Posted by: Gavin
Staying Ahead of the Pack - 11/02/05 08:36 AM
Hi guys,
I've been given the opportunity to submit some of my ramblings for possible publication. Here's the article I'm going to be submitting. Any feedback guys would be gratefully received?
Gav
Staying Ahead of the Pack
The days of the “Straightener” outside your local pub are on the whole a thing of the past. Having two gentlemen settle a disagreement in a gentlemanly manner now seems but a faded memory from a time long passed, where the grass was greener and the women fairer. Nowadays the once humble “Straightner” seems to have become somewhat of a team sport, where you no longer deal with an individual, but have to fight with half of their social circle. The concept of a “One on One” has now been relegated to the realms of folklore told to you by your parents.
Times have changed; the possibility of being attacked by a group of aggressors is probably greater now than that of an individual assault. Every Friday and Saturday night packs of intoxicated individuals roam the high streets up and down the country looking for prey. Typically pack hunters are actually cowards and couldn’t fight sleep individually, but their strength is in their numbers, not in their individual abilities. The Pack is a collection of weak, insecure and usually intoxicated single parts united to form a formidable whole.
As with any Pack there is usually a distinct hierarchy within in it. At the top of the pack there are usually a couple of Alpha males. These guys are usually the self-elected spokespeople for the pack and will usually handle any matters of communication. They will be at the front of the pack and we will usually lead by example. Being the Alpha’s they are usually the strongest and most respected amongst the pack.
The Alpha’s will have a loyal and loving contingent of Foot Soldiers. Cowards and opportunistic by nature, these guys love the idea of fighting, yet lack the bottle to actually get stuck in. They will however not hesitate in taking care of any scraps thrown down by the Alpha’s. They will never engage directly but happily attack an open and vulnerable victim. These guys are dangerous due to the fact that unlike the Alpha’s they won’t come straight at you, but preferring to blindside and snipe you.
The bottom of the Pack is made up of the Hanger-on’s. These are the guys who are just along for the ride, to be part of the moment. Hanger-on’s are usually spectators by nature, although caution should be exercised as they have been known to be promoted to Foot Soldier status during an intense hunt.
So what do you do if you’re singled out as prey by the Pack? Firstly, run if you can. Fighting multiple opponents means exactly that, you will be fighting multiple opponents. They have all the same tools as you, except they have a stock pile. If you’re facing three opponents your dealing with three pairs of arms and legs compared to your one. Facing five opponents? Take that up to five pairs, ten arms to your two. In doesn’t take a genius to figure out that these aren’t favourable odds. If you can run, get on you toes. If you can’t run, pick something up. If you can’t pick something up, now and only now contemplate using yourself.
When initially engaged Pack mentality is not fully realised yet, there is still a “Me” factor in the Pack members’ minds. They will still be thinking of their own individual vulnerability as opposed to the collective strength of the Pack. Anyone familiar with wildlife documentaries will probably have seen this behaviour. Watch a pack of Hyenas trying to attack a lone Lion. They will surround the Lion, but stay just out of range of attack. The Alpha’s will probe and taunt Lion, while the Foot Soldiers will hover looking for an opportunity. The Hanger-on’s will sit on the periphery providing support for the rest the pack. At this stage none of the Pack will attack individually though, they may individually try and goad the Lion, but know that if they engage fully the Lion will more than likely tear them to pieces. Humans are exactly the same; any one familiar with football violence will confirm this.
So when will the Pack attack? When there is an opening. It will be a split second decision and they will all surge forwards for the kill. This is why it is imperative that you avoid becoming fixated on a particular individual. The Alpha’s will be the ones trying to engage your attention; the Foot Soldiers will fan out and try flanking you. You should always be aware of the group’s movements as a whole and not fix your attention on a particular Alpha. Also try to manoeuvre yourself into a position whereby the majority of the Pack is being eclipsed but a certain member. This stops them having a direct line of attack at you, they will have to go round each other to attack you directly. Above all be aware of the Foot Soldiers, they will try and sneak in a surprise attack.
Your best chance of surviving a Pack attack is to try of beat their fighting spirit, rather than beating them all physically. The chances of physically defeating four or five opponents in a single sitting is pretty remote, however defeating them psychologically is an achievable goal. When a Pack attacks it will be a concerted group effort, all going at the same time. It will be a frenzied attack fuelled purely on aggression and adrenaline, they will be thinking collectively and unable to see individual defeat. This is when the Pack is dangerous! You need to turn the Pack mentality back to an individual mentality, you need to re-introduce the “Me” factor. If the conflict hasn’t erupted into a physical encounter you maybe able to do this verbally, tell them exactly what you’re going to do to them, be graphic and convincing. Be wary though, because this may incite violence rather than curtail it. You can also induce the “Me” factor by pre-emptively attacking, taking the fight to them. If you choose this option aim for one of the Alpha’s and make sure you hurt them badly. Again as with the verbal, a physical attack maybe counteractive. Either way, in order to reduce the Pack mentality, you need to convince of their individual vulnerability, you will need to be an animal!
When the Pack attacks it does so in waves. The whole Pack will be trying to hit you at the same time and you’ll have no choice but to cover up and try to stay on your feet. Bring your hands up, drop your weight, and weather the storm. This is when you’ll find out the true meaning behind the saying, “Adrenaline is brown coloured!” Due to combined effort of multiply attackers trying to attack the same target, if they don’t land cleanly they will all get tied up. They will then pull back to make the second wave possible, that’s your cue to come out banging. Don’t be fixed on a single pack member, bounce from one to the next. When you hit, hit hard. Aim to hurt. Bite, tear, gouge and attack absolutely anything that moves. Remember we’re aiming on convincing them that they are dealing with a psychotic! Should you stun one long enough to grab hold of them use them as a shield, shake, pull and keep them off balance. Swing, hit and shock them continuously, keep them out of the game.
An armed Pack is an entirely different level of danger. Anyone who has done any multiple weapons sparring will vouch that this is a “loose loose” situation. The only outcome is that you’re going to be hurt; the question is just how badly. Again cover up, protect your vital targets and once the wave is over try and make a run for it. You’ll be fighting for your life!
This is by no means a definitive guide to multiply attackers, but should hopefully serve as a basis to stimulate thought and the appreciation of how serious this threat is.
I've been given the opportunity to submit some of my ramblings for possible publication. Here's the article I'm going to be submitting. Any feedback guys would be gratefully received?
Gav
Staying Ahead of the Pack
The days of the “Straightener” outside your local pub are on the whole a thing of the past. Having two gentlemen settle a disagreement in a gentlemanly manner now seems but a faded memory from a time long passed, where the grass was greener and the women fairer. Nowadays the once humble “Straightner” seems to have become somewhat of a team sport, where you no longer deal with an individual, but have to fight with half of their social circle. The concept of a “One on One” has now been relegated to the realms of folklore told to you by your parents.
Times have changed; the possibility of being attacked by a group of aggressors is probably greater now than that of an individual assault. Every Friday and Saturday night packs of intoxicated individuals roam the high streets up and down the country looking for prey. Typically pack hunters are actually cowards and couldn’t fight sleep individually, but their strength is in their numbers, not in their individual abilities. The Pack is a collection of weak, insecure and usually intoxicated single parts united to form a formidable whole.
As with any Pack there is usually a distinct hierarchy within in it. At the top of the pack there are usually a couple of Alpha males. These guys are usually the self-elected spokespeople for the pack and will usually handle any matters of communication. They will be at the front of the pack and we will usually lead by example. Being the Alpha’s they are usually the strongest and most respected amongst the pack.
The Alpha’s will have a loyal and loving contingent of Foot Soldiers. Cowards and opportunistic by nature, these guys love the idea of fighting, yet lack the bottle to actually get stuck in. They will however not hesitate in taking care of any scraps thrown down by the Alpha’s. They will never engage directly but happily attack an open and vulnerable victim. These guys are dangerous due to the fact that unlike the Alpha’s they won’t come straight at you, but preferring to blindside and snipe you.
The bottom of the Pack is made up of the Hanger-on’s. These are the guys who are just along for the ride, to be part of the moment. Hanger-on’s are usually spectators by nature, although caution should be exercised as they have been known to be promoted to Foot Soldier status during an intense hunt.
So what do you do if you’re singled out as prey by the Pack? Firstly, run if you can. Fighting multiple opponents means exactly that, you will be fighting multiple opponents. They have all the same tools as you, except they have a stock pile. If you’re facing three opponents your dealing with three pairs of arms and legs compared to your one. Facing five opponents? Take that up to five pairs, ten arms to your two. In doesn’t take a genius to figure out that these aren’t favourable odds. If you can run, get on you toes. If you can’t run, pick something up. If you can’t pick something up, now and only now contemplate using yourself.
When initially engaged Pack mentality is not fully realised yet, there is still a “Me” factor in the Pack members’ minds. They will still be thinking of their own individual vulnerability as opposed to the collective strength of the Pack. Anyone familiar with wildlife documentaries will probably have seen this behaviour. Watch a pack of Hyenas trying to attack a lone Lion. They will surround the Lion, but stay just out of range of attack. The Alpha’s will probe and taunt Lion, while the Foot Soldiers will hover looking for an opportunity. The Hanger-on’s will sit on the periphery providing support for the rest the pack. At this stage none of the Pack will attack individually though, they may individually try and goad the Lion, but know that if they engage fully the Lion will more than likely tear them to pieces. Humans are exactly the same; any one familiar with football violence will confirm this.
So when will the Pack attack? When there is an opening. It will be a split second decision and they will all surge forwards for the kill. This is why it is imperative that you avoid becoming fixated on a particular individual. The Alpha’s will be the ones trying to engage your attention; the Foot Soldiers will fan out and try flanking you. You should always be aware of the group’s movements as a whole and not fix your attention on a particular Alpha. Also try to manoeuvre yourself into a position whereby the majority of the Pack is being eclipsed but a certain member. This stops them having a direct line of attack at you, they will have to go round each other to attack you directly. Above all be aware of the Foot Soldiers, they will try and sneak in a surprise attack.
Your best chance of surviving a Pack attack is to try of beat their fighting spirit, rather than beating them all physically. The chances of physically defeating four or five opponents in a single sitting is pretty remote, however defeating them psychologically is an achievable goal. When a Pack attacks it will be a concerted group effort, all going at the same time. It will be a frenzied attack fuelled purely on aggression and adrenaline, they will be thinking collectively and unable to see individual defeat. This is when the Pack is dangerous! You need to turn the Pack mentality back to an individual mentality, you need to re-introduce the “Me” factor. If the conflict hasn’t erupted into a physical encounter you maybe able to do this verbally, tell them exactly what you’re going to do to them, be graphic and convincing. Be wary though, because this may incite violence rather than curtail it. You can also induce the “Me” factor by pre-emptively attacking, taking the fight to them. If you choose this option aim for one of the Alpha’s and make sure you hurt them badly. Again as with the verbal, a physical attack maybe counteractive. Either way, in order to reduce the Pack mentality, you need to convince of their individual vulnerability, you will need to be an animal!
When the Pack attacks it does so in waves. The whole Pack will be trying to hit you at the same time and you’ll have no choice but to cover up and try to stay on your feet. Bring your hands up, drop your weight, and weather the storm. This is when you’ll find out the true meaning behind the saying, “Adrenaline is brown coloured!” Due to combined effort of multiply attackers trying to attack the same target, if they don’t land cleanly they will all get tied up. They will then pull back to make the second wave possible, that’s your cue to come out banging. Don’t be fixed on a single pack member, bounce from one to the next. When you hit, hit hard. Aim to hurt. Bite, tear, gouge and attack absolutely anything that moves. Remember we’re aiming on convincing them that they are dealing with a psychotic! Should you stun one long enough to grab hold of them use them as a shield, shake, pull and keep them off balance. Swing, hit and shock them continuously, keep them out of the game.
An armed Pack is an entirely different level of danger. Anyone who has done any multiple weapons sparring will vouch that this is a “loose loose” situation. The only outcome is that you’re going to be hurt; the question is just how badly. Again cover up, protect your vital targets and once the wave is over try and make a run for it. You’ll be fighting for your life!
This is by no means a definitive guide to multiply attackers, but should hopefully serve as a basis to stimulate thought and the appreciation of how serious this threat is.
