Nobody expects to be attacked when they are going about their daily business, and the vast majority of people probably won't be. Violent attacks can come without warning and when you least expect it.

Being prepared for such a situation is very important and could save your life! Don't allow yourself to be a victim! Follow these simple guidelines to help yourself become more aware.

- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

- Practice extensive scanning. Look around and make sure you know whats going on in your environment.

- If you're walking at night every 5 seconds look behind yourself.

- When you scan your environment focus on the next two or three block before and behind you.

- Show that you are confident through your posture. Keep your back straight and head up. Walk with
energy and confidence. Don't be afraid to make eye contact with people.

- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Attackers will choose who they think will be an easy target. Don't be an easy target!

Are you being followed?

If you think someone is following you the best thing to do is to cross the street. Once you're across the street, check back and see if the person is still following you. If they are, turn around and look directly at the person who you think is following you. Direct confrontation may frighten off the person following you. If it doesn't, run to the nearest street light or crowd and scream for help. If you are being followed, never go home and never go into an unlit area. Call the police as soon as you can!

If you are attacked

When someone gets too close to you, prepare yourself mentally and physically. Prepare to use your arms to block an attack. If attacked, go for the groin. Use your knee to hit your attacker and hit hard. Try to disable your attacker as soon as possible.

For more safety don't run away to a back alley or a dark secluded spot, run towards a brightly lit area where there are lots of people.

Try to keep your eyes open and yell and scream loud as possible. This will scare your attacker and let other people know you are in distress. Try to carry something sharp in your key chain that can be used in a crisis situation.

Try to learn the pressure points on the human body - try to remember at least 3 spots in different areas of the body. Use these spots and hit your attacker as hard as you can. These spots can be the throat, diaphram, groin, jaw, kneecap, shin, eyes, and lower ribs.

If the attacker is much heavier than you you can gouge your attacker's eyes and bite their nose, cheek, or neck when they get close to you. Always protect your face by keeping your hands and forearms over your face.

Try to run away - be prepared to flee as soon as you have hit your attacker. Your safety should be your primary concern, and hitting an attacker in a sensitive spot should give you enough time to run away.

Multiple attackers

If you have 2 or more attackers never stand in the center of your attackers, try to position yourself where your back is protected from your attackers. Always face your attackers, don't let them get behind you.

If one of the attackers gets close, remember to concentrate on all your attackers at the same time.

If one attacker gets close, try to attack the other attacker. This attacker will not be expecting to be attacked. This is like a move in chess - try to use all your tools at the proper time.

The tools that you need

Knowledge of self defense techniques and strategies

Take a self defense course or enroll in a martial arts school that has a strong self defense component. Learn as much as you can able escaping from various holds, how to use joint manipulation tecniques, and how to fight fron the ground.

A strong body

Strengthen your body. Have an exercise routine to help you make your body stronger. Sit-ups and push ups will help you build strenght on your upper body. having a strong body doesn't just mean physical strength, it also means having a body that can absorb blows while you fight back and escape.

Good Cardio

Always be prepared to run. Practice running... besides being a skill for self defense, it's good for your fitness and general health.

Concentration, Communication, and Psychology

Try to maintain your concentration and be aware of your surroundings. Don't let verbal taunts or quick movements distract you. Try not to be nervous. Take deep breaths and be as calm and relaxed as possible. Don't panic! Believe in your ability to defend yourself and survive. Talk to your attacker and try to make a connection with your attacker. Find a weak spot and exploit it. Use whatever tactics you can in order to diffuse the situation.

Speed, Power, and Timing

Target training, partner training, bag training, learn distance, and balance training are all important aspects of developing your self defense skills. If you learn how to use your skills and use them with power and speed you have a greater chance of delivering a blow that will injur your attacker and allow you to escape. Learn about timing of your tecniques as well. When is the best time to deliver a blow for maximum effectiveness.

Use your voice - Yell! (KIAI)

Don't be afraid to yell loud, long, and primal. Make as much noise as you can, and don't be afraid to keep on yelling.

Distance

If you are in an arguement with someone on the street, don't stand close to the person you're argueing with - maintain a 2 meter distance (10 feet). If the person tries to get close to you, maintain your distance. As you are backing away, make sure you have your pepper spray or sharp object in your hand and keep talking. Use your communication skills to try to avoid a confrontation.