For your own safety, I strongly urge you to sign up for a self-defense class immediately. There is nothing more important for women to know than how to defend themselves against rapists. I recently took my first self-defense class, and I highly recommend that all women do the same. Your only protection against attack is having some strategies that you are prepared to use at any time. Here are some things that surprised me from my class.
Which way should you run if someone is aiming a gun at you?
Run to the shooter’s right. He will have a harder time tracking/hitting you than if you ran to his left. Run in a zigzag pattern, with zigzags every ~2 seconds.
What should you do if a “thief” asks for your wallet?
Throw it far, then run away. Remember that he may be more interested in raping, kidnapping or killing you than taking your money.
Should you run, fight, or do what he tells you if an attacker threatens you with a gun or weapon?
Run if you can. If you can’t run, fight. Do not believe anything he says. Bad guys can’t be trusted to tell the truth. Don’t believe him if he says he only wants to rape you. Don’t believe him if he says he only wants your money. His intentions are all bad, and he will lie to you. You have a better chance of survival if you run than if you do what he says. 50% of the time, he will not even shoot. If he shoots you, there is a high percentage that it will not be fatal. If his intention were to kill you with his weapon, he would have already done so. He wants to use his weapon to exercise control, power and manipulation.
Do attackers select targets based on clothing or looks?
No. They care more about who is an easy target. They look for someone who is weak, slow, distracted, busy, on the phone, unaware, etc. Do not be the easiest target in the parking lot. Plan ahead where you go, where you park, whom you are with. Walk quickly and with upright posture so you look like someone assertive who would fight back or would not go down easily. Know who and what is around you at all times. Never assume that you are safe. I know someone who was attacked in Columbiana mall at mid-morning near one of the restrooms. She fought back, so eventually he ran away.
In order to learn specific fighting techniques and moves, you must take a self-defense class. I highly recommend the class I took from Sensei Chris Feldt; it was truly life-changing. He offers similar classes monthly, or find a convenient self-defense class near you. Taking the class from a Karate instructor was ideal!
Source:
Sensei Chris Feldt. Self-defense class offered at Samurai Karate Studio (located in Northeast Columbia).
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