Self-Defense Tools and Maneuvers

Basic Maneuvers
Coded Distress Signals for Real Estate Agents
Selecting self-defense Tools

Basic Maneuvers

Step 1- Keep your eyes on your attacker while turning your body sideways. Your shoulder should point at them.

Step 2- Raise your hands (Open palms, fingers together.) so that the hand nearest the attacker is at your face level and your other hand is positioned in front of your chest. You can now use your hands to block if he tries to strike you.

Step 3- Shout loudly and sharply. “Baaack Offff!!!”

Step 4- If your attacker stops or moves away, good. Stay alert and get to safety. If they continue to move towards you...wait until they’re in range, and, using the leg nearest the aggressor, kick them at or below the knee. Kicking higher is too easy to block or grab, and while painful when it succeeds, is not disabling.

Remember: If you’ve told someone to back off and they still advance towards you (they may try to distract you with a “You've got it all wrong" speech), you are justified in defending yourself.

Coded Distress Signals for Real Estate Agents

This is a very effective technique that can greatly improve your safety. But it will only work if everyone in your office learns it and agrees to participate. It works like this…

You’re alone at an Open House (for example), and someone comes in who causes you to be concerned or afraid. You phone the office and say, “Hi Chris, this is Pat. I’m at an Open House at 123 Oak Street in Pleasant Lawns. Would you get me the red folder for this property?

Pat has informed Chris-- Who’s calling. Where they are. They need help.
Chris responds with only YES or NO questions. The first is always, "Do you need me to call 911?" If YES, keep the caller on the line and call 911 using a different phone so you can facilitate communication.

If the answer is NO, Ask if they need someone to come over. They can then tell the person of concern, “Someone’s coming over right away with more information.”

Selecting Self-Defense Tools

Things to consider when selecting a self-defense tool include--

• Is it legal? Are any special licenses or permits required?
• Is it effective against all attackers?
• Is it safe?
• Can always be kept handy?
• Does it require strength, speed or special skills?
• Is it affordable?

Let’s consider some options--

Guns: Very effective, but have legal and safety issues. You must train regularly to be effective.

Knives & Clubs: Require skills, speed and strength. You must be willing to do serious harm to another.

Stun Guns: Not effective. You must hold the unit against your attacker for 4 full seconds.

MACE: Not effective against attackers who are drunk, high on drugs or enraged.

Pepper Spray: Best option for many people. Make sure you get good quality.

Self-Defense: We recommend it. Call us or stop in to any good martial arts studio and ask them for a few hours of training on street fighting.