I was looking at the pictures of fashion models the other day, and getting beyond their obvious attractiveness and the novelty of the clothing they display, there is something very interesting about them.

Look into their eyes, and it's as if you're gazing into a black hole. Your attention becomes fixed on them, and this is a quality known as being "watch-able.” It's highly desirable if you're in the movies, on TV, or if you're a model.

Real life bad guys, those who want to rip you off, or hurt you are also, unfortunately, watch-able. But there are two reasons you want to avoid falling into this potentially deadly trap:

(1) Many of them, like animals, perceive staring to be a threat, as if you're confronting them, challenging them to a fight. Turn you gaze slightly downward, or slightly away, to avoid seeming unduly and unnecessarily confrontational.

(2) If you're looking into their eyes, you can't efficiently detect the beginnings of their strikes and kicks or see them reaching for a gun or knife.

(3) They'll be able to start their attacks out of visual range, making these moves faster and more likely to succeed.

As a general rule, when you're around hostile people, strangers in a strange place, or your sixth sense simply calls out, "Danger, Will Robinson; Danger!” turn off your tunnel vision and turn on your peripheral vision.

Also, if you must look at a potential adversary, gaze at the upper chest.

This is the best place from which to detect the beginnings of attacks, high, low, and in-betwe

It gives you a chance to move back, out of range, the best option; or if it's too late for that, to block the blow, effectively.

When we think of the martial arts, we think of moving our arms, legs, and bodies with great drama. For now, just try moving your eyes slightly, and you be safer and see self-defense in an entirely new way!