Why Realistic Self Defense For Women?

Why did I create this thing I call RSD?

It all started when I felt I wasn't skilled enough to get out of a few holds. Mainly floor pins. I set up an instructor-via a strong peer, and he couldn't break the hold either. I decided self defense classes were not going to work for everyone every time. I wanted to create a simple system that an average woman could utilize. The more experimenting I did the more I realized that we need to learn how to evolve our natural defensive reactions into counter attacking actions. If you naturally bite, bite. If you kick, learn how to do that more effectively. Don't change your first natural reaction because it will cause a pause; critical lost time to save yourself. Don't let someone tell you how to react. When you are terrified you will do it your way anyway. Stay basis, basic in terms of what you physically implement. This system is meant for those who do not want to spend years learning the more complicated techniques.

However, keep in mind that self protection really starts with your decisions way before you are in a compromising situation. Most violence, unfortunately occurs within the framework of those we know-domestic abuse and date rape leading the pack. How do we all reduce these crimes?

Talk and get educated for a start. Don't keep your 'stuff' in the closet. Don't accept that you are a target.

My vision is that we will bring so much attention to violence and injustice against women, on a world wide scale, that one day there won't be a need to learn the physical skills to fight back. Through education understanding and acceptance we can more beyond violence.

What do you think?

Self-Protection 101 Cell Phones

Cell phones can be your friend or your enemy. Not to mention they can pop popcorn!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEb6-wGcjtI&feature=related
(I use my phone only when I absolutely need to)!

When you are 'out and about' and feel uncomfortable/unsafe call a friend/family. Tell them where you are and keep them on the line until you relocate to a safer location. Never hesitate to call 911 if you feel you are in danger. Have 911 programed into your phone, especially at home, so you only have to hit one button to receive help. (Being on the phone, as you are watching anyone who makes you uncomfortable, may be a deterrent for them to approach you).

It may sound like common sense, but keep your cells charged. I once found myself in a place where I thought I might need assistance due to car troubles, and I realized that my cell did not have any charge left on it. I only use mine for emergence's and had it in the glove compartment. Fortunately, I made it home and did not need the phone.

Cell phones can be real distraction. As awareness is critical in self-protection, I always challenge my students to open up their vision whenever they place a cell to their head. Never drive and use a cell at the same time. It is impossible to focus on driving 100% when you are on the phone.
Keep your head up and remain aware of your surroundings when you are on the phone.

Have a great weekend!

deb
www.realisticselfdefenseforwomen.com

A New Journey

Good Friday afternoon!

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who has visited this blog, and those who will. I have made a commitment to myself to write more and this blog is a part of that journey.

I really appreciate your suggestions and the comments that you have sent to me via e-mail.

Please feel free to leave comments on this site as well-click 'comments' just below each blog to do that.

Also, please click to the left of this and add your name to my followers list.

Have an amazing weekend!

PS. My book "What Is Your Teenage Daughter Afraid Of?" is available on my website at
www.realisticselfdefenseforwomen.com

Self Defense 101

The tip of the night-short and sweet:

Prepare your car for a break down. How many cars have you seen broken down along the road lately? I saw three today.

-If you have a cell, have it with you and charged.
-Ensure that your spare is inflated.
-Have a candle and matches (put the matches in a plastic bag-to keep dry) and sit the candle upright-(it will probably melt in the summer like mine did). A candle produces heat and light!
-Have a blanket and extra clothing.
-ALWAYS keep your tank at least 1/4 full, especially when you don't know the area.
-A container to collect water.
-Water.
-Tools to service your car-even if you don't have a clue how to use them ie. a jack. If you do not know how to change a tire-learn! (Or bring along your brother-in-law! Thanks Geoff for that fix on our trip to NY!)

more tips to follow another time.


Love this quote:
"It's never crouded along the extra mile" Dr. Wayne Dyer

nightnight.
deb

That's What I've Heard

When I began Martial Arts training in 1993 I had no expectations. I simply never stopped wanting to 'try' Kung Fu after watching 'Enter The Dragon', staring Bruce Lee in 1973...so I figured the longevity of that desire was an indication that 'just' maybe I should stop procrastinating. I loved it! Everything. The moves, the friendships, the discipline, the fitness, the instructor, the mystique and even the smell of the place....my master burned candles! Not the sweat silly, though there was a lot of that.

I talked about the training whether someone wanted to listen or not. Sorry about that guys. No one was interested in trying it. No one understood why I would possibly want those bruises or be grabbed repeatedly. I can not explain. It made me happy. I had (have) fun. It made me strong both mentally and physically. I felt like I was growing as a person.

Yet, there is something that always bothers me about this journey. What I have heard often:"Why don't you just buy a gun?!" "Why do you spend so much time learning how to hurt people?" "Why do you like that?" Why do you love what you love?

I train because I love the feeling of controlling my body and being able to do things physically that other 46 (in 2 weeks) year olds can't even imagine. I train because it silences my mind more than anything I know. It gifts me a calmness I can not explain. I train because my body loves to train. Get off the couch, your body loves activity-it's your mind that is lazy! I don't know why I love my dads old guitar, I don't know why I love writing, hockey or Yorkshire Terriers, I just do. Nobody has asked me why I love those things. I think that we should do more what we love.

I don't want a gun. Eeks! I've used them. A pellet gun as a kid and other guns when I spent a summer at a military camp. I do not like that kind of power!

I teach Self-Protection because I feel it my purpose to share what I know-I've tried to avoid it many times, but it keeps coming back into my life. "I want to train," I'd say. "I want you to teach," they all said.

For the record, I have no hidden agenda. It's fun.

There are people that hurt others. Avoid them. Every bad relationship comes with a red flag. When yours goes up, don't play like you are colour blind-get out of there!

have a great night.
Remember, Be prepared, NOT paranoid.
deb

Did You See What I Saw?

If your home is your castle, shouldn't you think about who you share it with?

I follow the same route every night as I make my way home. There is this winding roadway up a hill and as I get to the top I must either stop or turn right or left. There it is. That house straight ahead....that place where the lady never closes her blinds. Thousands of cars make that same trek every single day. The living room turns into the dinning room, then there's the kitchen.

I see the contents of her house, I see her personal space and I see her. Ninety percent of the time I travel up that hill when it is dark. I see her often. I can't help it. As I sit there waiting for the light to turn green, her living room window is directly below the signal lights. I've never seen anybody else in that house. I assume she lives alone.

I wonder if she realizes just how many people are watching her without ever meaning to or even wanting to. I wonder if she feels safe.

Didn't anyone ever tell her that when she turns on her lights she should close her blinds?

Be Safe
deb

Who Are You?

Far too often people look outside of themselves to define who they are....where are you looking?

You are not your roles. If I asked you "who are you?", what would you say?
What would you do to protect what you stand for? Who would you fight back for?

Women have told me that they could not fight back, they are too weak. However, when I ask "would you fight back if your child was in danger?" the response is always "yes."

You are special and unique....and much more powerful than you could ever imagine!

Be Well