| |
Self Defense
Crime in our society is enough to make anyone scred. Everyday we read articles about rapes, murders and muggings, and hope that we don't end up a statistic. Self-defense is an option that crosses many people's minds, but they are unsure of where to begin, or even what self-defense program will work best for them. For some, a martial arts course, or a course in close quarter combat seems the answer, but there is more to self-defense than fighting off an assailant. Remember that fear slows reaction time, and it is those vital few seconds that could mean the difference between life and death.
Some martial arts are defence only, while others are also attack styles. Remember that self defense is when you defend yourself against an unprovoked attack, to attack someone is illegal and can land you in court or jail. If you decide to begin a martial arts class in order to be able to defend yourself from attack, also try look for ones that simulate the kind of attacks you could have to deal with. A surprise attack in a dark alley is very different from a controlled fight in a dojo under the watchful eyes of your sensei.
If you decide not to go for specialised training, there is also a range of products available that will give you an extra level of security. There are stun guns, which are used to shock your attacker. They are usually easy to hide in the palm of your hand, and the high voltage shock immobilises your would be assailant. Pepper sprays are a well known invention, and can come in cans so small that they clip easily on to your keyring – convenient for when getting in and out of your car! These little self defense sprays can pack a powerful punch of Oleoresin Capsicum straight into your attacker's eyes, effectively stopping him.
Some people even opt to go so far as to carry concealed weapons on them, like knives or guns. While these are effective deterrents, there are also legal issues to take into consideration. When attacked, use self defense to disarm your opponent and prevent injury to yourself, not to kill or maim, as that could see you facing a lengthy jail sentence. While it is acceptable to use force to free your self from a dangerous situation, never let your fear and anger cloud your judgement and cause you to go a step too far. You need to get out of any danger you are in, and get away from your assailant, especially if they are armed.
While we can not avoid all situations requiring self defense, you can be prepared for attacks by using a system such as the one developed by the Family Safety Institute, who can provide you with a self defense kit. Training like this will help you know what to do in an unexpected attack situation, taking away the panic that could see you or your family injured. You can help prevent a crime situation by being aware of your surroundings. Gut instinct is a good thing – if you don't feel right about getting into the elevator alone with a strange man, trust yourself. Many situations can be avoided by being alert, and trusting your intuition.
|
|
