I Won't Be a Victim: The Importance of Self-Defense
By: Denise Tausig,
SparkPeople Blogger
8/30/2012 6:00 AM
: 30 comments
: 6,539 Views
After living in the state of California all of our lives, five years ago my husband and I decided we were ready for a change, and we moved to Missouri. We have enjoyed the change that we experienced with that move and decided that it was finally time for us to purchase our first home. We purchased our house in mid-July and have been enjoying being homeowners. We honestly couldn’t ask for a better first home as we both love it very much. It feels great, and we both feel quite accomplished that we were able to become homeowners much sooner than we ever thought was possible.
Our new house is located in a neighborhood only a few miles away from the house we were renting. Now, this is generally a safe and quiet neighborhood. However, last week we learned an important lesson, that bad things happen even in "safe and quiet" places.
Around midnight one night, someone threw a rock through our front window. I was very shaken up and want the criminal(s) caught, but as I write this blog, that hasn’t happened yet. Whoever did this not only caused a lot of physical damage to my house, but also rattled my nerves so much that I have been on edge since then. Who wouldn’t be though, right?
Well, the night that happened, I had so much adrenaline running through me (not to mention that I was a bit scared) I barely slept, but that gave me lots of time to think. One of the things that I thought about was my training in self-defense. I'm a red belt in Tae Kwon Do, after three years of training. I’ve never needed to use it, but should I ever be in a situation that I would need to use it, I am prepared and have practiced many hours so that I could be as prepared as possible. Having trained in Tae Kwon Do, which included weekly self-defense classes, I would like to think that I could defend myself as necessary, but really, I never want to have to do such a thing.
I then started to think more about my safety, especially since I work from home. While my husband’s workplace is only a few miles away, I needed more of a sense of security than that. The next morning I started to call around for quotes on alarm systems and within two days, we had one installed, which has helped me feel safer. I know that things can still happen though and while it is a great thing to have, the alarm system is just one precautionary measure. I feel like the alarm system is my first defense for anything happening when I’m home. My second defense though, is the knowledge of self-defense and having a plan should anything else happen, including when I’m away from home. I will say that now we have the alarm, I am less worried that something should happen to me, but again, it won’t help me if I run into a situation when I’m out and about in general, or if someone breaks in while I’m home and tries to harm me.
I’m sure many of you have heard about various situations where someone was attacked (male or female) and how they got away and saved their own lives. I think it is a wise decision for everyone to learn how to defend themselves. Even if you think it would never happen to you and/or that you live in a nice area with little to no crime. It does happen, even in nice areas and to nice people. I highly recommend that people of all ages take some type of self-defense class, including kids, to at least get the proper instruction on how to defend yourself. You just never know when it might come in handy and hopefully you will never need to use it, but it is very nice to know that you have the confidence to defend yourself should you ever find yourself in that type of situation. While you can find some resources online to help you learn some self-defense techniques, it is best to learn it in person with an instructor who can work specifically with you and allow you to properly practice and get the techniques down correctly.
With that said though, below are a few online resources that may help you get started with some self-defense techniques and ideas. (I still recommend learning from an instructor in person. You can check with your local police or sheriff department to see if they offer self-defense courses or one of your local martial arts studios.)
Self-Defense Techniques from eHow
Self-Defense Techniques youtube video (A long video, but has some good information and examples.)
8 Self-Defense Techniques for Kids (Good information for kids.)
Being prepared for the worst is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. I believe that taking extra precautionary measures now can make a big difference and even save your life should anything ever happen to you. I am thankful that I have been trained in self-defense and because of this recent incident, I thought it was a great reminder to not only practice the techniques that I know, but to also remind others about their safety and that they too can learn self-defense.
Have you ever had to defend yourself? Do you know any self-defense techniques? If so, what tips do you have to offer others?
Our new house is located in a neighborhood only a few miles away from the house we were renting. Now, this is generally a safe and quiet neighborhood. However, last week we learned an important lesson, that bad things happen even in "safe and quiet" places.
Around midnight one night, someone threw a rock through our front window. I was very shaken up and want the criminal(s) caught, but as I write this blog, that hasn’t happened yet. Whoever did this not only caused a lot of physical damage to my house, but also rattled my nerves so much that I have been on edge since then. Who wouldn’t be though, right?
Well, the night that happened, I had so much adrenaline running through me (not to mention that I was a bit scared) I barely slept, but that gave me lots of time to think. One of the things that I thought about was my training in self-defense. I'm a red belt in Tae Kwon Do, after three years of training. I’ve never needed to use it, but should I ever be in a situation that I would need to use it, I am prepared and have practiced many hours so that I could be as prepared as possible. Having trained in Tae Kwon Do, which included weekly self-defense classes, I would like to think that I could defend myself as necessary, but really, I never want to have to do such a thing.
I then started to think more about my safety, especially since I work from home. While my husband’s workplace is only a few miles away, I needed more of a sense of security than that. The next morning I started to call around for quotes on alarm systems and within two days, we had one installed, which has helped me feel safer. I know that things can still happen though and while it is a great thing to have, the alarm system is just one precautionary measure. I feel like the alarm system is my first defense for anything happening when I’m home. My second defense though, is the knowledge of self-defense and having a plan should anything else happen, including when I’m away from home. I will say that now we have the alarm, I am less worried that something should happen to me, but again, it won’t help me if I run into a situation when I’m out and about in general, or if someone breaks in while I’m home and tries to harm me.
I’m sure many of you have heard about various situations where someone was attacked (male or female) and how they got away and saved their own lives. I think it is a wise decision for everyone to learn how to defend themselves. Even if you think it would never happen to you and/or that you live in a nice area with little to no crime. It does happen, even in nice areas and to nice people. I highly recommend that people of all ages take some type of self-defense class, including kids, to at least get the proper instruction on how to defend yourself. You just never know when it might come in handy and hopefully you will never need to use it, but it is very nice to know that you have the confidence to defend yourself should you ever find yourself in that type of situation. While you can find some resources online to help you learn some self-defense techniques, it is best to learn it in person with an instructor who can work specifically with you and allow you to properly practice and get the techniques down correctly.
With that said though, below are a few online resources that may help you get started with some self-defense techniques and ideas. (I still recommend learning from an instructor in person. You can check with your local police or sheriff department to see if they offer self-defense courses or one of your local martial arts studios.)
Self-Defense Techniques from eHow
Self-Defense Techniques youtube video (A long video, but has some good information and examples.)
8 Self-Defense Techniques for Kids (Good information for kids.)
Being prepared for the worst is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. I believe that taking extra precautionary measures now can make a big difference and even save your life should anything ever happen to you. I am thankful that I have been trained in self-defense and because of this recent incident, I thought it was a great reminder to not only practice the techniques that I know, but to also remind others about their safety and that they too can learn self-defense.
Have you ever had to defend yourself? Do you know any self-defense techniques? If so, what tips do you have to offer others?
 You will earn 3 SparkPoints |
NEXT ENTRY > What's New on SparkPeople: August Edition
Comments
Reading this blog, there isn't any mention about how you know that this really was an act of violence versus some horrible mistake. If it was a smaller stone it could have been kicked up by another car. I could have been thrown by some 'punk kid' who was being bullied into doing it but has no ill will towards you or your family. For instance, when I was younger the back window on my parent's car was shattered. They worried for a few days about who was out to get them, just to find out that the neighbor was trying to help by using a snowblower to clear the driveway and didn't realize it had kicked up a rock (or a few) and destroyed the window. It was a horrible accident, not the serious threat and terrorizing of kids trying to hurt my family. So if this rock through your window was the only thing to have happened, then what's the point in obessively worrying, unless it continues to happen. Take a few simple precautions and be prepared, but worrying about a relatively small episode that is not repeated won't solve anything.
Oh and if anyone is doubting that I could 'understand' what it is to be a victim, I've been attacked several times, including to the point of having my breathing and heart literally stopped, and I've been a victim of violence too many times to count. I've always survived, not by shooting others, having a dog, or by kicking/punching/violence, but by intelligence and sheer determination. On multiple occasions I've outwitted them before they could do serious, permanent harm. A few other times it was through physical relaxation that my body could withstand what was happening - had I not done so they would have killed me. - 9/1/2012 5:07:32 PM
That was almost a year ago and it is still just like it happened yesterday for me. We now have steel doors with 4 foot strike plates and 3" screws, separate 'screen' doors made of metal bars (like you'd see on a pawn shop), boarded up all ground level windows in the back of the house, motion sensors inside and outside, light timers, a security alarm and a loaded 9mm within my reach at all times. I also cut down all trees and shrubbery around our house and yard. So much that we had to call the city to pick it all up! You would think after all that I would feel safe, but I still lie awake at night listening for any indication that someone is coming. And during the daytime (it happened in the broad daylight in the afternoon) I am always watching out my windows and listening for noises. I tried getting a dog TWICE but it is too difficult with a small child. Don't ever think that it won't happen to you, like I did. Your safety is your responsibility. While I am thankful to be alive, I don't ever want to be in a helpless situation again. Self defense is a step in the right direction, but I do agree with the others that posted that oftentimes if you are protecting yourself and family, a weapon will ensure your safety. My advice as a result of my personal experience - Get a gun and learn how to use it. - 9/1/2012 12:57:43 AM
A dog will alert you if someone breaks in in the middle of the night while you're sleeping and if the barking isn't enough to scare them off then you better be ready to protect yourself.
There have been a lot of armed home invasions this past year in the city I live in.
In cases like that where the person who kicks in your door has a gun they could shoot you from across the room before you get close enough to use self defense.
I prefer to even the odds by having a gun too.
- 8/31/2012 9:02:46 PM
However, how do you do that when you live in the country?
I far away from training centers and don't have money for it.
Not to mention I have bad balance. Do you think the links will help?
Would really appreciate the feedback guys. Have a good one! Holly - 8/31/2012 9:21:15 AM
I agree re: Suggestions to get a dog (if you don't have one already). The police will always say that, too. In addition to the thorough comments recommending getting a dog; dogs are very good judges of character. Pay attention when they don't like someone. Even the appearance of having a dog (or other protectors) will help: Leave a really big dog food bowl and a big pair of men's boots on your front porch.
In addition to Gavin DeBecker's book(s), he has online assessments of various dangerous situations/levels of threat (domestic violence, terrorism, workplace violence, etc.) You can find his site by doing an online search. As best I can recall, his system is called MOSAIC.
You may already have a camera as part of your security system, but if you don't, consider getting one. There are stand alone cameras available, too. Many options are available in all price ranges. For your situation, you could get one that runs a DVR (recording) 24/7 or on a motion detector. Some have "night vision", etc. Even without a camera, motion-sensor flood lights will scare away a lot of would-be intruders. If you get a clear recording that will show a license plate &/or identify the perpetrator(s) this will substantially help the police in catching them. Not every intruder can be stopped. However, I feel better knowing that If I were ever to be killed in my home, with these precautions, at least my killer would probably be convicted.
I hope all of this helps you to sleep better. : ) - 8/31/2012 2:59:45 AM
Stand in your kitchen or your bedroom and see how difficult it is to do a roundhouse kick. You can do affective crane moves, but even then when you compare the available room in your kitchen or hall or bedroom, you are usually at a disadvantage. Compare the dojo mat to the room in your house.
Only well trained gun handlers should confront a burglar or robber in your house. Why? In order to be affective in stopping the offender, you have to be absolutely sure that you will pull the trigger and kill the intruder. Anything less will probably wind up with your gun in the intruders hand. You can NOT take time to debate the morals of taking such an action when confronting an intruder.
Dogs are a different matter. Toy and miniature sizes of many breeds make a lot of noise and can warn you. It also warns the intruder that there is a dog, and regardless of the size of the dog, when they get into protective mode, they can be viciously affective.
Medium size dogs that have been trained to protect people in it's pack ratchet up the nervous quotient of intruders, and large dogs that are barking and displaying their teeth will stop any intruder unless they are under the affect of drugs.
The thing about all dogs, the thing the bothers potential intruders the most, is that they have no idea when a dog will attack, and staring at the canines of even relatively small dogs is a nervous experience.
One of the biggest pluses in having a dog is that they all need to be exercised, at least one long walk a day for an adult dog, and that helps you too.
I've been trained in three types of martial arts and think I could still hold my own in the front or back yard, despite my age. We have a 10 year old Doberman and a 5 year old Boxer and both are well trained. Sarge, our Doberman is so friendly that he smiles at new people, however, most people back away when he greets them. Think about it. Here's this big Doberman, and he's showing you all of his canines.
If you get a dog, you MUST make sure you are the Alpha Pack Leader. Dog's can cause a lot of trouble of they think you are not the "Big Kahuna". - 8/31/2012 1:10:15 AM
The first time, someone broke out the window pane in my front door. The sound of glass breaking must have set Issa off, which set off neighboring dogs, which scared the crook away. The second time, a drunk just walked right in! Issa was up and barking before anyone could even react - she chased him two blocks up the street, then trotted home.
My husband works nights and I'm alone a great deal of the time. My dog is an excellent protection and guard tool, not to mention walking buddy and overall best friend. - 8/30/2012 12:32:13 PM
I read a wonderful book by Gavin De Becker called the Gift of Fear. It's all about learning to listen to your "gut" feelings when placed in what could be a potentially dangerous situation. it's a fantastic book that's highly regarded by many law enforcement agencies.
Personally, I do feel that those one day self dense seminars can be helpful to many women who feel victimized. You may not be able to throw a person, but you will be taught dirty tricks that could help save your life.
- 8/30/2012 11:59:31 AM
One of the things that really helps me now is having a dog. My dog is not a guard dog, but she's a good watch dog. She barks when unfamiliar people (and sometimes familiar people) go down the street, and that turns into a real ruckus if they are coming to our door. I rest easier knowing that people can't approach my house without my dog knowing about it. I think that a dog may actually deter crime too, because a lot of people are afraid of dogs and what they might do if they sense that you're up to no good.
I agree with you on self-defense. My daughter just started college, and I've been wanting her to take self-defense for a while. I think girls (especially) need to be able to take care of themselves. One of these years, maybe she will take me up on it. - 8/30/2012 10:38:54 AM
Alarm systems are being heavily advertised and can reduce the home owners' insurance rate. Be aware that false alarms can be charged with fines by the local police department.
Sorry for anyone who has experienced threat or injury, and hoping that we can create neighborhoods where people are know each other and watch out for each others' well being.
- 8/30/2012 10:20:37 AM
Hope you get more restful sleep soon. - 8/30/2012 7:08:46 AM
Please Log In To Leave A Comment: Log in now ›