Self Defense isn’t a cost, it’s an investment in keeping yourself safe. These tips are ones I’ve learned along the way that I believe are meaningful and could add to your level of safety.

Tip 1: AWARENESS
In any situation awareness is key. We all have that “Sixth Sense” for a reason. If something doesn’t feel right or look right, go back from where you just came from into a safe place and call police or security. Always be aware, don’t keep your face buried in your phone with headphones on. Your senses will serve you automatically to keep you safe.

Tip 2: LOOK LIKE A TOUGH TARGET
Before an attacker even thinks about striking, your best self-defense is to look as strong and confident as possible. People trying to attack or rob you generally are not looking for a lengthy encounter or a problem. They want an easy target. Have a Friend or Co-Worker walk with you when possible, but keep your eyes up and alert when you’re alone. Even if you’re nervous, try not to let it show. It sounds weird, but walking in the middle of the street instead of walking on a sidewalk in the shadows could help too.

Tip 3: BODY POSITION/READY TO FIGHT
If you’ve taken any of my classes, this is something you’ve heard before. If you feel threatened or your in a position where you are forced into protecting yourself- position your body in a “ready to fight” stance. Strong side foot, half step back and hands up protecting your face. Doing this is three-fold;
1). Your hands are up and ready to protect yourself if need be.
2). You look more aggressive. Your body language will tell the bad guy “I’m ready for you and I will hurt you”. May make them think twice.
3). It’s easier and quicker for you to strike. Action is quicker than Reaction. The closer we can get to being ready, the quicker we will be to either act or react.

Tip 4: HIT/STRIKE/DON’T STOP
Commit to protecting yourself and go for it. Cause as much pain and damage as you can to make the bad guy think twice. In class I teach very minimal combinations. I could teach you lots of different moves. But knowing a few effective ones and practicing them over and over (even outside of class) will make you a force to be reckoned with. Bruce Lee said it best- “I don’t fear the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks. But I do fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

Which leads me into the final tip…

Tip 5: PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
Reading tips is one thing, but practice is key to successfully escaping a life-threatening situation. Taking a self-defense class can train your reactions. You don’t have to be a champion fighter. If you just want to be a little safer or understand a little more about fighting back and what you’re capable of, get in and make it a part of your life.