Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Self Defense Quizes
Each quiz is only 10 questions, and you get immediate feedback on how you did on each question, along with additional information on each question's topic. A fun way to learn self-defense.
Select a self-defense quiz below to get started!
General I - Information everyone should know
General II - More on what everyone should know
Women - You're female or want to help a female
Parents - For all guardians of children
Children - One just for the kids
Advanced - Various systems and techniques
Equipment - Personal protection and training equipment
Found originally on the following web site: http://www.selfdefenseresource.com/quiz/index.php
WHY PORTRAYING SELF CONFIDENCE IS IMPORTANT
Low self esteem or fearfulness looks like slouched shoulders; head down, arms folded in front or in pockets. Confidence looks like walking tall, shoulders back, head up, eye to eye contact, arms at the side. One statistic revealed that those trained in martial arts are less likely to ever be attacked because of the way they carry themselves. They’ve been trained to defend themselves and to not take a weak position. They have confidence.
Try this experiment. The next time you’re in a public place, mall, grocery store, the beach, no matter, walk past all the people and look them directly in the eye. You might want to smile a little or offer a “how ya doin’?” so they don’t think you’re stalking them. You’ll be amazed at the number of people who will not look at you. They’ll look down or away but not at you. Of course, in some cultures it’s not proper to look people in the eye. Be sensitive to that. But in many circles you will find it hard to find 10 people who will look at you.
By you looking at them, in some subconscious way you’re communicating that you are not afraid. You’re not sending nonverbal clues that you lack confidence. To get into the practice of always looking people in the eye, take it one step further and see what color eyes they have. It only takes a quick glance, you’re not starring down people but if you make an effort to determine eye color, you can be confident that you’re properly looking people head on in the eyes.
Get your hands out of your pockets when you walk. Uncross those arms that are locked across your chest. Not only does it look stronger and friendlier to have open arms, it’s safer. Should the need arise that you need to thwart off a would-be attacker; you’re going to need your arms to free yourself. How easy it is for one to come up from behind you and grab you if your arms are tucked neatly away? You’re just making it easy. How can you poke out eyeballs, or jab Adam’s apples or throw an elbow to the ribs if your arms are hugging yourself.
“But I AM scared,” you confess. There are two things you can do about that. One is take some self defense classes and learn how to not be afraid. The other and immediate method to change how you project yourself is to fake it until you make it. You may be scared out of your wits, but if you get the self talk going, “I am NOT afraid” and get the body language to follow it, head up, shoulders back, arms open, then you’re at least giving the allusion that you are not a weak prey.
Half of your battle is in the mind. Do something about it.
Written by Emily Clark
To read the entire artcile please go to the following web site http://www.selfdefenseresource.com/women/articles/confidence.php
Parking Lot Safety Tips
If you have gone shopping make sure you are not distrcated by your bags, children---have your keys out and ready.
If you don't feel comfortable walking to your car by yourself, ask some one to walk out with you or when you see a group of people that you feel comfortable with walk out with them. At many places there are security guards, they get paid to make sure you are safe so use them if you feel comfortable around them.
Before getting into your car look around, under and in it
Park close to the place that you are going into specially if you know you may be getting out during the night (dark)
Report suspicious looking and loitering people
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Cyber Self Defense
Security researchers are warning that Web-based applications are increasing the risk of identity theft or losing personal data more than ever before.
The best defense against data theft, malware and viruses in the cloud is self defense, researchers at the Hack In The Box (HITB) security conference said. But getting people to change how they use the Internet, such as what personal data they make public, won't be easy.
People put a lot of personal information on the Web, and that can be used for an attacker's financial gain. From social-networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook to the mini-blogging service Twitter and other blog sites like Wordpress, people are putting photos, resumes, personal diaries and other information in the cloud. Some people don't even bother to read the fine print in agreements that allow them onto a site, even though some agreements clearly state that anything posted becomes the property of the site itself.
The loss of personal data by Sidekick smartphone users over the weekend, including contacts, calendar entries, photographs and other personal information, serves as another example of the potential pitfalls of trusting the Cloud. Danger, the Microsoft subsidiary that stores Sidekick data, said a service disruption almost certainly means user data has been lost for good.
Access to personal data on the cloud from just about anywhere on a variety of devices, from smartphones and laptops to home PCs, shows another major vulnerability because other people may be able to find that data, too.
"As an attacker, you should be licking your lips," said Haroon Meer, a researcher at Sensepost, a South African security company that has focused on Web applications for the past six years. "If all data is accessible from anywhere, then the perimeter disappears. It makes hacking like hacking in the movies."
A person who wants to steal personal information is usually looking for financial gain, Meer said, and every bit of data they can find leads them one step closer to your online bank, credit card or brokerage accounts.
First, they might find your name. Next, they discover your job and a small profile of you online that offers further background information such as what school you graduated from and where you were born. They keep digging until they have a detailed account of you, complete with your date of birth and mother's maiden name for those pesky security questions, and perhaps some family photos for good measure. With enough data they could make false identification cards and take out loans under your name.
Identity theft could also be an inside job. Employees at big companies that host e-mail services have physical access to e-mail accounts. "How do you know nobody's reading it? Do you keep confirmation e-mails and passwords there? You shouldn't," said Meer. "In the cloud, people are trusting their information to systems they have no control over."
Browser makers can play a role in making the cloud safer for people, but their effectiveness is limited by user habits. A browser, for example, may scan a download for viruses, but it still gives the user the choice of whether or not to download. Most security functions on a browser are a choice.
Lucas Adamski, security underlord (that's really what his business card says) at Mozilla, maker of the popular Firefox browser, offered several bits of cyber self defense advice for users, starting with the admonition that people rely on firewalls and anti-virus programs too much.
"You can't buy security in a box," he said. "The way to be as secure as possible is about user behavior."
There is a lot of good built-in security already installed in browsers, he said. If you get a warning not to go to a site, don't go to it. When you do visit a site, make sure it's the right one. Are the images and logos right? Is the URL correct? Check before you proceed with filling in your username and password, he counseled.
Software updates are vital. "Make sure you have the most up-to-date version of whatever software you use," he said. Updates almost always patch security holes. Key software programs such as Adobe Systems' Flash Player and Reader are particularly important to keep updated because they're used on so many computers and are prime targets for hackers.
He also suggested creating a virtual machine on your computer using VMWare as a security measure.
"It's really hard to get people to change their browsing habits," he said. People want to surf the Web fast, visit their favorite sites and download whatever they want without thinking too much about security. "Educate them, move them along, but don't expect them to become security experts."
Internet browser makers take great care in building as much security as possible into their products and putting them through rigorous testing.
The security team for Google's Chrome browser, for example, will take the first crack at any major update to the software, hacking away to find vulnerabilities or ways to improve security, said Chris Evans, an information security engineer at Google.
After the Chrome security team takes a whack at the software and it is reworked to fix the holes they found, other security teams at Google will have a go at the product to see what trouble they can cause. Finally, the software is released in beta form, and private security researchers and others can hack away. Any problems are fixed before the final release goes out and then the Chrome team stands ready to make new patches for any other security issues that crop up.
Despite all the testing, browser makers are only one part of the security solution because they have no control over Web software or user browsing behavior.
The cloud is the Wild West: hackers and malware makers abound, phishers seek passwords and users do whatever they want to, recklessly surfing and downloading potentially dangerous content as judged by security researchers.
Companies developing Cloud applications and services will need to do more for Web security. Amazon.com with its Web Services and Google as it moves forward with initiatives, such as Google Docs, that attempt to draw people to Web applications and away from computer applications will need to work more closely with security researchers, Meer said.
And Google's work on the security in the Chrome browser highlights the reason why: Computer applications such as Chrome face intense scrutiny by security researchers throughout the Web, while Web applications do not.
"Reverse engineering keeps [big software companies] honest," said Meer. "If they hide something in the software code, sooner or later someone finds it. With Cloud services, you just don't know because we simply cannot verify it."
Cloud applications are built by one company, and nobody is looking at the code or how safe it is, said Meer. Applications for computers are different. They can be ripped apart by security experts then put back together stronger so there are no security holes, he said.
"Trust but verify," said Meer. "Just because a guy does no evil today, we cannot trust that they will do no evil tomorrow because we simply cannot verify it."
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/173467/researchers_advise_cyber_self_defense_in_the_cloud.html
Monday, October 12, 2009
Protecting Your Children
It is physically impossible for a child to over power an adult, but with the right techniques, every child has a chance to get away from a possible abduction safely.
Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz says with children, there is safety in numbers.
"I always think it is best if they are in numbers. Anytime there is one individual child somewhere the risk is going to go up, So I think if you know where your child is at, know who they are with, kind of control the environment they are in, that has a lot of do with it," says Sheriff Lutz.
Deputy Sheriff Dave Neal walked me through what a child should do if he or she is grabbed by an adult.
"Scratching...yelling 'stranger, stranger', stomping, kicking, biting, yelling all the time.. also grabbing here (abductor's arm) holding on to create dead weight. Also coming down here (abductor's leg) sitting on the foot and holding onto the leg as dead weight and the whole time screaming, yelling... never giving up on the screaming," explains Deputy Sheriff Neal.
The same techniques apply if a child is grabbed from behind.
"If I go dead weight your arms are going to come up a little bit, so you can bite and you can stomp and hair pull and yell.. yell as loud as possible," tells Deputy Sheriff Neal.
Children who are not strong enough to fight should use the dead weight technique .
"If a child is not very strong, to sit on the foot and grab the attacker's leg and just be dead weight. Hold on for dear life and make it as difficult for that person to take the child as possible," says Deputy Sheriff Neal.
Sheriff Lutz says taking kids through these scenarios will better their chances of a safe getaway.
"You can't be too prepared for those kinds of things and any kind of scenario that you go through with them, they will be more prepared in the future," explains Sheriff Lutz.
If children can get away from an abductor teach them to run toward a crowd and never toward a secluded area. Also, parents need to keep a close eye on their children when out in public, because most abductors are not strangers, but people they or their children already know.
Sheriff Lutz says if parents notice anything or anyone out of place in their neighborhood always call the police or sheriff's office right away.
http://tinyurl.com/yg7aztnBest Self Defense Classes
If you would like some input with your decision drop me a note.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Self-Defense Instructors Say to Stay Aware
“You definitely have to have a mind set and a skill set to back what you're going to do on the street as far as protecting yourself,” says Fredericks, who runs Close Quarters Combat in Rochester.
He says the first thing everyone can do is pay attention to what's going on around you.
“Don't fumble on your cell phone text messaging or calling anybody,” Fredericks says. “Have your keys ready to get into your vehicle, look around look under your vehicle... Make sure no one is following you.”
He says if someone does approach you with a weapon, give them what they want, but don't let them take you to the next location.
“You basically want to do everything that they say in the hopes that giving them your money, your wallet, your purse, is going to be enough,” says Fredericks. “If they're looking to take you somewhere, do not go and put up a fight.”
Fredericks says only with proper self defense training should you try to disarm someone, but if you do find yourself fighting back, he says going for the groin doesn't always work and that there are better spots you can target.
“You might be grabbing the sides of someone’s skin, their love handles, gripping onto their neck, pulling an ear…. Go to the face. Don't worry about the groin because it's not necessarily going to do that much damage until you're in a position of dominance.”
Reported by: Edward Moody
Email: emoody@13wham.com
Last Update: 10/08 7:46 pm
http://tinyurl.com/yfyt3p6
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Victim of a sexual assault
If you are the victim of a sexual assault:
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even if you don’t feel you have any physical injuries; you may have internal injuries, which require treatment. You can also receive medication to reduce risk of sexually transmitted diseases and, if you choose, medication to prevent pregnancy.
- Do not wash, change clothes, comb your hair, or wipe yourself after urinating. Even if you do not wish to pursue legal action against the perpetrator, by collecting evidence, you give yourself the option of pressing charges in the future.
- Seek counseling or support from someone you trust or a mental health professional. After a sexual assault, many women are in shock and may feel fine and able to “cope,” but there can be a delayed reaction to the assault.
http://www.ncvc.org/ncvc/Main.aspx
Information came from the following link
http://bgh.kaleidahealth.org/services/services_display.asp?SID=350&CID=3
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Best Defense
Quote
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Awareness, De-escalation, Physically Defending
Awareness
Awareness is defending yourself by avoiding danger altogether by thinking ahead, or making good decisions. Examples include parking in a well-lit area, not wearing music headphones while jogging (so you can use your sense of hearing to pay attention to your surroundings), or looking under your car/in the backseat before entering to ensure there is no one waiting for you.
Due to its non-physical nature, awareness is emphasized heavily in women's self defense classes where it is assumed that the attacker will probably be larger and stronger than the victim.
Awareness: http://tinyurl.com/mah5w
De-escalation
De-escalation is the use of voice, tone, and body language to calm a potentially violent situation before violence actually ensues.
De-escalation: http://tinyurl.com/mah5w
Physically Defending
****LEARN TO TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS****If you choose to run away from your attacker, be careful to make sure to run to a safe place, where other people are that can possibly help you.
****If you do run your attacker will be behind you and you will not see what and where they are****
****There is the possibility of your attacker being able to out run you****
Men and women have different socializations. A man expects a man to stand up to them, and an assailant will use this to talk the man into a fight. Men who choose to attack women are cowards but dangerous. A man does not expect a woman to stand up to them, and a male assailant will often back down when she does.http://tinyurl.com/mah5w
Friday, May 22, 2009
Environment
The other day I was watching a woman walking near the local University. She had an ipod in her ear, and a cell phone on her other ear. She was looking down while walking also.
One of the higher locations of occurrence of attacks for women are universities, hospitals, and malls.
This woman had too many distractions while walking at a high concurrence location. What advice would I give this woman or any woman walking on a university? 1) don't walk alone during lite hours---when there aren't many people around, 2) never wear an ipod, you can't hear what's going around you. 3) keep your cell phone away unless you are in immediate danger, again it takes your attention from the environment. 4) look up while you are walking. Walk with self confidence, even if you have to pretent you have cofidence. Look at every one in the eye when walking past them and say hello casially. By looking at the person you will be able to identify them. Would be attackers are looking for victims---victims aren't people who walk with cofidence. By saying hello you have also made yourself human in the other persons eyes--the would be attacker doesn't look at their victims as humans but as prey.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Trust Your Inner Voice
If you feel odd about going a certain way home, listen to that inner voice, choose a different way.
If you feel like some one is following you listen to your inner voice and go to the nearest police station---make sure you do not go home. If you go home, you will be leading your stalker to where you live.
If you don't feel good about going to an event, even if all your friends are going to be there, listen to your inner voice, and don't go.
If you have a feeling of distrust toward a person, listen to your inner voice and stay away from them, and don't share information with them.
If you get into an elevator and a person in the elevator makes you feel "yucky"---listen to your inner voice. Get off the elevator at the next stop, make sure they know you are aware of them, don't get on the elevator...etc.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Protecting Your Teen
This topic is not just on Dr. Phil unfortunately, it's becoming a common practice among teens, 20% of teens polled in a national survey.
Besides loosing a persons reputation the teens that participate in this are also facing felony charges for being involved in child porn and being registered as a sex offender---which will never come off of their records.
Some articles written about this topic
CBS News
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/15/national/main4723161.shtml
ABC News
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/WorldNews/story?id=6456834&page=1
NBC News
http://www.nbc15online.com/mostpopular/story/What-Parents-Need-to-Know-about-Sexting/f-O-_XPiYkyUioJbN3q0ng.cspx
Fox 31 News (video)
http://www.mysouthwestga.com/news/video.aspx?id=272281
Friday, April 17, 2009
Pyramid of Personal Safety
and still win the battle, is make
the other side march it.
There is no reason to live in fear of crime and violence. There is however reason to take reasonable precautions. And in doing so, you will have deterred most criminals from choosing you as their victim.
The reason is simple, there are thousands of people around who are easier and safer targets. The harder you make it for the criminal to victimize you, the more likely he is to go ply his trade elsewhere. You won't have stopped the criminal from being a criminal, but you will have stopped him from choosing you as a victim.
To use the pyramid correctly start from the bottom and work your way up, all of these steps are in this blog.
To read the entire article go to the following link
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Physical self-defense
Knowing that personal safety involves all these things, we want you to think about the quote at the top of this page. The one about making your enemy march the thousand miles. In essence, the pyramid of personal safety makes it so someone else has to do all kinds of work to climb that pyramid in order to attack you. Not only is that climb difficult (and therefore makes it easier to attack someone else), but it gives you all the warning in the world to mentally prepare yourself for what you need to do in order to stay safe. The best way to stay safe is to convince the enemy that it's too much trouble to march a thousand miles and then to risk a battle he's likely to lose.
To read the entire article to go the following linkhttp://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Verbal boundary enforcement
This is not threatening nor blustering; it is a clear cut message for him to "get off mah land." And that failure to do so will have unpleasant results. This is being assertive, not aggressive. You are doing what it takes to get him out of your boundaries, not chasing him down the street. Before you vocalize: Know how far you are willing to go
To read the entire article to go the following linkhttp://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Knowledge of self-worth and boundaries
Aside from the obvious implications, when we use the terms knowledge of self-worth and boundaries, we also are including knowing how you think, the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness and how you are coming across.
As for self-worth, it is a commitment to yourself. It is the knowledge that neither you nor your loved ones can afford you to be victimized. It is also knowing when you are justified to tell someone to "back off" and just as importantly when to stop! Which brings us into the boundaries issue.
When you are dealing with a potential assailant, you must remember you are being confronted by a totally self-absorbed person, who is not afraid to use violence to get his way. The last thing you want to do is anger, fear fear take over or invade his space! Any of which will provoke him. If you do he is more likely to become violent. If you don’t know where to stop, you can provoke a situation that could have ended without violence.
In the same vein, you cannot hide behind avowed pacifism while still being verbally violent.
to read the entire article go to the following linkhttp://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Maneuvering and positioning
The thing is this game is very real and very dangerous, it is however, not apparent on the surface. We have a term we use that describes this condition: "shadow dance." And that means something is going on that everybody knows is occurring, but nobody talks about it openly. Foreign embassies are prime examples of shadow dancing. On the surface, they are for diplomatic relations, commerce and to assist nationals traveling between countries. However, integral to their very foundation is spying, both the committing and preventing the host country from doing the same. So while everyone from the ambassador himself to the lowest secretary is either doing it, or has been trained to prevent it, nobody talks about it or admits it is happening. What's happening isn't innocent, but it is hidden behind a facade.
Criminals engage in shadowdancing all the time. They are pretending to be doing something else. If they blatantly display their intentions too early their "prey" will either elude them or have time to successfully defend themselves. Therefore the criminal most often tries to hide his intent until it is too late. This need for subterfuge can be turned against them however.
As they quietly try to jockey you into position, you just as quietly slip away. What are they going to say, "Hold still so I can rob you?" Criminals most often rely on their victims not knowing the "game is afoot" long before a weapon is displayed (by then it is too late). But by you knowing what the criminal needs and not letting him develop it you nonviolently protect yourself from crime and violence.
to read the entire article go to the following linkhttp://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Awareness
We have a saying "Awareness without knowledge is paranoia." The blending of knowledge of what is really involved in a crime, what certain things mean and the forewarning that your good habits will give you instill within you a calm confidence. It's like driving a car, if you pay attention and remember to do what you know about driving, you can easily avoid most accidents and problems. It is however, when you forget to do those things or get involved in other things that your car gets wrecked and you get hurt.
to read the entire article go to the following link
Habits
They can range from remembering to enable your "walk-away" security measures (i.e., locking doors, windows and closing your drapes when you leave), never leaving your car running and unattended, to not leaving valuables in plain sight on your car seat, to looking around when you enter a fringe area or before you reach your car Such habits are not difficult to ingrain and, within a week or two, become automatic.
The reason they are effective is that they either remove items of value from sight, deny easy access or complicate things for the criminal. Moreover, they give you early warning that something is wrong. This is essential for foiling the criminal's attempt to develop his plans unnoticed and without opposition.
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Walk-aways
When done correctly, walk-aways are like an iceberg -- what is apparent above the surface serves to warn away most would-be burglars -- but the bulk is under the surface. And that hidden bulk is what will sink the burglar's ship if he doesn’t take the hint and steer clear. Criminals do not like the unexpected. Walk-aways are unexpected snags Often this unexpected resistance is enough to scare the criminal away. However, for the more determined criminal it is a hindrance that will serve to slow him down and increase the chance of him getting caught.
Walk-aways not only to keep your home safe from burglary when you are not there, but serve as an early warning system against break-in when you are home. This becomes a critical element if you are in a stalker situation as home security walk-aways are your first line of defense.
to read the entire article go to the following link
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
The foundation
To read the entire article to go the following link
http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/pyramid.html
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Self Defense Tips
http://www.takedefense.org/tips.html
Knowledge is the best defense
When it comes to your safety, it's important to stay sharp. Here are some tips to consider. Read them through - some you may have heard, others may be new to you. Be sure to let them all soak in, and always put them into practice. They may just save your life!WALKING
- Dress and behave in an appropriate manner for your surroundings
- Stay away from dark, deserted streets and alleys
- Walk with someone. Most attackers will be discouraged if you have company - male or female
- Stay in well-lit areas, and avoid parking close to alleys or bushes where someone could be hiding
- Stay near people. Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and other deserted places
- Hold your purse close to you, not dangling. Never set it down on store counters, restaurant seats or bus seats
- Don't accept rides with strangers. If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting too close to car - you could be pulled inside
- If you're being followed by someone on foot, cross the street, act suspicious and keep looking behind you. This may discourage the follower. Vary your pace. If he persists, go to a well-lit store or home, and call the police
- If you're being followed by someone in a car, turn around and walk in the opposite direction or go up a one-way street the opposite direction. If he persists, record his license number, seek a safe location and call the police
- When you return home, have your key ready to open door without delay
- Leave your outside light on so you can easily see anyone who may be waiting for you when you return home
- Avoid talking on your cell phone. If you must be on the phone, keep your head up and be alert. Never text message while walking
- Install a peephole so you can see who is outside, and ask for identification before opening the door
- Don't advertise by leaving a note on the door saying you're not at home
- Use your last name and first initial only on your door, mail box and in the phone book
- The average predator will watch you 6-12 times before they commit their crime. Be aware of who is in your neighborhood
- Buy a big dog dish, and place it by the door. Even if you don't have a dog the idea that a big dog could be inside could work as a deterrent
- Replace the locks when you move to a new house or apartment. You don't know who has keys to the old one
- Remember, the best lock in the world is no good at all if it isn't used. Lock your doors and windows
- Draw the shades after dark, and never dress in front of windows
- Strangers should stay outside. They can go someplace else to make that phone call, or you can make it for them
- Make sure your home is well-lit, and replace burnt out light bulbs immediately
- Don't allow service workers in your home when you're not there. It's best to have more than one person at home when work is being done. Ask service companies questions concerning workers who will be entering your home. Here are some question examples: their name, length of time they have worked with the company and the last time a background check was performed on them
- Know your neighbors, especially the person who is home during the day. They serve as your eyes while you're away
- Keep personal information off of the internet. A predator only needs to know your name to determine where you live
DRIVING
- Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight - under a seat or in the glove compartment
- Always keep your windows rolled up
- Keep your doors locked at all times. Before you even fasten your seat belt, lock your doors
- When you are unlocking your car with a remote be sure to only push the unlock button once in order to only unlock the driver's door. Pressing the unlock button twice will unlock all the doors which can allow someone access to the passenger side or back seat
- Put your valuables in your locked trunk or take them with you.
- Intersections and stoplights are favorite places for potential attackers. Keep your car in gear, and if threatened, lay on your horn and drive away
- Hitchhikers shouldn't be picked up. Don't stop to help disabled drivers if you're alone. Help them by reporting them to police or service station
- If you're having car trouble, raise the hood, and stay inside with the doors locked. If strangers stop, ask them to report your predicament to nearest service station. And remember - a cell phone makes sense when you are traveling any distance alone
- If you're being followed don't drive into your driveway or attempt to leave your car. Drive to the nearest police station or open business for help
- If another driver is forcing you to a curb, don't allow it and keep driving. Write down their license number, the car and driver's description, and report the incident to police immediately
- When parking your car, park in areas that will be well-lit when you return to your car. Be sure to lock your doors. Check when you return to make sure no one is hiding in your car. Avoid parking next to vans as you could be pulled into the vehicle through the sliding door
- Never leave keys to your home on your key ring when your car is left with a valet or at a service station
http://www.takedefense.org/index.html
Monday, March 30, 2009
Protecting Yourself
“I was hoping it would help women be able to gain some self-esteem and get the empowerment to feel like they don’t have to be a victim,” he said, noting that attacks haven’t been a major issue in Putnam.
...“Society teaches women to be caregivers, friendly and helpful, not rude,” she said. “We don’t want to think bad of anybody.”...
...Lisa Salvas, 43, a mother of two from Putnam, heard about the class from a friend. They decided to take the class together.
“I want to be able to protect my children,” she said...
...The “Bullet man,” David Salisbury, has been practicing martial arts for 17 years and says the biggest mistake people make is getting themselves into a situation of being a victim in the first place.
“Men, women and children need to listen to their instincts and act on them,” he said.
Duthorne says she hopes women get two things out of the class.
“I want to make sure they aren’t chosen as a victim,” she said. “If they are chosen, I hope they have the warrior spirit to defend themselves.”....
To read the entire article go to the following linkhttp://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x180615793/Women-offered-self-defense-course
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Technology Age and it's Dangers
The Technology Age is here and the internet is a great resource, but we must use it with prudence.
Every one should read the article and learn from it, what not to do. http://www.startribune.com/local/south/41701952.html?page=1&c=y
3 POWERFUL WAYS TO PORTRAY CONFIDENCE AND SUCCESS
"Low self esteem or fearfulness looks like slouched shoulders; head down, arms folded in front or in pockets. Confidence looks like walking tall, shoulders back, head up, eye to eye contact, arms at the side. One statistic revealed that those trained in martial arts are less likely to ever be attacked because of the way they carry themselves. They’ve been trained to defend themselves and to not take a weak position. They have confidence.
Try this experiment. The next time you’re in a public place, mall, grocery store, the beach, no matter, walk past all the people and look them directly in the eye. You might want to smile a little or offer a “how ya doin’?” so they don’t think you’re stalking them. You’ll be amazed at the number of people who will not look at you. They’ll look down or away but not at you. Of course, in some cultures it’s not proper to look people in the eye. Be sensitive to that. But in many circles you will find it hard to find 10 people who will look at you.
By you looking at them, in some subconscious way you’re communicating that you are not afraid. You’re not sending nonverbal clues that you lack confidence. To get into the practice of always looking people in the eye, take it one step further and see what color eyes they have. It only takes a quick glance, you’re not starring down people but if you make an effort to determine eye color, you can be confident that you’re properly looking people head on in the eyes.
Get your hands out of your pockets when you walk. Uncross those arms that are locked across your chest. Not only does it look stronger and friendlier to have open arms, it’s safer. Should the need arise that you need to thwart off a would-be attacker; you’re going to need your arms to free yourself. How easy it is for one to come up from behind you and grab you if your arms are tucked neatly away? You’re just making it easy. How can you poke out eyeballs, or jab Adam’s apples or throw an elbow to the ribs if your arms are hugging yourself.
“But I AM scared,” you confess. There are two things you can do about that. One is take some self defense classes and learn how to not be afraid. The other and immediate method to change how you project yourself is to fake it until you make it. You may be scared out of your wits, but if you get the self talk going, “I am NOT afraid” and get the body language to follow it, head up, shoulders back, arms open, then you’re at least giving the allusion that you are not a weak prey.
Half of your battle is in the mind. Do something about it."
Monday, March 23, 2009
TRUSTING YOUR INSTINCTS
To read the rest of this article go to the following link
http://www.awsda.org/articles/child_protection.php
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Best Self Defense
To read this article go to the following link
http://kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/self_defense.html