| The best defense is a good offense. At least that is a | | | | - Safety in numbers- It is not a hard and fast rule, but |
| popular message most of us have heard at some | | | | generally speaking there is safety in numbers. A group |
| point in our life. When it comes to self defense for | | | | of students walking home from school should, in theory, |
| teens or even younger children, the best offense is | | | | be less of a target than the single person who walks |
| knowing what to do when faced with a dangerous or | | | | alone. Whenever possible avoid situations where you |
| threatening situation. While it is impossible to imagine | | | | are alone or separated from the public or groups of |
| and prepare a reaction for all potential threats, it is | | | | people. |
| possible to learn and practice basic self defense | | | | - Learn self defense- Like other things in life, practice |
| methods to become more confident in your ability to | | | | makes perfect. Every person should consider taking a |
| ward off an attacker. Here are a few tips that all | | | | self defense class. Self defense classes can teach |
| teens should know in order to better defend | | | | movements and build confidence that cannot be |
| themselves should the worst case scenario present | | | | learned by reading a book or magazine. Once you |
| itself. | | | | have basic self defense moves down pat, you can |
| - Flight or fight- In the animal kingdom there are two | | | | practice these moves in "real life" attacks during your |
| basic reactions to a perceived threat to one's safety. | | | | class. This gives each person the opportunity to go |
| People like animals have the option to either fight or | | | | through the motions and experience what a potential |
| flee an attacker. Fighting off an attacker should be the | | | | attacker might do or how they will react. Look within |
| last resort for teens and adults alike. In most cases the | | | | your community for locations that teach self defense |
| victim is caught unaware, while the attacker has the | | | | such as the YMCA or the local community center. If |
| advantage of surprise, motive and adrenaline. | | | | your community does not offer a place to learn and |
| Whenever possible it is best to run away (making as | | | | practice self defense moves, ask your gym teacher |
| much noise as possible) in search of safety. This is not | | | | or school counselor to add it to the curriculum. |
| always possible, but in situations where escape is | | | | No one wants to think about the possibility of being |
| possible, it is the best option. | | | | attacked or threatened by a stranger or even |
| - Follow your instincts- Have you ever been in a | | | | someone you know. Sadly we live in an increasingly |
| situation that just feels odd? You may not be able to | | | | violent and unpredictable society making the chances |
| pinpoint what is making you feel uncomfortable, | | | | of being threatened at some point a reality that must |
| however your body may be reacting to a threat that | | | | be considered. The tips mentioned here can help you |
| your conscious mind is not recognizing. Pay attention to | | | | plan and prepare should you find yourself in a position |
| these "gut" feelings as they are often the first warning | | | | where you must defend yourself. |
| of danger. | | | | |