Horsham Allied Martial Arts

22/09/2026

Personal Security Tip #10

Use reflections to widen your field of view when scanning.

Situational awareness means building as complete a picture as possible of what is happening around you, in front, beside and behind you.

As you move through public spaces, make use of shop windows, glass doors, vehicle windows and other reflective surfaces to supplement your normal scanning and widen your field of view.

Reflections are not a replacement for physically looking around or checking behind you. They are simply another source of information.

They also provide an additional advantage.

Sometimes you can observe someone’s behaviour before they realise you’re watching them.

Someone walking behind you may be completely innocent. Don’t judge a person simply because they happen to be travelling in the same direction. Instead, look for changes and patterns of behaviour.

Do they increase their pace when you increase yours?
Do they stop when you stop?
Do they change direction when you do?
Do they repeatedly maintain their position behind you?
Does their behaviour change once they realise you’ve noticed them?

Any one action may mean nothing. A developing pattern gives you information.

If something causes concern, change your movement, create distance and move toward a populated or safer location rather than continuing toward an isolated area, your vehicle or your home.

Reflections don’t replace observation. They extend it.

See more. Recognise patterns earlier. Give yourself more time to act.

Awareness is the first layer of self-defence. Physical skills are the next.
Army Combatives KEF-IC instructors around Australia provide training in practical personal security, threat awareness and the physical skills required for self-defence.

For training in Horsham, contact:
Matt Mellington
Horsham Allied Martial Arts
Horsham, Victoria, 3400
0407848567
[email protected]

21/09/2026

07/09/2026

A fantastic turnout from all the Dad’s, Mum’s and Grandparents who joined their kids on the mats tonight.
We will be doing the same again on Wednesday and also tomorrow night for our kids Muay Thai class.

27/08/2026

Personal Security Tip #9

Know your escape route before you need it.

When you enter a café, restaurant or other public space, take a few seconds to identify how you would get out if something went wrong.

When choosing where to sit, position yourself as best you can to observe the main entry points and maintain awareness of who is coming into the space. At the same time, consider your access to an alternative exit.

Don’t automatically assume the door you entered through will be the best way out. Identify secondary exits, emergency doors and other possible routes before you need them.

Avoid unnecessarily placing yourself somewhere that leaves you boxed in or forces you to move towards a developing threat to escape.

You don’t need to be paranoid. You simply need to be aware.

See who is coming in. Know how you’re getting out.

A few seconds of thought when you sit down can give you options when seconds matter.