Surviving an Attack

Friday night again. You sigh heavily time to go shopping for groceries again. You kiss your husband and hug your kids before walking out the door and head for the endless lines at Wal-Mart like countless Friday nights before. You’re not new to this you’re a veteran like millions of other moms. You can even drive the route blindfolded. As you shop around looking for bargains and checking off your lists. You notice a man that seems to be in every isle you go to. You glance at him and he smiles warmly back at you. You dismiss the thought and think and laugh to yourself your just being paranoid. Finally you made it through the never ending please lady for the love of God please don’t pay by check, check out line.  As you walk to the other end of the unlighted far side of the parking lot feeling victorious anther successful mission accomplished you spin around thinking you had heard something. As you turn you suddenly notice the man in the store that seemed for a moment was following you is now standing between you and the safety of your car. Seconds count what do you do?

Brief Discussion Period

Just like in our story bad things happen to good people everyday. You may know someone had has been assaulted raped or even murdered. In today’s society murder and assaults are on the rise leaving countless victims and families heart broken and searching for answers!

It is a crime that affects everyone not just a certain class, sex or gender.

No matter how many self defense classes or workshops you attend will completely wipe away all your chances of becoming a victim. But with common sense and taking protective measures you will lessen your chances of being attacked and fallen prey to a predator! Remember predators are looking for easy victims so they can slip through unnoticed. Become a Lion not a Lamb! Below are some simple steps to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

  1. Precaution begins before you step out of your safety zone such as your homes. Per plan let your family knows what routes you will be taking tell no one else.
  2. Carry change in your pockets for emergency phone calls.
  3. Make sure your battery on your cell phone is fully charged.
  4. Make sure you have a flashlight in your car and a small one on your person. It could be used not only to illuminate your steps at night, but also as a defensive tool.
  5. Make sure your car is in good working order.
  6. Never take the same route you always take mix it up so you will not develop a pattern. Always remember an attacker may have been stalking you days before the attack watching your movements and your time schedules. Mix it up.
  7. Never assume the people you know and are close to you will never harm you! Most Victims Know Their attackers!
  8. Never park in a dark place. Try to park as close to the store entrance as possible or near lot of people. When you're around a lot of people your less likely to be attacked!
  9. Never doubt your senses! If something seems wrong it probably is. Never be ashamed of reporting suspicious activities. Tell the manger or clerk or the police it may very well save your life.
  10. Stay Alert Stay Alive
  11. If an attack does happen to occur Do Not yell somebody Help Me Yell Fire Instead. Sad to say more people will respond to Fire then the words help me.
  12. Report the crime do not suffer in silence you may save somebody else from being hurt.
  13. Get involved in your community. Organize a community watch program.
  14. Share information with other families if you have noticed a strange car driving
    by often, ask your neighbors. You may prevent a crime and save lives at the same time.
  15. Trust yourself and make sound judgments.
  16. If an attack does happen you have two choices what we call in law enforcement fight or flight. Make the sound call that is right for the moment and what you desire as an outcome. If he only wants money give it to him you can replace money but you can not replace your life. If he wants more then money then be prepared to make him become the victim.

Article written by Punong Guro Robert Stallard

Punong Guro Robert Stallard is the President and Founder of the U.S.A. Philippine Jendo Association. He is a 10th degree black belt in Jendo Martial Arts. Punong Guro Robert Stallard was the first foreigner to be presented the Philippines highest Martial Arts Award on Philippine soil. For more information about Jendo please contact Grandmaster Abaya at [email protected] or Punong Guro Robert Stallard at [email protected]