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Officer Sarah Jones just froze. The masked woman was in her face screaming obscenities and leaning in, obviously attempting to elicit a response from the young officer. She could almost feel the spit coming through the lady\u2019s black bloc.

Sarah\u2019s supervising officer quickly stepped between her, and her assailant to attract attention away from Sarah. This gave the young officer an opportunity to create space and gather herself.

Officer Cruise, Sarah\u2019s supervisor, immediately took control and firmly said, \u201cI\u2019m going to need you to back away mam.\u201d As she said those words she stepped OFFLINE slightly, stepping her leg back in a slight semi circle, hands up and open, the universal sign for stop.

Just then the woman lunged forward, because officer Cruise was OFFLINE she was not taken off balance, and easily redirected the assailant to the ground where she proceeded to cuff her and read her her rights. Sarah was surprised at the calm, and speed with which she accomplished this.

Back at the station there was just one thing Sarah heard, \u201cSarah, when something like this happens you\u2019ve got to get OFFLINE, just don\u2019t stand there!\u201d Sarah shook her head in agreement, and bit her lip. \u201cYes mam.\u201d

In self-defense we always get OFFLINE. When the attacker gets big, raising arms and gets loud, the defender steps OFFLINE. A skilled defender, or fighter never voluntarily stands with feet parallel, in full presentment. This position makes the defender vulnerable and weak, subject to multiple attacks with almost no defense.

In life, and as a Life Defense, when things get intense get OFFLINE, just don\u2019t stand there. Take a moment, clear your schedule, allow another person to assist in your project, or take a day off. Remember to get OFFLINE, don\u2019t just stand there.

#lifedefense #offline #allenhughes