It is important for everyone to become familiar with at least the basic tactics of self-defense. The knowledge that you gain from learning proper self-defense will aid you in making the right decisions and choosing the best course of action should you ever encounter an attacker.
It is critical that you know which moves to make, when to make them and how to use your attacker’s own force against them. It is also important to know ways to avoid an encounter all together. Knowledge of basic self-defense techniques is a great thing to have in your arsenal. Many people these days are walking around talking on cell phones, listening to music players, totally oblivious to the world around them; these people are walking victims, just asking to be attacked.
If you choose to carry a firearm, local law permitting, you will need to know a number of things. You will need to know how to use and store your weapon safely as well as how to maintain the firearm so it will perform when necessary. You should also take the time to learn some non-lethal methods of self-defense in addition to using your firearm. Self-defense is about knowing what is happening before, during and after an attack as well as what can be done to avoid the entire situation.
One great tactic of self-defense works like a traffic light. To avoid being an easy target, you must be fully aware of your surroundings at all times. The lowest level of awareness is green. This is when you are somewhere safe, where you are able to relax and let down your guard. When you are in your own home is typically the only time you should ever be at level green.
Anytime you leave your home, your awareness level should be yellow. When at this level, you are aware of your surroundings. You notice who is around and are able to identify any threats. Simply by appearing to be aware of everything around you, you eliminate any possibility of looking like an easy target. Be careful, it is tempting to drift over to green level if you allow yourself to become too comfortable with your surroundings.
The highest level of awareness is red. This is when a threat has been identified, something out of the ordinary has been brought to your attention and you are concerned danger is near. You should have a planned course of action laid out in your mind. Keep your distance from suspicious characters. Have a weapon in hand and attempt to draw attention to anyone you suspect wishes to cause you harm. Let any possible attackers know that if they approach you, they will have a fight on their hands for sure. If you are able to retreat safely, do so as soon as possible.
The number one rule of self-defense is common sense. Do not walk around waving hundred dollar bills in a known bad neighborhood. Carry yourself so everyone knows that you will not go down easily. Pay attention to your awareness signals at all times. Remember your awareness level should never go below yellow until you safe and secure in your own home.
Here are ten essential links to help you learn everything you need to know about self-defense:
The 7 Most Effective Self Defense Techniques
Idiot’s Guide to Self Defense
Self-Defender.NET
Women’s Defense Center
Justified Lethal Force
Self Defense for Everyone
Self-Defense: Steps to Survival
Self Defense Course for Adults and Teens
Self-Defense for Women, Children & Men
How To Fight And Win
Dena White blogs about various criminal justice job issues, including how to study to obtain a degree from online forensic science colleges.