Top Ten Self Defense Tips

1. Awareness and Avoidance Always!
Always be aware of your surroundings and 'survey' the location, especially if you are new to it. Study exits and entrances, things you can use as weapons, people who are in the area, etc. Though awareness, you can avoid any potentially dangerous situation from materializing. Even if a situation develops, you will be ready to respond to it. However, awareness deteriorates if you are plugged into your ipod headsets or engrossed in texting on your headphone, making you a target for a predator instead! A special note to you guys out there… forget about flexing your ego! Walk away from taunts, offensiveness or rudeness because its just not worth it. Remember the saying ‘Sticks and stones…’.. you know the rest! Being the bigger man by backing off will stop a fight before it starts. My mantra - "a successful self defense is one where you never have to fight"!

2. Trust your Instincts & Intuition, and always use Common-sense.
Whether it’s a shadow peeking out from a corner or the feeling that you are being watched as you head for your car, always use common sense. If your instincts starts going into ‘red-alert’, trust it and take the necessary action, even though it may seem paranoid . Its always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Discard the ‘Victim’ Mentality
Walk with your head held high and your shoulders back to exude a sense of confidence. Strangely, your body language will reflect that self-confidence to people around you and tell any would-be predator that you are not someone to mess with (Communication is 10% verbal and 90% body language). Peyton Quinn, a martial artist, instructor and founder of the Rocky Mountain Combat Operations Training interviewed prisoners in the USA to find out what made them pick their victims.. high on the list was the victim's portrayal of a lack of self confidence.

4. Breathe
When you are confronted with a threat or attack, take deep breaths. As adrenaline kicks into your body for the ‘fight or flight’ (or even ‘freeze’) response, you lose cognitive thought, experience tunnel vision, lose fine motor skills and your breathing becomes labored and shallow. Breathe deeply to clear your head and take control of your faculties. You will then begin to think better to respond to the threat.

5. Use your Voice
This relates to ‘4’ as well. When in a threatening situation or in the midst of an attack, shouting causes you to breath and clears your head. It also generates self confidence and you may even find that your strikes are more powerful. Blood curdling shouts may even scare off your attacker before a punch is thrown!

6. Always have a ‘Weapon’ handy
I don’t mean carrying a ‘rambo’ knife in your handbag! Weapons can be your car-keys or an umbrella. Don’t laugh… but even a credit card, a tube of moisturizing cream or your handphone can be turned into a weapon. Hold them inconspicuously as you walk to your car or on a quiet road. Should you be confronted with an attack, they will be your ‘surprise’ response. You will also not be on the wrong side of the law for using such ‘weapons’ as they are not construed as weapons!

7. The 4 ‘N’s
Remember this.. ‘Nose’, ‘Neck’, ‘Nuts’ & ‘’k’Nees’. These are ‘weak’ points that lie along the centerline of any person. If you remember nothing else during an attack, remember this! Attacking any of these areas correctly can bring down a human being of any size.

8.  Have Important Phone Numbers Handy
Have the phone numbers of your local police station, fire department, ambulance service and other emergency services on hand (either in your handphone or a printed list in your home. You will never know when they will come in handy. Go to the “Links” section above to access a hyperlink listing important telephone numbers in Malaysia.

9.  Surprise!
As a victim of an aggressor (mugger, road bully, rapist, whatever), surprise is your secret weapon! You can feign a submissive attitude (acting scared and willing to give in) to calm your aggressor. When the opening presents itself, attack all out! Also, having your car-keys hidden in the palm of your hand as you make your way to your vehicle, for example, can make a good surprise weapon if you are attacked.

10.  Give No Quarter!
No one, and I mean NO ONE, has the right to harm you or your loved ones! If you are attacked and you are forced to defend those in your care as well, decide on your options (surrender your valuables and walk away, (if possible) OR refuse to be victimized and defend yourself) If you decide to stand your ground, go all out against your attacker (or attackers) and give them no quarter. Do whatever it takes to guarantee your safety and the safety of those with you. Use all that you have viciously, relentlessly, and without hesitation to fully overwhelm your aggressors and escape.

And for good measure, here's one more helpful tip...

Take A Self Defense Class, Any Class!
This might sound a bit like self promotion but take a class, any class! Learn the basics of self defense and gain some knowledge. Aside from the benefits of health and fitness, picking up some self defense techniques can arm you with skills that may some day save your life! Tips 1 to 10 do require some training to be effective. Self defense is effective only when it becomes second nature to you.. and that requires practice!