The Big Three

1. Stay alert and tuned into your surroundings, wherever you are.
2. Stand tall and walk confidently.
3. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave quickly.

Challenge No One

Your mind-set should be that of "the pacifism of a warrior." Self-defense isn't about personal honor or machismo, it's about survival in an increasingly unpredictable and dangerous environment.You never know who you are dealing with, but the statistical probabilities of encountering a repeat, violent criminal with about as much compassion as an aligator grow higher every year. So, unless you or a loved one are in immediate physical danger, avoid a fight. Even if you win, you can be seriously injured. Walking away from confrontation has three advantages:

1. You avoid petty squabbles and later entanglements with the legal system.
2. It restricts fights to those you absolutely must undertake to physically save your hide.
3. It relieves you of moral indecision and guilt when you have no other choice but to do what you have to do.

     From the Colorado Springs, CO Police Blotter

Incident Date: March 24, 2003; Time: 6:35:00 PM

On 03/24/03 at 18:35 CSPD received a call from a female caller that she and her husband, the victim in this case, were in a verbal and physical fight with black males in the Toys-R-Us store located at 3730 Citadel Drive N. The female stated that they were shot at by a handgun. Investigation revealed that the victim confronted the suspect and advised him to slow his aggressive driving down. Both the suspect and the victim became involved in a fist fight. A friend of the suspect also engaged in the fight which later turned into a rock fight. The fight took a break and the suspect decided to engage the wife of the victim. Foul language and spit were exchanged before the suspect punched her. At this point the victim reengaged the suspect and chased the suspect back to his car. The victim then got into his truck and rammed the suspects car. At that time the passenger in the car fired approximately three rounds (Poss. .380 cal) at the victim while the ramming ensued. The suspects left the scene rather quickly as did the victim and his wife.
Minor injuries/ no arrest at this point of the investigation.

Preventing Common Mistakes

• Trying to be polite with a stranger who gives you a "bad feeling" is potential suicide. Run.
• Self-defense skills are useless if you can't release and channel your fear.
• Memorized self-defense techniques are too slow for the nervous system to process in a rapidly changing crisis.
• Being inappropriately or unnecessarily assertive with a criminal is an invitation for disaster. Standing up to a verbal bullying in a bar is not self-defense. Don't be manipulated.
• Don't resist a simple robbery. Do resist an abduction with everything you've got.
• Don't look on a conflict as a personal challenge. Avoid confrontations at all costs. Run away first. Fight only when you have no choice. Be a pacifist warrior. Obscurity is the best security.

Taking Precautions:

• When walking alone, make sure you have some type of deterrent device and be ready to use it. Some examples are:
  • Umbrella: Use both hands to make quick jabbing motions to the eyes, neck, groin
  • Plastic Lemon: It will squirt about 15 feet. Aim for the eyes; momentary blindness may provide time for escape.
  • Sharp pointed items: keys, pens, and pencils can be scraped across the face and eyes or jabbed into the eyes, face or neck.
  • Lighted Cigarettes: Smash it in their face.
  • Fist: Aim fist or outside edge of hand in an upward motion to the attacker's nose. Fingers may jab the attacker's eyes.
• Make sure that you know how to use (and can get to) any defensive items you may be carrying.
• Personal safety and Defense classes give you mental and physical preparedness. Check with local Law Enforcement agencies, Rape Crisis Centers, or University Crime Prevention Departments for information.
• Be alert. Don't assume that you are always safe. Think about your safety everywhere. Your best protection is avoiding dangerous situations.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, leave.
• Always walk, drive, and park your car in well-lit areas.
• Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing traffic.
• Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys.
• Wear clothes and shoes that allow freedom of movement.
• Walk to your car with keys in your hand.
• If you have car trouble, raise the hood and stay inside your car. If a stranger wants to help, have him or her call for help. Don't leave your car.
• Keep your car doors locked and NEVER pick up hitchhikers.
• Make sure all windows and doors in your home are locked, especially if you are home alone.
• Never give the impression that you are home alone if strangers telephone or come to the door.
• If a stranger asks to use your phone, have him wait outside while you make the call.
• If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don't go in. Go to the nearest phone and call the local law enforcement authorities.