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How can I become an accredited self defense instructor?

May 28, 2009

Question

I am a personal trainer and wish to be able to also teach self defense to clients. Where (pref in QLD Australia) Can I find out more about this? THanks

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Written by SelfDefenseWatcher · Filed Under Self Defense Q and A | 3 Comments 

What kind of martial arts should I take?

May 28, 2009

Question

I'm thinking about taking up martial arts. I don't have much previous experience, but I want a fun way to stay healthy, and martial arts seem real cool. I'm not sure what style to pursue, though. Does anyone have any suggestions, and reasons why they like a certain style? Thanks so much!

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Written by SelfDefenseWatcher · Filed Under Martial Arts Q and A | 14 Comments 

What things in my purse could be used as self defense?

May 28, 2009

Question

If I were to be attacked in a parking lot or something and had my purse, what sort of everyday things could be used as a means of self-defense? I already carry pepper spray with me. What else should I have handy to protect myself? Please, serious answers only. Thank you in advance!

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Written by SelfDefenseWatcher · Filed Under Self Defense Q and A | 41 Comments 

How can panic be overcome in a self defense situation?

May 26, 2009

Question

I mean, how to be psychological and mentally prepared in order to avoid panic and nervousness in a self defense situation?

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Written by SelfDefenseWatcher · Filed Under Self Defense Q and A | 14 Comments 

Stay Aware -Don’t Become An Easy Victim!

May 26, 2009

Avoiding Showing Signs of being A Potential Victim to a Criminal Predator : Defying the Hunt.

Many of us have those occasional job related trips that take us out of the area, whether that means the town, county, or the country. We pack our bags and leave to catch an early morning flight. Our mind is filled with important details like our flight itinerary, the schedule for the day, lunch with so-and-so, and all the possible variables that might interfere.

One variable we rarely consider, however, is an influence from “The Other Side”. This is that part of life that is beyond our own, individual universe.

It contains all those things we hear about on the news, but rarely consider for long… because we don’t live in that kind of neighbourhood or deal with those kinds of people. Needless to say, it catches us by surprise when we put down our briefcase only long enough to dig out our boarding pass and when we reach down to retrieve it, our fingers grasp at air.

Our stomach sinks and our heart skips a beat as we realize that we’ve been robbed. Right there… in a crowded airport… in front of thousands of eyes that didn’t see anything. We’re dumbfounded. We can’t believe this.

Why did this happen to us?

Disbelief makes way for anger which steps aside for terror as we realize that our Daily Planner, Corporate Documents and even our Credit Cards were in that briefcase. We wander around looking for Security. Our mind fills with a new list of important details. Have to call the office and let them know what happened. Got to cancel the credit cards. What about a police report?

Then our stomach sinks again when we hear the boarding call for our flight.

Let’s take a look at this “Other Side” for a moment. We are the predator. The airport is our hunting ground.

The prey are any who are oblivious to their surroundings and look like they have something of value. We scan the masses until we find a likely candidate; someone well dressed, travelling alone, and whose mind is otherwise occupied. Spotting the perfect target, we position ourselves and then watch carefully for the best moment to strike. We are patient.

Timing is of the essence. We wait. And wait. And… there. The target has opened wide. We walk by and pluck up the prize without breaking stride. We move smoothly into the flow of traffic, blending with those around us. It’s a good twenty seconds before our mark notices the missing briefcase.

More than enough time. How could this whole scenario have been prevented? Well, you might not be able to stop it from occurring, but you can limit the chances of it happening to YOU. The answer is simple: Don’t be a desirable target.

The following are attributes of an easy victim:

1) You are unaware of your immediate environment and the people within it.

Examples: Reading a magazine at the bus stop, wearing headphones while jogging, talking on the phone while driving.

2) Your posture and body language are submissive in appearance and habit.

Examples: You smile when you are nervous, you don’t make eye contact with assertive people, you back away when confronted.

3) Your circumstances put you at a disadvantage.

Examples: Your arms are full with packages, you are injured or disabled, your car is broken down.

Here are ways to address the above attributes:

1) Be aware. Examples: Scan your environment, take notice of anything unusual and make no assumptions about the safety of a situation.

2) Display confidence and assertiveness. Examples: If confronted, make direct eye contact, establish personal boundaries and stand firm.

3) Minimize your disadvantages.

Maximize 1) and 2) examples: Use a shopping cart or ask for assistance from a trusted individual. Be more aware and more assertive to make up for situations that cannot be avoided. Remember the mindset from the “Other Side”? A predator always looks for the easy prey.

They know their environment. They are confident in their skills. And they will always look for the advantage. Taking on a victim who doesn’t give up that advantage is a danger to their success rate. So they would rather wait for someone less risky.

It doesn’t take much to discourage a predator. But it does require the dedication of a valuable resource…our mind. We can still run through the list of things to accomplish for the day, our flight itinerary, lunch with so-and-so. But lying just beneath the surface of this thought process is a level of awareness and a simple, yet perceptible streak of confidence. We are sending out the message loud and clear to the predators: Find your lunch somewhere else.

Author: Meghan Gardner, Director Guard Up, Inc. www. GuardUp.com

Written by SelfDefenseWatcher · Filed Under Self Defense | Leave a Comment 

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