Two Great Self-Defense Books

If you want to read two great self-defense books try safety expert, Gavin De Becker’s Gift of Fear and Protecting the Gift.  The Gift of Fear teaches us to listen to the clues that our bodies send us when something is wrong and to distinguish it from worry.  He gives us the confidence to trust ourselves and not be frightened that we will hurt someone’s feelings. 

In Protecting the Gift, he gives great hints on protecting our kids from violence.  Some parts of this book may be hard to read but he gives valuable information on recognizing dangerous situations.  He tells us that some things we hold as true may be incorrect, like telling children to be wary of strangers when most kids are hurt by someone they know not a stranger.  He gives us hints to keep our kids safer in all areas of life. 

Question of the Day

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Black Belt Mama

Hey Hip Mama's I want to give you all some self-defense tips that I have learned over the years in Tae Kwon Do.  I have earned my first-degree black belt and want to go back to work on my second-degree but for the moment it's too expensive.  I will give you some great tips but always remember nothing is full proof and it's wise to take classes on your own as well as reading self-defense tips.  The best thing to do in a bad situation, if you can, is get away fast and not have to fight.  But if that is not an option here are some moves for you to practice which may help.

Some Safety Tips

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS:

The first thing to remember when you’re out is to always be aware of your surroundings.  This works in every safety aspect of your life.  If everyone is more aware and reports anything suspicious it makes it much harder for a person with bad intentions to hurt anyone. 

Always Trust Your Instincts:

Listen to the skills you were born with that warn you when something is wrong.  Don’t ignore that feeling because most of the time you’ll be right and listening could save your life. 

KEEP KEYS OUT:

Second when you’re going to your car have your keys in your hand.  If fumbling for your keys you’re not paying attention and a much easier target for someone wanting to harm you.  If you are approached your keys can always be jabbed into an attacker’s eye.  Then you can run away and get help.  If someone has a gun and wants money it’s probably better to give the money up and not fight.

IF YOU’RE WEARING HEELS:

If you’re wearing heels and are grabbed from behind you can use them as a weapon.  You scrap your heel down the person’s shin and then stomp on their instep, turning at the same time. 

IN SELF-DEFENSE DO WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO SURVIVE:

When it comes to your safety it’s not a Miss Congeniality contest so be as ruthless as you can if it ever comes to protecting yourself.  Use your free hands to punch the groin, legs to kick, scratch, and yank back their fingers, what ever you need to do when you have no other choice but to protect yourself.

TAKE CLASSES AND LEARN TO PROTECT YOURSELF:

Don't just read hints, learn how to protect yourself through a class in your area.  Sometimes they will be free or low cost.  In our area in January the library is offering free self defense classes for women who sign up.  Look out for deals like that.  And take care of you.