No Nonsense Defense

It really takes a lot to shake me up and brake me down. I like to think that I have always been a tough, independent girl. I rarely cry, don't take crap from anyone and try not to let things get to me. If I am having a rough time, I'd basically keep it to myself and in time, sort through it. I guess you could say I am not your typical girl. I don't like being all emotional and needy. I am good about keeping a level head and doing what needs to be done.

That being said, I would be lying if I said our recent experience of an attempted break-in didn't get to me. For some reason it really shook me up, messed with my head, and took me a while to get rid of the feeling of being violated. A week later I am still jumping at every little noise and investigating the house to ensure that all is well and locked up tight. I am just a little paranoid. (I know, I know, they didn't get in, they caught the guy it could've been much worse, trust me I know.) I have played through every scenario in my head and I realize that Jon and I were extremely lucky to have been spared an actual break-in. But, that doesn't make it less scary.

This past week I have been pondering what I would do if it were to happen again, or if the intruder got in. I honestly don't know. I don't think anyone can be exactly sure how they would react to such a situation. Some may cower and hide or try to talk it out, while others go in fighting. All I have to say is it depends on the situation. If I was up against an un-armed girl or guy who tried to physically hurt me I can most definitely say I would do everything in my power to fight back and win. Now if they are armed or the size of king kong, thats another story. Life is not the movies, not all victims get out alive or unharmed. This is real life, people are unpredictable and situations can resolve and flair back up in an instant.

So, don't do something stupid...think. Survival and self defense are not all about strength, muscles and who has the biggest gun. It's about who has the ability to rationalize the situation and find a way to resolve it without bringing more harm upon themselves or their attacker. Yes, the attacker. Don't go shooting anything that moves just because you feel threatened. If they are armed, that is another story. Do what you need to do, but don't get trigger happy at every bump or the sight of a creepy person. There are lots of creepy people out there who don't mean you any harm, their mother just didn't teach them good hygiene.

Disclaimer: (I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL!) ...no really, I am not. This is just some friendly advice from a girl who is determined to keep herself safe. The fact is, there are more of us "average joes" than there are professional fighters and defenders. 

You Do Not Have to Be One of These:

Or one of these

Or one of these

And You Do Not Have to Have One of These:

Or one of these

Or one of these

TO DO THIS!

Now that I have ranted a little bit, lets get back to self defense. Self defense can be armed or un-armed. If you are un-armed here are a few steps you can keep in mind. I am not a trained professional, but I do know the "Sweet Spots" to aim for in both men and women. Yes the groan kick works against both genders. Ladies wish to protect that area just as much as the gentlemen.

Picture retrieved from: here on August 15, 2012

The point of these moves is to defend yourself. Not teach the attacker a "lesson." Leave that to the judge. I have heard it called the "Bash and Dash" method. It is merely a means of escape. Distract your attacker long enough to get away and call for help. Let the trained professionals deal with the psycho that just tried to attack you. Your main goal should be survival. Thats it.

When in doubt, go take a class and I firmly believe that everyone should know how to handle a gun and the proper way to use it. That includes checking it to see if it is loaded and how to actually shoot it. 

Again, be prepared. You never know what a day may hold. You may actually have to use it to defend yourself or someone you love.