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Some criminals feel that women are easy prey because they are not as strong as men and could be easily overcome in a mugging, rape or other criminal act. However, women can prove their mettle by being smarter than the criminal and that means anticipating potential threats and dangers in advance. It is always better to be prepared for the worst and it not happen than being caught unawares.
Anticipation in regards to self-defense means that you use whatever is handy in protecting yourself against an attacker. It means buying time while assessing the environment around you for a way out or potential weapon. Anticipation also means you should always carry with you a few items for self-defense that cannot be seen but can easily is reached in case of an attack on you as well as know how to use them comfortably so that the act is effortless.
Prevention plays a big part in anticipating a dangerous situation by avoiding it all together when possible. Most preventative tips are common sense but sometimes, when in a hurry, you may forget. Here are some no-nonsense preventative tips to avoid criminal acts against you:
Womens Self Defense Guide
Trust your instincts. It\'s that inner gut feeling that makes you hesitate before acting. It\'s that itch between your shoulder blades or that creepy crawly sense along your scalp. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable about a situation, get out of it. It is that pure and simple.
Awareness is the most important self-defense tool in your personal arsenal. When you are aware of your surroundings and scope out potential trouble, you can avoid many dangerous situations. If it means asking for a security guard to walk you to your car, so be it.
When you plan to be out and about in public, do not wear anything flashy like expensive jewelry as that is just a beacon for thieves.
Look confident and walk with your head held high. This presents you as a difficult target to muggers, thieves and other criminals. They want easy prey, not someone who will fight them and make their job harder.
Keep eye contact and keep an aggressive stance to your body if confronted. This tells the would-be criminal that you do not suffer fools and they would likely do so if they attempted anything with you. It is all about attitude.
Do not put yourself in a situation where you would use a taxi or bus in an isolated situation and do not hitchhike. Public transportation can be safe but only use it when it is busy or crowded to prevent a criminal act against you.
If you cannot prevent an attack against you, the next line of self-defense is using what is in your environment or on your person to protect yourself. Anything can be used as a potential weapon whether it is your teeth, fingers, keys, a bottle of perfume or a rock off the street. If thrown to the ground, you could pick up sand to toss in the attacker\'s eyes or use a tree branch to hit them. Palm a piece of glass to slice your attacker with or stab them with a stick. You do what you have to do to have enough time to escape. This may also mean kicking, screaming, biting, scratching, hitting and more. If the attacker\'s pants are baggy, try and pull them down as this will slow their actions and pursuit or use your own belt to try and beat them in the face with the hard buckle.
Womens Self Defense Guide
Carrying mace on your keychain or a taser in your purse are smart self-defense moves that could save you in a tense situation. Even a loud whistle you can blow can be a deterrent as it would bring attention on your situation as well as the attacker, which they do not want. There are plenty of potential weapons in a woman\'s purse and all you have to do is identify them and practice pulling them out quickly to defend yourself should the situation ever arise.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Helpful Ideas for Choosing the Right Self-Defense Course
When it comes to self-defense, you should know that classes for it come in many forms. Perhaps you are trying to find you way to one in anticipation of future trouble. May be your victimized and choose not to become a victim again. Whatever your reason is for seeking a self-defense course, you must be thoroughly comfortable with its format or you will not get as much out of it as you should.
You will discover during your research for a self-defense course that it comes in a variety of forms. Your local police department or victims' advocate office may sponsor classes through the local YMCA or parks and recreation department. Local martial arts studios may block off a night or two a week solely for teaching self-defense from a martial arts perspective. The curriculum may be all hands-on with demonstrations in between or there may be a defined written curriculum along with hands-on training. Go ahead and open up your telephone directory's yellow pages and you will see quite a variety of options when it comes to self-defense classes. So how do you choose which class to take and in what format?
Womens Self Defense Guide
1. Decide what exactly you are looking for with your self-defense studies. Are you seeking moves solely for protecting yourself or do you aspire to compete professionally or want to keep in shape? There are a variety of self-defense classes and disciplines that focus on these different aspects. If you step into a martial arts studio that offers self-defense and you see a lot of trophies and awards, chances are the studio is involved in competition whereas a gym might focus on fitness as much as self-defense moves.
2. Checking for the right equipment. Part of self-defense is learning how to throw opponents off as well as how to fall down properly. You will want to check your potential self-defense place to ensure that the proper equipment is in place. This includes floor mats, body pads and other safety equipment. Be wary of a place that does not have this cushioned safety equipment because this means you are definitely not likely to receive an effective, full self-defense course.
3. Visit or take a tour of some self-defense places and observe a class in action. The best scenario is finding a class near your home or office for convenience. This means you are less likely to blow off the class. Viewing the facilities should give you an idea of how the place is run, the cleanliness of it, whether they have the proper equipment and more. Being able to observe a class would be optimal so you can see first hand how the instructors interact with the students as well as what you would be learning. As there are different skill levels, you will want to ensure that there are self-defense classes for every skill level.
4. Make an appointment to meet with the self-defense instructors. You can ensure that the facilities and equipment is adequate but if you cannot work well with the instructor, you will not get the most out of your self-defense class. You want an instructor that "speaks" your language. If you are more hands-on rather than audio, they would physically show you step by step the self-defense moves. However, if you are a visual or audio learner, they would tailor the teaching to that learning style. Choose an instructor that is tough but seems concerned about each of their students and how they are progressing. It is quite easy to weed out the bully instructors and those who think they are better than others.
Womens Self Defense Guide
5. When in doubt, ask for recommendations. Many people have taken self-defense or have even studied martial arts. Ask around for self-defense recommendations. Ask your local police department if they know of some reputable resources. The YMCA and local colleges may also offer self-defense courses taught by certified instructors. Look to all avenues for your self-defense needs.
You will discover during your research for a self-defense course that it comes in a variety of forms. Your local police department or victims' advocate office may sponsor classes through the local YMCA or parks and recreation department. Local martial arts studios may block off a night or two a week solely for teaching self-defense from a martial arts perspective. The curriculum may be all hands-on with demonstrations in between or there may be a defined written curriculum along with hands-on training. Go ahead and open up your telephone directory's yellow pages and you will see quite a variety of options when it comes to self-defense classes. So how do you choose which class to take and in what format?
Womens Self Defense Guide
1. Decide what exactly you are looking for with your self-defense studies. Are you seeking moves solely for protecting yourself or do you aspire to compete professionally or want to keep in shape? There are a variety of self-defense classes and disciplines that focus on these different aspects. If you step into a martial arts studio that offers self-defense and you see a lot of trophies and awards, chances are the studio is involved in competition whereas a gym might focus on fitness as much as self-defense moves.
2. Checking for the right equipment. Part of self-defense is learning how to throw opponents off as well as how to fall down properly. You will want to check your potential self-defense place to ensure that the proper equipment is in place. This includes floor mats, body pads and other safety equipment. Be wary of a place that does not have this cushioned safety equipment because this means you are definitely not likely to receive an effective, full self-defense course.
3. Visit or take a tour of some self-defense places and observe a class in action. The best scenario is finding a class near your home or office for convenience. This means you are less likely to blow off the class. Viewing the facilities should give you an idea of how the place is run, the cleanliness of it, whether they have the proper equipment and more. Being able to observe a class would be optimal so you can see first hand how the instructors interact with the students as well as what you would be learning. As there are different skill levels, you will want to ensure that there are self-defense classes for every skill level.
4. Make an appointment to meet with the self-defense instructors. You can ensure that the facilities and equipment is adequate but if you cannot work well with the instructor, you will not get the most out of your self-defense class. You want an instructor that "speaks" your language. If you are more hands-on rather than audio, they would physically show you step by step the self-defense moves. However, if you are a visual or audio learner, they would tailor the teaching to that learning style. Choose an instructor that is tough but seems concerned about each of their students and how they are progressing. It is quite easy to weed out the bully instructors and those who think they are better than others.
Womens Self Defense Guide
5. When in doubt, ask for recommendations. Many people have taken self-defense or have even studied martial arts. Ask around for self-defense recommendations. Ask your local police department if they know of some reputable resources. The YMCA and local colleges may also offer self-defense courses taught by certified instructors. Look to all avenues for your self-defense needs.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Get Zapped with Info on the Popular Self Defense Toy – The Taser
What is the Taser, and what can it do to keep you safe? The Taser is an electroshock weapon designed and created in recent years that has been growing in popularity since it was first introduced. This weapon was designed with the idea that it can stun and subdue a target from a distance. There are two primary models of Tasers that are currently in operation. The two models are the M26 and the X26 tasers. Each of these models comes accompanied with various accessories. The Taser accessories most commonly bundled with the weapon include a mounted digital video camera and a laser sight.
New developments in Taser use and technology - Womens Self Defense Guide
This electroshock weapon is currently experiencing a growth in popularity and development. Currently, the company that designs and produces these weapons, Taser International, is marketing a civilian model that is called the C2 Taser. The company is currently also in collaboration with the US Marine Corps to produce the X REP. This is planned as the extended range electronic projectile. It is designed as a wireless taser round that can be fired from other sources, including a 12 gauge shotgun.
The philosophy behind Taser technology
The popularity of Taser technology is in no small way attributed to its intended goal of being a less than lethal, yet still effective weapon. This is how the weapon was initially introduced: as an effective way for policemen and others in the field of public service to subdue a fleeing or potentially belligerent subject. The goal of designers is for policemen and others in public service to use the Taser to subdue subjects that might otherwise be subject to potentially lethal gunfire. However, the use of Taser technology is not without its detractors. The original philosophy behind Taser technology was to create a weapon with the stopping force of the gun, but without causing fatal results.
The history behind Taser Technology
Who invented the Taser, and when? The Taser was first developed in the late 1960s (specifically, 1969), by NASA researcher Jack Cover. Cover had finished his model of the device by 1974. He named the device after his childhood idol, Tom Swift. The original Taser model used gunpowder as its main propellant. This original component is what led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to classify the Taser as a firearm.
The function of the Taser
How does the Taser firearm work? In general, the Taser fires two dart-like electrodes. These are connected to the main Taser unit by a conductive wire. The darts are propelled by compressed nitrogen charges. This is similar to how an air gun or paint ball gun might send off propellants. The air cartridge inside a Taser includes a pair of electrodes and a propellant for a single shot. These have to be replaced after each use of the Taser weapon. The range of a Taser depends on its use. For non-law enforcement consumers, the Taser is only available with cartridges with a maximum of 15 feet. The maximum range currently available is 35 feet.
Who uses Tasers? Are they safe? - Womens Self Defense Guide
Currently, many police forces across the country are experimenting with the use of Taser technology in order to restrain people and animals. These can be used in order to inflict pain and subdue without causing serious injury or death. The Phoenix Police Department uses the Taser technology, and has experienced a statistical drop in the number of officer shootings. However, the Houston Police Department did not experience a significant drop in police shootings. There has been considerable controversy regarding the use of Taser technology. Some critics have pointed out that Taser technology has been involved in incident that can be classified as deadly force.
New developments in Taser use and technology - Womens Self Defense Guide
This electroshock weapon is currently experiencing a growth in popularity and development. Currently, the company that designs and produces these weapons, Taser International, is marketing a civilian model that is called the C2 Taser. The company is currently also in collaboration with the US Marine Corps to produce the X REP. This is planned as the extended range electronic projectile. It is designed as a wireless taser round that can be fired from other sources, including a 12 gauge shotgun.
The philosophy behind Taser technology
The popularity of Taser technology is in no small way attributed to its intended goal of being a less than lethal, yet still effective weapon. This is how the weapon was initially introduced: as an effective way for policemen and others in the field of public service to subdue a fleeing or potentially belligerent subject. The goal of designers is for policemen and others in public service to use the Taser to subdue subjects that might otherwise be subject to potentially lethal gunfire. However, the use of Taser technology is not without its detractors. The original philosophy behind Taser technology was to create a weapon with the stopping force of the gun, but without causing fatal results.
The history behind Taser Technology
Who invented the Taser, and when? The Taser was first developed in the late 1960s (specifically, 1969), by NASA researcher Jack Cover. Cover had finished his model of the device by 1974. He named the device after his childhood idol, Tom Swift. The original Taser model used gunpowder as its main propellant. This original component is what led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to classify the Taser as a firearm.
The function of the Taser
How does the Taser firearm work? In general, the Taser fires two dart-like electrodes. These are connected to the main Taser unit by a conductive wire. The darts are propelled by compressed nitrogen charges. This is similar to how an air gun or paint ball gun might send off propellants. The air cartridge inside a Taser includes a pair of electrodes and a propellant for a single shot. These have to be replaced after each use of the Taser weapon. The range of a Taser depends on its use. For non-law enforcement consumers, the Taser is only available with cartridges with a maximum of 15 feet. The maximum range currently available is 35 feet.
Who uses Tasers? Are they safe? - Womens Self Defense Guide
Currently, many police forces across the country are experimenting with the use of Taser technology in order to restrain people and animals. These can be used in order to inflict pain and subdue without causing serious injury or death. The Phoenix Police Department uses the Taser technology, and has experienced a statistical drop in the number of officer shootings. However, the Houston Police Department did not experience a significant drop in police shootings. There has been considerable controversy regarding the use of Taser technology. Some critics have pointed out that Taser technology has been involved in incident that can be classified as deadly force.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Female Self Defense When Cruising Cyberspace
Who knew that supposedly innocent flirting on the internet could lead to assault, stalking or even murder? While not a prevalent problem, many women have been targeted by criminals simply because of their presence on the internet, whether it is through a personal web page, message board or online chat rooms. There are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself in cyberspace and still stay relatively anonymous. These days, hi-tech crime is climbing fast and you do not want to become another statistic.
Womens Self Defense Guide
1. Your first line of defense would be to use a free email account for all your correspondence and activities when chatting online, through instant messengers or corresponding with someone you have never met but perhaps hope to meet at some point. A free email account is anonymous and cannot really be traced back to you. Reserve your personal or work emails for only specific types of business.
2. When visiting new websites for dating, chatting with friends or networking, always check their privacy policies. Some will plainly state that they sell your email or IP address to internet marketers. There are several globally recognized certified seals of approval when it comes to privacy protection of your information so look for these particular ones before signing onto the website: CPA WebTrust, BBBOnline, ePublicEye or TRUSTe.
3. If you plan to purchase a membership to a website or even purchase anything online, you need to check for the website's security measures before entering even one digit of credit card or bank account payment information. Look in the address line of your web browser to check for the closed padlock symbol which represents a secure site or even the "https" in the beginning of the URL address line.
4. Sort through your cookie files frequently and delete everything but what is stored for the websites you use with regularity. If necessary, you can change the filters in your web browser to alert you each and every time a website wants to store a cookie on your computer.
5. Invest in some personal firewall software which will help prevent hackers from getting into your computer or even hijacking your high speed internet connection. There are different kinds of firewall protection that can be purchased or downloaded for free so you must compare the different types to find what best suits your needs.
6. Check the specifications of your web browser. You want it to have at least 128-bit encryption for the latest in internet protection.
7. Change the parameters in your instant messaging software to accept only people who you have invited onto your buddy list with an invitation. This way you can screen the people you do not wish to correspond with online.
8. When you do not feel comfortable with some of the information a website asks for in a membership form, do not do it. There are certain pieces of information like your social security number and your driver's license number that are not needed. And if you do not want to share any phone numbers or emails, do not do it.
9. Do not sign up for any email alerts or newsletters unless you really and truly plan to read them. When your email box starts getting spammed, you will be tempted to click on the link within these emails that say "unsubscribe." Unfortunately, when you do that, your email get sold and you get even more spam.
Womens Self Defense Guide
Basically, the bottom line when protecting yourself on line is this: do not share personal information period. It is quite easy for stalkers to lurk in chat rooms and glean information about your life and log it in a diary. They will continue to collect facts until they have enough to hunt you down. It's a scary world out there and unfortunately you have to act as if something will happen to you in order to prevent that very thing from happening.
Womens Self Defense Guide
1. Your first line of defense would be to use a free email account for all your correspondence and activities when chatting online, through instant messengers or corresponding with someone you have never met but perhaps hope to meet at some point. A free email account is anonymous and cannot really be traced back to you. Reserve your personal or work emails for only specific types of business.
2. When visiting new websites for dating, chatting with friends or networking, always check their privacy policies. Some will plainly state that they sell your email or IP address to internet marketers. There are several globally recognized certified seals of approval when it comes to privacy protection of your information so look for these particular ones before signing onto the website: CPA WebTrust, BBBOnline, ePublicEye or TRUSTe.
3. If you plan to purchase a membership to a website or even purchase anything online, you need to check for the website's security measures before entering even one digit of credit card or bank account payment information. Look in the address line of your web browser to check for the closed padlock symbol which represents a secure site or even the "https" in the beginning of the URL address line.
4. Sort through your cookie files frequently and delete everything but what is stored for the websites you use with regularity. If necessary, you can change the filters in your web browser to alert you each and every time a website wants to store a cookie on your computer.
5. Invest in some personal firewall software which will help prevent hackers from getting into your computer or even hijacking your high speed internet connection. There are different kinds of firewall protection that can be purchased or downloaded for free so you must compare the different types to find what best suits your needs.
6. Check the specifications of your web browser. You want it to have at least 128-bit encryption for the latest in internet protection.
7. Change the parameters in your instant messaging software to accept only people who you have invited onto your buddy list with an invitation. This way you can screen the people you do not wish to correspond with online.
8. When you do not feel comfortable with some of the information a website asks for in a membership form, do not do it. There are certain pieces of information like your social security number and your driver's license number that are not needed. And if you do not want to share any phone numbers or emails, do not do it.
9. Do not sign up for any email alerts or newsletters unless you really and truly plan to read them. When your email box starts getting spammed, you will be tempted to click on the link within these emails that say "unsubscribe." Unfortunately, when you do that, your email get sold and you get even more spam.
Womens Self Defense Guide
Basically, the bottom line when protecting yourself on line is this: do not share personal information period. It is quite easy for stalkers to lurk in chat rooms and glean information about your life and log it in a diary. They will continue to collect facts until they have enough to hunt you down. It's a scary world out there and unfortunately you have to act as if something will happen to you in order to prevent that very thing from happening.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Employing a Few Streets Smarts Can Save your Life
Are you street smart? Do you know enough to keep out of harm's way when traveling the streets of your city or town? Many women think they have enough common sense to stay safe but life breeds complacency and you let your guard down after a while and then you just might find yourself in trouble. There is potential danger lurking everywhere from cities with millions of people to even your typical small hometown of 500 people. You simply do not know when or if you will ever be in the need to employ any self defense tactics to escape harm.
There are plenty of tactics you can employ to protect you from harm before the need to even physically defend yourself. While these tactics may seem simple, there is a reason why they are repeated time and time again – it is that complacency issue. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your safe existence:
Womens Self Defense Guide
1. Check all your locks on the doors and windows before leaving home, including ensuring your garage door actually closes and stays closed. Also make sure that you do not leave any windows open during your absence. You do not want an undesirable visitor waiting for you when you get home.
2. Trim the bushes and trees around your home and install security lights as needed. Bushes cast shadows and can be the perfect place for criminals to hide until they are ready to strike. Even better, plant spiky or thorny bushes near all of your windows to deter criminals from gaining entrance into your home this way.
3. When traveling away from home, always park in well-lit areas. It is very hard for someone to hide around your car if it is light up as they will cast an easily detectable shadow.
4. During shopping expeditions or just walking in public, be sure to not carry many valuables in your purse. Leave your checkbook and most of your credit cards at home and carry only a few dollars in your purse. Should it become stolen, you will have lost very little and would not have to go to the trouble of canceling credit cards and bank accounts. It is best to carry the important things like cash, credit cards and drivers license on your person, concealed where it is not readily noticeable.
5. Carry a simple whistle with you either around your neck or on a key chain. If you feel the least bit threatened, whether it is a suspicious character loitering near your car or you believe you are followed, blow the whistle and create a lot of noise. Potential assailants do not like to call attention to them and are likely to slink away rather than approach you.
6. If you carry any self defense devices, do not treat them like accessories. Learn how to use them and practice whipping them out of your purse or key chain. A self defense device like pepper spray, a kuboton or stun gun does not help you if you cannot access it or use it properly.
7. Always tell someone where you are going and check in periodically. That way, if something should happen, your loved ones will know where to start looking for you. Yes, this sounds scary but it can be quite helpful in finding you as well as the perpetrator who hurts you.
8. Maintain your distance from anyone seeking directions, especially if they approach you in a vehicle. Stay several arm lengths away and do not gesture or turn to indicate a direction as this will distract you, giving a potential attacker time to get to you.
Womens Self Defense Guide
Many more ideas on how to stay safe exist. One day, truly focus in on safety measures and how to avoid being a victim. Identify problem areas in places you frequent whether it is the parking garage at work or the grocery store. Being cognizant of potential dangers in the very places you are comfortable with is quite an eye opener. It will make you think twice each time you leave home.
There are plenty of tactics you can employ to protect you from harm before the need to even physically defend yourself. While these tactics may seem simple, there is a reason why they are repeated time and time again – it is that complacency issue. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your safe existence:
Womens Self Defense Guide
1. Check all your locks on the doors and windows before leaving home, including ensuring your garage door actually closes and stays closed. Also make sure that you do not leave any windows open during your absence. You do not want an undesirable visitor waiting for you when you get home.
2. Trim the bushes and trees around your home and install security lights as needed. Bushes cast shadows and can be the perfect place for criminals to hide until they are ready to strike. Even better, plant spiky or thorny bushes near all of your windows to deter criminals from gaining entrance into your home this way.
3. When traveling away from home, always park in well-lit areas. It is very hard for someone to hide around your car if it is light up as they will cast an easily detectable shadow.
4. During shopping expeditions or just walking in public, be sure to not carry many valuables in your purse. Leave your checkbook and most of your credit cards at home and carry only a few dollars in your purse. Should it become stolen, you will have lost very little and would not have to go to the trouble of canceling credit cards and bank accounts. It is best to carry the important things like cash, credit cards and drivers license on your person, concealed where it is not readily noticeable.
5. Carry a simple whistle with you either around your neck or on a key chain. If you feel the least bit threatened, whether it is a suspicious character loitering near your car or you believe you are followed, blow the whistle and create a lot of noise. Potential assailants do not like to call attention to them and are likely to slink away rather than approach you.
6. If you carry any self defense devices, do not treat them like accessories. Learn how to use them and practice whipping them out of your purse or key chain. A self defense device like pepper spray, a kuboton or stun gun does not help you if you cannot access it or use it properly.
7. Always tell someone where you are going and check in periodically. That way, if something should happen, your loved ones will know where to start looking for you. Yes, this sounds scary but it can be quite helpful in finding you as well as the perpetrator who hurts you.
8. Maintain your distance from anyone seeking directions, especially if they approach you in a vehicle. Stay several arm lengths away and do not gesture or turn to indicate a direction as this will distract you, giving a potential attacker time to get to you.
Womens Self Defense Guide
Many more ideas on how to stay safe exist. One day, truly focus in on safety measures and how to avoid being a victim. Identify problem areas in places you frequent whether it is the parking garage at work or the grocery store. Being cognizant of potential dangers in the very places you are comfortable with is quite an eye opener. It will make you think twice each time you leave home.
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