Tag Archives: martial arts dvd

A Night at the Improv

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Car ThiefSally was leaving work after a particularly long and draining day.  As she made her way to her car, her hand was feverishly searching her purse for her car key.  Halfway down the block, a strange feeling enveloped her, causing her to quicken her step and look around.  The sight of an empty street made her laugh to herself.  A grown, professional woman who has been trained in martial arts doesn’t just get the “eeby-geebies”!

As Sally finally approaches her vehicle, her hand magically lands on her car keys.  She breathes a sigh of relief at not having to empty her purse on the hood of her black Lexus…again.  She glances into the backseat, as is her habit.  All that is visible is the martial arts DVD that she bought to practice with at home.  She makes a mental note that the tool would do her much better in the house than in her backseat.

Sticking her keys into the door, Sally hears footsteps rapidly approaching.  The hair on the back of her neck stands up and she quickly turns toward the sound, ready to explode in a cloud of martial arts moves by instinct.  However, her attacker meets her swiftly and knocks her down to the ground.  Her hope is that all he wants is her car or her purse.  Perhaps he will grab her keys and take off, leaving her safely on the street.

No such luck.  Seeing this damsel in distress causes the bad guy to feel indestructible.  He turns to make his way to Sally….What should she do?  What would you do?

This type of a scene plays out in less than thirty seconds.  That is not much time.  Sally (or you..or your wife or daughter) needs to be able to think quickly.  The truth of the matter is that even with martial arts training and practice with a martial arts DVD, you need more in order to handle a situation like this.  You need applicable training and tools.  Tools, in this case, means weapons.

Weapons training used to be a large part of any martial arts training.  However, today we have quickie schools geared for sport or self defense.  Many of these schools teach ample hand techniques.  While this is great, and I myself teach plenty of hand to hand combat techniques; you can’t underestimate the power of weapons.  I’ve talked about this before, but I want to expand on it by offering up a short list of potential weapons.

Because Sally is at her vehicle when her attack occurs, she could use the following as a weapon:

•    Car Keys – Thrust or rake at soft tissue targets or pressure points.  Soft tissue will be more effective because you don’t have to think about where the pressure points are.
•    CD Case – Can be used for sharp edges to scratch the face or soft tissue
•    Flashlight – Every vehicle should contain a flashlight. The more accessible, the better.  That means right next to your seat or in your door panel.  A flashlight (especially a long handled one) makes a great stick with which you can inflict some blunt force on your attacker.

Now here’s the thing…I’m all for weapons in self defense.  The more you can improvise, the better.  Watch some news stories and see how many times you hear that a bad guy has the weapon.  How many times do you hear of an attack or robbery thwarted by hand techniques?

The question of weapons is how well can you use what is available to you?  The question is not whether or not you should; but how quickly you can identify a weapon and use it.  A street fight or attack is nothing like what you get into in martial arts class.  While you need to learn moves to get free, you also need to address the options of weapons and learn how to use as many as possible.

Self Defense For Joggers

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Jogging is a growing pastime as more people are concerned with their overall health and want to life long and healthy lives. But at the same time crime is on the rise and this poses a unique problem for these joggers who choose to run in parks and public areas. For female runners especially the danger of being attacked while out running is a possibility. But runners most often do not want to carry too much on them while they are out and this makes having pepper spray or some other self defense device nearly impossible.

But luckily for joggers and others who choose to exercise in parks natural self defense weapons are built right in to their body. By learning martial arts moves joggers can fight off an attacker with the natural weapons that they carry with them everywhere. Even smaller women are capable of fighting off a much larger man when the right techniques are used and these can be taught by a skilled instructor.

A martial arts DVD is a perfect tool for the jogger who does not want to give up their runs in secluded areas and after dark parks but want to ensure that they will not become a victim. With a DVD teaching hand to hand fighting techniques used by military and other professionals it is possible to protect yourself with no external weapons.

These instructional videos teach martial arts techniques in easy to follow and easy to understand concepts that can be learned right inside a home. With the help of a friend or family member to practice these skills on, any runner can protect themselves from all kinds of attack while out on their runs. The confidence alone is enough to make learning these skills worthwhile and should they ever be needed they will prove to be worth the effort.

Learn Martial Arts In Your Home No Matter Where You Live

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There is no doubt that one of the best ways to have improved fitness levels is to study one of the many forms of martial arts. This full body workout will reduce fat in the body while also improving muscle tone and overall health. As an added benefit to those who learn one of these styles, the ability to protect themselves against anyone makes this not only a good work out but effective self defense as well.

Of course for those living in large urban areas there is a large selection of studios to study martial arts in just about every style imaginable. But for those in more rural areas the offerings are slim if there are any at all to enroll in to study self defense under a skilled instructor. Luckily for these individuals they do not have to drive for miles to find an authority on self defense training to learn key techniques and skills. Instructors such as Captain Chris with Close Combat Training make it possible to learn these moves via a martial arts DVD right where you live without having to hunt down a school that teaches these techniques in any particular area.

With a martial arts DVD anyone can learn the skills they want to learn in the convenience of their own home. There will be no more driving to classes that may not be nearby and no scheduling your life around them. With a DVD anyone can place it in the player when they are ready to learn and take the amount of time they need on each move and technique. This is ideal for those who tend to learn things slowly or very fast. There will be no keeping up with the class or missed classes since it is all on your own personal time.

More on Weapons

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Evil IntentIf you’ve been reading regularly, you may have come to the conclusion that I love weapons.  Well, this is somewhat true.  What I love is teaching people how to hand an assailant his walking papers in a big way.  An assailant will have a weapon most of the time, because a bad guy understands the power of intimidation.  If you want to stay protected, you must learn to think like a bad guy; and you must learn how to use weapons effectively.

In years past, there were many martial arts styles that regularly taught weapons in their training programs.  Today, you find mainly martial arts moves used in sport being taught in local studios.  I’m all for the martial arts and think there are plenty of martial arts moves that are effective for self defense.  I also think there are certain martial arts styles that do really get into actual fighting in a combat sense.  Not all; but some.  I just urge people to research any type of training they are considering to be sure they learn martial arts moves that are easy to remember and effective enough to get you out of a sticky situation.

That being said…let’s talk more weapons.  I’ve already sung the praises of pepper spray.  I have also posted a short list of weapons you can use if you are under attack in your vehicle.  Here, I am going to talk about improvised weapons you may be able to find if you are at work or on your way to work or traveling for work.  These are all very real scenarios where violence could strike, and you need to learn how to protect yourself with whatever you may have on or around you.

The fact is that sometimes, you need more than martial arts moves; sometimes you need real weapons that act as a shield, sword (used loosely) or club.  The main point for you to commit to memory is that you can use heavy, hard or hard cornered objects, or things with points or that can be folded to make a point.  Using these types of weapons give you an advantage over using only your fist.  There are two reasons for this:  One, weapons extend your range of attack; and two, they can be more threatening.

If you are riding the train to work or leaving your favorite coffee shop and come face to face with danger, your briefcase or laptop can be used as a shield to protect you from an assailant with a knife or other weapon.  Another way to improvise a shield at a moments notice is to wrap your hand with your suit jacket.  You do this by holding on to the inside of the collar and wrapping the coat around the lower part of your arm and your hand.  This sort of a shield helps you to stay safe in the event of a knife fight.

Something as simple as a magazine or newspaper can be made into a weapon and used against an attacker.  By folding one corner over, you create a point at one end.  You then wrap the remaining side over the side you folded over, and you have one pointed edge and an edge you can grip.  This can be used to stab into the face, neck, or soft tissue areas to stop an attack.  Keys, of course, can always be used to stab soft tissue.

And last but not least, there are the items in your pockets.  If you have loose change, you can throw it in the face of an attacker.  If nothing else, this may serve as a distraction that will allow you to get in a good blow (remember your martial arts moves!) and get away to safety.

Certainly, there are many more improvised weapons you can come up with.  I will continue to list more over time; but I urge you to play a little game with yourself.  When you are going about your day, look around and see what you may be able to come up with as a weapon.  Keeping your mind sharp is one great step in maintaining your personal safety.

Teaching Girls about Dating Safely

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Dating SafelyDate rape is a term that shouldn’t exist (right along with rape in general); but sadly it does.  Yet many of us fail to teach the women in our lives how to get through the dating scene without falling victim to the persuasion of another..or the trickery.

If you have a woman in your life that is actively dating, be sure to share this information with her.  It doesn’t matter if she is a teenager are a woman on the dating scene for the second time in her life; safety is important and can easily be forgotten by people of all ages.

Some people go to the extreme of thinking that the only way to avoid date rape is to avoid going out to clubs, bars, or parties.  Not so.  While I understand the point – there are certain dangers that go hand in hand with clubs and drinking – there is no need to forego having some fun every now and then.  In fact, for the most part, there is very little concern that date rape will occur on the dance floor or in the club where you are having a girl’s night out.

It is important to party safely, however.  When you go out, go out in groups with friends that know you well.  Talk to your friends about safety and make a commitment to keep an eye out for one another.  If you are all on the dance floor at the same time and your drinks are left at the table, cover each with a napkin in an attempt to avoid something getting slipped in.  This is no guarantee but it can serve as a safety measure.

If you go out on the town with the same group of women all the time, I say it’s a great idea for you to arrange some training where you can all learn effective martial arts moves that serve as self defense techniques as well.  This way you are a force to be reckoned with on all fronts.

There are many martial arts styles out there; but not all are set up to teach you actual fighting techniques that you can use on the street.  Martial arts moves that are effective for self defense will be ones that are easy to remember and use quickly.  Should you find yourself in a dangerous situation where you need to employ martial arts moves, you don’t want to have learned one of the martial arts styles that is geared more towards sport.  Find something that has the word “combative” in it, and you’re on the right path.

Am I saying that learning martial arts moves can save you from date rape?  Well of course some sort of self defense training gives you a good start at protecting yourself.  But date rape isn’t always about force.  Most of the time, date rape is more about persuasion.  Once you are sure of yourself and know that you cannot and will not be persuaded; then all you need to learn is the language in which to convey that to a man.

Not all men are bad; and not all will try to persuade a woman they meet at a bar or party to have sex with them.  Some, however, will do just that.  It is important that a woman not be afraid to hurt a guy’s feelings; and that she not be afraid to say “NO” very clearly.  This is why I say learn some martial arts moves; it gives you confidence in yourself and takes away that fear of speaking up.  The truth is, all it will likely take is you saying no for the situation to be done with.  But out of fear, many women cannot find the word.

Not saying no clearly can get you into a lot of trouble.  When dealing with someone trying to persuade you; the stance you take must be confident and forward.  You must use eye contact and say the word “NO”; this is very important.  Any other language is too ambiguous for the amorous male; and a lack of eye contact equals weakness.

In summary, date rape is real; but you can prepare yourself (or your friend or daughter) for the world of dating by understanding the simple rules to follow.  Keep general personal safety in mind at all times, even when on a date.  And then learn how to say no should you need to.  These small things can go a long way in keeping you safe.

Kids Need Practice Too

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Karate KidWhenever a high profile kidnapping case hits the airwaves, parents can slip into panic mode; wondering what they can do to keep their child safe.  The issue of child abduction – and prevention of it – is a big issue that families must face head on.  Through acknowledgement and preparation, you can increase your child’s awareness of their own personal safety and lead them to an ability to protect themselves.

The challenge with kids is that, well, they are kids.  Kids don’t have the same awareness that you and I have.  When you think of how many times you may take your personal safety for granted, it can be alarming.  Apply everyday scenarios to a child’s mind, and you can see why about 40% of child abductions are crimes of opportunity.  The bottom line is, we are just too caught up in the moment to maintain the level of alertness required for ample personal safety.

Ok, you know the why…you need to know the how.  Many parents turn to martial arts to teach their child how to “fight”.   Great.  This is good.  But you need to go further.  When it comes to martial arts training for children, you are going to find more sport than anything else.  This is good; but also bad.  You don’t want your child getting the impression that a bad guy will approach them in the same way as their cooperative sparring partner at the local dojo.  And believe me, many children do come up with this assumption!

Your child can learn martial arts for fun and fitness; but they also need to learn self defense.  A martial arts DVD will show them how to perfect moves and learn new ones; but it won’t necessarily teach them about the dangers they face and how to avoid or get away.  This is up to you to make sure your child gains knowledge.  It is also up to you to give your child practice.

Practicing personal safety for children begins early and continues throughout their life.  This is an important part of life that needs constant teaching.  Remember the kids I referred to the other day at Starbucks?  Ya..They needed further teaching in personal safety!  Here are some things that you need to do to increase your child’s personal safety.

•    Talk to your children about safety.  It is important first and foremost that your children learn to think about the subject.  Encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult if anyone or anything makes them feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Discussions about safety issues should be a regular occurrence with your children so they will understand the need for precautions.  These discussions will be relevant to your child’s age; but may be the same for older children.  It is important that you talk to them in terms they can understand.

With older children, it is important that you know their friends and their families. It     is also important that YOU build strong relationships with your children and give     them plenty of attention. If you don’t, someone else may. And others may have     ulterior motives.

•    Practice what you teach by role playing with your children.  This is a great way to show them how stranger danger works!  Kids are unfortunately easily fooled by “friendly” adults and can fall into traps if they don’t know what to expect or how to trust their instincts.  Set up scenarios such as being followed by a car and teach your child to run in the opposite direction to a place where they are safe (This doesn’t mean under a bush or in a strangers yard!).  Teach them what to do if someone comes to the door at your home; and how to play safely in your neighborhood.

Obviously, the safest way to parent is to never let your child out of your sight.  But his is not practical and just seems like everyone is scared.  You deserve freedom from fear; and so does your child.  Through proper education and training in self defense, you can create and confident and safety minded person in your child.

These are just two important tips in child safety.  There are more to follow!