Today, I want to give you my number one self-defense tip: Prevent attacks!
Too many people think of self-defense as violently fighting off an attacker. In reality, self-defense starts long before that. Once attacked, you have already lost most of the battle. Once attacked, you have a very large likelihood of getting severely hurt or at least failing to stop the attack.
A person can most effectively stop an attack by avoiding it in the first place. Overall, you have to use common sense and take time to make smart choices to avoid dangerous situation and prevent attacks. For example, do not go out alone at night. Do not go off with people you do not know. Keep your doors locked. Have your keys ready when going to your car in an empty parking lot. Those are just examples.
Women and children have to take personal steps most of all. Unfortunately, they face the most danger when going out. Most rapists and abductors target them.
Many self-defense classes will teach you ways to avoid dangerous situations and prevent attacks. Even most martial arts classes make it a point to teach students to avoid fights and avoid the need to fight. So you probably want to take any of those types of classes if you get the chance.
If you have any tips of your own, please post them as a comment. Then the other readers can see them, and we can all share our knowledge.
What do you think?
Tuesday, November 2nd 2010 at 6:25 pm
Awareness is the number one self defense technique. Be alert and aware of who is around you at all times. Move with confidence. Walk quickly.
Oftentimes making eye contact and acknowledging someone makes it less likely they will attack you. They know that you know who they are and what they look like.
Sunday, December 27th 2009 at 10:03 am
Hello Scott
this info is so helpful and you cannever hear it enough I will bookmark this and check back often. Women need to pay attention to everything around them. Stay off your cell phone when walking in a parking lot. Use hairspray or anything in your handbag to protect yourself , always have some kind of a plan. Keep up the great work.
Donna http//www.guardyourselfnow.com
Friday, August 14th 2009 at 9:37 am
I live in a state where stun guns and all sprays are illegal. I’m very careful but I still want to have some backup. Suggestions?
Tuesday, June 23rd 2009 at 11:51 pm
Great article! Everybody should consider walking away and preventing the crime as the ultimate self defense tactic. prevention is key!
will look forward to more articles!
Friday, June 13th 2008 at 8:26 pm
Hi Scott,
Your blog is great and so is your advice.
Along with your suggestions, I agree with those who say that some form of less lethal weapon is a necessity for a person to carry.
Thank you for creating this blog. I really found it interesting and I am hoping that you will update it as soon as you possibly can. 🙂
Peace, Love, Understanding and Respect,
Marilyn
Thursday, April 24th 2008 at 7:07 pm
Excellent point! Once you’re being attacked your at a big disadvantage. Having some pepper spray or a stun gun handy would certainly increase your chances of survival and getting away from a dangerous situation.
So sad, but true, that criminals prey on women and children. I guess it’s just because they’re worthless, weak, cowards without the balls to pick on someone their own size?
Thursday, March 13th 2008 at 6:47 am
yeah I guess everyone will go with you on this..very true..
Monday, March 10th 2008 at 3:41 pm
I think you are right. Preventing attacks is the best option however, the next best option is to be prepared. In some cases, having the extra measure of security from Pepper spray or a stun gun may be the difference between life and death. I just purchased a pepper spray pager for my mom and a lipstick pepper spray for myself. I hope we will never have to use them but I am glad that we have them.
Tuesday, March 4th 2008 at 1:47 am
Very true indeed! Thanks for sharing.