1.4
Redford did, actual physical training should be learned in a classroom, not at home. Videotapes and books that teach self-defense are available, but you aren't the only one who can buy those. McCallum says that police have found copies of popular at-home courses in the homes of habitual predators. Another problem with videos and books is that they can't teach you how to safely use weapons.
The word 'weapon' is usually associated with items such as guns, knives and mace. Shoes might not be considered a weapon, but Moser says they can be,
especially heels. He says that if you hit someone in the head or chest with a shoe they are going to feel it. Car keys are another everyday item that can be used for defense. If placed between the fingers, they function as impromptu brass knuckles, perfect for disabling an attacker's sight. But weapons, whether traditional or makeshift, need to be used with caution. They don't always work as people expect them to. "Mace is the worst gift to give a niece or grandmother," McCallum says. "If you have a goal and you are determined to do something you can fight through a chemical spray very
easily. They don't stop attackers." Another problem with weapons is that people aren't always prepared to use them. If you carry a weapon of any kind you can't hesitate to use it, McCallum says. That gives the attacker an opportunity to use it against you. You have to be ready to do whatever damage you can. You have to be confident.
Confidence doesn't mean foolhardiness. McCallum and Moser stress that even the best-trained individuals still need to be aware of their surroundings Learning self-defense enables you to not have to inconvenience yourself out of
fear. It allows you to choose how you want to live, not be forced into do or not do something because you fear violent crime. "Take back the night' has to be more than just words," Moser says. "People need to be prepared. There has to be actions to back that up."
Alexa Redford is tired of driving what would be a 10-minute walk. Soon, she'll be starting a self-defense training course that she says she hopes will help her take back the confidence she lost that night in September.
Maggie Koerth, Jayplay writer, can be reached at mkoerth@kansan.com.
STUN AND RUN
Erin Osbourn, Olathe senior, demonstrates how to escape a chokehold. Moves such as this are simple to learn, but need to be practiced again and again. The move has to be second nature before it will be useful in an actual attack.
Osbourn pushes her attacker's arms away by hitting the joints in his elbows; then she makes an offensive move to disable him. "I'm not sure how guys feel about kicking another guy between the legs," she says. "But it's something I would definitely use if I had to."
Stunning an attacker long enough for you to get away is the ultimate goal of self-defense, Tom Moser says. Moser teaches self-defense at Tactical Concepts, Inc., a facility he owns in Rolla, Mo. He says the groin, throat and eyes are some of the vulnerable areas of the body that can be used to distract an attacker. "That will give you the time you need to turn away and run screaming," he says. "Once you start doing that the guy won't want to be there anymore."
10 jayplay
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thursday, december 4, 2003