Self Defence Course safety Notes

Below is a list of things for you to think about in terms of maintaining your own personal safety – with our compliments

SAFETY AWARENESS HANDOUT

Please consider the following as food for thought.  This is not a list of must do issues but it is probably worth considering doing most of them if there is not a good reason not to!

 Three main reasons why someone might be the subject of a random act of violence:

Body Language Keep your head up, stand up straight, swing your arms and be obviously alert. Lack of Awareness You MUST know where you are and what is going on around you. Wrong Place, Wrong time Avoid being alone especially in a dark remote place.  Don’t drive through known bad areas a night.

OUT AND ABOUT – STAY SAFE

• Avoid being on your own when possible, particularly after dark and in remote areas.
• Wear sensible clothes and shoes.  Keep long hair tied back.
• Radiate confidence – NOT vulnerability.
• Walk facing traffic to avoid being surprised by attackers in cars.
• Avoid short cuts through dark alleys, parks or waste land.  Keep to the middle of pavements away from car doors and hedges.  Use well lit busy areas.
• Carry a personal attack alarm.
• When possible always plan to travel home with a friend.
• Let people know what time you expect to be home.
• Do not hitch hike or accept lifts from strangers.
• Do not have expensive items like jewellery on display.
• If out late alone arrange for a known taxi to provide a lift home.
• Don’t carry large sums of cash or valuable items that are not necessary.
• Keep your distance for strangers when walking down the street.

 PUBLIC TRANSPORT

• Try to avoid waiting at isolated bus stops.
• When on a bus sit as close to the driver a possible or at least within view of a CCTV camera.
• Avoid sitting in empty compartments in trains.
• Do not leave a handbag loose on your lap or on the seat next to you. 

PARTY TIME 

• Avoid travelling alone.
• Plan routes to the next venue.
• Don’t stay in a place if the atmosphere does not feel right.
• Avoid large groups of rowdy men.
• Always check where the exits are when entering a room.
• NEVER LEAVE A DRINK UNATTENDED.
• If you are drinking from a bottle, get into the habit of placing your finger or thumb over the top of the bottle when standing around chatting.
• When going into the toilets check out the traffic in out first.
• When entering the toilets check around and use mirrors to check blind spots before you enter the room.
• Appoint one individual to stay sober and look out for the group.
• Only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
• Be very suspicious if someone buys you a drink and it is not what you asked for.
• Always keep your drink with you or finish it before you go to the toilet or dance floor.
• If you do accept a drink from someone you do not know , go to the bar with them.
• Never share or exchange drinks.
• Look out for each other.  If someone seems too drunk or “out of it” for what they have had – they might be in danger.
• Always make people you have just met believe that you have a flatmate or that you do not live alone.
• If you decide to go home with someone, make sure that you introduce them to your friends (or bar staff or security) and make sure they know that you have been seen together.
• Help you friends get home safely or check that they are alright before they leave with a stranger.
• Don’t be too quick to trust someone you have just met.  Be careful at taking strangers at face value.
• If you feel dizzy or light headed but have not had much to drink, quickly get somewhere safe or with people you know and trust.
• Keep the number of a reliable taxi company with you.
• Keep the price of a phone call and the taxi fare home in a separate location to the rest of your money and not in your handbag.
• Always sit behind the driver in a taxi.
• When a taxi arrives make sure it is the one you ordered.
• When in the taxi make a note of the name and number of the driver.

 A note on alcohol 

Most of the publicity on drinks spiking is about adding date rape chemicals to drinks so that the subject can be knocked out.  This does happen, and is very serious but it is not as common as the simple trick of adding extra alcohol to a drink.  Alcohol can lower your self control and make you act in ways that is out of your normal character.  You may become less likely to refuse an invitation or resist pressure.  When out in groups make sure you look after each other.  If you are concerned about the way a friend is acting – talk to them about it.  Only accept drinks from people you know and trust. 

IF YOU THINK YOU ARE BEING FOLLOWED 

• If you think you are being followed – cross the road.  If someone is following you they will probably do the same.
• Go to the nearest public place (pub, shop or even a house with lights on) and call a friend or the police.
• Avoid enclosed pay phones.
• If someone grabs your bag or possessions – do not resist.  Try to get a description and call the Police.  Nothing in your bag should be worth risking your personal safety for!

IF YOU’RE THREATENED 

• Activate your personal alarm.
• Scream and shout.
• Get away as quickly as possible.
• Always ring the police as soon as you can once you are in a safe place.
• If a vehicle is involved, try to get the make, colour and registration.
• Take self defence classes and keep fit.  Many people come to the dojo for classes after they have been attacked!  Don’t be one of them.

RETURNING HOME 

• When arriving home to an empty house, ring your bell.  Hopefully an intruder still inside will prefer to leave quickly and avoid the risk of confrontation.
• When arriving home by taxi or a lift from a friend, ask the driver to wait until you have signalled that you are safe from inside.
• When approaching your door have your keys ready for a quick entry rather than providing an opportunity for an intruder while you fumble for your keys.
• When you approach your home scan the area for signs of forced entry or any unusual activity.  If you notice any signs then move on by and call the police from a friend or neighbour’s house.

WHEN DRIVING 

• On approaching your vehicle have your keys ready.  Check under and around your car.  Check the rear seats and the floor before entering.
• Some people have the habit of entering the car after shopping, eating etc and just sitting there doing some ordinary task.  Try to avoid this as this provides an opportunity for a predator to enter the side door and confront you.  Get in the car, lock the doors and drive away.
• Don’t park next to vans.  A potential aggressor could pull you into the van through the side door as you get out or in your own car.
• Check cars that are parked next to you.  If an individual is sitting in the car then do not approach your vehicle but go elsewhere until the car has moved or is empty or get someone (police/guard to escort you to your vehicle.
• .If you have the facility have your car system only open the drivers door on initial activation of the remote locking.
• Make sure that on long journeys you have enough fuel and that you know a good and safe (busy) place to stop to fill up en route.  Also ensure that your vehicle is well maintained.
• In cities and towns make sure your doors are locked and windows shut when in slow moving traffic.
• Try to park in areas that will be well lit and populated when you return.
• Do not leave valuables on display in the car.  Even when you are in it and moving.  Especially in slow moving traffic in populated areas.
• Never pick up hitch hikers.
• Never stop if you feel you are being followed.  Drive to a safe place and raise the alarm.  Consider the use of a mobile phone.
• If you are followed into your own drive do not get out of the vehicle.  Ensure the widows are shut and the doors are locked and make noise with the horn.
• When parking reverse into spaces so you can get in and drive away quickly.
• Never leave keys in the ignition even for just a few moments.
• Do not stop to help a motorist who appears to be in trouble.  Drive on and report the incident by phone.

The Power of Being Ready

Being a big rugby fan I have been glued to the television early in the morning for the last few weeks.  On Sunday during the final it was most interesting to see the winning points scored by a man who, 2 weeks earlier, had been fishing prior to his departure to UK to start a new career with and English club.  Having been the forth choice of stand off for the All Blacks he was not required by them for the world cup campaign.  However, after the 3 individuals who were ahead of him in the pecking order suffered injury it came down to Stephen Donald to kick the points that saw the All Blacks rightfully crowned as world champions.  He is a profesional sports man so he would have been ready to take on this very important role even though he was not expecting it.

Why be ready

Many of us can get bogged down in what we often can consider a mundane and routine life.  However, one of the great beauties of life is the unpredictable nature of what is around the corner, and being ready for a great opportunity is something we rarely consider.  I can not put this point any better than Napoleon Hill, who in his work “Think and Grow Rich” stated:

There is a difference between wishing for a thing and being ready to receive it.  No one is ready for a thing until he believes he can acquire it.  The state of mind must  be belief, not mere hope or wish.

So maybe we should spend some time preparing ourselves to be ready if a great opportunity comes our way.  If we do it properly then it will be easy to believe that we are “ready” and we are showing that we are not simply wishing for something to happen!

Training

Often when people think of martial arts training they think simply of punches, kicks and fighting.  Well, it is far more than that!  It is a continual practice to ensure that we are ready for any situation that might befall  us, including great opportunities!!

The Power of Being Ready

The Power of Being Ready.

Ethics, Etiquette and Responsibility

I teach Aikido (a Martial Art) and I believe that the time spent in the dojo (Training Hall) needs to be time well invested and not just of use in the specific environment of Aikido.  When we train we have a chance to experience many of the challenges and principles that we will meet and need in the Big Wide World and we can cultivate our ability to deal with them whilst also training in our chosen art.  What follows, I believe, is as true when looked at in terms of training as it is  in terms of any of our life’s challenges. So the dojo can be a place to train for life as well as Aikido!

On Rights and Responsibilities

Sometimes I feel we live in a world that thrives and relies on Rights.  But, Rights are without means, they have no substance and on their own can do nothing.  If one has the Right of self defence, that in itself does not protect  one from an attack.  The Right alone has no means.  In order to exercise any right certain responsibilities have to be met.  In the case of self defence some training or ability needs to be nurtured in order to be able to exercise the Right.  Often I think individuals do not understand their responsibilities yet are very keen to exercise their Rights believing that it is other people’s responsibility to provide them with the means.  I can not help but think this is wrong.  In the dojo we all have the Right to learn and progress but this comes with the responsibility to work hard, listen and respond to instruction which is the means by which we achieve this.

On being Positive

When we are surrounded by positive individuals, those who take responsibility and make things happen it has a profound effect on us because their attitude can be contagious.  The opposite is also true and negative individuals can have a very poor effect on those they mix with.  Being positive is difficult, just like taking responsibility is difficult and I believe the two are linked.  You see, to be negative about something is easy and requires no courage, you do not need to take any responsibility for the outcome of a situation if you say it will fail.  You can only win; if it succeeds you can suggest it was lucky, if it fails then – ” I told you so”!  You have no responsibility and you have no ownership – easy.  However, if you are positive the game changes, if it fails you loose because you have chosen to take some ownership (responsibility) for the success of whatever it is.  This is definitely not the easy option and requires courage and conviction as well as energy and of course responsibility.  So relying on one’s Rights and being negative are the obvious choices if instant gratification is seen as the panacea, if rewards can be reaped without effort which is often the case in today’s world.  So what can be done to make sure we develop individuals with courage and the conviction to take on responsibilities?

Ethics and Etiquette

When individuals act with ethics and conduct themselves in a manner that conforms to acceptable rules for behavior that are there to benefit all of society then they are acting in an ethical way.  When individuals act polity and offer respect to others and conform to acceptable levels of behavior they are displaying good etiquette.  If everyone lived an ethical life, and displayed good etiquette then I believe individuals would feel better about themselves, would feel able to take on more responsibility and would develop a more positive outlook on life; which would become contagious.  The trouble is all of this takes effort, and often we find it difficult to put that extra effort in.  However, I think we have a human responsibility to act in these ways even though it requires us to put in effort and to display courage. In the dojo etiquette and training in an ethical manner are high priorities and positive progression and results only come from the effort we put in.  The more effort the better the results.  Taking responsibility for the outcome of our actions is empowering; even failures can teach us good lessons if looked upon with a positive attitude and acted upon appropriately .  So why not make the plunge and choose to be courageous, live an ethical life and take responsibility.  It could even be fun.  The dojo is a  great place to develop and nurture these qualities while at the same time learning useful skills and keeping fit.

Why would I Train in Aikido?

Applying the first control principle

Who Can Train

Many people are interested in training in a martial art but think that they are too old, not fit enough or that they just could not do it!  The truth is far from this! Anyone can train and age, and ability simply are not an issue.  Aikido is about personal development, about discovering things about ourselves and trying to become the best individual that we can be.  All training is performed at a pace that the individual is happy with and safety is a very high priority.  Who would want to come to an activity where they routinely get hurt?  NOT ME!

How does Training Help me Improve as an Individual?

During training we focus on every aspect of the martial tradition.  This martial art from Japan was originally developed to be an effective fighting system during a time when battles were a regular activity and fighting was a means of survival.  However, even after peace became the norm the martial arts were still practiced because they were seen as means by which individuals could develop the qualities needed in good citizens and most importantly in the leaders of society.  Qualities such as: honesty, loyalty, determination, patience, cooperation and good manners to name but a few.  During training all these qualities are needed and indeed developed while at the same time enjoying a physical activity that will also provide effective and practical technique should one be unlucky enough to encounter a violent incident.

Why should I Train?

If you are interested in trying a martial art.  If you wish to develop some of your positive qualities in a safe, friendly and encouraging environment with like minded individuals then you should consider coming and giving Aikido a try at the Shudokan School in Preston.

Classes are available for all ages form 4 years upwards and Aikido is a great way for children to develop good positive habits that will see them through the challenges of life.

You can check out the web site or just call on 07903337956

You will never know if you don’t try?

Twitter, Isaac Newton, Aikido and Life

Twitter teaches me a lesson

I had idly been aware that for the last several days (or weeks) that my number of twitter followers had remained roughly the same. Now one day I saw a follower and looked at his followers and found several that I would like to follow so I did! What happened next was that many of those I had just followed followed me back and my followers number increased! Amazing, you might say but you see this made me think; simple thing is, that by performing an action something that had not been happening – happened.

Isaac Newton did not have twitter but knew how to get followers

Anyone who did O level physics knows that it was Isaac Newton who said every action has an equal and opposite reaction and I think this is a lesson for us all to learn outside of it’s obvious application to physical laws. You see, I was not get new followers because I was not doing anything to get them. By taking action I started a reaction that brought me new followers. Brilliant! Now I am sure this simple lesson can be applied to many things? In business, how many companies or small businesses sit around moaning that here is no trade when maybe they should be taking some action in order to get the reaction that will bring them that trade?

Aikido is no different

In our training we often find that we have periods where little or no progress is perceived and we regularly look to find reasons or excuses as to why this might be. Rarely do we look to apply the Newtonian law and take some action to bring about the reaction we are looking for. Applying more effort, really listening to everything the instructor says or just getting the right mind set for a class are all actions that might just bring the reaction we are looking for.

A final word

Just a thought, but I wonder if this also works if we go about our daily life being polite, respectful and kind? Would this action lead to others being polite respectful and kind to us? Only one way to find out!!

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The 5 Secrets to Self Defence

People often talk about self defence and generally their thoughts focus on the ability to deal with a physical attack by some clever or violent physical technique that they probably saw in a movie or entertainment based fighting contest.  I think the whole idea of self defence deserves to be considered in more depth and that individuals can develop a “self defence strategy” that is effective for the modern world and all its challenges.

Human Rights

I am always a little disturbed when people talk about Human Rights: we all have the basic Human Right of self defence for example; but what does that mean?  A Right in itself means nothing without someone or something having the responsibility to ensure that Right is upheld.  It is a sad fact that many individuals feel they have the  benefits of Human Rights but take no responsibility to ensure that the Right can be upheld.  Now, this blog is about self defence and I  believe we all  have a Resonsibility to be able to act if we are threatened, but that does not just mean being able to use physical means to stop any would be attacker.  I also  believe in wisdom and that we humans have a rich heritage on which to fall when we need guidance.

Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu was a Chinese general who lived around about 500BC.  He wrote a book titled “The Art of War” and it has been used to guide military and political leaders for many years; probably because it  has fundamental truths:

“All war is deception”

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting”

“In peace prepare for war, in war prepare for peace”

“You have to believe in yourself”

These are abut a few of his sayings, but what has this to do with self defence?

Self Defence Course

When people think about a course in self defence they generally think about learning some physical techniques that will enable them to deal with an attacker, but I do not know of many individuals who can learn to be effective with physical techniques with out putting in many hours of dedicated training.  So what can an individual learn in a short self defence course?

Course Content

Firstly, it is a good idea to take a look at your self (another Sun Tzu Quote is “know your self and know your enemy and you can face a thousand battles”) and understand your own strengths and weaknesses.  Secondly, learn one or two simple techniques and practice them until they can be performed under pressure; a belief in being able to perform a physical  technique will provide a sound foundation for employing confidence strategies when confronted by a potential aggressor! Work on building a positive image of your ability and to really “believe in yourself”.

How?

You can try a self defence course that actually addresses the strategy of self defence and not just the tactics (physical techniques).  At Shudokan Aikido in Preston we are holding just such a course where we will outline the 5 Secrets to Self Defence, starting on Wednesday 6 April.   You will learn Aikido based principles similar to those used by Police forces around the world.  Details are available on our website.

http://www.shudokanpreston.co.uk/self-defence.php?s=210

You can attend the first class for FREE and then decide if you wish to continue.