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The Do's and Don'ts of Self Defense
Both men and women would benefit from expanding their knowledge and
ability in self defense. Being able to defend yourself in the case
of an unexpected attack is a great way to improve your personal
security. Of course, having basic self-defense skills will not
guarantee that you will be able to avoid an attack; but it can
greatly improve your odds. There are some basic do’s and don’ts when
it comes to self-defense:
Self-Defense
Do’s
·
Stay
physically fit:
It will be much easier to defend yourself—and to flee a dangerous
situation—if you are able to run, kick and punch effectively
·
Think
quickly:
Visualize many different attack scenarios when you find yourself in
an unknown, potentially hazardous environment. You will have to make
instant decisions about how you are going to react to a given
situation, which means you will have to have some concept of the
dangers you face.
·
Be
alert.
You may be able to avoid a confrontation altogether if you can see
it coming beforehand.
·
Be
flexible:
If one technique for self defense isn’t working, try another one.
However, once you have begun self-defense, be committed to the
attack.
·
Keep
everything simple.
Why go through an entire repertoire of Tae Kwon Do when a simple
kick in the shins will work?
·
Follow
your intuition:
If a person or a situation just doesn’t seem to “feel” right, follow
your gut. Don’t worry about seeming paranoid: it is much better to
trust your own instinct than to worry about how other people
perceive you.
·
Kick
low, punch high:
If you can remember to kick low and punch high, you are more likely
to be able to stay on your feet and face your attacker.
·
Remember
your best weapon: your voice:
No matter how else you choose to approach the attack, scream with
all of your lungs. People will notice the commotion and come to see
what is going on. And yes, scream even when your attacker threatens
you with a weapon.
·
Invest
in a personal alarm:
Perhaps the simplest way to approach self-defense is to invest in an
inexpensive personal alarm. This small device can help you call
attention to a dangerous situation and spook off your attacker.
Other great personal security products to keep handy are mace
devices and perhaps even a stun gun.
Self-defense
don’ts
·
Think
you are too old or out of shape for self-defense:
Everyone has the ability to take their personal safety into their
own hands, even middle-aged and older adults. Learn a few basic
moves, and of course remember that the best option is to run.
·
Wear
restrictive clothing or high heels in a dark environment:
In order to be able to punch, kick and run effectively, you need to
be dressed appropriately when walking at night.
·
Go out
without your cell phone:
Most people keep their cell phone within easy reach, but if you are
not accustomed to keeping your phone on you, at least take it with
you when you are out in the night hours. A cell phone may be the
best way to call for help.
·
Become
inebriated while not at home:
It will be difficult to defend yourself if you have had too much to
drink; and personal alarms, stun guns and mace devices are much more
difficult to use when you are not sober.
·
Use
ATM’s at night:
Get the cash you need during the day, or just go without. Many
criminals target ATM’s during the evening hours.
·
Allow
yourself to be taken to a second location:
Regardless of how much the attacker threatens you, never agree to be
taken to a second location. Criminals would rather leave and find
another victim than risk a noisy encounter in public.
·
Refuse
to hand over your purse or wallet:
You can always earn more cash and get a new driver’s license, which
is why you should simply let a thief take your purse or wallet if
that is what they want. Save your self-defense moves for a more
serious attack.
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