| As a martial arts master who has trained in Judo, | | | | defensive. |
| Karate and Tae Kwondo, I used to believe that | | | | - Carry your self defense: It might seem silly, but |
| my form, sparring techniques, skill and traditional | | | | it pays to be prepared with a bottle of pepper |
| weapons were enough to save me in case I got | | | | spray. If you are alone and suspect that someone |
| into a bad situation. It was when I had to | | | | may be following you, this simple precaution can |
| confront an opponent who had managed to stab | | | | help you get away without any injury or risk. It |
| me 5 times and almost bring me down in spite of | | | | also pays to carry some other kinds of weapons |
| the fact that I had shot him twice that I finally | | | | with you, depending on your training and skill. |
| understood how complacent I had become. | | | | Remember, a gun may come handy, but is useful |
| Fortunately, I lived to see another dawn. | | | | only if you have enough time to retrieve it and |
| This experience led me to take up close combat | | | | the opportunity to use it BEFORE your opponent. |
| training and specialize in a number of self-defense | | | | - Train according to your needs: Men and women |
| training courses. | | | | have different training needs. So, if you are a |
| Even so, when I walk the streets alone at night, I | | | | woman, take it for granted that your assailant will |
| always look behind me, carry a weapon and keep | | | | be heavier than you. Be prepared to train with |
| my ears tuned to the sound of a footfall or a | | | | weight and cardio. If you are physically healthy, |
| breath. | | | | overpowering a man becomes easier. |
| Some of the most important self defense tactics | | | | - Don't play fair: Most people who undergo self |
| for men and women include: | | | | defense training are taught over and over again |
| - Be alert, ALWAYS. It is amazing how a little | | | | that if and when the situation arises, they must |
| training can fool people into believing that they are | | | | be prepared to fight until they win. There is little |
| immortal. It is this complacency that brings about | | | | point in trying to play fair. Never turn your back |
| their downfall in the first place. Regardless of | | | | on an injured assailant. Also, never gloat over the |
| where you are, always be prepared for the | | | | man you just felled. For all you know, he may be |
| worst. Keep your eyes and ears tuned to danger. | | | | acting or taking a breather. The best self defense |
| Many victims have confessed that they had | | | | tactics that any pro can offer you is to have the |
| some prior knowledge/hunch about trouble but | | | | commonsense to be safe. Do not walk alone at |
| refused to take heed on time. | | | | night. If you're on the road, keep a weapon |
| - Be confident: If you already have some training | | | | ready, roll up the glass and do not stop if you feel |
| in self defense, you need to know how to play | | | | that there is something fishy. |
| mind games with your opponent. If you cringe | | | | After all, it's better to be safe than sorry, even if |
| and cry, your opponent is only going to get | | | | proper self defense tactics can help you wriggle |
| madder and uglier. Instead, appear calm and make | | | | out of the situation. |
| them second-guess your actions. Put them on the | | | | |