Posted by Scott on March 12th, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
Julia Feldmeier writes interviews Carol Middleton about surviving a mugging:
I spoke with Carol Middleton, the 30-year veteran director of the DC Self-Defense Karate Association. Here are some of her tips on staying safe:
Let go! Middleton is a karate black belt, and yet when she was mugged 10 years ago, she quickly acquiesced. Later she learned that her attacker was notorious for firing his gun at the first sign of resistance. “That’s not everybody’s modus operandi, but you never know,” she says. “The safest thing to do is give up your property. It isn’t worth fighting for.”
Conceal your belongings. Purse-snatching is a “crime of opportunity,” Middleton says — and though bags may be cute, they’re also conspicuous. Middleton recommends keeping your belongings in a fanny pack. A more fashion-savvy option: slim bags with straps that go across the body.
Stay alert. Distractions such as cell phones or iPods make you a more likely target.
Carry cash. Middleton calls it “martyr money”: $30 to keep in your wallet in the event of a holdup. It’s an easy way to avoid a more prolonged, and costly, holdup at the ATM.
Ditch the pepper spray. People who carry mace or pepper spray “are more likely to get attacked — carrying it makes them believe that they’re somehow less vulnerable,” Middleton says. Muggers know there’s mace out there, she says, “and they’re ready for it. It’s going to get in your eyes, too.”
Keep keys handy. People commonly get mugged while fumbling for the key, Middleton says, so she advises keeping your key in your hand, pressed between thumb and forefinger. In the event of a physical attack, the key can be used as a self-defense tool, to be jabbed in the attacker’s face — though Middleton advises this approach only for physical attacks.
Read entire article by Julia Feldmeier.
I can understand how a feeling of invulnerability could lead people into more danger, but I still disagree with Middleton’s recommendation not to carry pepper spray. Why not just recommend people still avoid danger?
Overall, I like the above tips.
What do you think?
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Posted by Scott on March 7th, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
Marlene Lang writes that attitude is the best self defense:
…otherwise tough and independent women are often dangerously nice girls; we’re waiting politely for the prince, or a police officer, to save us.
But the police are rather busy these days, I hear.
And their appearance is every bit as unpredictable as that of the handsome prince.
What to do, ladies, in a dangerous world?
The author speaks rightly of “banishing fear” and teaching girls this fearless attitude “from the cradle.” Truly, if there is any first line of defense for women, it is to walk with a fearless attitude.
Predators of all stripes tend to sniff out the frightened and gullible, and steer clear of the strident and self-possessed.
Unlearning over-politeness, and our apologetic, debilitating niceness is a lifelong journey for some — and I do make a distinction, having no problem with actual manners! But author Sheldon L. Billips, and many others writing on these themes for women are correct in teaching us to “banish fear.” And that’s not about your front kick. It’s an attitude adjustment.
Read entire article by Marlene Lang.
Marlene Yang also points out that no self-defense technique will save an unarmed person from an armed attacker. People, especially women, need to avoid dangerous situations in the first place.
What do you think?
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Posted by Scott on March 1st, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
In a recent article, Cpl. Matthew Rockwell, of the Milton, Delaware Police gave self-defense tips. One caught my attention more than that others:
When it comes to self-defense, taser weapons are more reliable then pepperspray or handguns, which are difficult to handle in an emergency.
Statistically, when a woman points a firearm at a perpetrator, that firearm ends up being used against the victim.
Stunning weapons, pepper spray, and firearms are the three most common self-defense tools. Women can use the above tip to help them decide which to get and use.
I find additional advantages for a stun gun. First, a person can legally carry a stun gun in more places (as compared to a firearm). Second, a person can use a stun gun with less hesitation, because they do not have to fear killing anyone; thus they can safely take a shoot-first ask-later mentality.
What do you think?
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Posted by Scott on February 28th, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
Morné Swanepoel, Health24′s self-defence and tai chi expert, offers some tips for your protection:
- Do not get completely inebriated and incapacitated and when you go out. Unfortunately people may take advantage of your inability to think clearly.
- Make sure someone knows where you are and when you will be home.
- Be wary of strangers.
- Keep your drink in eyesight so no one has an opportunity to drug you. Keep an eye on your friends too. People do stupid things.
- If you find yourself in a threatening situation, evaluate the threat. A drunk with soaring testosterone levels is usually not worth the effort, and if he really bothers you, leave or look for a bouncer.
- Never go out alone.
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Most criminals look for soft targets.
- Get fit. Not only for fighting, but also for running.
- Go for reality based self-defence courses regularly.
Do not get arrogant. Even if you can protect yourself, do not put your life in jeopardy for the sake of proving something.
What do you think?
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Posted by Scott on February 4th, 2007 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
Briget Murphy recently wrote:
Most men learn through tough-and-tumble play during childhood how to defend themselves. Women don’t have this advantage and so it is of critical importance for females to learn self-protection.
The first line of defense is to try to stay out of harm’s way to begin with. Don’t walk alone at night or in deserted areas, but if you must, be aware of your surroundings. Thugs chose prey who look weak and easy to overcome, so walk tall and with confidence, always being aware of your surroundings. Listen to sounds from behind you.
Read entire article by Briget Murphy.
The article above highlights some great self-defense tips for people when they fail to avoid dangerous or violent. I recommend reading the entire article by following the link above.
Some tips include:
- gouge at the attackers eyes
- knee or kick male attackers in the groin
- hit attacker’s nose with palm
- use your brain
- take a self-defense class
They seem like great tips to me. What do you think?
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on November 24th, 2006 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
“Drop everything. I always say, you can always get more stuff later,” Austin Martial Arts Academy instructor Tristan Truscott said.
That’s an important lesson this time of year, Gribi said.
“Here it is Christmas time, none of your packages, your car, none of that’s worth your life,” Gribi said.
After letting your stuff go, the next steps encourage you to get scrappy.
“We always say … you have to fight, yell, scream, make a lot of noise, get a lot of attention,” Truscott said. “It’s all about surviving and escaping. If you escaped a situation, whether it was physical, or not, you won.”
You learn cool moves in class, but it’s not about learning how to fight.
“Can I defend myself from a huge guy that really wants to hurt me? No, I can’t get in a knock down, drag out with him. But I’ve learned some moves that I can take him down or get him away from me, where I can escape,” Gribi said.
Read entire news8austin.com article.
During shopping season stores and malls are crowded full of people. That leaves shoppers as easy victims for ciminals. The advice in the above article is right: drop your stuff and give up your money to retain your safety.
What do you think?
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Posted by Scott on November 17th, 2006 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
“Most of the [real-life self-defense] incidents are resolved by situational awareness, seeing a potential problem and avoiding it. Next is aggressive posturing combined with strong, unmistakable verbal commands. Fewer still are resolved with OC spray, a few by the display of the handgun, and very rarely, shots are fired.” -Ed Lovette
The above quote by Ed Lovette rings very true. Understanding it leads us to a very important point: We cannot just give someone a gun, some pepper spray, or martial arts training and expect them to successfully ward off danger and victimization. We must realize that a successful defense strategy must involve avoiding dangerous situations in the first place. Simple awareness and avoidance can keep potential victims out of dangerous situations in the first place. Additionally, confidence and even verbal self-defense can scare off most potential attackers before they attack, because attackers look for easy prey. Generally speaking, if potential victims need to pull out a weapon or fight, then the problem already occurred. In fact, sometimes violent defense just escalates the situation and makes the problem worse.
Most self-defense classes teach students to see physical combat as a last resort. These classes give the students the knowledge and training to avoid the need for physical combat in the first place.
What do you think?
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on November 16th, 2006 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
B.C. Crime Prevention Association and BC Hydro reminded seniors and persons with disabilities across B.C. of various steps they can take to increase their sense of personal safety:
Motion Sensors: In residential areas, outdoor security lights can account for a large portion of overall lighting costs.Motion sensors are a good choice for controlling outdoor security lighting.
Photocells are especially good for outdoor or security lighting control. They sense existing light and turn electric lights on when natural levels are low, off when light levels are higher.
According to Valerie MacLean, BCCPA executive director, “One of the many ways community members can create a safer community is by getting to know those who live within their own neighbourhoods.”
MacLean adds, “Being aware of those around you allows one to know who belongs and who does not belong within our neighbourhoods.”
The following awareness tips can assist you in helping yourself and your community
Introduce Yourself – Get to know your neighbours, including their names and phone numbers.
Participate – Join a ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ or ‘Block Watch’ Program.
Be Aware – Read the paper, listen to the radio and watch the news on television to learn about activities which may be of significance to your neighbourhood.
Avoid Being a Target – Criminals look for the easy targets. They want to enter a home quickly and efficiently.
Be suspicious – Make note of and report to local police suspicious activity which may be taking place within your neighbourhood.
Read entire burnabynewsleader.com article.
1 Comment »
Posted by Scott on November 4th, 2006 — Posted in Home Security, Self-Defense Advice
The following self-defense tips come from fightwize.com:
Alarms are the number one deterrent for burglars
Fit Deadlocks on all doors and windows, do not leave the key in the lock but leave a key in each room in a place well known by all family Members in case you needed to get out in case of Emergency
Dogs are a big deterrent to Burglars
Fit Security lighting at entrances to your home
Do you have a Neighborhood watch Program in your area?
You spend a lot of time at home – Make it a safe place
Natural Weapons that you can use that are probably already scattered around
Change the locks when you 1st move – you never know who may still have keys
Add Deadlocks to all doors and windows
Keep these windows locked (Windows can be locked in a semi-open position)
Every room should have an item that can be used as a weapon
Pens are great weapons, have one in every room and know how you could use it
Make sure that you know a way that you could get out of every room in the house – via a window maybe, and what’s on the other side of that window – Garage, long drop ?
The kitchen is full of weapons from knives to chemicals (oven cleaner, detergents)
The bathroom can also have cleaners, perfumes, objects etc
A small toilet can also make a good safe place as you can sit and jam the door shut with your legs, there are also chemicals – Bleach etc, toilet brushes too
Laundry rooms also make an access way into your house, if there’s a window in there make sure that it’s locked, don’t leave keys in the locks (Doors or windows).
Keep the iron in the Laundry room as this can be a very effective weapon, especially when hot
Close your blinds at night so burglars cannot have freedom to look inside and see what you have.
Do you know your way around your home in the pitch black of the night?
Do not use your full name on your mailbox or in the phone book
Do not leave a schedule of your away times on the answering machine.
If you’re home alone, do not let strangers know, invent a room mate
Know your neighbors in case of emergency
Do not allow strangers into your home to use the phone, offer to make the call for them
Ask for photo ID of repairs people. If necessary phone their Company to verify
Don’t hide spare keys in easily accessible places.
Consider creating a safe room in your house with a separate phone line or Cell phone
Never give personal information out to telephone solicitors
Check whose at the door before you open it
Don’t label keys with your name and personal information on them
Always carry enough change to make a phone call.
2 Comments »
Posted by Scott on September 18th, 2006 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
by Randy LaHaie
Just about all self defense and police crime prevention sites contain lists of tips to reduce the risk of a violent or criminal encounter. The number of them can seem overwhelming. Where do you start?
A more practical approach to incorporating prevention tips is to understand the principles on which they are based. If you understand the fundamentals of prevention, you will be able to improvise safety strategies “on the fly” that are relevant to your needs.
We are all different and have different concerns and needs. The degree to which you incorporate safety advice depends on your circumstances, environment, risk potential and even your personality.
In this article, I’ll provide you with five categories of prevention tactics. I will then provide you with situation specific tips to help you understand how the fundamentals are applied. Don’t worry about memorizing them. Try to understand how they work. Decide whether the tip makes sense and whether it is useful to you.
Prevention Strategies:
1. Detection
Offenders do not want to get caught. By increasing your visibility to witnesses or by drawing attention to an assailant, it is less likely that a confrontation will be initiated. Awareness strategies and detection devices fall into this category.
2. Intrusion
An assailant can not assault you if he can not get to you. These tactics involve securing your environment to inhibit the assailant’s access to you. Keeping unwanted persons out of your home or vehicle or even placing a barrier between you and an attacker are examples of this principle.
3. Isolation
Offenders are far more likely to attack when you are alone. 96% of rapists check to see if the intended victim is alone prior to attacking. The greater the likelihood that an assault will be witnessed or interrupted, the less likely it is that it will be initiated.
4. Response
Responding to avoid an encounter is far superior to reacting to it once it has been initiated. Response skills start by paying attention to your surroundings and being able to detect and recognize when you are being targeted as a potential victim. This strategy focuses on locating and identifying potential dangers and responding in ways that are likely to discourage volatile situations.
5. Reaction
Reaction involves taking immediate physical actions when you confirm that you are being attacked or about to be. The more you know about what to do to ward off a physical assault, and the sooner you plan those actions, the more likely you will be successful at defending yourself and escaping to safety.
Get more prevention tips at protectivestrategies.com.
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Posted by Scott on September 14th, 2006 — Posted in Self-Defense Advice
I don’t watch Dr. Phil. (In fact, I try to not watch TV at all.) Nonetheless, he publishes some great self-defense tips on the health section of his website. You can find some below:
When something shocks us, we typically freeze, and that’s what the bad guys rely on. The key to not freezing is having a plan. Marni Levine is a fourth-degree black belt in karate and is the highest ranked female instructor in Krav Maga; a self-defense method used by the Israeli Defense Forces and U.S. law enforcement agencies. Dr. Phil invites her on the show to go over some typical scenarios and the do’s and don’ts of protecting yourself from an attacker.
The scenario:
You’re in a parking garage and you’re loaded down with lots of shopping bags. This is an ideal opportunity for an attacker.
Do:
Walk toward your car with your keys ready. Don’t be distracted with your shopping bags.
If he’s asking for your property — purse, money, car keys — give it to him.
Run, preferably toward a well lit, public area where there will be people.
If he’s trying to get you into your vehicle, fight! Scream, scratch, bite, kick, strike — do as much damage as possible to stun the attacker, so you can run away.
Use your environment. In survival confrontations, everything at hand can be used to help you escape. Throw your keys, purse, coins, sand, gravel, rocks at the attacker’s face. Use it as a distraction so you can escape.
Don’t:
Don’t get into a vehicle with the attacker. You never want to let him take you to a second location. Statistically, it is not in your best interest. If you get into the vehicle, he has a much better opportunity to drive to a quiet place where you’ll be 100 percent at his mercy and have no way of getting help. Even if he’s pointing a knife or gun at you, do whatever you can to get away. It’s much more likely that he will leave to find an easier target than chase you and draw attention to himself.
The scenario:
You’re at the ATM and have just gotten cash. As you walk away, you’re distracted with putting your money away.
Do:
Always be aware of your surroundings. The number one self-defense technique is being aware of potential threats. Know what the possible dangers are. Note where the exits are.
Notice the people in your area. Make eye contact — aggressors tend to back down if they notice you noticing them.
Put your money into a pocket immediately.
If you see a suspicious person nearby watching you, change your route and walk in the opposite direction.
Act confident. Do not act or look like an easy target.
Don’t:
Don’t be oblivious of your surroundings.
Don’t count your money or be putting it in your purse as you walk away. This distracts you and is a perfect opportunity for the attacker.
Don’t wander without direction. Walk briskly, head up, with purpose. Don’t look intimidated.
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Posted by Scott on September 13th, 2006 — Posted in Martial Arts, Self-Defense Advice
Bodyteen.com has an extensive collection of self-defense advice for teens. The site includes Diagrams, instruction, and practical advice on avoiding danger, defending your body, and kicking ass when you’re left with no other choice.
As Bodyteen wisely advises, always consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise or physical training program. Should you experience any strain stop immediately and seek the advice of a licensed health care professional.
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