When developing your self-defense plan, think in terms of layers. Build-up, or layer multiple defenses that an aggressor must penetrate before getting to you or your loved ones. To illustrate the concept of a layered defense, I will use personal protection and home defense as examples. There are endless ways to build a layered defense and the layers you choose must be personalized to your needs and capabilities.
People are constantly asking about the best everyday carry for self-defense. They are confused by the plethora of self-defense devices being marketed such as tasers, stun guns, lipstick knives and the list goes on and on. The reality of the matter is this. When it comes to non-lethal options for self-defense, there are four essentials that no one should be without.
Self-defense can be overwhelming. There are many aspects, lots of information (good and bad), and often times confusion around what works and what doesn’t. This alone makes it hard to know where to begin in regard to training and making self-defense habitual. Here are three things you can do right now to improve your safety.
There’s no question, most people are eager to learn self-defense. They will read self-defense blogs, watch a few YouTube videos, and perhaps take some training. However, all too often the planning stops there. What you need to do is adapt your self-defense skill set to your personal life and circumstances. As long as there is a disconnect between your training and your circumstances, you will not get the maximum benefit from your training.
Calling for help can be a challenge. There are no shortage of “panic button’ type devices that you can buy, most of which require a monthly subscription. With the press of a button, these devices can call 911 and text a message and your location to a list of contacts. If you already own a capable device, there is no extra cost for this feature.
Almost without exception, when I get an inquiry about self-defense training it is from people wanting to learn physical techniques that will allow them to escape from someone who is bigger, stronger, faster and determined to harm them. The reality of the matter is this. The overwhelming majority of problems can be avoided through good decision making, situational awareness and by making self-defense a lifestyle. If you make yourself an easy target and do not foresee and avoid trouble before it becomes a physical altercation, your chances of prevailing unharmed greatly diminish.
It’s easy to become complacent when it comes to self-defense. But we must not forget, trouble can present itself anytime, anywhere. Here are a few things to help you keep your guard up at all times.
A college campus can be a dangerous place. Campuses are a mix of people from all ends of the spectrum. Toss in some naiveté, impaired judgement and a cast of characters with bad intentions and you have the perfect storm for trouble.
When bad people decide to do bad things to good people, they interview them first. This is an interview you want to make sure you fail. Criminals are opportunistic. They adapt and act on a moment’s notice when an easy target presents itself. Criminals will “interview,” or run potential victims through a checklist to determine if they are easy prey. Here are some common things an aggressor will look for when deciding to take action.
Calling for help seems like it would be one of the most basic, natural things one could do. You scream bloody murder and the cavalry comes running to your rescue, right? The truth of the matter is, there’s a good chance no one will hear you, and if they do, they won’t help you. Most people will not want to intervene in a violent situation, or may simply assume someone else will help.
