Patterns Of Violence – The Monkey Dance
First there is eye contact which is made up of a hard stare. Next, comes the verbal challenge such as “What are you looking at?” The distance between the two are then closed and often times a chest bump may even occur. The finger poking or pushing of one another happens next. So then what? Perhaps a roundhouse punch?
How to learn martial arts will describe a specific type of model when it comes to violence and how it all plays out. Some refer to it as the Monkey Dance. This is because each individual involved in the brawl is a monkey. Feeding into the contest, all control is lost within this game of dominance. To stop it, during those initial steps you can avoid contact, you may use body language that is submissive, or you can even apologize. Although those are options, let’s be honest in saying that for most men, backing down is very hard to do!
You may be asking yourself where this ritual started? Your ancestors of course! One may not be here if they hadn’t participated in the Monkey Dance!
This situation can be put out and handled in a number of other ways. De-escalating the situation is easy if you avoid the situation all together. One particular tactic, referred to as the Big Dog, is when you keep calm and relaxed and play as though you are completely dominant. You can also flat act out as though you are bored. Doing this will show confidence from within as well as status. Appearing nervous is not an option!
Within boredom itself you have two concepts; one being zanshin which is a Japanese concept and the “cool” concept of Americans. With zanshin it is tied to ones experience and awareness. Being bored with the situation comes from all the experience they have while with awareness, you need to remain alert. Competence is a gerat quality to have and people who possess it will also present a “cool” way about them. Being both is what you should desire!
You can also always jump steps in the Monkey Dance if the situation allows for it. For example, if no contact has been made yet and you go in for the attack, the opponent will without a doubt freeze up. This is because it will take him a moment to register what just occurred. Knowing that this may not be justified ensues to use it wisely!
Reason for the Monkey Dance is purely status and nothing else. You don’t see someone challenging a child or someone who is not physical capable of fighting back because there is nothing to gain with this.
Lee Mainprize is a martial arts instructor and publisher of world class self defense and fighting systems. For anyone who is interested in martial arts for self defense these programs are a great series. Individuals of all ages can learn martial arts training in a short amount of time with great success.
