We live in a dangerous world, and it’s not getting better. Just look at the news. Not a day goes by when there’s not a murder. The best defense you can have against an aggressor is cross training between marksmanship and martial arts. This article aims to give you ten quick tip s on protecting yourself.
- Escape—the first and foremost goal of a street fight is to escape. The second is to get help. Running as exercise is one of the best ways you can prepare for self defense. If they can’t catch you, they can’t hurt you.
Run towards well lit, populated areas that are free of obstructions. Make sure to scream “fire,” as screaming “help” will not bring people to you.
The only exception is if a gun is involved. In this case, attempt to run in areas with many obstructions to provide cover or concealment, but no dead ends. An example would be between cars in a parking lot. While they won’t stop a bullet, they will make it difficult to target you.
- Help—when you get away, immediately call someone, either the police or a friend nearby with a car. Get help, even if you have “lost them.” They can catch up.
- Awareness—Peripheral vision is a huge weapon in your arsenal. Train yourself to see 180 degrees at all times.
Look behind you often, as a general rule as many times as you would your rear view mirror. If you aren’t completely sure of who is behind you, look.
Ipods, texting, and anything that distracts you from your surroundings should be put away if you are in an area you feel unsafe.
- Body Language–Don’t look down while you walk; it tells attackers you aren’t paying attention and you are unconfident.
- Numbers—A group of three to five friends is drastically safer than you alone. Four shots of mace in a guy’s face will stop anyone.
- Drinks and Food—if for any reason you leave your drink; get a new one. The same thing goes with food. A bit of sleeping powder is all it takes.
- Heels—No one can run well in heels, and they’re an ineffective weapon compared to a knife or gun. In addition, you’ll be running through broken glass on the road. Try to wear comfortable sneakers at all times.
- Weapons—There are plenty of weapons you can take anywhere with you. Attach your keys to a long lanyard band and you suddenly have a pair of nunchucks. A sharpened credit card is almost as good as a blade. A rolled up magazine can be used to stab at someone’s eyes and throat, as well as defect a knife. Mace is an excellent non-lethal weapon, and costs about $10 dollars.
- Get a gun or a knife.—You won’t be able to take it everywhere, but it will make you much safer. You are less likely to be mugged if you pull a knife than if you hand them a $20. Don’t feed the bear. Assume they won’t be satisfied with a couple of dollars.
***Editor’s Note: Views about weapons are Ian’s and do not necessarily reflect the views of Her Campus or Her Campus USF. NEVER bring weapons onto your college campus. At USF, the blue light “safety system” and following the other tips will keep you safe on campus. Familiarize yourself with your state laws regarding legal knife size and the required permits for guns and knives.
Always assume the worst, and prepare for it with extreme vigilance. If you want a gun, look for a martial arts dojo that will teach you how to use it in close combat while also training at the range. Most dojos train cops; and all modern martial arts styles have ways to counter a gun at close range.
This site was suggested to me by my sensai.
Training in martial arts—someone is not going to rob you at twenty feet uphill with a rifle. They will get in your face and point the gun/knife inches from your chest. This is where martial arts will add a layer of defense. All cops train in martial arts so they can also deal with melee combat. It is imperative that you do as well.?
Most colleges will have a karate club or free training at their gyms. Once or twice a week will enhance your confidence and ability in self defense.
Most people will see or be the victim of a violent crime sometime in their life. Train for the time you will need it. Train as if you will be attacked at any moment. Paranoia is a virtue; anyone who tells you different is lying or naïve.
Ian Koratsky has a first degree black in mixed martial arts. He has been trained by Lee Jacobs at the Christian Karate Center, and has studied Jujitsu, Tai Quan Do, Boxing, and Shinto Ryu Weapon Styles. Ian is currently working on his second degree black belt, as well as finishing his Creative Writing English Degree at USF.