RMA Newbies Guide to Self Defense Version 0.7 Kirk Lawson ------------------------------ Subject: 1 - Table of Contents 1 - Table of Contents 2 - Introduction 3 - Out And About 4 - In The Car 5 - At Home 6 - Women's Self Defense 7 - Martial Arts 8 - Phyisical Coindition 9 - Guns And Other Weapons 10 - Involving Friends And Family 11 - Suggested Reading 12 - Disclaimer and Copyright Notice ------------------------------ Subject: 2 - Introduction Self Defense. What is it, why do you need it, and do you need to be a Gunslinger or Bruce Lee in order to have it? It seems that more and more people are interested in Self Defense today. Though the likelihood of being a victim of Violent Crime is comparatively small, there are some places that it is higher than others. Combined with the seeming media frenzy associated with Violent Crime and the complementary Public fascination with it, more people than ever are considering what Self Defense is and how they can get some of it. Simply put, Self Defense is preventing someone from intentially harming you and hopefully this Guide will give you some insight and tips for improving your ability at Self Defense. Before we go on you should know that Self Defense is more than just physical capabilities. Though that is an aspect, there are many other non-physical aspects. The "mental" capabilities are arguably far more important then being big and strong or able to "fight." In this Guide we will, therefore, look at common situations and locations where Self Defense is appropriate. We will try to put to a template and a general mind set to it while answering basic questions. ------------------------------ Subject: 3 - Out And About [While out with Friends] Perhaps it's the exuberance of youth or just group dynamics, but going "out" with your friends often puts you in a position where you need to consider Self Defense. You're usually going somewhere to do something and are distracted, absorbed in having a good time with good friends. In this situation, you may miss subtle clues that can warn you of impending danger. The advice is to keep a "Situational Awareness" about you. You don't have to be paranoid, just observant. When you enter a place, either outdoors or indoors, glance around. Note potentially dangerous people, exits, places where someone with nefarious intent might be hiding. When it's appropriate, look up too. There are alway balconies and the like in the most unusual places. When walking on the street, continue to use your Situational Awareness. Be aware of where you're at and where you're going. Don't get distracted, or at the very least, don't *apear* distracted. *Look* like you know where you're going and what you're doing. Don't look lost. A lot of this is comunicated in your bearing and body language. Keep your shoulders erect and eyes up. Glance around casually as you walk. Again, you should keep note of places where someone might hide or suddenly accost you as well as your fellow pedestrians. Don't be afraid to cross the street if you feel that something on one side is somehow threatening. Therein is a secret that so many people miss. Pay attention to your "feelings." If something about an area or place makes you feel "uncomfortable" then heed the warning and change locations. Your subconcious may have noted something that you didn't conciously percieve and is trying like the dickens to warn you. How often have victims later said, "I knew something felt wrong but I just ignored it because I didn't want to seem rude or paranoid?" Finally, a note about "Friends." Often companions are the source of the danger. Some friends like to start fights, are overly agressive, or beligerant in some situations. They can initiate "trouble." As the old saying goes, "With friends like that, who needs enemies?" You may be best off not maintaining a friendship with such people. At the very least you may wish to be discriminating about where and when you go with these friends or control what venues you acompany these friends to, such as restricting it to private, in home activities. [In a Bar or Establishment] One common activity while "Out and About" is to visit an establishment that serves liquor for the purposes of consuming or being with people who intend to consume liquor. Studies show that alcohol is a factor in the majority of violent encounters. It affects people's judgement and thought processes. While you can not always predict when encountering a third party if that person has been drinking you can reasonably forsee when your own actions will likely place you in the proximity of people consuming alcohol and take steps to be prepared. Pay extra attention to circumstances and the demenor of those around you. If it appears that someone is going to become violent or agressive, leave the area. While in the bar or establishment, pay attention to your suroundings. Make note of "bottlenecks" that could impeed your movements. Note furniture, recesses, and balconies. Also importantly, note all of the exits. [While in the Restroom] Restrooms are often not considered for "Self Defense" yet they are, like anywhere else, a target of opportunity for both men and women. The threat is usually that of theft. Never set down a handbag, wallet, shopping bag, or other item, particularly on the washbasin counter. These become tempting targets for thieves who can distract you and make off with your valuables before you are aware of the theft. Keep your valuables with you. Loop them over your shoulder or take them with you into a stall. Though theft is the most common threat in restrooms, there is, of course, the threat of physical assault. Restrooms are attractive places for physical attacks because they tend to be small areas, thus limiting movement, are usually sectioned off from the general public, making them more "private," and often have only one entrance, thus limiting options for the victim to escape. Be aware of who enters with you or behind you, particularly when there are very few other occupants in the restroom. Take note of who is in the Restroom before you. When possible don't turn your back to the area. To that end some advise men to avoid using urinals. Use, instead, the stalls and latch the door. One individual related a story in which the victim of a restroom assault had his feet yanked out from behind him as he stood at the urinal. Gentlemen, be courteous and polite; do not leave a mess on the seat of the stall. Others advise against using the stall noting that you lose so much situational awareness by locking yourself in a "little box" like that. It's very easy for an atacker to ambush you as you leave the stall. Furthermore, an attacker may come over the partition at you, and you may be at a disadvantage inside such a small space. Instead they advise that you are safer at the urinal. But be prepared to trade some social awkwardness in return for safety. Keep your head up, don't stare blankly into the urinal like most people do. Use the mirrors in the bathroom to augment your area of vision. If there aren't mirrors over the urinal, then turn your head 45 degrees to the side while you do your business. OK, other people may think you're a "willy watcher," but that's just a risk you'll have to take. Keep your top button done up so your pants don't fall down if you have to move quickly. And, seriously, make up your mind that you may have to spray urine everywhere if you're threatened. It beats the alternative. Of course, when possible, use the group. Visit restrooms with a friend so that you can watch eachother's back. 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 [The Interview Process] Some time should be spent here discussing what is sometimes called, “The Interview Process.” This is a “non-violent” precursor to an attack in which the criminal will “size you up” to determine if you are an acceptable target. The information he is looking for fits the kind of crime he's hoping to commit. If it's assault he wants to know if you're capable of resisting him, if you're likely to, and how. If it's a con man or non-violent thief, he wants to find out if you're a good 'Mark'; that is, if you're vulnerable to the con job, susceptible to his coming patter. No matter what type of criminal doing the “Interview” they're going to try to determine if you've got something they think is worth stealing. Unless the goal of the criminal is simple assault, violence and intimidation for it's own sake, he's not going to bother if you don't have something he wants to take from you. Part of “The Interview Process” you're not required to participate in. He's visually sizing you up. Do you look vulnerable? Do you look like you've got money? Do you appear to have any weapons about your person? Are you part of a group? Looking the part for the area can be an important method of defense, though not always possible. [walking on the street] [don't be a jerk, don't look for a fight] [Identity Theft] ------------------------------ Subject: 4 - In The Car [dangers in the car] > as you approach the car evaluate the area to see if someone might enter your > space while you're focused on your car keys. before you get in your car look > in the back seat. check the trunk. check all tires. -- Fu > They way I've always heard it, which made a lot of sense to me, was to > approach the car from the passenger side and casually do a half circuit > around the car. This lets you look under (which did sound unlikely, I > agree), inside, and around you. It'd be very obvious if someone was > following you to your car at that point and not just walking behind > you by happenstance. - Dan Winsor [slash at ankles] http://www.snopes.com/horrors/robbery/slasher.htm http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blkiller.htm [carjackings] [can you *really* "just drive off"?] "A majority of carjackings and crime against people in motor vehicles happens in urban environments, where there is traffic that impedes the ability to drive away." - Tom Herlihy, Car Security Expert ------------------------------ Subject: 5 - At Home [securing the home] [Windows] Windows are a common entrace for people with no good intentions. Most often they enter through a window left open or partially open. Close your windows and use the window latch to lock them closed. When selecting new windows, purchace strong, durable windows that have strong latchs. You can also purchace after market window locks that install to the frame of wooden frame windows. A simple and inexpensive window block is a dowl cut to size and wedged between the top sash of the lower window and the top frame. Do not neglect your second story windows when securing your windows. Criminals are often creative and clever when it comes to finding ways into your home. Of course, as any Law Enforcement Officer can tell you, these precautions won't deter a thouroughly determined criminal. After all, the criminal can simply smash the window and gain entry. Some alarm systems (discussed later) can detect a window being broken but that merely provides warning and notification, it does not prevent the criminal from entering if he so desires. Window bars or break resistant windows are a natural solution. However both add cost to securing your home. Further, window bars can prevent emergency exit should the need arise, such as with a fire, and are often considered unatractive. Finally, you should consider installing and using quality blinds or heavy drapes. These can prevent snooping, deter criminals trying to get a quick reconaisance of your house, and help preserve your privacy. You should draw your blinds or curtains whenever your home is unoccupied for a period of time such as when you are at work or away for the day. [Doors] The entry doors to your home should be of sturdy construction. All metal fire or "security" doors are a good option. Install a peep hole that can be easily used by all members of your home. Consider installing two, one at a lower level, if you have children. Install a quality deadbolt lock. Do not neglect the doorframe. To put it simly, it doesn't matter how sturdy and strong your door and lock is if the frame is weak. Most doorframes are construction quality wood and will easily splinter and break when the door is struck forcefully. A great number of forced entries show failure where the lock enters the frame. Consider a reinforced or steel frame for all your entry doors. Double Doors, French Doors, and Sliding Glass Doors present additional challenges to security. Consider avoiding these types of doors. If you must have Double or French Doors, or if you are moving into a house that already has them, consider reinfocing and securing the doors as you have your other entry doors. Pay attention to locks, lock settings, and frames. Modern Double and French Doors designed for entries, besides being of all steel construction and reinforced glass, often have thow bolts at the top and the bottom of each door that can slide into the frame for added security. Sliding Glass Doors can be particularly troublesome. Older models were easy to lift off of thei tracks, the latches tended to be simplistic and ineffective, and were, of course, all glass. Give serious thought to replacing Sliding Glass Doors with more secure doors. A simple stop-gap measure to prevent simply forcing the lock and sliding a Sliding Glass Door open is to block it shut by slipping a wooden dowl cut to length in the track. 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 [the garage] [Shrubs] > > Shrubs can be used by bad guys to hide behind/in or can be so large as to > > prevent a passerby from observing a BG gimying a window. > specially ones beside your windows and door. > There are lots of thorny, prickly security enhancing > flora - I notice it on campus a lot. - Karen [lighting] [fences] [burglar alarms] [safe rooms] A Saferoom is a room in your house specially desisnated and pre-prepared for the event of an emergency. The idea is to have a place where you and your family can meet and be safe if you believe you may be in danger. This room should be easy for everyone to get to. Often the Master Bedroom or the private bath off of the Master Bedroom is selected. It should be fitted with a strong door and a strong lock. You should also stock it with a fully charged cell phone in case your standard phone line is unavailable for some reason. For this purpose you can even use a cell phone that has been canceled since 911 is always available even on a canceled cell line. Further, equip your Saferoom with a First Aid Kit. Finally, if you have decided to keep a firearm for home defense, this is an ideal location to store it. You may also wish to consider selecting your Saferoom for shelter from Tornados if they are a threat in your area or with the ability to exit the home in mind such as in the event of a fire. One disadvantage of a Saferoom is that you've got to be able to get to it for it to be of any value to you. If it's too far away when an emergency strikes or if the event unfolds too quickly to make use of your Saferoom, you might as well not have one. It has it's limitations. However, don't be discouraged or or disuaded, many stories of an Armed Defender situation that starts off, "I heard a noise in the xxxx so I went check on it..." In those cases, you would have plenty of time to get to a safe room then or send your family there. [neighborhood watches] [dogs] [exit plan] ------------------------------ Subject: 6 - Women's Self Defense OK ladies. Here's the straight scoop. This section is specifically addressing your concerns about *WOMEN'S* self defense. [Rape] One of the biggest reasons many women want to learn Self Defense is to prevent or be able to disengage a rape attempt. {some stuff about prevention and situational awareness date rape drugs, etc.} Getting Physical Outside of situational and preventative measures, what to do when actually being physically attacked is important. {some general advice} As a woman, you are going to have to come to terms with the fact that you are always going to be at a major disadvantage when it comes to fighting; for this reason, you might want to consider looking into a style that teaches you to use a weapon such as a club or a knife or a style that teaches you how to react when you are in physically compromised situations such as if a strong, heavy man is laying on top of you and hitting you in the head. Remember that the reason that weapons exist is to nullify the advantages of size and strength of one fighter over another - you don't see weight classes in fencing competitions, but you do in boxing, wrestling, and judo. Further, you should be aware that some of what is being taught is just absolute garbage. Worthless. Hucksters. You should also be aware that many of the more effective techniques and many of the best respected martial arts are going to put you in what you might consider "intimate" contact with your training partners. There are various names for the positions and techniques such as "the Guard" or "North South" but they're going to look ERY sexual to you. Partners wrestling around in each other's legs or faces near crotches or hands on thighs. You may be put off or feel uncomfortable by the idea of being placed in such "intimate" contact on such a regular basis, particularly when you're desiring to *PREVENT* these activities. Further, many women feel uncomfortable letting people get within their personal space. This is an area that extends around your body that you desire to keep clear, at least subconsiously. This can be anywhere from one to three feet depending on several factors. If you wanted to learn to ride a bicycle you wouldn't read a book about it. You wouldn't get a bicycle and put it in your garage thinking, "it will be there if I ever need it." You wouldn't "visualize" it happening. You would get someone experienced at bicycle riding to help show you how, give advice, and adjust your technique while you actually practiced riding the bicycle. To be blunt, why would you expect it to be different learning to stop a guy trying to force his hips between your legs, grab your crotch, or knock you down and climb on top of you? Which do you think would make you more uncomfortable, working in a safe environment with other people who want you to be able to learn to stop these things and are trying to help you do so, or actually getting raped? 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789 ===========rape============= http://www.kron4.com/Global/story.asp?S=1641864&nav=5D7lKmKL BOSTON (AP) -- Binge-drinking and rape often go hand-in-hand on college campuses. The College Alcohol Study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, Saint Joseph's University and the University of Arizona finds alcohol use is a central factor in most college rapes. The study examined 119 colleges nationwide and found nearly five-percent of women said they had been raped during the first seven months of the school year. Nearly three-quarters of those rapes happened when the victims were so intoxicated they were unable to consent or refuse. Researchers defined binge drinking as consumption of five or more drinks in a row at least once in a two-week period for men, and four or more drinks in a row for women. The report appears in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) ============================ [tap into the lizard brian - get MAD] A good treatise dealing with this sort of problem from, of all places, women in the SCA. http://www.peak.org/~grainne/Ironrose/lizard.html ------------------------------ Subject: 7 - Martial Arts ------------------------------ Subject: 8 - Physical Condition [What is Physical Condition] Essentially this is being physically fit. It is being in at least reasonable physical condition to be able to perform aerobic or strength activities. [Why Do I Need That?] Much of the advice offered herein is often applied "common sense" or the result of other people's hard won experience. One of the most commonly offered pieces of advice to avoid a confrontation is, naturally, to "run away" when you can. If you're not in good enough physical condition to run more than a few steps then you are depriving yourself of an important tool for your Self Defense. Obviously there are times when you simply can't run away for various reasons such as if you need to protect a third party, are blocked by barriers, or suffer a physical infirmity that prevents it. Still, if you are physically capable of being able to run you should not deny yourself that option. Additionally, if you are, as a last resort, required to fight you should know that it's strenuous business. Even a few seconds can see you expending a great deal of energy and if you do not have the physical reserves to rise to the challenge you may fail and become a victim even though you were prepared in every other way. Further, you should also include a bit of strength training in your physical fitness activities. You don't have to be immensely strong but you do need to be able to operate at a level of strength. It is true that the blatantly, obviously strong and bulky men can be somewhat intimidating in appearance and that alone may be enough to dissuade a potential attack during the Interview phase, know that it's not a guarantee nor is it a requirement for effective Self Defense. Many Self Defense tools of opportunity are basically clubs. The more strength you are able to bring to bear in using a club the more effective it will be at the task. Also the stronger you are, the more capable you will be of breaking a grip and escaping should an attacker manage to lay hands upon you. Finally, being physically fit will add years to your life and help ensure that those years will be in a higher "quality of life." Think of it as Self Defense against the ravages of time. [How to get Physical Conditioning] Naturally you should check with your physician before starting a new exercise routine, however, once cleared the options are boundless and can be tailored to your individual personality, preferences, schedule, and financial requirements. You have options that include no equipment such as combining jogging with "Body Weight" exercises. You have options that include Professional Gyms, workout trainers, and the like. The local YM/WCA, Community Centers, or the Park and Rec. often offer Services and gyms. Your Church group may also offer supervised exercise programs. Further, you may also wish to band together with a small group of your friends and intimates. This often works well as you can offer each other moral support and encouragement. Here are some Internet links to get you started. Body By Fish http://www.trainforstrength.com/ex-2.shtml Body Weight Training http://pub58.ezboard.com/fbodyweightboardfrm1 Animal Ability http://pub17.ezboard.com/fanimalabilityanimalability IronMind - Sledgehammer workout http://www.ironmind.com/griptip5.shtml Usenet Newsgroups news://alt.fitness.weights news://misc.fitness news://misc.fitness.aerobic news://misc.fitness.misc news://misc.fitness.walking news://misc.fitness.weights news://rec.fitness ------------------------------ Subject: 9 - Guns And Other Weapons [is it appropriate for you?] > Whatever your political views about gun ownership, you will also > need some basic familiarity with firearms if this is knowledge you > don't already have. We live in the 21rst century, not the 15th, and > anyone who wants to know about how to defend themselves against > real-life threats is going to have to know how to deal with firearms > - handguns at a minimum, rifle and shotgun if you can. Most martial > arts schools will not address this, or address it in a way that will > more than likely get you killed, so get this information from people > who know what they are talking about: go to a local pistol range, > and ask about introductory classes (usually they will have something > like a day or half day beginners class for $50-$100, and well worth > it). No point in trying to defend yourself against a weapon you > don't understand. - Eric D. Berge [training] [get the right tool for the job] [keeping them safe from "the wrong hands"] [is it legal to own in the home?] [is it legal to carry outside the home?] [legal and moral ramifications] [force continuum] ------------------------------ Subject: 10 - Involving Friends And Family [some reasons to bring them on board] [training children] [ideas] > in our family, we have special knocks. also for with company and one > for danger. > my friend and i have special handsigns for "danger in the > premises/weapons, number of posible oponents, we are going to > attack/im going to attack, and stand by". sample, i see a guy with a > weapon with us inside a public bus, i flash the danger in the > premises/weapon while looking exactly away from the person(to tell > them the direction to look at) , if they flash acknowledge sign then > they have seen it too. we then as stealthly as posible try to get good > position. if the guy does nothing, we do nothing. if he starts > trouble, well be in his neck and his partners also the very second > they start it. but if they sign back "stand by" we either get off the > next stop(it means the danger is greater than we can control) or there > is no reason for alarm and we ride through. this also works for > party's, out in the street or other gatherings. > - (wallen) wallenp@yahoo.com ------------------------------ Subject: 11 - Suggested Reading Self-defense Concepts - Ron Mottern http://ejmas.com/jnc/jncart_mottern_0303.htm "The Truth About Self Protection" - Massad Ayoob "In The Gravest Extreme: The Role of the Firearm in Personal Protection - Massad Ayoob "Her Wits About Her" - Denise Caignon and Gail Groves "Principles of Personal Defense, by Jeff Cooper "Armed and Female, by Paxton Quigley ------------------------------ Subject: 12 - Disclaimer and Copyright Notice Some answers given may reflect personal biases of the author and contributors. The answers contained herein pertain to discussions on the rec.martial-arts group, and are by no means exhaustive. The RMA Newbies Guide to Self Defense was created from publicly available sources and the opinions of experts in Self Defense and Law Enforcement as well as information from the creator of this document, Kirk Lawson (additional contributors listed at end). It is the intention that this document be a companion document to the current rec.martial-arts FAQ. The author, Kirk Lawson, grants rights to update, maintain, modify, and distribute this document provided that you abide by the "no profit" restrictions detailed hereafter. You are specifically granted the right to distribute this document in any storage or display format including, but not limited to, HTML, RTF, .DOC, PDF, or direct telepathic transfer. You are granted the right to copy, store, modify, and distribute this document provided that a) This Disclaimer, Copyright, and any version history or creator/contributor attributions are included. b) That you charge no monies for the distribution of this document, excepting a nominal charge for the cost of media upon which it may be distributed. If you wish to include this document in any for-profit publication or to include it in any pay-per or price metered medium or delivery, you may only do so with the express permission of the original document author, Kirk Lawson. Basically, if you want to modify or distribute this document for free, fine, go ahead and do it, but if you want to make money off of it, I want my cut. Kirk Lawson: lklawson@heapy.com or lawson@dayton.net Additional Contributors: "Fu, Ren-Li" - frl8@rogers.com Eric D. Berge - eric_berge@hotmail.com Wallen - wallenp@yahoo.com Karen Nagai - nagaiky@u.washington.edu Steve Gombosi - sog@niwot.scd.ucar.edu Philippe Boudreau - pboud_01@hotmail.com Renee Warren - RTWdesigns@aol.com Jeremy Graham - sodeguruma@yahoo.ca Don Wagner - dawagner@ix.netcom.com