January is National Self-Defense Awareness Month, and the start of a new year is a great time for you to think about your personal safety. Have you developed any bad habits that could put you at risk? Does
your routine take you through any poorly lit or dangerous areas? Even your winter clothing could put you at greater risk if you must wear a hooded coat that might be obstructing your field of vision.
Whether there is a stranger following you at night, a bully at school, or an abusive loved one in your own home, you need to think about how you are at risk. January is National Self-Defense Awareness Month, and a great time for you and your family to consider the dangers around you, and how you can best protect yourself.
But first, let us cover some advice that you can use right now. While physically fighting off an attack is one way to protect yourself, the best form of self-defense is avoiding the situation in the first place. In addition, when this isn’t possible, it’s important to think about de-escalation. This means recognizing a dangerous situation developing, and speaking and acting in ways that can help to defuse the threat.
There are plenty of great tips out there to help you stay prepared and aware in any situation and learning some basic self-defense tactics could go a long way toward helping you stay ready. Remember, self-defense is primarily about avoiding a fight and being able to get out of a dangerous situation–awareness is a big part of that. Even bigger still is learning assertive skills that will make your mindset even more powerful.
We see it in on TV all the time, when someone walking home is being followed by a person lurking in the shadows. The news is also full of real stories of people getting attacked while walking alone. But what
would you do if you ever found yourself in that situation? If attacked, how would you defend yourself? It’s just as important you know how to prepare as it is in knowing what you can do physically.
Most people think self-defense is hurting your attacker before he or she can hurt you. But self-defense actually means doing everything possible to avoid fighting someone who threatens or attacks you. Self-defense is about outsmarting attackers, not always outfighting them.
Before signing up for just any martial arts class, you should know that the terms martial arts and self-defense are NOT synonymous! (Nope, they are NOT the same no matter what an instructor may try to tell you.) Remember too, the legal definition of self-defense permits you to only use as much force as is reasonably necessary in any situation.
Here are some ways to avoid undesirable situations from the National Crime Prevention Council:
Understand your surroundings. Walk or hang out in areas that are open, well lit, and well traveled. When possible, travel in a group. Make sure your friends and parents know your basic schedule, like where you’re going and with whom. Be sure your body language shows a sense of confidence. Look like you know where you’re going and act alert. When riding on public transportation, sit near the driver and stay awake. Attackers look for vulnerable targets.
Carry a cell phone if possible. Make sure it’s programmed with numbers of a few friends and your local police precinct. If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, be sure to trust your instincts, like if you ‘feel’ someone is watching or following you. Also, carrying a whistle on your keychain is a simple way to attract attention when you need it most.
When trying to verbally defuse a violent situation, try to remain calm and speak in a softer, even tone. Don't go above the voice level known as the 'bad dog' voice. Be firm in your tone but aggressive. Keep your hands up, try not to tense up. Maintain eye contact and keep them busy with your voice.
The next FAST Defense class is scheduled for Friday evening January 27th. High school seniors and college students get in for half price with valid ID. Go to clydearnold.com and then the FAST Defense section of the website for pictures and more details.
(Have a question you want answered in this blog? E-mail it to clydearnold@gmail.com and see it featured here! Your name will be withheld upon request.)
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