Be Street Smart!
In this day and age, you always have to be "on guard" no matter where your travels take you. Whether you are making a quick trip to the grocery store, going to the movies or visiting your favorite shopping mall. The reality is, there is potential danger lurking out there and you need to be mindful of this.
Now, does that mean you should hide in your closeout all day, because you are so certain you are vulnerable? Of course not! But, the best defense is to be aware at all times in the event something should happen.
A few safety tips that will help keep you safe on the streets:
1. Body language -- walk with your head up, your shoulders back and your chest out; with your arms swinging at your sides. This body posture conveys a confident person, one that isn't necessarily weak or scared. The second benefit to this body posture, is your eyes are up and should constantly be scanning for danger. The moment you see it, you run in the other direction.
2. Avoid being distracted -- who hasn't carried a cell phone, only to have it ring and your turn your back while talking. Most of us, when we do this, are trying not to be rude; however, once you turn your back, you are giving someone the opportunity to sneak up on you.
Another example? Who doesn't have a mother who was fumbling through her big old pocket book looking for her keys? How about stopping by a store front to look into the window display? Reaching into your car looking for your wallet? Balancing your check book?
Hopefully, you get the message. We are all distracted at times by different things, just remember to stay alert at all times.
3. Avoid dangerous places -- Okay, this should be common sense to everyone. Don't go down that dark alleyway at night, avoid the "bad" section in town at all times, but particularly at night, parking in a remote garage, or secluded, unlit mall parking lot.
Sometimes people are just unlucky, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your job is to do your best to avoid those areas that might find you trapped and in danger.
4. Understand the intent -- If you find yourself in a threatening situation, try your best to determine the "intent" of your attacker. Is he or she just looking for money? Your car? In that case give it to them. If it is your money, always throw your wallet or purse away from you to the ground. In most instances, the attacker is more interested in your money and this gives you an opportunity and run and escape!
5. Avoid conflict always -- If faced with a threatening situation, always attempt to run away, and run away fast. Even when there is a weapon involved, like a gun, statistically, your chances of being shot are slim, less than 10%, particularly if you can run in a zig zig or random pattern.
6. Remember to breathe -- as soon as your brain senses trouble, you instantly will feel an adrenaline rush, which will accelerate your heart rate and make you feel weak. It is critical to try and control your breathing and to clear your mind.
7. Power of your voice -- Your voice can be a powerful weapon. Remember to yell and yell loudly. Research tells us that more people respond to the word "fire" than any other word. What ever word you chose, make it loud and repeat it over and over!
8. Go into survival mode -- Once you realize you have no where to run and you must defend yourself; you must tell yourself you are worth it and kick your brain into survival mode. You do what ever you need to do to survive. Some victims have talked how they thought about their children or another family member and actually got mad for being threatened. What ever it takes to get your "juices flowing", do it!
9. Take a self defense course -- Even a short seminar will help you to learn basic techniques that can save your life. Better yet, enroll in a martial arts program. The more you practice and train at your self defense techniques, the better able you will be to defend yourself!
Sensei Feldt is the owner of Samurai Karate Studio. He teaches a traditional style of karate for children and adults beginning with kids age 4. You may reach is studio at 803-462-9425 or visit his website at www.samuraikaratestudio.net.
Do you have what it takes to "live by the code"?
Now, does that mean you should hide in your closeout all day, because you are so certain you are vulnerable? Of course not! But, the best defense is to be aware at all times in the event something should happen.
A few safety tips that will help keep you safe on the streets:
1. Body language -- walk with your head up, your shoulders back and your chest out; with your arms swinging at your sides. This body posture conveys a confident person, one that isn't necessarily weak or scared. The second benefit to this body posture, is your eyes are up and should constantly be scanning for danger. The moment you see it, you run in the other direction.
2. Avoid being distracted -- who hasn't carried a cell phone, only to have it ring and your turn your back while talking. Most of us, when we do this, are trying not to be rude; however, once you turn your back, you are giving someone the opportunity to sneak up on you.
Another example? Who doesn't have a mother who was fumbling through her big old pocket book looking for her keys? How about stopping by a store front to look into the window display? Reaching into your car looking for your wallet? Balancing your check book?
Hopefully, you get the message. We are all distracted at times by different things, just remember to stay alert at all times.
3. Avoid dangerous places -- Okay, this should be common sense to everyone. Don't go down that dark alleyway at night, avoid the "bad" section in town at all times, but particularly at night, parking in a remote garage, or secluded, unlit mall parking lot.
Sometimes people are just unlucky, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your job is to do your best to avoid those areas that might find you trapped and in danger.
4. Understand the intent -- If you find yourself in a threatening situation, try your best to determine the "intent" of your attacker. Is he or she just looking for money? Your car? In that case give it to them. If it is your money, always throw your wallet or purse away from you to the ground. In most instances, the attacker is more interested in your money and this gives you an opportunity and run and escape!
5. Avoid conflict always -- If faced with a threatening situation, always attempt to run away, and run away fast. Even when there is a weapon involved, like a gun, statistically, your chances of being shot are slim, less than 10%, particularly if you can run in a zig zig or random pattern.
6. Remember to breathe -- as soon as your brain senses trouble, you instantly will feel an adrenaline rush, which will accelerate your heart rate and make you feel weak. It is critical to try and control your breathing and to clear your mind.
7. Power of your voice -- Your voice can be a powerful weapon. Remember to yell and yell loudly. Research tells us that more people respond to the word "fire" than any other word. What ever word you chose, make it loud and repeat it over and over!
8. Go into survival mode -- Once you realize you have no where to run and you must defend yourself; you must tell yourself you are worth it and kick your brain into survival mode. You do what ever you need to do to survive. Some victims have talked how they thought about their children or another family member and actually got mad for being threatened. What ever it takes to get your "juices flowing", do it!
9. Take a self defense course -- Even a short seminar will help you to learn basic techniques that can save your life. Better yet, enroll in a martial arts program. The more you practice and train at your self defense techniques, the better able you will be to defend yourself!
Sensei Feldt is the owner of Samurai Karate Studio. He teaches a traditional style of karate for children and adults beginning with kids age 4. You may reach is studio at 803-462-9425 or visit his website at www.samuraikaratestudio.net.
Do you have what it takes to "live by the code"?
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