• USE COMMON SENSE
• BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
• WALK WITH A PURPOSE
• WALK WITH A BUDDY
• STAY AWAY FROM ALLEYWAYS, DESERTED STREETS, DARK AREAS
• WEAR BRIGHT OR LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING AT NIGHT
• DON’T WEAR FLASHY JEW ELLERY OR CARRY LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH
• AVOID CARRYING A PURSE, CONSIDER CARRYING A SMALL CHANGE WALLET INSIDE YOUR JACKET OR A WEAR A WAISTBAND (POUCH) PURSE
• IF FOLLOWED GO TO A WELL LIT AREA - SHOPPING MALL, STORE, PLAZA OR POLICE STATION
• IF FOLLOWED TURN AROUND AND YELL AT SUSPECT “DON’T FOLLOW ME”
• WALK AGAINST TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SIDEWALK
• CARRY A PERSONAL ALARM
• TAKE A SELF DEFENCE COURSE
  
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• BE AWARE OF VEHICLES/ PERSONS FOLLOWING YOU
• IF UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVE OUT AGAIN
• BACK INTO PARKING SPACE, SO YOU ARE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES
• IF LIGHTS ARE OUT ADVISE SUPERINTENDENT/BUILDING MANAGER
• PARK NEAR EXITS IF POSSIBLE AND ALWAYS IN WELL LIT AREAS
• CHECK AROUND AND UNDER YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE GETTING IN/OUT OF YOU VEHICLE
• HAVE YOUR KEYS IN YOUR HAND (KUBOTAN)
• DON’T LEAVE PROPERTY IN PLAIN VIEW IN YOUR VEHICLE
• CHECK THE BACKSEAT - PUSH FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FORWARD WHEN EXITING AND LOOK IN BACK SEAT BEFORE ENTERING
• LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS
• CARRY A CELL PHONE
• HAVE A “CALL POLICE” SIGN IN YOUR VEHICLE
• IN WINTER - HAVE LOCK DE-ICER HANDY
• REMEMBER TO USE COMMON SENSE
  
  “The Predator is prepared, are YOU?”
  
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Self-defence under Canadian Law is a delicate issue. With today's society, and under Canadian Law, we are considered morally and legally/criminally responsible for the damage we do, intentional or not, to our attackers. This means that if we are attacked and our life, and/or the life of our loved ones, is in jeopardy and we fight back and hurt our attacker then we may be taken to court and have to fight a second time to defend ourselves. The types of charges that are common in these situations are assault, aggravated assault, assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, criminal negligence, etc. FIRSTLINE OF DEFENCE™ teaches techniques that follow the principles of non-violent confrontation. Using these techniques, in a self-defence situation, will help lesson the chances of successful legal prosecution against you.

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A: First, use your brain. Situational awareness and a tactical mindset (sometimes called "street smarts") is the best prevention tool. The best way to gain this wisdom is to have experience. And the best way to have gained experience is to have training or, unfortunately, to have experienced multiple defensive situations. This is one of the reasons most bodyguards are ex-military or ex-cops.

The levels of security I recommend to my students and clients fall into three layers:

1. Psychological -- awareness, alertness, putting the attacker on notice that you are aware of him and cannot be surprised. I tell my students that "a tactic recognized is a tactic neutralized." Practice looking at people so they see that you have noticed them. You don't have to stare them down. Just a neutral look held long enough that people know you are aware of them and you appear confident.

2. Proximal -- use of space and barriers to control the distance between you and the attacker. Distance buys you time and time buys you safety when recognizing and reacting to an attack. This can be as simple as keeping your doors locked or as different as running around a parked car in a ring-around-the-rosie fashion. (Don't laugh, it might look somewhat comical, but I have seen it work for real in the street two different times).

3. Physical -- the use of movement or force in evading or defending against an attack. Empty hand defence requires training. I like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muy Thai, Jeet Kune Do and some of the more comprehensive traditional martial arts. I hear Krav Maga is worth checking out, but I've never met a real practitioner so I can't give a personal recommendation. Weapons training should be conducted under a qualified instructor whose program includes scenarios for lawful use vs. unlawful use.

In the end small fish are always attractive as prey for bigger fish. So, unless you look and act like Stone Cold Steve Austin, you are a potential target. But, when you have the will and the means to fight back, you will find a number of criminals will break off the attack. It's simply not worth the effort for some. The flip side is that, if your defence is flawed or ineffectual, some criminals will intensify their attack, infuriated that you were "dumb" to fight back.

So, you need to train and get prepared. Once you start, your life will change in remarkable ways...

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Basic Principles

For starters, be realistic. Learning self-defence will not make you invincible. I have trained in and taught the martial arts for many years, and I can be caught off guard as well as anyone else if I'm not careful. Prevention is above all the most important, and most commonly overlooked, aspect of self-defence. One of the best preventative measures in quite simple: awareness. Always be aware of who and/or what is around you at all times. Keep your eyes up and continually look around. Do NOT keep your eyes on the ground! Don't be afraid to make eye contact, especially with men. Keep your eyes and chin up. Strong body language can often be enough itself to deter a possible assailant.

Think of what motivates a rapist. Power, not sex, is almost always the motivation of a rapist. Rapists, believe it or not, are cowards. Just like school bullies, rapists choose easy victims. Ever wonder why bullies pick on people smaller than them? Lack of resistance. Imagine a small dog. If you knew for a fact that the dog would bite you, despite the fact you may be 30 times it's size, you probably wouldn't be in a hurry to stick your hand out towards it. As many martial arts teachers say, it isn't the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.

Self Responsibility

Don't assume anyone will be there to help you if you are assaulted, even if there are people nearby that witness the attack. It's unfortunate, but due to the dangers of intervention as well as fear of legal repercussions, people hesitate to get involved in such matters. Self-defence means just that; defending one's self. If you feel people may be near and you think you may be able to get some help, do NOT yell the word "HELP"! Instead, yell the word "FIRE!" Think about it, if you were going about your daily business and you heard someone screaming "FIRE", wouldn't you be just a bit curious?

Dating Tips

Hey, the guy may be a attractive, but how well do you know him? Don't let those big blue eyes keep you from being smart. Most rapists aren't the types you see on T.V. that weigh 250 pounds, have a beard, bald head, and tattoos all over their bodies. Rapists are usually just ordinary looking men.

When dating, consider meeting your date somewhere public the first few times. You may even suggest double dating. If he does pick you up at home, don't let him just pull up and honk the horn. (There is a reason father's hate that!) Make him come in and meet your parents or roommate, depending upon your age or circumstances. If anything does go wrong, he has already been identified. Also, make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you are planning on being back. You don't have to give every detail of your plans, but at least give a little information.

When going out, bring your own money, including quarters. You may need to call a friend or a cab. If you have access to a cellular phone, take it with you. If you drink, do so in moderation. It's one thing to sit around and get sloshed with your friends, but keep it cool with someone you are just getting to know. I have heard too many women get into trouble sexually and turn around and say, "...it's not my fault, I was really drunk." Once again, don't allow yourself to get into that situation in the first place. Be VERY cautious around a man that tries to get you to drink when you don't want to.

Home Safety

Many violent crimes occur in or near the victim's own home. Make sure when leaving or entering your home to secure windows and doors. Be cautious around bushes, trees, or any objects a person could hide behind. If you return home and see signs of a forceful entry, don't go in. If possible, have an alarm system installed. Put locks on bedroom and bathroom doors. Try to have an escape plan for every room in the house (not just for a break in, but for a possible fire as well). Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in the bedroom, as well as a phone.

Avoid hiding keys around the outside of the house. Don't leave tools or yard equipment outside. Be wary of unannounced guests showing up at your door. Be very wary of anyone you don't know wanting to use your phone. Don't put yourself at risk trying to be a good Samaritan.

Car safety

Park in well lit areas, even if it means walking an extra few yards. Be cautious walking between cars in a lot. Make sure no one is near you as you enter your car. Once you are in, lock the doors. If you think you are being followed, make four consecutive right turns, which will bring you around in a complete circle. If he is still behind you, you are probably being followed. Whatever you do, do NOT lead him to your house! Go to a well lit and heavily populated area and get his license number. Call the police.

Mindset

You don't need to be a martial artist to defend yourself. You are NOT helpless, regardless of your size. Remember the little dog? Be ready to bite the fingers off anyone that decides to mess with you.

If you have to physically defend yourself, DON'T HESITATE! Defend yourself with absolute conviction. And don't worry about hurting your attacker, your attacker wasn't worried about hurting you.

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