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Self Defense

Finger lock Self Defense is a means of protecting oneself and others against violent attacks or threatened violence with whatever force is deemed necessary. If you go beyond what is termed as legal limits one could lose her or his legal rights. For example if you have an attacker under control and no longer in danger and you go beyond by perhaps grabbing a heavy object and inflict severe damage to the head, you could lose your rights as a defendant. Your main concern is escape -when you feel you are no longer in danger you must run and get help.

In my opinion there 3 ways of defending oneself

1.Avoid the situation.
If one can help it do not put yourself in a situation that is going to compromise your safety. If you see a potential danger do not put yourself in that situation - turn around and walk away.

2.Talk your way out.
If there was no way of avoidance then try to talk your way out - but do in a way as to not aggravate your assailant. Do not threaten him/her or show anger towards that person.

3.The actual physical self defense.
This is where you have no recourse but to take immediate action. Try not to panic and waste too much energy. Be in control. When you attack hit hard and fast and as many times as you feel until you are no longer in danger. Depending on the situation hit targets such as the shins, insteps, knees, groin, face area, eyes, nose, ears, chins and throat.

Self Defense Strategies

When faced with an assailant there are two things you can do. One is you can react in an aggressive way and two you can react in a more passive way. Inward elbow lockA passive reaction is when you try to talk yourself out of the situation and an aggressive approach is when you have to use a form of physical self defense. If you have to use physical self defense make sure that you are capable of fighting in an efficient and effective way and this can only be accomplice by taking and practicing some sort of self defense courses.

If possible try not to show timidness and avoid hostility as a response to an aggressor. By being timid you are showing your assailant that you are unsure of yourself and while showing anger you could make your attacker feel that he is now the victim thereby making him perhaps more angry and aggressive.

What ever choice you make it is the right one. You are the one that is in control. Reasoning with an attacker is valid but if you do not have good verbal skills then you will have to use force. When you do have to fight strike quickly and strike with meaning. Strike at areas where it will result in pain and shock. The attacker will not be expecting you to fight or else he would not have targeted you. By remaining calm and confident and believing in you abilities you have a high chance of succesfully defending yourself.

Partial list of Do`s and Don`t on personal safety

1. STREET SAFETY

  • Avoid walking alone
  • Avoid walking at night. If you must stick to well lit areas, where there are people around and carry a flashlight
  • Always walk with an air of confidence and give an impression of being in control not of a target
  • When walking on the sidewalk try to walk down the center and walk away from doorways, alleys, stairways and shrubs.
  • Keep purse and valuable close to your body. If your purse is stolen be aware of  fake calls letting you know where to pick it up
  • Have your keys out and ready. It will be quicker to get in and out of your car or home. Plus it could be used as a weapon
  • When under the infuence of drugs or alcohol, medications or even when you are depress as this might impair your judgments
  • Do not use bank machine whether it is inside or outside that is hidden from view
  • If you are with a young child be prepared to put yourself between the assailant and the child and stay focus
  • If you think you are being followed do not look back. Stay calm and keep walking. Cross the street and seek safety
  • If you scream try screaming "NO" with conviction or "FIRE" instead of simply yelling "HELP"
  • If approach by a stranger try to go to the nearest house. Make lots of noise to draw attention to you
  • If you are being followed do not go straight home as this will let the person know where you live

2. DRIVING SAFETY

  • Keep an emergency kit in your car as well a fire extinguisher
  • Know how to change flats and make sure that you have a spare tire
  • Make sure your car is good running order as to avoid possible breakdown
  • Do not travel in unfamiliar roads or travel long distance especially late in the night and do not take shortcuts where you are unfamiliar
  • Do not pick up hitchhikers
  • Make sure you let people know where you are going and make sure you know where you are going and how to get there
  • Avoid using self service gas stations late at night
  • If you are being followed take down the licence number and drive to the police station or anywhere that is well populated
  • If you are rear ended and you think suspicious do not get out of your car but rather motion the driver to follow you to the police station
  • If you are being car jacked blow horns constantly and flash lights to attract attention
  • Keep your driveway well lit
  • Make sure of your surrounding before getting in or out of your car

3. CAR SAFETY

Rape Statistics





Excerpts from a guide to RAPE Awareness and Prevention by Robert & Jeanine Ferguson. I have used some of the materials contained in the book for my Womens Self Defense course. The book contains many useful informations like statistics, experiences, prevention and intervention strategies as well as educational informations. This book is a MUST have for all women who wants to better protect themselves. BUY IT TODAY!!!


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