| When you hear someone say "self defense," the | | | | well-lit areas and don't go alone when you |
| image that probably pops into your head is a | | | | can bring a friend. - Trust your instincts. |
| buff guy or girl doing martial arts | | | | We've all felt that prickly, |
| demonstrations on a heavily-padded and | | | | "I'm-Being-Watched" sensation. Don't let your |
| willing assistant. Or maybe you imagine a | | | | fear of being "silly" or "paranoid" let you |
| little old lady whacking a would-be purse | | | | ignore your feelings. Maybe that shifty |
| snatcher over the head with her large, heavy | | | | character isn't really following you around |
| bag. Self defense sounds very physical, and | | | | the grocery store - but if you feel |
| sometimes it can be. But there are other ways | | | | threatened or afraid, tell someone and get |
| to protect yourself and avoid potentially | | | | away. - Think body language. Criminals look |
| dangerous situations. Self defense is not | | | | for easy targets. When you are out in public, |
| always about fighting. Many people believe | | | | do you wander aimlessly with your hands in |
| that self defense is about kicking someone in | | | | your pockets? Do you make eye contact with |
| a certain place, or knowing how to execute | | | | others or keep your head down? You should |
| the perfect punch to bring down an attacker. | | | | always look confident - back straight, head |
| The truth is, sometimes fighting back can put | | | | up, and arms at your sides. Walk purposefully |
| you in a much more vulnerable position. A | | | | with a destination in mind. - Carry a cell |
| good self defense strategy begins with your | | | | phone. A phone is a great way to call for |
| mind. It doesn't matter if you are male or | | | | help in an emergency, or to let loved ones |
| female, teen or retiree - everyone needs to | | | | know where you are. Just don't get carried |
| know how to avoid dangerous situations. Here | | | | away: remember, a cell phone can be very |
| are some self-defense tips that will help | | | | distracting and can lower your guard. Use |
| keep you safe and aware in any situation: - | | | | common sense and good judgment. - Take a self |
| Avoid conflict. Maybe the guy in the car in | | | | defense class. Self defense classes can teach |
| front of you cut you off and is driving like | | | | you more about staying aware and protecting |
| a maniac. Every fiber of your being is urging | | | | yourself. Many community centers and athletic |
| you to speed up and tailgate him, flashing | | | | clubs offer self defense classes for people |
| your headlights and extending a certain | | | | of all ages and abilities. Self defense is |
| impolite finger. We've all heard stories | | | | about prevention. When you pay attention to |
| about road rage turning violent. Avoid | | | | what's going on around you, you are sending a |
| turning an annoyance into a dangerous | | | | message of strength and confidence to any |
| confrontation by not reacting. - Be aware of | | | | potential attackers. Listen to yourself and |
| your surroundings. Your arms are loaded down | | | | trust your feelings, and never be afraid to |
| with bags after a marathon shopping spree. | | | | call for help if you need it. |
| You leave the mall and head for your car. Did | | | | |
| you look around? Always be aware of who is | | | | Ralph Winn writes about Security Systems and |
| nearby and what is going on. You should have | | | | other related topics. |
| your keys out and ready. Park your car in | | | | |