Thursday, September 18, 2014

September 9, 2014 Self Defense


We had a great meeting on September 9th to review - Basic Self Defense – RAD (Rape Aggression Defense)
Our speaker was Lynn Gorski and Amanda
Lynn is a 4th degree Dan black belt in Tae Kwan Do and focuses on training women and kids in self-defense.
Lynn is focused on Rape Aggression Defense – if a woman has some self-defense training she has an 80% chance to escape her attacker.  Remember if someone is robbing you give them what they want, if someone is trying to abduct you and move you from your location do everything you can to NOT be moved.
Lynn's advice to avoid an attack is to walk with authority, look ahead, scan your surroundings.  Attackers are looking for people who are not paying attention, someone who is an easy target with their head down.  If you are walking/running try to go with a companion in a familiar area, avoid wearing headphones, or just wear one.  Wear bright colors and avoid going out after dark.  Make sure you vary your route, if you are being followed or feel like you are being followed go to a business or a residence, it is okay to call the police if you feel unsafe – TRUST YOUR GUT!
DO NOT BE NICE.  25% of abductions are because someone was being nice.  If someone stops and asks for directions make sure you stay 3 feet away from the car (this is a great tip for kids to learn too).  Once you’ve given the directions walk away, if followed turn around and go someplace safe.  Always make eye contact – remember to be confident and show a sense of authority.  
At home never open the door for an unexpected visitor.  Ask for ID for any service person, if you are at work or in a shopping center and feel unsafe, ask for security to walk you to your car.  Park next to lights and always do a visual scan as you approach your car, look into your backseat, have your keys ready.  Once inside lock your doors immediately don’t wait for them to automatically lock when you start driving. 
If you find yourself in an attack you have to make a decision to fight or not.  You have to make your decision quickly and use all the power in your body.  Your voice is your number 1 weapon, yell ‘No’ but not as a scream but have it come from your gut (imagine a tennis player grunting as they hit the ball).  Every time you hit or defend yourself use that same voice and yell ‘No’.  Yelling will make you stronger.
As you defend yourself focus on the sensitive areas of your attacker, the groin, nose and eyes.  Use the below link to a document with more details:
Stand with one foot in front ahead of the other, it makes you a smaller target. 
Look around for a place to run to.
If someone is coming towards you put your hands up and say ‘STOP’ loudly – if they keep coming towards you be prepared to fight.
Use your dominant hand with a closed fist, have the knuckles of your pointer finger and middle finger slightly raised as you make a fist.  Bring your hand back and strike the attacker in those sensitive areas using your entire body behind the strike.  If you have a purse or can find a stick or rock use it disarm/disorient the attacker but ensure it is long enough for you to run away.
If your arm is grabbed instead of pulling away, step towards the attacker and knee them in the groin – they won’t expect it.  You have to hurt your attacker.   
Practice your defense skills every day.  If you are out walking/running think about what you would do and how you would react if attacked. 

To find more information, including schedules for self defense classes use this link to a google docs location where you can find flyers for the following:

Kids Personal Safety Education girls and boys ages 8-12
Women’s Self Defense Training
September and December Dates for Women’s Self Defense Training
Cage Fitness and Self Defense Training class information
Excerpts from Studies on Rape and Violence Against Women
FBI Definition of ‘Rape’
Local Resources
NC Laws on Self Defense
RAD Notes and Safety Tips – reviews in detail many of the tips listed in the blog
Self Defense Article from the globegazette.com
Statistics on Attacks

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