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Protecting yourself
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Combatives for street survival : hard-core countermeasures for high-risk situations
Kelly McCann ; [edited by Sarah Dzida ... [et al.]]
[United States?] : Black Belt Books, c2009.
Leading the reader through simple yet powerful, brutally effective methods of self-defence designed for use in myriad street crime scenarios, this guide explains the use of force continuum and teaches how to efficiently avoid potentially violent encounters though the use of "pre-incident indicators." The techniques depicted are credible, relevant, practicable, and utilised by members of elite military units and U.S. government personnel travelling abroad to high-risk areas of operation. The philosophy of "less is more" results in a succinct system of self-defence that is drawn from the author's experiences as well as the collective experience of his students around the world.
     
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Attack proof : the ultimate guide to personal protection
John Perkins, Al Ridenhour, Matt Kovsky.
Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics, c2009.
Provides men and women with effective self-defense tactics for various potential real-life encounters. Material is presented in an easily understood manner that requires no previous martial arts experience. Content is designed to teach people how to safely handle attacks from both armed and unarmed attackers. Contains true fight stories experienced by the authors to provide insight on how the techniques can be applied. Includes tactics that have been taught and used by the military to remain safe in combat.
     
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The little black book of violence : what every young man needs to know about fighting
Lawrence A. Kane and Kris Wilder.
Wolfeboro, N.H. : YMAA Publication Center, c2009.
Men commit 80 % of all violent crimes and are twice as likely to become the victims of aggressive behavior. The Little Black Book of Violence is written for men ages 15 to 35, and contains more than mere self-defense techniques. This book provides crucial information about street survival that most martial arts instructors don't even know about. Kane and Wilder explain how to use awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation to help stave off violence.
     
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Fight science
produced by BASE Productions, Inc for National Geographic Channel.
[Washington, DC] : National Geographic, [2009]
  1. DVD.
  2. Closed captioned.
  3. Title from container.
  4. Narrated by Robert Leigh.
  5. Videodisc release of three episodes of the television program, produced in 2007.
  6. Reveals the science behind mixed martial arts, special operations and self-defense. From martial artists who defy what many people think is humanly possible; to elite military units trained to become ultimate warriors; to masters of self-defense who teach how to fight for your life. Analyzes how these experts generate the power and speed behind each move.
  7. Mixed martial arts -- Fighting back -- Special ops.
     
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Bruce Lee's fighting method : the complete edition
Bruce Lee and M. Uyehara ; edited by Sarah Dzida, Jon Sattler and Jeannine Santiago.
[Valencia, Calif.?] : Black Belt Books, c2008.
  1. Compiles: Bruce Lee's fighting method. Self-defense techniques; Bruce Lee's fighting method. Basic training; Bruce Lee's fighting method. Skill in techniques; and, Bruce Lee's fighting method. Advanced techniques.
  2. Includes index.
     

Self defense is important. No one should be threatened with violence at any time or place. Using self defense may be necessary to secure your safety.

Use self defense to secure your safety.

There are some precautionary measures that you can take so as not to be a target.

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Carry car keys in your hand
  • Keep car doors locked at all times
  • Travel in numbers
  • If you think you're being followed change directions or head to a crowded area
  • Hold your purse close to your body
  • Carry your wallet in the front pants pocket

Using Weapons

Natural weapons are all around you. They can be used in conjuction with self-defense techniques.

pen
hair spray
comb
belt
tie
chair

Natural weapons

Because you may encounter a variety of situations, learning basic self defense techniques can help you escape from harm's way. Self-defense techniques are not difficult to learn and you can do them at any age. Practicing self defense techniques in your daily life will increase your safety awareness and you will less likely become a victim.

Some basic self defense techniques include:

  • Stance - at an indication of an attack, step back with your strong side away from the attacker, raise your open hands to face level and tell the person to stop.
  • Blows - aim at any part of the body and strike through the point with your hands, elbows, knees, legs or feet.
  • Roll falls - stay relaxed and somersault without using your hands, landing on your knees.


Find out in your community where self defense techniques are being taught. Learning the proper self defense techniques, you can stop someone trying to hurt you or someone you care about.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff