“Defensive Living”
While recently demonstrating the proper martial arts stance for delivering punches, blocks, strikes and kicks in a Nia routine, I realized how much these moves could save my life in a fight or flight or situation. The Nia Technique™ offers an invigorating cardiovascular workout but it also teaches valuable self defense moves.
According to the Statistics on Violence against Women, “1 in 3 women experience physical assault, from threats of assault, to attacks causing serious injury”; think about that. How many times are you (a female) in the company of two other women? You, your mom and your aunt; you, your best friend and her sister; you, your grandma and your cousin; inevitably, you or somebody you love will statistically become the victim of some level of physical violence.
“Defensive Living”, a practical guide to survival, written by Bo Hardy; offers information that nobody should live without, especially women! I highly suggest reading this book from end to end.
Here are some of my favorite real-life self defense tips covered in the book:
Don’t Think and Look like a Victim
Always lock the doors in your car and home immediately after entering or exiting
Always use the Buddy System
Take 15 to 20 seconds to observe your destination area before approaching
If you decide to physically resist your assailant, do so only to avoid personal injury or death.
If you are going to carry a weapon, know how to use it and have it available
Determine safe locations available 24 hours a day in your city and on frequently traveled routes
Become aware of crime trends and criminal statistics in your area
When confronted with abduction, never leave a public area even when threatened with death or injury
Use positive mental survival training