Teach Yourself Self-Defence
(Bruce Lee’s handwritten essay dated 1962)
What would you do if you were attacked by a thug? Would you stand your ground and fight it out? Or, if you will excuse me, would you say that you would run like hell? But what if your loved ones were with you? What then? That’s the all important question. You have only to pick up a newspaper to read of attacks made, not only on lonely commons, but also in built-up areas, to understand the need for self-defence. "To be forewarned is to be forearmed" is an old, reliable proverb, and the purpose of my notes on self-defence is to not only forewarn you, but to forearm you with practical knowledge about meeting any foe, regardless of his size and strength.
Some tips on Self-Defence
Self-defence is not fun. You are liable to find yourself fighting hard to avoid serious injury and so you must expect to be hurt. The method of self-defence I am going to describe will not prevent your being hurt, but it will give you a very good chance of emerging the victor without sustaining any severe injury. You will have to accept this, and should a blow from your opponent break through, it is essential, at least for the time being, to ignore the pain and, instead of giving up, use it as a spur to counterattack and victory. (Bear this in mind: when being attacked by a thug the fact is that he has but a one-track mind, which is bent on your destruction, rarely considering what you can do. If your acts show him that he is up against something he did not expect, it will cut down his attacking ego over 50 percent and will neutralise his attack, in which case you always have the psychological advantage on your side.)
This may not sound very encouraging, but the chances of attack can be very greatly reduced when you are walking, especially alone at night or in lonely places, if you are always alert. Keep an eye on any person who appears to be following you or who approaches. Keep to the outside of the path or in the middle of a lane. Listen for approaching footsteps and watch shadows; that is to say, as you pass a street lamp you will see the shadow of anyone behind you thrown up on the ground in front of you. The same thing happens as a result of lights in houses and the headlights of passing cars. As soon as you see a shadow in these circumstances, immediately glance around and see who it is. Always, of course, avoid patches of deep shadow.
In made-up but quiet streets, I repeat, walk on the outside of the pavement. This obviates the chance of anyone jumping out of a house or garden entrance at you to snatch your purse, handbag, or briefcase or worse. For exactly the same reason I suggest walking down the middle of a lane where there are no made-up paths and perhaps no street lamps. If you consider it advisable, you may even cross the road to avoid a person of whom you are suspicious. If he follows, he at least makes his intention fairly obvious. Although I am again repeating myself, I must emphasise that the success of an assailant’s attack depends on surprise, and if you’re sufficiently alert to prevent a surprise, your counterattack is already halfway to being successful. The main thing is to see the attack coming, which enables you to shout, scream, or just concentrate on dealing with the attacker. Make as much noise as possible as this naturally tends to frighten off lawbreakers.
I hope I have not frightened you and made you think it is not safe to walk along the streets. That is certainly not my intention, but newspaper reports lead one to believe that attacks on innocent people are increasing.
The Basis of Self-Defence
There is only one basic principle of self-defence: You must apply the most effective weapon as soon as possible to the most vulnerable point of your enemy. Although I say there is only one basic principle, it is better to break it into sections and look at it more thoroughly:
1 --- What is the most effective weapon
2 --- Speed
3 --- The point to attack or couterattack
The Weapon
Given a chance I would always choose the leg. It is longer than the arm and can deal a heavier blow, and it is much more powerful. So, should anyone approach you, your kick would make contact before his punch, if both commence at the same speed.
Speed
There is no time to consider the type of defence or weapon to use. Obviously, if your kick does not commence, his punch will land first, and your defence is useless. Only training can produce results (I can help you with this). If you do not consider a few minutes training worthwhile, and you think the chance of assault is small, you are one of those people who encourage thugs to attack, and no one can help you should an emergency arise.
The Point of Counterattack
Among the most vulnerable points for your counter if you are attacked by a man are the groin, eyes, abdomen, and knee.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Awareness Is Key
Too many times I see it: The mother pushes her shopping cart up to the car, opens the passenger door, deposits her child into the car seat, shuts the door and THEN goes to load the groceries into the automobile. What is wrong with this picture? I'm certain most of you do the same thing without realizing it.
New scenario: Mother (you) puts child in car seat, closes the door and turns to face a man/kid with a gun held at the level of your eyes. "Give me the Keys! NOW!" he commands, shoving the barrel of the gun against your forehead. You fumble for the keys in your coat pocket, all the while begging for him to let you take your child out of the car. But he is in a hurry - there might be witnesses - the cops could arrive any moment. The last thing he wants is you delaying his escape. He grabs the keys out of your hands and cracks you across the face with his gun. You fall to the ground, your vision fading into darkness as you watch your car screech away with your child inside, crying.
Now the same scenario, but with one simple change of action:You approach your car, open the back door and start loading your groceries, all the while chatting with your child who is sitting in the shopping cart's child seat. Suddenly a gun is in your face and a voice demands your keys. You quickly hand them over. As he rushes to the driver's side of the car, you push your cart and child out of harm's way.And the only difference in your actions was the order in which you placed your groceries/child into the car.
I live in a very quiet and safe family neighborhood. Many of the women to whom I teach self defense consider their home town "above" such scenarios. They believe self-defense is only needed in those "bad parts of the city". Unfortunately, this is not true. Children are being abducted out of their homes in the small towns and rural communities. How many times have you heard of the police finding the distant farm house as the sight of a grisly murder? It happens.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying one should become paranoid. Simple AWARENESS is enough to forestall most attacks. Establishing small habits and breaking others can keep you from becoming a victim. Some examples are as follows:
* Don't go walking/jogging with a walkman - this SCREAMS "Unaware".* Jog/walk with hand weights. They can be purchased small (1lb or more), are good for your upper body workout and make great weapons, should the occasion arise.
* Vary your jog/walk route. It keeps your exercise interesting and keeps criminals from discovering a pattern in your routine.* Nervous about a certain person? Look them in the eye. Let them know you are aware of them and can identify them later, if need be. NEVER turn your back to them.
* Keep in mind that any weapons in your home might be used against you.* Do not label your keys with any identifying information.
* Never specify that you are "Not Home" on your answering machine. Instead, use the term "Unavailable".
* All repair/delivery/inspection persons should call in advance and carry photo ID.
* Never give personal information to door-to-door or telephone solicitors.
* Do not read while walking/standing on the street.
* Don't let gas gauge on your auto fall below 1/4 mark.
* Check inside and around your car before getting in. If you're concerned about a vehicle near your own, either leave and return to your car later, or enter by way of the passenger side.
* Give only the auto ignition key to parking attendants.
* Lock your car doors and keep the windows rolled up.
* Give directions to people in a car from a safe distance.
* Have your car keys in your hand BEFORE you get to your car.
* If your car has broken down, ask anyone who stops to call the police - don't get out of your vehicle.
* When confronting a dangerous dog - DO NOT turn and run. This action can trigger the "hunting instinct" in the dog. Stand still, do not look it in the eye, and in a low, firm voice say "No!"
* There is no "guaranteed" self defense aid (sprays, stun guns, etc.) no matter what the advertisers claim. Nothing works against every attacker in every situation. Realize also that your weapon may be used against you.
* Never depend entirely upon one weapon/technique.
* Nothing in your purse/wallet is worth fighting for.
* Don't walk like a victim. Whenever possible, a criminal will avoid the determined and aware and choose the helpless and oblivious. Most importantly: Listen to your INSTINCTS! Pay attention to those warning bells going off in your head - DON'T try to pass it off as just "paranoia". Our senses are more powerful than we realize! Better to risk a little embarrassment then to risk being a victim. And remember: No one can tell you what you should do (or should have done) in every situation. Only you can make the judgment call for the appropriate action. If you decide to fight - make sure you fight hard! If you decide to stay passive, try to remember every possible detail about the attacker.
Stay Well; Stay Aware!
New scenario: Mother (you) puts child in car seat, closes the door and turns to face a man/kid with a gun held at the level of your eyes. "Give me the Keys! NOW!" he commands, shoving the barrel of the gun against your forehead. You fumble for the keys in your coat pocket, all the while begging for him to let you take your child out of the car. But he is in a hurry - there might be witnesses - the cops could arrive any moment. The last thing he wants is you delaying his escape. He grabs the keys out of your hands and cracks you across the face with his gun. You fall to the ground, your vision fading into darkness as you watch your car screech away with your child inside, crying.
Now the same scenario, but with one simple change of action:You approach your car, open the back door and start loading your groceries, all the while chatting with your child who is sitting in the shopping cart's child seat. Suddenly a gun is in your face and a voice demands your keys. You quickly hand them over. As he rushes to the driver's side of the car, you push your cart and child out of harm's way.And the only difference in your actions was the order in which you placed your groceries/child into the car.
I live in a very quiet and safe family neighborhood. Many of the women to whom I teach self defense consider their home town "above" such scenarios. They believe self-defense is only needed in those "bad parts of the city". Unfortunately, this is not true. Children are being abducted out of their homes in the small towns and rural communities. How many times have you heard of the police finding the distant farm house as the sight of a grisly murder? It happens.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying one should become paranoid. Simple AWARENESS is enough to forestall most attacks. Establishing small habits and breaking others can keep you from becoming a victim. Some examples are as follows:
* Don't go walking/jogging with a walkman - this SCREAMS "Unaware".* Jog/walk with hand weights. They can be purchased small (1lb or more), are good for your upper body workout and make great weapons, should the occasion arise.
* Vary your jog/walk route. It keeps your exercise interesting and keeps criminals from discovering a pattern in your routine.* Nervous about a certain person? Look them in the eye. Let them know you are aware of them and can identify them later, if need be. NEVER turn your back to them.
* Keep in mind that any weapons in your home might be used against you.* Do not label your keys with any identifying information.
* Never specify that you are "Not Home" on your answering machine. Instead, use the term "Unavailable".
* All repair/delivery/inspection persons should call in advance and carry photo ID.
* Never give personal information to door-to-door or telephone solicitors.
* Do not read while walking/standing on the street.
* Don't let gas gauge on your auto fall below 1/4 mark.
* Check inside and around your car before getting in. If you're concerned about a vehicle near your own, either leave and return to your car later, or enter by way of the passenger side.
* Give only the auto ignition key to parking attendants.
* Lock your car doors and keep the windows rolled up.
* Give directions to people in a car from a safe distance.
* Have your car keys in your hand BEFORE you get to your car.
* If your car has broken down, ask anyone who stops to call the police - don't get out of your vehicle.
* When confronting a dangerous dog - DO NOT turn and run. This action can trigger the "hunting instinct" in the dog. Stand still, do not look it in the eye, and in a low, firm voice say "No!"
* There is no "guaranteed" self defense aid (sprays, stun guns, etc.) no matter what the advertisers claim. Nothing works against every attacker in every situation. Realize also that your weapon may be used against you.
* Never depend entirely upon one weapon/technique.
* Nothing in your purse/wallet is worth fighting for.
* Don't walk like a victim. Whenever possible, a criminal will avoid the determined and aware and choose the helpless and oblivious. Most importantly: Listen to your INSTINCTS! Pay attention to those warning bells going off in your head - DON'T try to pass it off as just "paranoia". Our senses are more powerful than we realize! Better to risk a little embarrassment then to risk being a victim. And remember: No one can tell you what you should do (or should have done) in every situation. Only you can make the judgment call for the appropriate action. If you decide to fight - make sure you fight hard! If you decide to stay passive, try to remember every possible detail about the attacker.
Stay Well; Stay Aware!
Awareness - Car Self-Defense
You can be very vulnerable when approaching your parked vehicle or waiting in your stopped vehicle. Here are 10 basic rules of car self-defense everyone should know.Forcing you into a car, or attacking you once inside, are preferred methods used by child abductors, molesters, and rapists. So be careful when in a garage, parking lot or deserted area when going to your car – especially when alone.
Of course, you are always safer if you are accompanied by another person, so ask for an escort if your car in an isolated area. It is also safer if you are in a busy, well lit area, during the day, or in an area monitored physically be security personnel or cameras. Remember, predators don’t want extra company. It makes things more difficult and increases chances of being identified or detained. But if you are alone, and the environment less than ideal, here are a few things you can do to avoid problems or deal with them if they appear.
1-Even if the predator has a gun and tells you to get into a car, van or truck, don’t acquiesce. Instead, run. I know it’s scary, but the odds are with you. You are much more likely, I mean 90% more likely, to get hurt or killed if you do follow orders. If you run, the likelihood is that the abductor will just “get out of there, fast” instead of shooting, which will draw attention, identify his vehicle and maybe draw assistance. Even if a shot is fired, the chances of getting critically hurt are one in ten – good odds and a lot better than if you got in the vehicle.
2-When approaching or getting into your car, look out for possible predators. Watch for someone lingering behind you or near your car. Watch for a passenger sitting in a vehicle parked next to your driver’s side car door. The space between parked cars is narrow and often obscured from view of others – a perfect place for a stranger to suddenly take control. And if there is a van parked next to you, a door can be quickly opened to pull you in. If you find such a vehicle parked next to your driver’s side, enter your car from the passenger’s side. You may feel foolish doing this, but it could save your life.
3-Before getting into your car, check the back seat, especially the floor. If it is dark an attacker can easily hide there and attack or kill you once you have gotten inside your vehicle.
4-Once in the car, lock the doors. Too often people just sit for a while in their car after entering, arranging articles, eating or making cell phone calls. Without locked doors, you invite an attack.
5-If you are approaching your vehicle be especially sensitive to others who might need your help. This sounds counter-intuitive, but killers, adductors and rapists often use this technique. Ted Bundy, the infamous serial killer, walked with a cane, limped and asked for help into his vehicle (where he abducted his victims). He seemed harmless. He was also good looking, well dressed and well spoken – someone who certainly didn’t look dangerous. He used this guise to gain sympathy of unsuspecting women – whose assistance made them vulnerable.
6-If you are in your car, in a parking lot, at a gas station, or just waiting for someone, keep your doors locked and windows up. Be careful of anyone approaching your car and trying to talk to you. If you roll down your window beyond a crack, you could put yourself in danger. A recent article referred to a Lafayette, LA serial killer. It recounted a frightening incident where a women in her car, late at night, was approached at a gas station by a clean-shaven person who knocked on her window (after she had bought a few items inside) holding up a five-dollar bill to the window. He said, "You dropped this." Most people would think, “Oh, that is so nice of a person not to keep my money and to return it to me.” Luckily, however, the woman was suspicious and didn't open the window. The man then began pounding on the window and door as he shouted, insisting that she open the door and that she had dropped the bill. At this point she just drove away, a move that probably saved her life. Later, city officials said the perpetrator might have been the serial rapist loose in their city.
7-If you find yourself in a car with a stranger who threatens you or has a gun, don’t just drive off or follow his orders. First put on your seat belt if you can. Then, as you start to move forward, suddenly gun the engine and aim for something – a car, a building, a light pole, etc. Crash into it. You might get a little injured, but so will the attacker, especially if he is in the back seat, or next to you without a seat belt. Then open your door and get out of there and run if possible. This is a lot better than someone finding your mutilated body in a trash barrel or along side the road.
8-If you are forced into the trunk of a car, try to kick out a tail light of the car. If you can, push your hand out the hole and start waving. If you carry small portable flashlight, it can be held in your hand to gain attention. If there is a vehicle behind the car, you will be noticed. Punching out the taillight, however, can be difficult. You can try kicking one out. If that fails look for any hard, long object in the trunk that you can use as a tool. Often the trunk will contain a jack or other tools used to change tires. These can be used. There is also another possible alternative. If the attack was sudden, you might still be in possession of a cell phone. Call 911.
9-If you are heading to a parking garage in the basement, or moving between levels of a garage, use the elevator rather than the stairs, which are often deserted. And when using the elevator, be careful entering when there is another lone male there.
10-If you are stopped on the street and someone points a gun in your face through your car window and demands your car keys to car-jack your car – get out of the car and give them your key. Your life isn’t worth the risk of arguing with a gun. Don’t argue, and don’t fight back. You might feel that this makes it too easy for the perpetrator, but remember that the carjacker is nervous and scared too, which clouds thinking and causes quick anger and an emotional reaction -- pulling the trigger.
Of course, you are always safer if you are accompanied by another person, so ask for an escort if your car in an isolated area. It is also safer if you are in a busy, well lit area, during the day, or in an area monitored physically be security personnel or cameras. Remember, predators don’t want extra company. It makes things more difficult and increases chances of being identified or detained. But if you are alone, and the environment less than ideal, here are a few things you can do to avoid problems or deal with them if they appear.
1-Even if the predator has a gun and tells you to get into a car, van or truck, don’t acquiesce. Instead, run. I know it’s scary, but the odds are with you. You are much more likely, I mean 90% more likely, to get hurt or killed if you do follow orders. If you run, the likelihood is that the abductor will just “get out of there, fast” instead of shooting, which will draw attention, identify his vehicle and maybe draw assistance. Even if a shot is fired, the chances of getting critically hurt are one in ten – good odds and a lot better than if you got in the vehicle.
2-When approaching or getting into your car, look out for possible predators. Watch for someone lingering behind you or near your car. Watch for a passenger sitting in a vehicle parked next to your driver’s side car door. The space between parked cars is narrow and often obscured from view of others – a perfect place for a stranger to suddenly take control. And if there is a van parked next to you, a door can be quickly opened to pull you in. If you find such a vehicle parked next to your driver’s side, enter your car from the passenger’s side. You may feel foolish doing this, but it could save your life.
3-Before getting into your car, check the back seat, especially the floor. If it is dark an attacker can easily hide there and attack or kill you once you have gotten inside your vehicle.
4-Once in the car, lock the doors. Too often people just sit for a while in their car after entering, arranging articles, eating or making cell phone calls. Without locked doors, you invite an attack.
5-If you are approaching your vehicle be especially sensitive to others who might need your help. This sounds counter-intuitive, but killers, adductors and rapists often use this technique. Ted Bundy, the infamous serial killer, walked with a cane, limped and asked for help into his vehicle (where he abducted his victims). He seemed harmless. He was also good looking, well dressed and well spoken – someone who certainly didn’t look dangerous. He used this guise to gain sympathy of unsuspecting women – whose assistance made them vulnerable.
6-If you are in your car, in a parking lot, at a gas station, or just waiting for someone, keep your doors locked and windows up. Be careful of anyone approaching your car and trying to talk to you. If you roll down your window beyond a crack, you could put yourself in danger. A recent article referred to a Lafayette, LA serial killer. It recounted a frightening incident where a women in her car, late at night, was approached at a gas station by a clean-shaven person who knocked on her window (after she had bought a few items inside) holding up a five-dollar bill to the window. He said, "You dropped this." Most people would think, “Oh, that is so nice of a person not to keep my money and to return it to me.” Luckily, however, the woman was suspicious and didn't open the window. The man then began pounding on the window and door as he shouted, insisting that she open the door and that she had dropped the bill. At this point she just drove away, a move that probably saved her life. Later, city officials said the perpetrator might have been the serial rapist loose in their city.
7-If you find yourself in a car with a stranger who threatens you or has a gun, don’t just drive off or follow his orders. First put on your seat belt if you can. Then, as you start to move forward, suddenly gun the engine and aim for something – a car, a building, a light pole, etc. Crash into it. You might get a little injured, but so will the attacker, especially if he is in the back seat, or next to you without a seat belt. Then open your door and get out of there and run if possible. This is a lot better than someone finding your mutilated body in a trash barrel or along side the road.
8-If you are forced into the trunk of a car, try to kick out a tail light of the car. If you can, push your hand out the hole and start waving. If you carry small portable flashlight, it can be held in your hand to gain attention. If there is a vehicle behind the car, you will be noticed. Punching out the taillight, however, can be difficult. You can try kicking one out. If that fails look for any hard, long object in the trunk that you can use as a tool. Often the trunk will contain a jack or other tools used to change tires. These can be used. There is also another possible alternative. If the attack was sudden, you might still be in possession of a cell phone. Call 911.
9-If you are heading to a parking garage in the basement, or moving between levels of a garage, use the elevator rather than the stairs, which are often deserted. And when using the elevator, be careful entering when there is another lone male there.
10-If you are stopped on the street and someone points a gun in your face through your car window and demands your car keys to car-jack your car – get out of the car and give them your key. Your life isn’t worth the risk of arguing with a gun. Don’t argue, and don’t fight back. You might feel that this makes it too easy for the perpetrator, but remember that the carjacker is nervous and scared too, which clouds thinking and causes quick anger and an emotional reaction -- pulling the trigger.
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