

The Ultimate Step-By-Step guide to creating your Urban Survival Plan

Welcome to another Sample SurviveInPlace™ lesson!

How To Increase Your Awareness By Becoming The Hunter!

I believe it’s important to develop your armed and unarmed skills, but when it comes to violence, luck can play a significant role. As a former no-holds-barred fighter (before MMA was regulated,) I saw and experienced how quickly a fighter with superior skills could be defeated by a newbie who got lucky.

If they’d fight 100 times, the superior fighter would probably win 90 times or more, but the newbie still has a chance.

With violent encounters, there is no referee or rules and a lucky cut, stab, or shot can kill you, even if you eventually stop the threat.

Although it sounds overly simplistic, one of the best ways to survive a violent encounter is to avoid violent encounters all-together.

One of the best ways to avoid violent encounters is to train your mind to recognize criminals, and the quickest way to do this is to start thinking like one.

For the next several days pretend that you are a mugger. As you go about your daily business, picture how you would bushwhack someone in the various places in which you find yourself.

If you live in an apartment, where in the building or parking facilities would you hide if you were going to attack someone? With a little practice, you’ll be amazed at how many spots in which you might be able to hide.

Start at home and then move your at­tention to your place of employment. Pay attention to those areas where you would normally be by yourself. The parking lot. Even the restroom. Pay attention to which stalls are the most vulnerable.

Start watching how you open doors. In particular, note where you’re looking, which arm you use, and how that helps/hinders your ability to react to someone on the other side.

Most crimes occur outside of your dwell­ing or place of business. Elevators, garages, building entrances and exits offer criminals opportunities to take you by surprise.

After you’ve learned to spot the ideal physical settings for a crime, you need to spot potential criminals.

You need to pay attention to the physical mannerism of potential bad guys.

When you see a person approaching you, ask yourself “is he dressed ap­propriately for the circumstances?” Is he wearing baggy clothing to hide a weapon? Do his shoes match his cloth­ing? If he’s wearing running shoes with nice slacks and shirt, be careful. Is he wearing a hat and sunglasses that go out of their way to hide his face?

Don’t be afraid to look people straight in the eye. You want to know if they’re checking you out as a possible victim. Does the potential bad guy have his hands in his pockets, perhaps holding a weapon? Does he appear nervous, sweating or breathing heavily?

Most attacks come from behind, so learn to expand your field of vision.

Most of us tend to stare when we look at something. Here’s a simple exercise you can use to break this habit and expand your field a vision.

Look at an object in the room you’re in. Now, without moving your eyes or head, what do you see out of the sides of your eyes? How about top and bottom?

It’s amazing how much more you see when you pay attention to your periph­eral vision. Imagine a hose nozzle that can be adjusted back and forth from a wide spray to a concentrated stream. When you need to focus on something, tighten the nozzle and then quickly ad­just your vision back to a wide spray.

As you develop your vision, with a little twist of your head you will be able to scan almost 360 degrees around you.

No one will ever be able to sneak up on you again. Try it and see for yourself.

Most people have never seen a real criminal in person. So as part of your training you’ve got to get out and see the bad guys, learn how they think and act.

When Rick Jones joined the L.A. County Sheriffs Department he was being groomed for undercover work with L.A.’s most notorious gangs. To prepare him for that assignment, he was assigned to work in one of California’s toughest prisons. Why?

Because you get to see the worst that society has to offer in terms of vicious criminals — and they’re all in one place.

Dep. Jones was able to observe and study the behavior of killers, rapists, muggers, robbers, and a special group of violence prone people referred to as EDP’s (emotionally disturbed people).

In time Jones became an expert in spotting criminals and categorizing them according to their specialty and propensity for violence.

Today, whether Rick Jones walks into a restaurant, bar or other place of busi­ness or simply walks down the street, he quickly sizes up people he meets. If he senses trouble he knows what to expect and he’s ready for it.

Here’s the next best thing you can do to learn the same kind of lessons Rick Jones did.

Call your local police office (or a friend who’s in law enforcement) and ask if you can do a “ride-along” with them. Try to find someone who is a “beat cop” and who regularly runs into bad situations. It won’t do much good to ride with a detective or an officer doing traffic stops.

You can also spend some time in the local criminal court. Spending a few hours a day, or night, over several days will give you a great education when it comes to knowing who the bad guys are and understanding their behavior.

By watching these people you get a feel for what they’re like, the way they move, act and THE WAY THEY WATCH OTHER PEOPLE.

Most criminals are petty thieves and not very dangerous. What you’re looking for is a way of spotting those who are mean, sadistic or emotionally disturbed. They are the violent offenders who will rob you first and then shoot you just for the fun of it. They are the ones you want to spot early on. You want plenty of time to either avoid, evade or otherwise deal with these people.

After a little practice in criminal court, it’s time to go to your favorite mall or even a busy street corner. Find a spot from which you can watch people. Then repeat the exercise, only this time your picking out the bad guys from the gen­eral population. See how easy it gets to “BE ALERT” once you know what to look for.

I hope you enjoyed this sample lesson, and look forward to you signing up for the course at www.SurviveInPlace.com

I have received several responses about the course and how much people got out of going through the exercises.

Remember, it’s a self-paced course, so you can complete it in 12 weeks or stretch it out longer once you’ve received the lessons.

You can go to www.SurviveInPlace.com to sign up for the complete course right now.

God Bless,

David Morris

P.S.  Please coment on this…anything to let me know you’re alive and I should keep sending you urban survival information.  Love it?  Hate it?  Let me know!

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106 Responses to “Survive In Place Sample Lesson Situational Awareness”

  • Margaret says:

    I signed up for lessons and downloaded the first one. Great! It answers a very weighty question I have had for a long time!

  • Richard says:

    I found you when we were buying all of our survival gear and you’ve saved me thousands of dollars in unnecessary supplies. Your course was straight forward, logical, and going through the exercises has given our family a plan that will allow us to do well in any disaster situation.

  • Victor says:

    I have read the first lesson, I am pleased with the product, and I look forward to the future lessons.

  • Errol says:

    Thanks, great advice!
    I try to practice these skills as well.
    I am trained in a variety of weapons use and martial arts. As an older person, with some disabilities, I realize limitations now that were not present earlier in my life.
    Good SA is always the very best and first defensive tool that we have.
    In my daily activities I notice that most folks are oblivious to there surroundings – making them very easy prey for thugs. A “white zone” mentality.
    Even with many years of training and the habit of carrying both a firearm along with a non-lethal defensive tool; I realize that we are all vulnerable.
    Your tips on observation, good SA and how to present ourselves to any watching eyes are excellent!
    Thank you and please continue to do your good work!
    V/R, Errol
    Pensacola, Fl

  • Michael says:

    Over the years, I’ve bought almost everything that I need for survival. I had everything in place except a well thought out plan. Your course guided me through the process of making a plan. Thank you.

  • Phil says:

    Dear Dave,

    Excellent advice! I will “practice” all that you have suggested. Having already being a former Marine and a ‘Nam vet (combat ‘65 – ‘66 CAM LO/I-CORPS)no one can ever sneak up on me, no matter how tired or worn out I am. I am always aware of everthing that is going around me, 24/7. Many of the suggestions I already practice and some I have just learned from you. Thanks!!

  • Rodney says:

    Excellent tips and look forward to the next lesson.

  • Robert says:

    Very informative. I never thought as most people to look for the “Bad Guys” but if you want to be safe in your surroundings you need to know who is around you. Thank you for this valuable information.

  • Bill says:

    This is very informational. I am very interested to learn more.

  • Charles says:

    As law enforcement officer of 24 years with lots of time in swat and undercover narcotics, i appreciated reading this post. Spent 10 years as an LEO trainer in firearms and some in survival and combatives. I agree. Understanding the predator mindset is key to awareness. Understanding that not everyone subscribes to our value systems or honor code is critical to reducing that “I cant believe this is happening !” thought process. thanks.

  • James says:

    Keep Sending

  • Jack says:

    This is good information – everyone should read this.

  • Chuck says:

    Excellent article. Will be very valuable in the days to come. I’ll forward this to several friends..Thank you.

  • Robert says:

    Sounds like excellent advice

  • Juan says:

    Hi David, I just read your article or lesson and I must say it is very good. You mention the way a criminal might dress. In my day to day observance. There are quite a few people who actually wear nice running shoes with slacks, loose pants and tops, sunglasses and so on. And not all of them are criminals. Granted, yes some may be. But not all. I for one know what you are saying, as I have had some specialized training when I was in the military and have never forgotten it. I practice it everyday. But there are those who would aay this is profiling. Yeah, I know the ones who will cry the loudest will be the criminals. Just wanted to point this out. All in all though it is a very great lesson. And like you say a little practice goes a long way. But as the saying goes the more you practice the better you get. Keep up the great work and keep the lessons coming! Thank you very much.

  • Tom says:

    Very interesting. I just finished writing to an instructor about force on force training and the necessity for lateral movement in order to become a more difficult target. So far I kind of like what you sent. Thanks

  • Tom says:

    Very interesting. I just finished writing to an instructor about force on force training and the necessity for lateral movement in order to become a more difficult target. So far I kind of like what you sent. Thanks

  • john says:

    just awosome keep it coming.
    p.s. i’m a bit skeptical about local PD allowing a ride along.

  • David says:

    John,

    Give them a call or ask the next one that you see. Most departments in the country will allow you to ride with them. – David

  • Bob Wilson says:

    Your advice makes a lot of sense; it agrees with what I’ve been doing for years – but greatly improves on it. So far, so good.
    Bob

  • Nancy says:

    Keep sending!! Very good stuff

  • Randy says:

    I trained in Ninjutsu in California and my sensei taught me to sense other people and their intentions. I definitely will incorporate this article into what I have already learned.

    I would add to this article by saying that what you r are afraid of you sometimes get. Guard your thoughts about what your day is going to be. Your thoughts.intentions create your day and you have a lot of control in what your day will be like. Prepare for something for sure, but use your expectations and thoughts to your advantage and don’t create a situation by thinking that I wonder if today…
    I know this sounds a little metaphysical, but it is mentioned in ancient texts from all over the world.

  • Very Interesting and I will read it a few more time to remeber it all and I will for sure be watching whats going on around me a lot closer….

  • david says:

    I like what you said on this ty

  • brian says:

    great information along with great feed back
    keep it comming

  • Gerry says:

    Just a couple of comments (to let you know I’m alive). I’m always interested in anything to do with self defense. I was involved with the martial arts also, which now of course involves firearms. I have military police and civilian police experience and shoot constantly. I used to live by “expect the best but prepare for the worst” but I’m not that optimistic anymore.
    You mentioned avoiding trouble, which I do, I don’t want to go to jail or the morgue either. You also mentioned looking a person straight in the eye. That’s a direct challenge! I read body language.
    As far as who’s the bad guys and who’s the really bad guys?
    They’re all really bad guys and distance and cover “gained discreetly if possible” are your friends.

  • michael dunlop says:

    insiteful, encouraging and without question…very useful

  • Al says:

    Have practiced these habits for awhile now and try to instill them in my wife and two (15 and 12 yrs) sons. Always watching shadows, parking lots etc. I agree with Gerry above that “distance and cover “gained discreetly if possible” are your friends.”

  • RAY SHERMAN says:

    very interesting, makes you more awair of where you are and who and what is around you

  • Mike Jones says:

    I own a small business and have to drive all over various parts of town.
    I am surrounded by all types of people and potential crime.
    This is a very good eye-opening article and one can surely learn from it.

  • Carl O'Donnell says:

    Dear Sir,

    Thanks for the info. I live in a very rural area but it is amazing how many characters I see each week that I would not trust, especially public schooled teenagers. They are just plain scary. If things get bad I think teen gangs will be everywhere. These people think everything is owed to them and will be very disapointed people in hard times. God bless you for what you do.

  • PAUL MOORE says:

    I just wanted to say great job. I learned most of this in the army and needed a refresher course. Thanks

  • JUST READ #2 FREEBIE & LOVE IT. I DO HAVE GUNS AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM,
    DONT PRACTICE MUCH BUT WILL START. I AM 78 STILL IN GOOD HEALTH, LONG HAIR
    MUSTACH AND CHIN WHISKERS, DRIVE OLD P.U. SO DONT ANY OF YOU GUYS THINK ME
    ONE OF THE BAD GUYS OUT THERE. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CAREFULL OF MY SURROUND-
    INGS BUT WILL LEARN TO BE MORE CAREFULL NOW THAT YOU HAVE SHOWN ME “HOW TO” THANK YOU FOR THE INFO & AS SOON AS I AM ABLE TO I WILL TAKE YOUR COURSE…AND YES I AM STILL ALIVE…MACK

  • ROBERT J PETTIT says:

    Your course is an eye opener. I like what I see. This will allow me to save my family. Thanks

  • Jack says:

    Keep sending the letters. I’m heading for the mall tomorrow and then the other side of town. I have to hone my skills to spot the bad guys. I usually listen to my gut feelings if a place doesn’t seem right or safe I leave or watch my back and try to pick a seat were I can see what is going down and where the exits are.
    Thanks,
    Jack

  • Ruth Sullivan says:

    Please keep sending this info to me. Thanks!

  • Paul B. says:

    Very good and insightful information. Keeps you aware of situations you otherwise wouldn’t think about. Please keep sending this excellent information.

  • Frank d. says:

    All very good advice. Our Bat sense is in gear if we started down a dark alley at night (dumb) because we know better. But how many people look
    around them in the parking lot to see if anyone is following or watching them? Keep in mind that our world is full of desperate people who will prey on the innocent and weak. Keep up the good work.

  • Skeej says:

    Great stuff, thanks.

    Fits well with what I’ve learned in SERE, military martial arts, and survival training elsewhere, and its delivered in a no-nonsense efficient, read-able fashion, with action items for “any-man/woman” citizen to use.

  • P lee says:

    great to read stuff like this looking at part 2 now cheers

  • Judith says:

    You do have my attention. When I can, I will be signing up. Until then keep up this work. We all need it.

  • brandon hartley says:

    so all you say is true.i work at a reasturant thet allows us to smoke out back in an alley.we constently encounter homeless in the alley.our homeless our pros at there trade.occasionaly they enter the restuarant and harrase the clientel.i have had to act as bouncer and i’m not at all big and bouncery.these guys are out of there mind half the time,so my heads always on a swivel.do you have any advice other than getting a carry conceale license.

  • Good solid advice! Most of us are far to complacent with our daily living, we need this to jolt us back to reality. Thanks for your caring to share this information.

  • Dixie says:

    Good Article, great advice. Keep them coming.

  • Robbie says:

    I never thought to look at life through that lens. Criminials are constantly sizeing up and seeking out there prey. Autopilot can get you killed, don’t be the gazelle to survive you have to become the lion in the long grass. I like the way you think, good material.

  • John says:

    Dave,
    I know from experience that what we think about-we magnetize. Awareness focused to the level of paranoia not only robs you of peace of mind, it is actually counter-productive, putting your radar on the bad guys radar.
    Instead-subtle awareness-scanning and planning every now and then seems more sensible. Any opinion on Phillipino fighting sticks?

  • Liz says:

    Interesting. I had not thought about doing any of the things you suggest, but plan to give them a try in the VERY near future. This is great.

  • Jim Cusick says:

    Wow! What great information. I’m usually pretty careful and observant in dark places and situations. But, boy, I’m practicing my 360 degree vision now.

  • pat says:

    Thank You, I have found this lesson very valuable, thankyou.
    Please continue to send me more.

  • Bertha says:

    Good information please keep sending

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