Pray vs. Predator: Body Language, Movement, and the Power of the Lion Over the Rabbit-How Humans Can Enhance Their Safety Through Self Defense Body Language
- Bob Roiss
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Would you believe it if someone told you, how you move and carry yourself can be as important as any physical self defense skill. Just as in nature, where the difference between prey and predator is often revealed in body language and movement, humans send powerful signals to those around them signals that can either deter or attract predators.
By understanding and adopting the confident, deliberate movements of a predator (like a lion), rather than the nervous, darting motions of prey (like a rabbit), you can significantly reduce your risk of being targeted.
The Language of Prey: Darting, Hesitant, and Reactive
Prey animals, such as rabbits, survive by being hyper vigilant and ready to flee at any sign of danger. Their movements are quick, unpredictable, and often erratic darting from one place to another in a bid to escape predators. In humans, this translates to:
Rapid, jerky, or fidgety movements
Hesitant or uncoordinated walking
Avoiding eye contact, looking down, or appearing distracted
Clutching belongings tightly or appearing anxious
Predators whether animal or human are adept at reading these cues. Studies and interviews with offenders reveal that attackers often select victims who appear weak, distracted, or lacking in confidence. Uncoordinated or hurried movements, slouched posture, and a lack of awareness all signal vulnerability and make someone more likely to be targeted.
The Language of Predators: Calm, Deliberate, and Confident
Predators like lions move with purpose. Their movements are slow, smooth, and controlled, projecting confidence and dominance. In the animal kingdom, predators have eyes facing forward for depth perception, and they use direct, unwavering eye contact to assert dominance or intent. For humans, adopting predator body language means:
Walking with a steady, purposeful stride
Keeping your head up and shoulders back
Making brief, confident eye contact (not aggressive staring)
Maintaining an open, relaxed posture
Moving smoothly, without unnecessary haste or fidgeting
These signals communicate that you are aware, confident, and not an easy target. Research shows that predators are less likely to attack individuals who display these characteristics, as they are perceived as more likely to resist or defend themselves effectively.
Rabbit vs. Lion: Movement in Self Defense
Rabbit (Prey): Quick, darting, and unpredictable. These movements are useful for escape when already under attack but signal vulnerability when used preemptively.
Lion (Predator): Calm, slow, and deliberate. These movements project strength and confidence, deterring potential attackers before a threat materializes.
In public, moving like a lion slowly, confidently, and with purpose makes you appear less vulnerable. If a situation escalates and escape becomes necessary, switching to rapid, decisive movement (the rabbit) can help you break contact and get to safety.
How Humans Can Learn and Adopt Predator Movements
1. Practice Purposeful Walking:
Move with intention. Walk as if you know exactly where you are going, even if you don’t. Avoid shuffling, dragging your feet, or making abrupt changes in direction.
2. Maintain Good Posture:
Keep your head up, shoulders back, and spine straight. This not only makes you look taller and more confident but also increases your field of vision and situational awareness.
3. Use Confident Eye Contact:
Briefly make eye contact with people around you, especially if you sense someone is watching you. This signals awareness and confidence, traits that deter predators.
4. Control Your Movements:
Avoid fidgeting, clutching your belongings tightly, or making nervous gestures. Move smoothly and deliberately, as if you are in control of your environment.
5. Stay Aware:
Predators look for distracted individuals. Stay off your phone, scan your surroundings, and be alert to what’s happening around you.
Why This Works
Predators whether in the wild or on the street seek easy targets. They assess potential victims based on body language, movement, and apparent awareness. By embodying the calm, confident demeanor of a predator, you signal that you are not an easy mark. This alone can make a would be attacker think twice and move on to someone else.
In self defense, prevention is always better than reaction. By understanding the difference between prey and predator body language and consciously adopting the slow, deliberate movements of a lion rather than the darting, anxious motions of a rabbit you can project confidence, deter predators, and greatly enhance your personal safety.
The way you move is a powerful tool; use it to send the message that you are aware, capable, and not to be underestimated.
For more on body language, personal safety, and self defense training, visit the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD).
Violence Prevention and Self Defense Resources
The goal of the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense is to stop violence by educating at-risk people and empower them with the skills needed to protect themselves both online and live training. CVPSD's live training is available to people of all ages.
Through workshops and seminars we educate participants about violence prevention and guide them on assessing risk factors while establishing boundaries in relationships. Additionally practical self defense classes equip people with hands on skills and effective strategies to prevent and intervene in cases of assault.