How prepared do you think you are to defend yourself from an attack? Most people ( women in particular ) have not had any sort of self defense training.
Worse still is the fact that most people do not even consider having a plan for what to do in an attack.
Unfortunately, most of us take the "head in the sand" approach to self defense.
Have you ever had these thoughts; "I live in a safe area so the chances of being attacked are pretty slim.
" "I rarely go out late at night so it's not really something I need to worry about.
" "I have a security system in my home.
Nobody is going to break into my house.
" "If I get attacked I will just kick him in the groin and scream.
Somebody will help me.
" I have to tell you that the world is full of victims that had these same thoughts.
I don't think there is a victim alive that thought they were going to be attacked that day.
Logic would dictate that, if they thought there was a chance they were going to be attacked, they wouldn't have been in that place at that time.
The reality of it is that this world is full of those who wish to do you harm.
I believe it is incumbent on each of us to prepare for just these moments.
Here are some simple things that you can do to help swing the odds in your favor.
1] There are many courses being offered that will help to train you in situational awareness.
I recommend the "Refuse To Be A Victim" course.
This is a course designed to teach you awareness and avoidance of certain situations.
2] Take a self defense class.
I'm not talking about getting into the martial arts ( although that is not a bad idea ).
I'm talking about simple, practical self defense courses.
Many of these are offered as community education classes.
They don't teach you how to knock out a half dozen people faster than Bruce Lee.
These are practical, real world courses that might give you an edge.
Chief among these are kubaton classes.
A kubaton is a simple self defense tool that is carried on your keychain.
It is a little mini baton.
It is a very easy and intuitive tool that is HIGHLY effective in warding off an attacker.
Basically, striking an attacker to any large muscle group or bone structure might just stun them long enough for you to run away.
Kubaton courses are generally inexpensive and short classes that will not overload you with useless information.
If you are uncomfortable with taking a public course like this there are a number of good kubaton training courses on DVD.
3] Carry a personal alarm with you at all times.
These are a little devise ( about the size of a standard automobile key fob ) that, with the simple pull of a pin, will emit a 130 decibel alarm that will draw the attention of anyone around you.
Attackers do not like attention being drawn to themselves and this tool will assure much attention being drawn to them.
4] Be aware of your surroundings.
Go with your instincts.
If a situation doesn't look right to you it probably isn't.
Stay away from it.
Avoid going out alone late at night.
Stay out of unfamiliar places.
If you are in a shopping center or at a restaurant never be afraid to ask the manager to have someone walk you out to your car.