"My Aikido instructor taught me the opposite, not making contact and looking down or away shows weakness and victim status, easy prey."
Please don't try it when a teenager has a pistol at you with a round chambered. The Japanese had that invincible cult attitude during WWII and died in waves thinking that BUSHIDO will win the day. This couple had no firearm to defend themself with. The true master and warrier knows that the best way to not lose a fight is to not be in one. I however have an armed wife and she knows if her pistol must come out someone must become one with a .38 hollow point. But she knows to avoid bad places. These people obviously did not.
I agree
You must engage them in conversation, tell them of your kids, your hopes, that you are human
If you are in a situation that is going to possibly get you killed, be kind, it makes the person who is the enemy think, act kind in return...sort of.
MAKE them see you are human, not some screaming banshee.
let them hear of your kids, your sick mom.
then, when you have the opening, kill them.
My Aikido instructor taught me the opposite, not making contact and looking down or away shows weakness and victim status, easy prey. This couple's problem was letting their guards down and no means of proper defense.
You can maintain a strong attitude and body positioning without using a penetrating/challenging gaze and confrontational stance.
He knows that he has you in a vulnerable position. It is wise to not make him feel like he has to prove it to you.
Where is your dojo?
I used to practice in Atlanta under Rodney Grantham
and George Kennedy. Made 1st Kyu but then my knees
gave out and I had to stop, still keep round in my thinking
and don't allow any disharmony in my universe.
Got to practice with Yamada, and Doshu many years ago.
Bowing deeply.