Verbal De-Escalation is a very important part of practical self defense. It should be our first line of defense. Many times we can talk our way out of a situation without resorting to physical action. The best fight is the one you avoided. Your self defense should begin as soon as you spot the person, i.e. Learn to recognize danger. Your first response should never be physical, this is for the benefit of everyone involved. My first teacher told me he had been in several fights and he had a “souvenir” from each fight; a thumb that no longer worked properly, a scare from a knife wound, etc. I got the point; fighting is not good, avoid it if you can.
Talking your way out of a situation, Verbal De-Escalation, is an art. For starters; don’t insult the person, don’t anger him. Make it clear you don’t want a fight, but do so from a position of strength, don’t grovel. Tony Blair said, “Those who are willing to talk can usually be persuaded to walk.” Let us remember that the ability to talk and de-escalate a situation is a critical part of our training. While we all have an ego and do not want to be insulted, generally it is better to rise above it and just ignore the taunts, if that is all it is. We must use wisdom. Let us not let our emotions cloud our judgment. The main goal of krav maga self defense training is survival.