The Truth About Personal Self Defense Weapons

Sorry I haven't written anything for a while folks, but these days it seems like there's more on my to-do-list then there is time to do them. In fact, my daily travels are what inspired me to sit down and write this letter today.

It seems like everywhere I go these days, I get asked the same questions about self defense weapons. Are they legal? Should I carry one? Do they really work? (And assuming they really do work for self defense)... How do I know which one is really going to work for me?

The truth is, there really is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It's a personal question, which has a personal answer for each individual. So I'm going to do what I can to help clear some of the fog on this topic, and we'll start with a simple definition for the term "self defense weapon".

Self-defense: The act of defending one's person or interests from harm by the use of physical force or argument.

Weapon: Any instrument or device used to inflict harm on another, either for attack or defense.

So for the purpose of this article, we'll consider a self defense weapon to be any instrument or device used to defend yourself from physical harm or attack... Simple enough.

Personal defense weapons come in many shapes and sizes. In fact, just about anything you use to defend yourself could be considered a self defense weapon. So rather than creating a list of self defense weapons (which is practically endless), I'll just go over some of the concepts that are common for all of these devices.

First let's talk about what a self defense weapon is NOT...

A self defense weapon is NOT an animate object with a mind of its own. In other words, it doesn't think for itself, and it doesn't sit there coiled up, waiting for the opportunity to strike at someone. A self defense weapon is a tool, no more. And being a tool, what it does depends entirely on what you do with it. A weapon can be very useful for keeping you safe. However, you've got to remember a few certain things...

1. A SELF DEFENSE WEAPON IS NOT MAGIC.

Once you have a weapon, it doesn't mean you're automatically safe. So, don't go walking into a bad section of town, in the middle of the night, carrying a big handful of money. And don't flip off the local gang leader just because you have a weapon in your pocket

2. YOU NEED TO LEARN HOW TO USE YOUR SELF DEFENSE WEAPON.

And even more important, you need to have confidence in your ability to use it. Just having a weapon doesn't mean it'll be any help at all. This is actually a big problem among the uninformed; Military and law enforcement research confirms that people who lack confidence in a technique or device will not resort to it in a stressful situation.

Many people have been seriously hurt in violent encounters with a personal self defense weapon right in their hand. In the stress of the moment, they didn't think to use it or doubted its' ability to impact the situation. Perhaps they were afraid that it would only make matters worse.

So if you're thinking of carrying a personal self defense weapon, make sure you're prepared to learn how to use it. And practice to become skillful with it. You also need to be prepared to use the device aggressively on a predator, to protect yourself. Never carry a Personal Safety Weapon with the intent to "bluff" your assailant. This is one sure way to have your weapon taken away and used against you. So if you are not prepared to use it decisively, don't carry it!

3. WEAPONS DON'T WORK IF YOU AREN'T HOLDING THEM.

You've got to keep your eyes open and pay attention, and you need to know how to carry and use your weapon of choice, cause if you don't, you may not get a chance to use it. A gun doesn't help if it's still in its holster, and a pepper spray or a stun gun isn't too useful if it's still in the bottom of your purse or in the kitchen drawer at home when you get attacked. So when you carry a weapon for self defense, make sure you can get to it quickly if the need arises.

People seldom leave their homes thinking, "Gee, I think I'll go out and fend off a mugger, or a rapist today!" What happens to most self defense weapons is the novelty wears off and they're quickly forgotten, then they find their way to the bottom of a purse, the glove box of your car, or the back of a kitchen drawer. They won't do you much good there! So ask yourself, is the device you are considering something practical enough to carry with you all of the time.

4. NOTHING WORKS 100% OF THE TIME.

Over-inflated claims and quick-fix promises are everywhere in the self-defense business. Many gadget salespeople and wannabe self-defense experts exaggerate the benefits and capabilities of their systems and products.

You need to understand, and acknowledge the limitations of a self defense weapon, and have a back-up plan. Keep in mind that nothing is ever 100% effective all the time. Even a gun is only 99% effective. Sometimes people get shot, but they still don't go down. Yet, I don't know anyone who would say a gun isn't effective.

So knowing that nothing works 100% of the time means no matter what self defense weapon you decide to carry, you should still have a back up plan for defending yourself... just in case

5. THERE ARE LAWS ABOUT WEAPONS...

Lots of laws. Starting primarily with laws about guns, the use of guns, carrying a gun, etc. but there are also laws about stun guns, pepper spray, knives, batons, etc. Mostly having to do with when weapons may be used, and under what circumstances.

Do what you can to learn the laws about weapons in your area, but more importantly, use a bit of common sense. Pulling a gun on a guy because he cut you off in traffic is a no-no, and shooting someone in the face with pepper spray because they took the last donut at the meeting is not using good judgment. So when learning to use your self defense weapon, also learn the laws regarding the weapon, and when you can and can't use it legally.

So there you have it, a few basic truths about self defense weapons.

I could go on for another half hour about personal defense weapons, and never run out of things to say, but this article has already passed the one thousand-word mark, so I'll end it here. The bottom line is, if you're going to carry a weapon for self defense, make sure you know how to use it, and are prepared to use if the need arises.

Until next time, Stay safe and stay alive.

Steve / NASP

SA Rubin is the owner of North American Security Products, LLC. A company dedicated to providing you with the means to protect and defend yourself against crime. For more information on Self Defense Weapons visit www.naselfdefense.com where you'll find a complete line of self-defense weapons and Personal Security Products

The Ultimate Self Defense Moves Are Basic

There are a great many myths out there regarding the subject of self defense. Among those myths, we see a range of poor advice that really misleads people. Such advice can include everything from the notion you need to be an ultimate fighter to defend yourself or the belief you need to develop mystical ancient prowess or the ill advised advice you should carry deadly weapons with you at all times. Again, these myths are just that - myths. While it certainly does not hurt to have a lot of training in a variety of spears of martial arts, self defense is often best served by learning a few high percentage basic self defense moves.

Such personal protection self defense moves are not flashy or spectacular. Rather, they are simple, straight forward, and to the point. Most importantly, they need to be applied by anyone regardless of age, height, or weight against a much more aggressive and larger opponent. Can this be done? Not only can it be done, it has been done.

One of the most stirring accounts that points out this fact is found in the tale of an 8 year old boy who successfully protected his 4 year old sister from being abducted. In May of 2010, a man attempted to abduct Josie Kuhns, while the family was on vacation. Her older brother, Nathan, (Again, "older" in this scenario is 8 years old) came to her rescue. As an unidentified man tried to pull her into his car, Nathan ran up to the man and started kicking and scratching him. Stunned at the response, the abductor let go of Josie and drove off in his car.

The only personal protection techniques Nathan used to defend his sister were kicking, scratching, and taking the fight to the assailant. Again, basic self defense moves are often the key to extricating yourself from a serious situation.

This incident also explains a few very important facts about self defense: predators prey on those that are weaker, predators do not want to get caught, and simple basic self defense moves can cause an attacker to flee. Again, an 8 year old child stopped a predator by simply scratching and kicking at him.

Now, no one is making the suggestion that it is easy to diffuse a serious predatory attack. Such incidents are extremely dangerous and stressful. However, in order to provide a successful and appropriate response, you will need a few basic self defense moves that can offer adequate protection when things get rough.

The basic self defense moves are not complicated or flashy. They are moves designed to work well under stress and pulled off in a simple and effective manner. The common self defense techniques that are highly effective would be a series of open hand attacks. Slapping, palm hand strikes, scratching, and eye pokes are fairly easy to perform. They are simple and direct and place you at very little risk for breaking or injuring your hand. (Closed fist strikes lead to broken hands due to the compression of the knuckles when the hand is not wrapped and placed in a glove) For those looking to knock out an opponent, the 'heavy tools' of knees, elbows, and head butts can be brutal tools that can deliver overwhelming force. (Please note: only use the appropriate level of force to handle a specific situation. Excess force that exceeds self defense can be considered assault) While these tools require a little additional training to make effective, the amount of time required to make them effective is not long as you would initially be led to believe.

This is not to say you never have to practice the material. A few short practice sessions a week would certainly aid in boosting skills in the delivery of the basic self defense moves. You do want to develop some proficiency in the delivery of the moves in a practice session. This way, you can be more confident that you can provide an effective response if a serious situation develops.

Bill Valentine, Self Defense Coach. You can learn more at http://www.womens-self-defense-instruction-online.com/the-ultimate-self-defense-moves-are-basic.html. Realizing the difficulty in teaching karate as a form of self-defense, Bill began to apply practical skills that were easy to learn when confronted with physical encounters. Bill and his sister Becky, a physical educator, felt that an easier self defense class was needed to learn. They decided to combine their experiences to craft a program that would be both practical and effective.l Permission is granted to reprint & repost this article provided the resource box and all links remain intact.

Top 3 Reasons Why Why Self Defense For Women Is Different From Self Defense For The General Public

There is a big misconception among the public regarding self-defense - Self-defense tactics and strategy for the general public is the same as self defense for women. Let me tell you a shocking truth that some techniques and strategies taught in general self-defense classes are not practical and effective when applied by women! I am not trying to say that women are not capable. But what I am trying to say is that some of the techniques taught are more suited for guys defending themselves against guys. There are differences between general self-defense & self-defense for women and that is what I am going to cover today. So what are there any common grounds between self-defense for the general public and self -defense for women? It is when the attack involves material gains for the assailant such as robbery and extortion.

1. Nature & Objective of Attacks

Firstly, the nature and objective of attacks on women tend to be more sexual in nature as compared to attacks on men. Women rarely get involved with a one-on-one duel with a man, if ever. So should be a heavy importance on training for scenarios whereby the attacker would attack you in a street brawl manner? No! It is unlike a fight between two men. When two men fight, the objective tends to be a show of power, egos or in some cases revenge and anger. The common mentality is that "I am going to beat you to show that I'm BETTER and STRONGER than you". As such, there will usually be a challenge by one side first. So a sort of confrontation exists. However, when a woman is assaulted sexually, the assailant has an objective which ends with a penetration. Rape is about dominance not about simply beating the daylights out of another man.

2. Distance of Attack

Secondly, the distance/range of attack involved in a sexual assault is always in close range. This differs from other self-defense situations which can happen in all types of ranges. This means a rapist would rarely, if ever, come from a full view of a defender and started to "attack" you in that normal sense of the word. Sexual predators will more likely to attack a woman in close quarters and in an ambush-like manner. They will aim to take you to the ground. So that is why it is crucial that EVERY woman should know how to defend herself on the ground.

3. Type of attack

Thirdly, the type of attacks most used would be slightly different. In a fight between men, it is known that punches to the face is the most common type of attack while in a sexual assault, bear hugs and chokes are more commonly used. Besides that, the assailant will be more inclined to control the arms of the women as well as the other limbs. However, fights between men tend to be more bloodied since they are more concerned about slugging it out with punches and kicks. They are not aiming for penetration.

As you can see, there are 3 concerns which arise from understanding the nature of women self defense. A woman MUST know how to fight on the ground as well as defending herself in close quarters such countering a bear hug and a choke. If you want to learn how to defend yourself in close quarters and equip yourself with techniques on ground fighting especially for women, then go to http://www.womenself-defense.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ahmad Mutammim is a recognized authority in the Self-defense industry. He has a Black belt in Taekwondo and is also trained in other Martial Arts such as Judo and Silat. He has fight experiences in street encounters and is also a former police officer in the Singapore Police Force. His self-defense book, which is a must-have for all ladies looking for sufficient knowledge of defending against rape, can be found at http://www.womenself-defense.com

Tough or Smart - What's Your Most Powerful Self-Defense Weapon: Mind or Body?

There are as many approaches to self-defense as there are reasons why people study it.

What are YOUR reasons and what approach are YOU using? How confident are you that your efforts will produce the results what you want?

What is it about self-defense that interests you?

You must be looking for something or you wouldn't be reading this, right?

Some people learn self-defense to defend themselves from the violent actions of others! Duh!!!) They want to satisfy the essential need for security and control.

Others are after self-confidence and an improved self-image.

Then there are those who don't care much about "fighting" at all. They're just looking for an enjoyable, functional and "cool" ;-) way to get into great shape.

Maybe you're after "ALL OF THE ABOVE." (like me ;-) Well then keep reading friend... because I've got some thoughts to throw at ya...

===== Two Approaches To Self-Defense =====

There are two broad categories of self-defense information. Whether they spell it out or not, all self-defense books, articles, classes and seminars are based on one or both of two "themes"... a MENTAL APPROACH or a PHYSICAL APPROACH.

The "Physical Approach" is based on "EFFICIENCY." It pursues physical skill development as a self-defense solution. It involves learning punches, kicks, grappling and defensive techniques. Although avoiding a physical altercation is given "passing attention," EXACTLY how to do that is often glazed over or not addressed at all.

Whether you enroll in a martial arts class, sign up for a self-defense seminar or join a boxing club, the focus is to teach you how to physically perform "fight-related" techniques.

"Fitness-based" training, such as Tae Bo, Cardio Kickboxing and Boxercise also fall in this category.

The assumption here is that your BODY is your weapon and the harder you train and the better you get at performing self-defense techniques, the safer and more capable you will be to defend yourself.

The "Mental Approach" is based on "Effectiveness." It is focused on "PersonalSafety" theories, concepts and strategies.

This theory-based approach involves gaining an understanding of predatory situations; how they happen, how they can be anticipated and recognized, how they can be avoided and how to respond if you encounter one.

Your BRAIN is considered your most powerful self-defense weapon, and this training (hypothetically) makes you "SMARTER" and more capable of wise decisions in the stress and chaos of threatening situations.

"Efficiency and Effectiveness" What's the Difference?

Perhaps the point I am trying to make will be clearer if we come to a common understanding of exactly what I mean by these two terms. Before you read on... think for a moment and come up with your own definition of these terms... Done? Here's mine...

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Efficiency Is Doing Things Right

Effectiveness Is Doing The Right Things

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Can you see the difference? I hope so, because it's HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!! Here's how those terms relate to self-defense training.

===== The Physical Approach To Self-Defense ======

The Physical Approach involves learning and practicing physical skills "efficiently." The faster, more coordinated, more powerful your striking, kicking, grappling and defensive techniques are, the more "successful" you consider yourself.

There are many self-defense courses that deal exclusively with learning techniques, with and without training partners, as a TOTAL solution for all your self-defense problems.

Now don't get me wrong... I'm not criticizing this approach in any way. I teach physical skills classes and seminars myself.

Learning physical skills can dramatically improve your odds of surviving and escaping a violent situation. It can even reduce the probability of being confronted or attacked.

If done properly, on a regular basis (which I highly recommend), self-defense conditioning and skills training like sparring or hitting a heavy bag, will provide a ton of physical, mental and emotional benefits.

BUT is the exclusive practice of techniques a sufficient "self-defense solution?"

===== Benefits Of The Physical Approach =====

Physical skills training is a GREAT way to get in shape and stay there. If properly done, ongoing self-defense training is a fun and functional, full-body workout.

The self-confidence, fitness, and athletic qualities gained through regular self-defense training will have a positive influence on your "victim profile" (behavior and body language) that you project to a potential predator. It can decrease the probability of being targeted. (Dirt bags don't pick fights with people they perceive are likely and capable to fight back)

Unlike "single-exposure" self-defense training (where you learn a technique once and never practice it again,) ONGOING self-defense training is proactive.

Regular self-defense training "rewards" you in many ways, even if you NEVER have to defend yourself.

Regular self-defense training "defends and protects" you against more probable and legitimate "threats" to your life, your health and well-being. You are at more risk from poor lifestyle habits and a lack of exercise than you are from a mugger or rapist.

===== Drawbacks to a Physical Only Approach =====

If you limit your self-defense efforts exclusively to physical skills training, you also limit your response options in a volatile situation. You are limited to a "Fight/Don't Fight" decision. There are more ways to resolve a volatile situations than that (there are 5 actually). Doing the "wrong thing" well (like fighting when you don't have to) can get you injured, arrested or sued.

Regular self-defense training makes you feel great. You'll feel confident, energetic and fit. (so how is that a drawback?) Don't make the mistake of over estimating your potential of defeating an attacker and end up over your head in an encounter with someone who is tougher, meaner and more malicious than you are.

Don't think that your weekly cardio-kickboxing class has turned you into a "trained killer!"

Even the "best" fighter will be dropped like a bag of dirt if he or she doesn't develop appropriate awareness and avoidance skills and is caught off guard. Physical skills don't protect you from unanticipated acts of violence.

===== The Mental Approach To Self-Defense =====

The Mental Approach addresses the "big picture" of predatory situations. In my self-defense system for example, there are "SEVEN" separate and interrelated aspects of a comprehensive personal safety or self-defense system.

The intent of this mental approach is to make you "smarter" and more capable of avoiding, diffusing and responding EFFECTIVELY by doing the RIGHT THINGS in a volatile situation. By the "RIGHT THINGS," I'm referring to the most effective response strategies to successfully resolve a threatening or volatile situation.

Fighting back with physical self-defense techniques is only part of staying safe.

===== Benefits Of The Mental Approach =====

An accurate understanding of the dynamics of predatory situations increases the odds of anticipating, avoiding, recognizing and responding to them. The "best" result to a violent encounter is not when you manage to fight your way out of it. It's when it doesn't happen in the first place!

Not all volatile situations can be solved by fighting. Effectiveness in a self-defense situation allows you to assess and evaluate the circumstances and select the most effective response strategy to implement to gain or regain control.

A sense of control that accompanies proper mental training decreases the stress and fear associated with volatile or predatory situations. And that increased sense of control and self-confidence can reduce the potential of being victimized.

===== Drawbacks To A Mental Only Approach =====

An "information-only" approach does not significantly change the body language that you project to a potential assailant. Although some self-defense instructors imply that you can "fake" non-victim body language by walking briskly, standing straight, and "pretending to be confident." That will only go so far. Pretending to be coordinated, strong and physically fit is easier said than done.

Knowing the best response option in a given situation, be it running away or fighting back, is of little value if you can't successfully pull it off. If you haven't developed your skills and fitness levels by ongoing self-defense practice, how likely are you to out-run or out-fight an assailant?

===== One OR The Other Is Incomplete =====

You've probably figured out by now that ONE OR THE OTHER of these two approaches is an incomplete approach to being able to defend yourself. An optimal strategy is to combine and balance your ability to make smart, effective decisions with the ability to carry those decisions through to a successful conclusion. BOTH mental AND physical elements are required for optimal self-defense success.

Be effective first, then be efficient. A medical equivalent might be to "Diagnose First The Perscribe." To successfully resolve a volatile situation, you need sound judgement to decide on the best course of action AND the physical skills and ability to implement your game plan.

The degree to which you pursue each approach has a lot to do with your capabilities, limitations and the goals you have in relation to your study of self-defense.

If you are smaller, weaker, older for example, your emphasis should lean more toward personal safety strategies and be supplemented with physical skills training. If your self-defense goals are simply to avoid victimization and to stay out of trouble, then learn everything you can about the dynamics of volatile situations.

On the other hand, maybe you are fit, athletic and skillful. Perhaps you already train regularly and feel capable of "holding your own" if you have to defend yourself. If thats the case, here are a couple pieces of advice to consider:

There's always someone tougher and meaner than you are! Even highly skilled fighters and martial artists need awareness and avoidance skills. Physical techniuqes are of little value if you are set up, sucker punched, or ambushed. NOBODY wins a fight. You may defeat your adversary and "still" be injured yourself. Also, just because you didn't instigate the confrontation doesn't mean that you won't find yourself being criminally charged or civilly sued for defending yourself.

The point I'm trying to make is that the BEST approach to self-defense training is to learn to do the right thing by learning everything you can about the dynamics of predatory situations AND engage in regular self-defense training so that you can "do things right" by developing the skills and conditioning to carry out a desired self-defense strategy.

===== Two Approaches? Two Resources! =====

The questions I get by email and in person, can be divided into two clear categories... "What-Should-I-Do-If...questions" and "How-Do-I...questions." Or in otherwords effectiveness and efficiency.

It is because of these different but complimentary aspects of self-defense that I've decided to "split" the focus of my web sites so I can address each in greater detail.

I'm in the process of restructuring of my web sites to assist you in finding the information you are looking for.

http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com will continue to be "home base" for my self-defense articles and newsletter. The site will maintain a "Get Smart Focus" by dealing with the Big Picture of personal safety concepts and will address all seven components of self-defense:

=> Self-Defense Psychology

=> Self-Defense Intelligence

=> Victim Selection

=> Predatory Recognition

=> Self-Defense Response Options

=> Prevention and Avoidance

=> Self-Defense Training Methods

My new site, http://www.ToughenUp.com/ takes the "Get Tough Focus" of the seventh component: Self-Defense Training Methods to the next level. It provides specific "how-to-train" resources and advice for people who want to incorporate ongoing self-defense training for a variety of reasons.

Randy LaHaie

Protective Strategies

Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his FREE SELF-DEFENSE NEWSLETTER at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

Unarmed Self Defense - 3 Quick Tips

3 Quick Tips to Unarmed Self Defense

-Total Commitment

-Alignment

-Response

Real unarmed self defense means that your life is on the line and you have to attack to survive. There is no back and forth sparing or set kata attacks. You just need to find something to attack to end the threat.

Competition punching and kicking don't work in reality. If you look at any real street fight there isn't 3-12 rounds of back and forth testing your opponent. No there's one person attacking another person.

Putting Trauma Into Another Person Is Everything Here

Here's some quick tips to help you get started. This is not the end all be all of attacks. Just some basic principles to help with your future training. Just take them to enhance your skills, especially with unarmed self defense.

Tip 1: Total Commitment

This means that if you're going to attack. Attack with all you've got. Holding back here, could mean death for you. Put all your body weight behind every strike and follow-through.

Some students ask me about the legality of this type of attacks. Remember your life and those you love are on the line. You need to do this to survive and nothing else. Remember this your unarmed self defense. No weapons.

The time for worrying is gone. It's time to attack to end them. Reality is that you probably will be hit, stabbed, or shot, but none of it helps you. As long as you end the threat first, none of it matters.

Without total commitment you put your life in danger.

Tip 2: Alignment

This means that your body is the correct formation to destroy the threat. Everything is set with each hit, no bouncing off. All that energy is put into stopping that person.

If you look at fighters today, they don't come in as much as they should. I understand that it's to keep a safe distance and this is great in the ring or cage.

Sometimes you see fighters hit and the other guy goes sailing a way. The fighter is in shock and has to run after it.

Don't be that guy! That guy gets mugged by other guys.

Proper alignment with commitment lets you always stay on the action until you choose it's over. Do not give an attacker a second to recover or put a weapon.

So how are you going to know where they're going to be?

Tip 3: Response

The human body moves in predictable ways once trauma is delivered. You know where they are because you put them there. This requires a willing training partner.

Competition is against this type of training. A good partner will help you learn how the body moves due to trauma and not fight with you.

If you don't know how to respond to trauma. Get an unarmed self defense instructor to help you. It will be worth the look. Even some self defense dvds help in this area.

There you go, 3 quick tips to unarmed self defense

-Total Commitment

-Alignment

-Response

3 Quick Tips are just the start. If you want more and even to see a free unarmed self defense video-go here: http://www.combative-self-defense.com/unarmed-self-defense-article

Drop by http://www.combative-self-defense.com/self-defence-courses.html for a Free copy of the course and even get a bonus video on the only self defense course I depends My Life on.

Use Self Defense Techniques With Caution

The topic of self defense is being talked about a lot these days. And there is no doubt about the reason why this is happening. With increasing crime levels, people are becoming aware of the fact that if they are confronted with an attacker, they need to know what to do.

While self defense products like pepper sprays, stun guns and tasers are extremely easy to use and convenient, you cannot carry them with you all the time. For example, if you are wearing an elegant gown and going for a party, there is a small chance that you would like to carry a pepper spray with you. Though pepper sprays and stun guns also come in small packages and can be disguised as lipsticks or key chains, they may not be your first choice in such situations.

It is obviously advisable to arm yourself with other knowledge and skills so that you can use other self defense tactics if need be. Undergoing some kind of self defense training is especially important for those who may have jobs or professions that put them at a higher risk of attack. Security guards, waitresses and bartenders need to be more careful while they are at work and while getting off work too. With this knowledge in mind, there are various companies that have started marketing videos on self defense techniques. Some of these videos claim to tech martial arts and judo. On the other hand some of them claim to comprehensively train you in various self defense tactics that you can use when attacked.

Irrespective of how authentic these self defense videos may be, there is one thing that almost all fail to mention - the fact that active and concerted practice is required to master the art of self defense techniques. Learning self defense is not as easy as sitting on the couch and watching a self defense video once a day for five days at a stretch. For that matter, it is not even standing in front of the idiot box and practicing some moves once in a while. If you really want to learn how to defend yourself in the time of need, you need to see the video's, and involve a friend and practice the moves regularly till you become confident and adept. You could use kickboxing equipment to practice too.

Do not make the mistake of thinking that the story ends there. There is another aspect of self defense that is not very well known. Irrespective of how many times you may have practices your moves and self defense tactics, you may react in a completely different manner when you are actually confronted by a real assailant, kidnapper or rapist. Many people who consider themselves otherwise prepared for an attack freeze at the sight of someone with a knife.

One is not suggesting that you throw yourself in front of real attack situation for practice. However, thinking about the situation actively can help you prepare for it mentally. Think of what you would do when something like this happens, the moves you would make and the manner in which you will go about using your strengths. Learn about the weak spots that you can hit upon so that you can emerge victorious with the least effort required.

Following the above mentioned recommendations in conjunction with the self defense training videos can definitely help you in protecting yourself better.

TBO-TECH is a company dedicated to help you defend yourself in the time of need. The quality and range of self defense products that the company offers is unparalleled. TBO-TECH undertakes a large amount of research to understand your self protection needs and offers products that are practical and effective to use. Other than a wide range of pepper sprays, stun guns and batons, the company also provides martial arts weapons, home and personal alarms, hidden safes, spy gear and fun sporting products like slingshots and blowguns. For more information on how you can use these self defense items for your personal protection and safety log on to TBO-TECH and you will never have to feel insecure again.

Using Effective Body Language To De-Escalate A Real-World Self Defense Situation

Are you trying to develop the ability to defend yourself in a real world self defense situation - against a real attacker who wants to do some serious damage to you? Well, you should because statistics show that there is an assault every 17 seconds!

This article focuses on a key ability in an effective self defense plan - one that involves using body language to de-escalate a potentially violent situation. If you are serious about really wanting to learn self defense, and not about becoming the next MMA fight champion, then you need to learn the lesson in this article!

You know... being a master of the martial arts or a self defense expert is very different than being a master or expert in any other endeavor. Do you know what I mean?

What I mean is that, any other master or expert has the luxury of scrapping whatever he or she is doing if it doesn't work out right. They have the ability to take a flawed attempt at something, re-work it, and go at it again.

But, you and I don't have this luxury. Because, in a self defense situation - in a real-world attack coming from a brutal assailant who wants to beat, break or kill you - there is no "do-over." If you don't get it right the first time - you may never get the chance to do anything ever again!

So, it is in your best interest to make sure that your training - your self defense "bag-of-tricks" - has more than just step-by-step self defense techniques in it. You need to make sure that you are skilled at doing those things which, if done right and used on the right types of attackers, can literally stop the attack before it ever gets physical.

And, one of these strategies is the effective use of body language to effect control of your assailant's perceptions, and therefor his or her decision-making.

Here's an example of what I'm "NOT" talking about. And it's best explained by way of a quick story about my own early days in my martial arts and self defense career. Maybe you can relate to this story on a personal level.

One of the first things that I was taught when I first began my training was that I needed to be ready all the time. Okay. Awareness. That makes sense.

Then I was taught to take up this "ready position," which looked like a fight position. You know, hands up - body bladed, legs bent.

Now, I can be a real smart-ass sometimes but I couldn't help thinking, "If I'm supposed to be ready all the time... am I supposed to walk around like this?! It would make it difficult to make friends, to say the least!"

Now, I know that's not what teachers meant. And, this wasn't an isolated incident either. It was taught almost the same way, with the exception of the "stance" details, practically everywhere I went to train.

But, the real clincher was when I was told to face my opponent and say these words...

"I don't want to fight!"

Now, whether or not you know that 55% of human communications is non-verbal - that it's about body language - you can still see the contradiction here, can't you?

Here I am - here you are - standing in a combat stance in front of somebody who's threatening to harm you...

And you say, "I don't want to fight!"

Bull$h!t!

He may hear the words that your uttering. But he can damned well see the message that your body is sending! And, it doesn't say, "I don't want to fight." No. It says...

"Bring it on!"

Which is NOT a self defense mindset!

The point here is that, when you are trying to master the realm of self defense, you need to make sure that your words and your actions match. Hell, that should be the Golden Rule for every part of your life.

If you want to have the greatest chance of controlling and neutralizing a self defense attack, you need to make sure that what your body is saying, matches what you want him to be "hearing."

This goes equally well for attack modes, as it does for defensive ones. If you're trying to de-escalate a situation, then stand in a position or manner that says, "I'm not a threat and I really don't want to fight." You can do this and still be able to pay attention and move if you need to.

Similarly, if you are trying to convey your willingness to give him the worst day of his life if he comes at you, your body language, facial expression, and "presence" should tell him that - without you having to utter a single word.

When you get a handle on controlling your own body language, you will also find that you have greater control and influence over the perceptions, decisions, and actions of those with whom you interact. And, no one is more important, and deserving of your mindful attention...than a violent attacker!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what most people don't know about how to master self defense and how to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller SPS, DTI is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his online self defense courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world. Jeff says, "If you really want to learn how to protect and defend yourself against a violent attacker, then I can show you how to survive any attack - guaranteed!"

What Are My Self Defense Options? - Pros and Cons of Martial Arts, Non Lethal Weapons and Firearms

Let's get to the point: you need to know not only what your self defense options are, but also which ones are the best for you or for your loved ones. You will find your answer within one (or more) of the following three groups: (1) Martial Arts; (2) Non Lethal Self Defense Weapons; (3) Lethal Weapons. In this article, I will examine each one of these categories in terms of their practical advantages and disadvantages.

But I will do more than just that: I will give you honest, reliable answers. The same ones I would give to someone I really care about and would want to be as safe as he/she can be. So let's get started!

Self Defense Option #1: Martial Arts

Learning some sort of self defense fighting skill is a must, no matter what of the remaining two options you choose as a complement. When you learn a martial art, your own body becomes a dependable weapon that goes with you wherever you go, which eliminates your chances of ever being surprised without something to defend yourself with. A firearm or a TASER device you might forget at home. Your self defense skills will always be with you.

Recognizing the importance of learning some sort of fighting skill raises still another question: Which martial art or fighting system should your choose? Karate, Taekwondo, Aikido, Jiu Jitzu...these are just a few among the myriad of self defense options and fighting methods available nowadays.

My recommendation would be: Aikido. Why? Other martial arts depend a lot on using your own strength and physical abilities to overcome your attacker. Although that is still true in Aikido, in this kind of martial art you use the strength of your enemy against himself more than you use your own, so the demands on your physical abilities are less. That makes it one martial art that you can still use when you get older, in contrast to Taekwondo (for instance), which relies a lot on kicks and moves that you may not be able to perform as you age.

Despite all the advantages, martial arts still have their downsides: They may take considerable time and effort to master properly. That's why choosing one of the remaining self defense options is still necessary: you need something to defend yourself with, not tomorrow, but now (however, there are some self defense DVDs and some rare e-books that can really teach you some practical and easy to learn techniques that can be really be used almost right away).

Moreover, if your attacker is armed, you would be exposing yourself to great danger if you use your own body as a weapon against a firearm or a knife. Even Bruce Lee, the great martial artist, once said: "Showing off is the fool's idea of glory".

Self Defense Option #2: Non Lethal Weapons

Within this group you will find non lethal devices such as TASER weapons, stun guns and pepper sprays. When you use one of these to defend yourself, you will be able to stop your attacker in his tracks, but without killing him or inflicting any significant damage. Let's give a brief definition of each non lethal self defense option before practical recommendations are given.

A TASER device is a compact, lightweight, non-lethal self-defense device similar to a firearm in shape. However, instead of firing bullets, these weapons use compressed nitrogen to shoot out two electrode barbs (each one attached to insulated conductive wires) into an assailant up to 15 feet away (4.5 meters), at a speed of 135 feet per second. The fired barbs will attach to the assailant's skin or clothes, immediately firing (through the TASER device's wires) a high voltage/low amperage electrical discharge that will affect the attacker's neuromuscular system (these self defense weapons' energy can even penetrate up to two cumulative inches of clothing), incapacitating him/her while you safely escape and call the police. This is definitively easier (and less dangerous) than using any self defense technique. It is also safer than using a firearm: TASER devices have proven to have a higher instant incapacitation rate than a 9mm hand gun, according to police studies.

A second non lethal option would be a stun gun. Stun guns are also a non-lethal self-defense weapon designed to deliver a high voltage, low amperage electric discharge. To defend yourself using a stun gun, its electrodes must be held directly against the attacker's body, which means full physical contact with your opponent (this is not recommended if your attacker is threatening you with a knife or gun, of course). When stun guns' electrodes are held directly against the attacker's skin or clothes, they will deliver a strong electrical discharge that will stun or even knock out your assailant. He/she will experience disorientation, confusion, loss of balance, and inability to move efficiently for a few minutes afterwards (with no significant or permanent harm done). This will give you (or your loved one) sufficient time to escape to a safe place.

Stun guns come in many different shapes. Some of them are little "stun boxes" (Mini Stun Guns), small enough to fit inside a cigarette package. Other presentations include Stun Batons, Stun Flashlights and even Cell Phone Stun Guns (designed to fool any aggressor).

A last self defense option is a pepper spray. A pepper spray, also known as an OC (Oleoresin Capsicum) spray, is a non-lethal self-defense weapon that consists of an aerosol type container, small enough to be carried in a pocket, purse or keychain (other presentations include rings, lipstick cases, walking weights -all of these are designed to fool any attacker into believing you are not protected, thus adding the surprise factor to your advantage- batons and guns). When you fire your pepper spray towards the attacker's face, this device will immediately expel an oily, reddish-orange liquid (insoluble in water) up to 25 feet away (depending on the pepper spray model you choose). An OC pepper spray will cause: 15-30 minutes of temporary blindness, 45-60 minutes of a burning sensation of the skin, 3-15 minutes of upper body spasms (which will force the assailant to bend forward), 3-15 minutes of uncontrollable coughing, and 3-15 minutes of breathing and speaking difficulties. Overall, the symptoms will last from 15-60 minutes, with decreased effects lasting for hours. The aggressor will be unable to attack, immediately becoming vulnerable and dependent.

TASER devices, stun guns, pepper sprays....What would my recommendation be? Choose a TASER devices or an OC pepper sprays whenever you can. Both are really effective, they work even when used on drugged individuals, and you will get to keep a safe distance between you and your attacker. But make no mistake: Stun guns are still good enough if you see yourself involved in non-armed combat or in rape situation. In such cases, stun guns will surely give you the necessary edge you need to survive.

Self Defense Option #3: Lethal Weapons

Included in this group is everything that can be defined as a firearm (a portable weapon that fires ammunition: a pistol or a rifle, for instance). Many people consider these as their self defense method of choice. Is it OK to do so? My answer is: maybe.

Firearms are an effective way to defend yourself and your loved ones with, no doubt about it. Too effective for my personal taste, perhaps. I would not recommend it to a loved one, though. Why?

Guns are designed to seriously wound or kill your opponent, not to incapacitate him/her. If by any chance that opponent also happens to be carrying a firearm, a gunfire would result. What would happen if you or your opponent miss the target? You (or your attacker) might hit a bystander. Which might be a dear family member, by the way (in the worst case scenario, death would be the result). Family member or not, the legal result would still be the same for you: Involuntary homicide.

However, let's assume you get to hit your opponent. If you didn't kill him he may still pose a threat...as long as he can still keep firing at you. So, if you decide to kill him (you might have to if he keeps pulling the trigger), you might have to legally prove that you used a "reasonable amount" of force to defend yourself or your loved ones (which may not be always easy). This might mean emotional and economic efforts on your part.

On the other side, many suicides are committed by gun owners. You know your mental status today...but you will never know about tomorrow (clinical depression is not an uncommon emotional disease). Nor will you know what the mental status of a loved one will be tomorrow.

Yet another gun's downside is your children's safety. Many people think of firearms as dangerous objects to keep in the house, specially if they have kids (some of them have broken the security created by their parents, gaining access to such lethal devices).

Given its downsides, I would never recommend a loved one of mine to get I gun. Would you?

Conclusion

Your self defense options are martial arts, non lethal self defense weapons, and lethal weapons. Among these, I would only recommend the first two options (martial arts and non lethal self defense weapons; firearms just have too many downsides in my opinion).

I would also recommend getting a non lethal self defense weapon as an important first step, as learning a martial art will take you some time, during which you will still be unprotected if you don't carry a reliable TASER device, stun gun or pepper spray.

No matter which self defense option (or options) you choose, don't you ever forget that self defense is your legal right. Protect yourself and your loved ones as soon as possible. If you follow this advice today, you will avoid future regrets.

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What Do an Umbrella, Insurance, First Aid, and Self Defense Have in Common?

When it rains it pours. It's best to be prepared. Be proactive and defend against the wetness. An umbrella gives us all confidence to venture out into the day, prepared for whatever weather comes our way. Self Defense for the weather.

We all have insurance for our cars, homes, and personal things. We find comfort in knowing that just in case something happens, we will have the financial means available to replace or repair that which has disappeared or become damaged. We all have a much more calm and composed nature when things go wrong, because we know we have a safety net. Self Defense for our bank account.

Healing power, maybe not, but first aid knowledge helps us comfort those who become injured. First aid is a great addition to everyone's menu of options and skill base. First aid is required by many organizations to allow for safe working conditions and safer environments. If you get injured, a person with first aid skill will help you through the pain and communicate that you will be OK. Self Defense for our health and recovery.

Self Defense is a great way to gain the confidence and the physical skill required to take action if need be. Learning self defense is a fantastic option in life. Knowing some skill, and having your family learn, promotes peace of mind. You can even learn online for less than $30. Learn all you need to succeed in the comfort of your own home. Self Defense for personal safety and family safety.

An umbrella, insurance, first aid, and self defense are all proactive tools. They help us be prepared for that 'Just in Case' moment. Do you have all these tools?

We all should have an Umbrella on stand by, Insurance policies up to date, First Aid knowledge ready to go, and know some Self Defense tips and tricks to help us in case of an emergency situation.

Everyday, somewhere in the world, someone is dry thanks to the umbrella, someone is getting their car, house, or some other possession fixed or replaced thanks to insurance, someone is still alive thanks to the person who knew some first aid, and because of Self Defense training, someone's daughter, mother, sister, dad, or whoever is home safe.

Self Defense is a method of living life more effectively and safely. Self Defense is about opening our minds to preventing and avoiding problems. Self Defense is about dealing with problems in the quickest and most efficient way possible. Self Defense is about thinking and acting in a way which promotes overall safety and well being.

Protect yourself in every area of your life. Join the Self Defense movement. Improve the value and quality of your life. Be Proactive and Be Prepared. Take Action TODAY. Get some knowledge and skill.

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Michael has 24 years experience as a martial arts student earning a 4th degree blackbelt. He has 13 years teaching and training experience as a martial arts instructor, 5 of those years spent managing a successful studio in San Jose, California. Michael spent 9 years as a stage performer on the famous World Action Team. Stage experience opened doors to move him into the film and television industry as a stuntman. Michael is a husband and stepdad to 3 girls.

What Does Self-Defense Really Mean to You?

When you hear self-defense, what does it bring to mind? A woman at one of my classes (Jane), told me that she had never thought of self defense as something that applied to her - envisioning karate costumes and flying arms and legs. But recently while on a weekend trip, she said that she learned some things that caused her to realize that she needed to enroll in a class to help her learn to be both defensive, and proactive in regard to her safety.

What brought about her change of mind? Well, riding with her on the trip was a real estate agent who had been in the industry for many years. She spoke to Jane about new real estate agents who were so eager to make a sale that they didn't think about following basic precautions. Two new agents had been raped in her office that year. Even though she had quite a bit of knowledge, she had recently taken a self-defense class that she found very valuable. As she shared some of the philosophies she had learned, Jane became inspired to take a class. After she did so, she learned how empowering it is for a woman to be able to protect herself. Following are some of the ideas she learned in the class:

The basic definition of self-defense is to "protect one's person/property/reputation". This is a very general meaning, however, and doesn't give much insight as how you go about it. There are two aspects of self-defense: PREVENTION, which is your attitude, awareness of surrounding and verbal skills. And then the OFFENSIVE, which involves knowing the physical skills that you will need to escape or create pain for your attacker in order to save your life.

When thinking about self-defense, keep the AAA (triple A) in mind: ATTITUDE/AWARENESS/ABILITY. These three things will contribute to your future safety.

Attitude is planning actions in case something happens. Having an attitude that something may happen and taking proper steps for knowing what to do give you an edge over the average person.

Awareness that things happen all the time, and that you can become a statistic if you aren't careful, can help prevent any unwanted instances for using self-defense. Being aware of your surroundings at all times and knowing what predators look for will help you eliminate any weak areas you may have.

Ability is the set of skills you have to both avoid a confrontation (by being aware of your surroundings) and the physical techniques that you will need to know in order to get away or to hurt your attacker if ever you are in danger.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" should be the mantra of every self-defense course. Knowing what to do to avoid unwanted advances will prevent someone from approaching you most of the time. A strong self-defense course will offer you options. You should learn how to be on the lookout for a dangerous situation, how to assert yourself more when someone speaks to you, and it should also teach you basic moves that will help you get away from a predator. Your class should also stress how to inflict pain if it is ever necessary.

So, just what makes a woman (or a man) an easy target? Women are primarily targeted because they are physically unable to defend themselves. This is not because they are not strong enough, but because they haven't been trained in proper techniques. Women will often appear more vulnerable.

Sexual assault is another concern for women. Dating situations can lead to inappropriate contact from a date, and as a result, there is a real fear for health concern reasons. Women need to be strong.

While self-defense classes are probably available in your area and may be quite good, taking an online course can be very effective as well. Online classes can teach you how to be aware and exude a confident attitude, to take charge and to control distance. You will also learn to know where safety is, and how you need to go about getting help if the first two plans fall through. Don't be afraid to make a scene - knowing what to say and do can save your life. The last resort is physically defending yourself, but you can learn this too. Find out vulnerable parts of the body and the stance you need to take if you are ever attacked.

No instructor will be able to promise to keep you safe - you are ultimately responsible for defending yourself. But being armed with knowledge puts the power in your hands.

So, where did the two women go wrong I was telling you about earlier? They just didn't take precautions. Both of these real estate agents were so excited about showing a house that they didn't take another person along or know the client they were going with. One of these agents didn't even call and let the office know where she was going to be. When the men raped them, they were powerless and didn't have any way to seek recourse.

Don't be a victim. Take the power in your hands. With a few simple steps, these women wouldn't have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives.

Bill Valentine, MS(psychology), is an experienced Self Defense Trainer and a 5 th degree black belt, with over 30 years experience, who offers free tips on the ultimate basic women's self defense which includes resources and information on safety awareness, how to protect yourself with non-lethal weapons, and " how- to" train in Self Defense from the comfort of your home. Self defense is not Karate.
http://www.womens-self-defense-instruction-online.com/index.html

What You Need To Know When Learning Self Defense

Looking for more information on self defense? You have come to the right place. Self defense is the best way to prepare yourself to fend off an attacker. Regardless of where you live and how safe your neighbourhood, a good self defense class is always great idea for you and your whole family. Throughout this article we will speak about what self defense is, different types of self defense, and how a self defense class can help you.

As said previously, the best way to prepare yourself in the case of an attacker is through self defense. Self defense is a countermeasure that prepares one to protect themselves or their property from physical harm. In court, self defense is legally justified if the defendant rightfully saw themselves in a dangerous situation. In order to use the self defense justification in court, one must prove that they were in a position, against another person, that could have potentially led to serious injuries or death. Learning self defense typically involves 3 components: techniques, training methods, and strategies. Techniques focus on avoiding the use of self defense if possible, learning movements, blocks, and counter attacks. Training methods are the drills that are used to learn the techniques, and strategies show people when to use them.

There are many styles of martial arts that teach self defense. These usually teach unarmed self defense in which you learn to defend yourself without any weapons. They typically teach you a variety of motor skills and ways to increase confidence and awareness. Some countries, in which it is legal to carry weapons, also allow for armed self defense methods. Included in armed self defense is the use of pepper spray, stun guns, and everyday objects such as baseball bats. When considering armed self defense keep in mind that it is not legal in many countries and could result in severe punishment. Another, less physical, form of self defense is called de-escalation. This teaches individuals to use their words in order to prevent, deescalate, or end an assault. It is more of a conflict management style and uses voice, tone, and body language to prevent a situation from escalating from bad to worse. Avoidance is also considered a form of self defense. Avoidance allows you to become more aware of your surroundings and prevent yourself from being put into dangerous situations.

Although there are many online articles and videos about self defense, the best way to learn self defense methods are through actual self defense classes. Self defense classes usually focus on unarmed self defense but may also teach people avoidance and conflict management techniques. A good self defense class will teach you how to become more aware of your surroundings and how to handle a situation should you ever be put in a dangerous position. On top of actual self defense moves, most people also take away an increased level of self confidence that may have been missing before.

Self defense is a great activity for you and your family to engage in together. Not only is it fun, it also teaches you defense skills that would help if you or your family was ever put into a dangerous situation. Whether you are just looking for something to keep you busy or are seriously interested in learning self defense methods, taking a self defense class is never a waste of time. Begin searching for a self defense class in your area and gain the confidence you need to defend yourself in a dangerous situation!

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When Your Child Should Learn Self Defense

The decision to learn self defense is becoming less and less optional for most kids today. From schoolyard bullying to mass shootings, all kinds of violence at school are increasing, and the only way to survive without psychological trauma is to know how to handle yourself when your world turns violent.

Young kids - elementary schoolers - are best left to go to an adult when trouble brews in their lives. The extent of their self defense ability is yelling loudly, running away, and finding an adult who can defend them - even if they enroll in a martial arts class or some other combat training, a child of this age is simply not coordinated or focused enough to meaningfully defend themselves from an adult. Add to that the fact that they're not responsible enough to carry pepper spray, and it's best to just count on adults to protect them.

But around middle school age, when the bullies' personalities are starting to show, it pays for your child to start to learn self defense basics. The temptation at this age might be to give them some mace, show them how to use it, and leave it at that -- but that won't solve the problem. Bullies will pick on any child that will allow it, and pepper spray is the middle school equivalent of a nuclear bomb: your child might use it once and be left alone, but they will be seen as hiding behind their weapon. That's not where you want them to be.

Instead, consider asking them to learn self defense strategies and techniques. Even if you have to order a self defense DVD from a reputable Internet source and guide them through it yourself, teaching them the basics will improve their confidence and understanding of their capabilities. For a middle schooler, it's best to stick with blocks, evasion techniques, and one or two very simple attacks like the straight punch and the front kick.

As they get older and more disciplined, you can assess their maturity level and decide when they are ready to learn self defense techniques that require restraint such as throws and joint locks. Any decent self defense DVD will include moves that counter the most common schoolyard attacks: haymakers, jabs, front kicks, choke holds, and hair grabs. Make sure your child is familiar with methods of defense from these common attacks that don't involve inflicting any lasting damage on the attacker, or you might end up the victim of a lawsuit!

By the time a child is in high school, assuming they're not a bully themselves, they are generally capable of intelligently applying the principles of self defense in an accurate an confident manner. There is no greater satisfaction than hearing your daughter describe how she stopped a fight or helped a friend shoo away an overassertive boyfriend. Don't wait until your child is already being bullied to get them to learn self defense!

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Why Thinking You Know Self-Defense is Not the Same As Knowing How to Defend Yourself

It's amazing how many theories there are about self-defense. Especially here on the internet, where anyone can freely distribute information, regardless of the truth or value of that information. Do you know what I mean?

It's true that there have always been self-proclaimed "experts" who could take advantage of the ignorance or naivity of a prospective student, even before the advent of the world wide web. However, back then, a student had to find one of these people - you had to leave your home to get with one of these so-called "experts.". Today, merely searching for self-defense using a search engine, puts you within easy reach of many more possibilities and potential huksters, than ever before.

Of course, in the age of the internet, there has also been a significant increase in the number of people who believe that they can merely sit in a chair and stare at a computer screen to learn everything they need to protect themselves in a real-world self-defense situation. Long-gone are the days when you had to actually go to the store, buy the book or video, and bring it home to read or watch. Now, all you have to do is to do a search on the phrase "self-defense," and the next thing you know, you're reading or watching something for little to nothing at all.

And, this includes...

...time ACTUALLY doing the work of learning.

Contrary to popular belief, the study of self-defense - of actually being able to protect yourself in a dangerous situation - requires more than simply reading something or watching someone else perform for you. You simply DO NOT get the same understanding that you do when you are actually participating.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you can't learn things from books and videos. What I am saying is, self-defense is not, say, math. In a dangerous encounter with a brutal assailant, you can't rely on a mentally memorized formula and then set out to answer this real-world problem like you can when you're learning to solve a math problem in school. With math, it doesn't matter what numbers they put in front of you or how the equation is laid out, you're not going to end up with a broken body part, or worse, if you get the answer wrong.

Not true with self-defense!

You must remember that, in a real-world self-defense situation, you will be punished for every mistake you make. And, never forget how high the stakes are.

What I'm talking about here is the difference between what many believe to be the same concepts. If you look up the word "knowledge," in a Thesaurus, you will also find words like "information," and "widsom." And yet, these concepts are very different. And, having one, doesn't necessarily provide you with the others.

Here's what I mean...

In the grander scheme of things, information - data - is just that... Information. It's what you get when you hear, read, or learn something for the first time. It is not, by itself, "knowledge" - the skill and ability to use that "information" - born out of practice - to where you don't have to think about it.

An example of this is tying your shoes. When mom or dad provided you with your first lesson about tying your shoes, you didn't suddenly know how to do it. It was still just information. You had to remember each step, in order, or it wouldn't work. You didn't know "why" the knot was tied that way, only that you were told to do so. And you certainly couldn't do it in a rush - under pressure - if you had to get your shoes on in a hurry because the family was running late.

Now, you "know" how to tie your shoes. You can tie your shoes quickly and even tie other people's shoes for them. In fact, you probably have "knowledge" about several different types of knots, and... You now know why you couldn't just tie the knot any old way - because you didn't want to have to grab a fork to pry it open!

But, there is a level beyond knowledge - a level where the person knows more than just "how" something is done, but "why," "when," "where," etc. This is the level of wisdom. The wise knot-tier know which knot for what job - and why that knot is best. He knows what makes for a good knot and what doesn't so he can actually combine knots or make up his own.

But, the wise person didn't get where he is by simply reading a book, did he? No... He actually had to break out the ropes and work with the knots - tying, untying, retying, dealing with mistakes, confusion, and the like. Hours upon hours of practice. And sometimes, he had to seek out someone who knew how to make the knots better than him - he had to actually put his knots to use, to know if he were really doing it right.

My point here is that, if you're really going to be prepared for what you MUST be prepared for when a situation arises, you must be able to do more than remember what you read or saw in a martial arts book or self-defense video - you're going to have to act!

Here's a brief list of what simply reading or watching a video about self-defense CAN'T give you:

1) Experience with handling the raw emotions and sheer animosity that will be coming at you in a real self-defense attack. In a good, solid, and well-structured program, there should be drills and exercises - aside from technique training - that will simulate some of this real-world energy.

2) Knowledge about what a technique feels like when it's being applied correctly. Many actively training students will tell you that, what they think they see their teacher doing from the angle they're watching from, can often be VERY different from what is actually going on.

3) Direct experience with how another human being is going to act and react to your technique. What you're seeing outlined in the pictures or video... Is the IDEAL - the technique happening with NO PROBLEMS.

4) Feedback from a qualified teacher. No matter how many times you read the same book or watch that awesome self-defense video by Sensei Joe-Cool, and no matter how well you "think" you're perfoming the technique in your self-training sessions...

...that teacher can't give you pointers or tell you where you're going wrong.

We can often think we get something, but we have to remember that, without a proper foundation and accurate knowledge about that "thing" already, we have no way of knowing if we really get what's being taught or conveyed.

I could go on and on about the benefits of getting off your duff and actually training, but I think you get the point by now. Sometimes, as in the case of learning self-defense, you can't rely on guess work and a lazy or know-it-all attitude.

Sometimes you actually have to get up and get moving. Otherwise, you're never going to know if you actually know what you think you know. And...

...thinking you know self-defense DOES NOT mean that you know how to defend yourself!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts International. He is a highly sought-after trainer, consultant, and expert in the areas of self-defense, workplace violence defensive tactics, and personal protection. He is the author of several books, and videos, including: "The Science of Self-Defense," and the dvd, "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," and is the co-producer of the self-defense & martial arts podcast called KUDEN. For more information and to download your free self-defense report entitled, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder" visit his web site at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Women's Self Defense - 3 Critical Differences Between Self Defense Training For Men and Women

If you're a woman who interested in getting effective women's self defense training that will enable you to successfully protect yourself against a real-world attack - there are some important things that you need to know. The first thing is that, while many of the concepts and principles are the same, there are some critical differences between defensive training for men and women's self defense!

Unfortunately, it's not always easy to find solid, reliable information about self defense for women and teenage girls. This is true in both the online world and off. One school-of-thought tends to make no difference between self defense for men and women. This perspective says that an attack is an attack and the same techniques work, regardless of who's doing them.

The other primary belief is that there is a difference. Unfortunately, most of those taking this view tend to limit their focus to size. While size is a factor, men very often find themselves smaller, weaker, or less-skilled than their assailant as well.

So, size-aside, in this article, I want to shed some light on several critical differences in how self defense should be approached - especially for women. These differences, when lacking in a program that's supposed to be designed for women - or to at-least include women's self defense issues - can actually put you at greater risk than if you knew nothing at all!

Remember, the way you think about a given problem sets up everything else about the way that you'll go about solving that problem. And women's self defense is no different. That being said, here are 3 critical differences between self defense for women and training offered to men.

1) Attacker Intent & Strategy - In the realm of male-female interpersonal dynamics, there is an area where the way we think about the other gender, is a primary factor in how we operate without and around them. This is guided, in part, by gender roles that were learned when we were children.

When boys wrestled, got into fights, and participated in contests to see who was the biggest, baddest, and best - this was seen as "boys just being boys." Girls were taught that "hitting was not lady-like' and fighting was not the way to solve problems. And, while it was usually acceptable for boys to smack their friends around, it was never okay to hit a girl. While it may come as no surprise, it still requires saying that, attackers were raised in this same paradigm and belief system. So, it should come as no surprise either, that the male assailant will approach men and women differently when seeking out victims of his attack.

Generally speaking, men will most often be attacked where the goal is to "destroy the enemy," while women are usually attacked in ways meant to control, possess, and "take as a prize."

This intention, or strategy, must be factored into any self defense program - regardless of whether it is designed for men, women, or both.

2) Male-Female Strength Ratio - The "size-factor" that I talked about earlier is not what it would normally appear to be. In fact, when you think of size, you probably think of the woman being physically smaller than her larger, male attacker - right?

In reality, the strength factor is much more important than size. Not that size is not a factor - it's just very different.

Here's what I mean: The strength ratio between a man's body and that of a woman is 7:3. What that means is that, if you had a man and a woman who were the same...

Height
Weight

Build

Fitness level

...and all things considered...

The man would still be two and half times stronger than the woman!

Can you see why we can't rely on the so-called "size factor?" It's because, even if the size of the female defender was equal to her male attacker - she'd still have a distinct disadvantage!

3) Belief System - While both men and women can choose to abdicate their security and safety to others, men typically know that, when face-to-face with an assailant - they're expected to fend for themselves. Not so for women.

In fact, when the subject of self defense comes up, I tend to hear one of 2 typical responses from most of the women I encounter. The responses are either...

I'll just kick him in the "you-know-what," or...


"That's my husband/boyfriend's job"
Regardless of the fact that a man's groin is a relatively small target (no pun intended) and you have to be within your attacker's reach to effectively attack it, it seems to be the only thing women focus on. Contrast this with the fact that men learned somewhere around the age of 3 or 4 that this area was to be protected, AND the fact that hitting the groin may actually infuriate him, rather than shut him down, and you have the makings of a bad strategy.

As for the, "it's my boyfriend or husband's responsibility," all you have to do is ask yourself two questions to know whether this is something you want to bet your life on. The first question is:

"How many waking hours in a day are you with him?" And the 2nd question is:

"Does he have the skills to protect you AND HIMSELF should something happen?"

All too often, we try to "excuse" our way through certain problems. This denial or "escapism" only works to distract us from the real issue until we come face-to-face with it, and are forced to deal with it.

In the case of a situation that requires the need for skills designed for self defense for women..."too late" could be a position you can't afford to find yourself in!

Are you looking for solid, reliable women's self defense training? Do you want to be able to defend yourself against a bigger, stronger attacker - or even multiple attackers? Then you must know what questions to ask and have a system that's designed for your specific needs.

Download my new Self Defense Book that will put you on the right track and teach you about things you didn't even know you should be asking about.

Jeffrey Miller is an internationally-recognized self protection expert who teaches literally hundreds of students from every corner of the planet each month how to develop the skills that you need to be safe in this often unsafe world. Jeff says, "If you really want to feel safe, secure, and more confident, then you must be able to handle this part of your life. And I can teach you how to do just that!"

Women's Self Defense - 5 Easy & Effective Self Defense Moves Every Woman Must Know

On my journey to find the best self defense system I uncovered what I intuitively already thought was true. This truth is that the most simplest move or technique is usually the best and most effective. You can search high and low and learn the most intricate and deadliest martial art out there. But what good is it going to do you if cannot perform it under stress or if it takes ten years to become proficient at it?

The largest barrier to self defense is your mental state. Everyone reacts differently but most people will initially freeze up when faced with a life threatening situation. The only way to work past this mental state is through realistic practice with a partner and by knowing the most vulnerable areas to attack on another human being.

I absolutely do not recommend practicing the following self defense moves full force or full speed on your partner. Instead you want to practice them slowly and deliberately so that you will have them hard wired into your brain and your muscle memory will take over when the pressure is really on!

The following targets and descriptions of the basic self defense moves are violent and graphic. I have watered down my language describing them so as not to offend some people. Obviously great care should be taken not to injure your training partners. When training with a partner you should stop before the point of injury and visualize continuing all the way through the target.

The best way to practice them is to have your partner put you in a situation and your job is to go slowly and identify a vulnerable area and practice accessing that target from whatever situation you may find yourself in.

The following moves and targets are given in no particular order.

Self Defense Move #1 - The Eye Gouge

This one is pretty straight forward however it warrants some discussion.

Us "normal" people have a natural aversion to harming another human being. Attacking someone's eyes is absolutely no exception. Morgues are full of people who left scratch marks all over their attackers face but for some reason they never had the nerve to stick their finger or preferably their thumb directly into the eye socket of their attacker.

I am not talking about scratching at the eyes here either. I am talking about sinking your thumb all the way in up to your knuckle at the inside corner of the eye, rupturing the eyeball and then dragging your thumb knuckle deep all the way across and to the opposite corner of the eye.

This will definitely cause a reaction from your assailant that will buy you time to escape to safety. The police should have no problem identifying your attacker at the local hospital emergency room either!

What if they have glasses on? Simple you slide your thumb from the cheek bone up and under the glasses. I could elaborate on proper technique but that would make for a much longer article.

Self Defense Move #2 - The Ear Slap

A good and properly performed slap on the ears will at worst disorient your attacker and at best rupture their ear drums sending them crumpling to the ground in pain. Let's say for example that someone has grabbed you in a bear hug from the front underneath your arms and is carrying you off to their trademarked creepo van.

You know where his arms are! He has left himself wide open and defenseless!

For some reason or another you have decided not to gouge the eyes. Maybe you are saving the eye gouge as your last option if the ear slap does not work. Anyways the critical component of this technique is to cup your hands just like you would if you were clapping loudly at a sporting event. No opera claps here! With both hands cupped you "clap" or "slap" both ears at the same time. If you only have access to hitting just one ear that will do just fine too!

The important thing is that it should be a good hard clap with a cupped hand. This point is critical. Your fingers should also be pressed tightly together. The cupped hand creates a vacuum which ruptures the ear drum of your attacker.

Take care with your training partner here! Do not actually clap over your training partner's ears. This can cause permanent damage and a lifetime of pain for your partner! For practice just go slowly and keep your fingers spread open to avoid an accidental injury. In real life keep your fingers tight together and hand cupped.

Also in real life you are aiming to have the center of your palm seal your attackers ear canal.

One word of warning! How you practice usually dictates how you will actually strike when the real pressure is on. So you may want to improvise and practice an ear slap on an empty Javex bottle or something like a watermelon that your training partner is holding up. If you get to know the feeling of performing this technique properly you will be able to tell the police to look for the guy with a ruptured ear drum at the hospital emergency room. Injuries make it so much easier to identify your attacker!

Self Defense Move #3 - The Ball Buster

Nothing new here! If you can reach the testicles with your knee, foot or hand you have found one heck of a sensitive area!

The real issue here is launching your attack without setting off any radar. Guys are conditioned from a very young age to instinctively respond to any incoming threats to this vulnerable area. An attacker can usually respond in time to avoid most kicks because they see it coming and subconciously respond or flinch! Ideally you want to get close and use your knee because it flies under the peripheral view.

The goal is to kick or knee the testicles and follow through. In a self defense situation you are aiming to try and kick or knee them up through the groin area and try to follow through all the way up to their neck!

What if someone has grabbed you from behind in a bear hug over your arms? Stomp on their foot and get an handful of their family jewels and squeeze as hard as you can for as long as you can till the guy either drops to the ground or lets go. You want to squeeze until you feel something burst. Then you run to safety.

Self Defense Move #4 - The Throat

This self defense move can be lethal so do not mess around and take it easy on your training partner.

A strong forearm strike to the windpipe can cause enough damage to collapse the wind pipe and your attacker will suffocate. Surfaces that you can attack this area with are endless it can be a punch, edge of hand blow, forearm strike, elbow, hammer fist or even the webbing of you hand that is made when you make an "L" shape with your pointer finger and your thumb.

You can even place a cell phone inside your fist so that the bottom of the phone is just slightly protruding out the bottom of your fist and then you hammer fist the throat. The unforgiving structure of the cell phone is sure to cause serious damage.

The one thing to always remember is that a strike with to the throat area can potentially kill the other person. A strike to any area can potentially kill another person if they have the right pre existing medical conditions!

You can even take this target further and include what I call the "Ring Around The Collar". The sides of the neck are vulnerable due to the nerves that run through this area. The back of the neck is where the brain stem is and is the one common connection between your brain and the rest of your body. Impacts to the entire "Ring Around The Collar" can cause serious life threatening injuries. Take special care of your training partner and never go full speed or full force on any of these areas. Use a light touch and slow controlled movement in practice. Practicing in this manner will build muscle memory.

Self Defense Move #5 - The Lower Leg

The vulnerable spots here while not immediately life threatening can lead to injuring your attacker either directly or indirectly. When I say indirectly I mean if you manage to break your attackers ankle and they go crashing down onto the side walk and split their head open.

If someone has grabbed you from behind tying up your arms the areas of the lower leg to aim for can look something like the following. You can use the edge of your foot, assuming that you are wearing shoes, and scrape as hard as you can down the attackers shin. This is should get them to loosen their grip! Whether you are wearing shoes or not you can stomp your heel as hard as you can directly onto the top of the attackers foot as high up and close as you can to where the foot meets the ankle.

How about if someone has knocked you to the ground and is standing over you? What you can do in this situation is bring your knee up and in line with the ankle and then lift up and place the front of your shin directly on their lower shin just slightly above the ankle joint. Then you press down and slam all your body weight across and down into the pavement.

The ankle joint attack takes practice. It can be done standing and stomping across and down. It can be done from the inside of their legs by rolling all of your body weight outwards.

You are looking to strike just above the to knobs that you can feel on each side of your ankle joint. This tears the ankle joint and sends your assailant either limping away or crashing down into the pavement.

Be careful with your partner. Go easy and go lightly. On the ankle attack you want to go slow and give your partner time to roll ahead of your pressure and simulate falling to the ground. Be careful. When in doubt go slow! Even if you are confident, go slow and do not injure your training partner!

Those are the five easiest and most effective self defense moves that just about anyone should be able to perform to stop just about any assailant. Seriously injuring your attacker will free you up and buy time to get to safety.

When your own life and safety is on the line a pain/compliance, pressure point kind of defense will usually do you no good because the second you release your attacker and try to make an escape they will have an opportunity to attack you one more time.

These moves can be deadly so the utmost respect should be taken when practicing them with a partner.

The five self defense moves discussed should only be used in situations that warrant extreme self defense and all other options have been exhausted.

Stay safe and respect your training partners!

Scott Smith is a researcher and reviewer of various self defense systems and products. His reviews and opinions can be viewed at http://www.my-self-defense-journey.com

A free seven week mini self defense e-course is available on his website which includes video instruction on some of the self defense techniques discussed in this article.

Visit http://www.my-self-defense-journey.com for more information and for self defense product reviews.