How to Prepare for Self-Defense Situations

An attack can happen in any environment: your home, your car, your job. How do you prepare for any potential self-defense situation?

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Self-defense Courses
• Martial Arts Videos
• Cellular Phones

1. Plan ahead. Consider your typical day. Visualize all the different environments you will be in and in what areas you'll be most vulnerable.

2. Create a list of potential escape routes for each environment. Determine a "back-up" plan if your escape route is blocked. Where will you have the best odds of survival? Identify advantageous areas in each environment. In the home, it might be hiding in a closet and dialing 911.

3. Look at your list and identify the top one or two self-defense techniques you would use if attacked in your home, your car, your office, and so on.

4. Practice how you would adapt self-defense techniques in the dark, on the stairs, in the snow, on the beach, in the closet. An attacker seldom picks an environment where you have an advantage.

5. Consider potential weapons in each environment. List projectile weapons (those you would throw, such as a heavy paperweight), distraction weapons (tossed to divert and buy you time, such as dirt or hot coffee), long-range weapons (broom handle, umbrella), blunt weapons (baseball bat, briefcase) and bladed weapons (kitchen knife, letter opener).

6. Rehearse scenarios with family and friends until you reach mastery on when to avoid, when to escape, when to defend by controlling (joint locks and throws) and when to defend with strikes or weapons.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that, as you scan your environment for weapons, your potential attacker could be doing the same thing.
• Buy a cellular phone and keep it with you. At minimum, you'll have the ability to call 911 if you're being followed or if trapped in your car.
• Escape the attack if at all possible. Property of any kind is not worth risking your life for. If you use a weapon, be sure the attacker cannot take it and use it against you.
• Practicing the martial arts is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 Remember if you are attacked your attacker has probably prepared for you to fight back or run. Sometimes one second is enough to save your life. Throw your purse at them. Anything big but easy to throw. It will distract them long enough to run or attack.

on 11/22/2005 Personal safety and protection is a lifestyle change accomplished over time. Avoiding a confrontation is clearly the best self-defense. Be aware of your surroundings as well as aware of your own physical abilities. Look for all of your options.