Major Signs of Dominance You Must Pay Attention in Self Defence

Major Signs of Dominance You Must Pay Attention in Self Defence

Displays of aggression can come in many forms. The most obvious are acts or signs of dominance. What some call a Monkey Dance. Having some understanding of the nonverbal communication behaviour of people trying to exert dominant can help you defend yourself.

What is the Monkey Dance? Essentially, it’s an aggressive confrontation characterised by nonverbal communication intend as a display of dominance.

So what do I mean when I use the term Dominance?

Well, people getting in each other’s faces, expanding their chest, and occupying as much space as possible. Just like Apes. You could say the Monkey Dance is a sequence of ritualized primate violence.

Signs of Dominance are Different in Street Fights

Dominance displays differ from violent encounters because they feature a verbal and non-verbal dialogue. These events can be distinguished from sudden attacks and ambushes. For example, when walking down a street, and someone runs up behind and sucker punches you. It’s a completely different element of violence and physical action.

In contrast, this form of aggressive behaviour is a ritualized build up to violence. It starts with nonverbal communication and a trigger for violence. Compared to surprise attacks you have some information and warning beforehand. These events are more often face to face. So, you can walk away.

Reframing nonverbal gestures as threat signals is an important component to your self defence. This must become an intuitive process. If so then you won’t have to think and will react quicker. So, look for signals of escalation. The signs of dominance. Where the aggressor is becoming more antagonized. Of course, one obvious threat signal is the closure of personal space. Those that wish to impose themselves may often step into your personal space as a display of dominance.

Displays of dominance involve a range of verbal and nonverbal communication. If you can control this form of behaviour then you will be better placed to defend yourself.

Emotional Control – The Ego Battle

Essentially, this form of social violence is an Ego Battle. So, it requires some emotional control on your part. Don’t get involved in the Monkey Dance. If someone’s screaming and shouting at you, don’t let your ego draw you into their personal space. This is the Ego Battle.

Let’s be honest we are all susceptible to challenges to our ego. Even I am. However, it takes a clear mind and presence to avoid getting sucked into an Ego Battle. So, try to employ a good form of tactical communication in these situations.

What Are the likely signs of attack?

Pushing is a common trigger for violence during Ego Battles. In fact, you could say there is a ritualised script to this type of behaviour. The sequence often follows communication, invasion of personal space (act of dominance), push (the trigger), then punches (violent action).

The push (trigger) is common for many reasons. Psychologically, it crosses the boundaries for violence, practically it makes space for action. In other words, pushing allows you to defensively make space, or strike in self defence. Therefore, you must be ready for this action. In corporate it into your self defence training.

The Takeaway…

Ego battles are often displayed dominance characterised by nonverbal communication. This behaviour is very common. Don’t get involved, don’t engage. They are emotional. They are how should I put it unintelligent? And they certainly aren’t something that you want to get sucked into.