Attitude – Don’t get picked on!! People who look vulnerable are more likely to be attacked or assaulted. Be aware of your environment look ALERT and ASSERTIVE. Don’t convey helplessness or weakness. Note your ability to make smart decisions is lessened under the influence of alcohol or drugs!
Awareness – good awareness allows you to avoid walking into a bad situation trust your intuition
Avoidance – If you sense danger, take immediate action & leave, don’t worry about feeling foolish, do something!
DISTANCE = TIME = OPTIONS
Assess – look at your strength and weaknesses as well as their strength and weaknesses; use your environment to your advantage.
ESCAPE IS ALWAYS YOUR FIRST CHOICE – DON’T BE A HERO!
When avoidance is not possible, you have a number of options.
Use the following 5 step gauge to help you (1) Do nothing be a good witness (2) Verbally assertive (3) Evasion & protection (4) Discourage moderate force (5)Maximum force
Act – act decisively, forcefully & aggressively: this is applicable at each level of the 5 steps above in your avoidance as well as your voice & your physical force. Change the situation so escape is possible!
If not GO NUTS & GO HOME!!!!
Self defence tips
· If you have long hair tuck it in your coat try not to give them a handle
· Always carry your mobile phone separate & not in your bag
· Don’t carry your bag over your body this again is a handle
· If you think you are being followed cross the road to see if he/she crosses too
· If you are being followed or believe you are knock on the nearest door
· Stay clear of alley ways exits & entrances as these are good surprise points
· Always use a reliable Taxi company and ask for the drivers name, make & colour of car
· Take note of the number plate
· Always get a cab in pairs and arrange to be picked up from a friend’s house or stay the night
· Know your local area (police, fire, ambulance stations, hospitals & phone boxes
· Always carrying some money (change) separate
· Consider taking regular martial art classes - at least continue your self defence training through refresher courses
· Improve your fitness by – walking, jogging, running, various sports, joining a gym, skipping & cycling
· Treat yourself to a private lesson at least once a month
(I would like to thank my instructors: Guro Rick Faye - Guro David Onuma - Guro Dan Inosanto. Their teaching, training, advice, time and example of constant developement of their own training and desire to improve and mantain their high standard)
