Can you defend yourself?

by Shawn Vicknair

April 2010

Do you believe that you can stop someone else from hurting you and get help?  Many of us fear this type of reality because we have not encountered such situations.  However, self defense can be a very different experience for each person.  Self defense is sometimes as small as stopping the bully at school from embarrassing you in front of your friends; or it can be as serious as being kidnapped and never returning home.  These two circumstances are very different, but also very similar.

The most important skill you need to defend yourself in any situation is confidence.  Confidence will deter most attackers, especially bullies.  How do we get confidence?

Confidence can come from believing in yourself and being prepared for the situations that life may hand you. Some of us are confident at a specific sport or activity because we have the confidence of knowing we can excel at it.  This confidence stems from experience in preparing and acting when it counts.  So, how do we gain confidence in defending yourself? Self defense classes will help build confidence by becoming prepared and having the belief through practice that you can really defend yourself.  These classes will teach you what to do in certain situations.

Here are some things that everyone can do to stay safer…………….

First, look up!

Attackers look for victims who are easy targets.  Easy targets usually don’t have a purpose.  The victim looks down or is preoccupied with other things, like a cell phone, PDA, or Ipod.

Second, Know where you are.

Stay in places that you know.  Don’t go places that you don’t know and or not comfortable with.  Be cautious of cars, buildings, and people who look suspicious.

Third, Stick together.

Remember, attackers like easy targets.  More than one person usually presents problems for attackers.  Try to always have someone with you.

Last,  Have a plan.

Have a plan when you go out.  Tell others, like family and friends, where you are going and when you will be back.  If something does happen then others will know you plan.

This should give you some of that needed confidence to protect yourself from attackers.  Remember, don’t become a victim.