Kuta Defense

Recognizing Dangerous Situations

2012-01-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

Typically a potential attacker will put his target through a testing period. He will be assessing the circumstances and his chance of completing his plans. This will include conversation and/or an attempt to dominate the target. It is during this period that women should key in on their intuition and the attackers behavior. The situation may be becoming violent or abusive.

Choose a confident demeanor and body language, use assertive communication, refuse to be controlled.

Safety Tips for Targets of Stalking

2011-01-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

The next several blogs will have suggestions on how to keep yourself safe if you are being stalked or harassed. Stalkers can be someone who you are/were in a relationship with, a coworker, acquaintance or even a stranger. These are general suggestions which may not be appropriate in every situation – please pick and choose the ones that seem relevant to your situation. Following these suggestions can't guarantee your safety, but it could help make you safer.

General Safety Strategies:

• Stop all contact and communication with the person stalking or harassing you. Responding provides reinforcement for his/her behavior.

• Carry a cell phone with you. Dial 911 if you ever feel imminent danger. Keep handy or memorize emergency phone numbers that you can use in case of an emergency, e.g. the number of the local police station.

• ALWAYS trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable for any reason, reach out for help, even if nothing immediately dangerous is happening.

• Have a safe place in mind you can to go to in an emergency. Exa,ples are a police station, place of worship, public area, the home of a family member or friend (unknown to the stalker), or a domestic violence shelter. If someone is following you, it is generally not a good idea to go home or to a shelter, choose a public safe place.*

• Try not to travel alone. Always vary your routes to and from work or school, the grocery store, and any other places regularly visited. By changing your daily routes, it could make it more difficult for someone to learn your routine. If you run or walk for exercise, you might want to get an exercise buddy to go with you.

• Attend a self defense seminar and/or class. You will gain confidence and skills that may very well save your life. Confidence is the unconquerable enemy of fear!

• Be aware of how much identifying information you are posting on the Internet through social networking sites and online purchases. You may want to select the highest security settings on any social networking accounts and think carefully before giving out your personal information through online purchases. More on this in upcoming blogs.

• Alert the three credit bureaus and ask to have a fraud alert put on your credit reports: Experian (888) 690-8086, Equifax (800) 525-6285, and Trans Union (800) 680-7289. A stalker may try to obtain your Social Security number and/or mother's maiden name to use this information to obtain your credit information. Putting an alert on your credit could help to prevent this and possible fraudulent activity and/or identity theft.**

* http://www.safehorizon.org/page.php?nav=rl&page=whatdoifstalked
**http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs14-stk.html

Credit to www.womenslaw.org from which this article was adapted.

Your First Line of Defense...

2010-09-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

What would it be?

When you are walking to your car, what gives you peace of mind and reassurance?

Dialing 911?
Talking to a friend while walking?

You have seconds to respond to an imminent danger. A 911 or friends response will take minutes, at best. In a violent attack or home invasion for that matter, it is unlikely an attacker is going to give you minutes. So again, what is your first line of defense?

While calling 911 is important, it should't be your primary line of defense. It’s too unreliable – you have seconds and it will take them minutes to arrive. If your home is burning, are you going to sit inside, call 911, and then wait, inside, for the fire department? I don't think so!

You are the first line of defense for you and your loved ones. Be aware. Be prepared! Know how to protect yourself!

And remember, when dialing 911 from a cell phone, they don't know your immediate location. You have to give them that.

2010-09-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

According to Crime in Texas 2008, provided by Uniform Crime Reporting program.
The estimated number of rapes committed in Texas for 2008 was 8,004. Of all reported forcible rapes, only 7% were attempts, 93% were rapes by force. More rapes were committed in April than any other month. Rape arrestees were 75% White, and 88% adults, with the highest number of arrests made in the 20-24 age bracket.

Changing Statistics Together!!

KUTA!

What Others are Saying about Regina's Seminars

2010-04-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

"The fact that 1 in 12 American women will be put under surveillance at some point in her life is more than enough reason for every mom, sister, cousin, grandma, and friend to attend this seminar. The techniques are simple and reproducible for every woman. It gave me confidence, removed the fear and inspired me to 'Stand up Fighting!'
It takes but only one minute into Regina's presentation to realize her mission is one of empowering women with the knowlege and techniques to defend and protect themselves. Her desire to share this information is evident in her every word and action. You need only sign up and show up for her seminar to see what I mean."

Dr. Debra Coody, Pinehurst Chiropractic Center

"You teach the class so we can truly understand, how important it is to always be alert when we are working, shopping or just having a good time with friends. We get to comfortable in our lifestyles, I love learning how to protect myself or family from any harm at any cost." Janet Petry

"I believe every woman should take Regina Rowley's awareness seminar. Regina shows you how to be more observant of your surroundings and to be alert for certain hazards. Whether you want to learn some techniques to help protect yourself or just increase your awareness, this seminar is for you." Sharon Zunt

"Regina’s knowledge and understanding of smart self-defense is impressive. She is compassionate but strong, and committed to helping others learn how to protect themselves from compromising situations and bad people." Jennifer Paulson

"The Tips and Techniques you taught us are Invaluable.. and your SafeSmart Seminars are FUN and EDUCATIONAL. I Highly recommend them." Vina LaRose

Random Attack?

2010-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

Very few attacks are actually random.

Attackers do some degree of planning, including surveillance. They will either put a specific woman under surveillance or a certain location for a target of opportunity.

Kelsey Smith from Kansas became a target of opportunity. Erwin Hall followed her in and out of a local discount store. Basic awareness training could have prepared Kelsey to recognize the signs of surveillance. Simple techniques training could have helped her prevent abduction and strangulation. Smartsafe is dedicated to providing awareness, prevention and self-protection training so attacks and tragedies like this can be avoided.

Keep Up The Awareness!

Skills, awareness and preparation could save your life Tomball Magnolia Potpourri Opinion Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town

2010-04-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Skills, awareness and preparation could save your life Tomball Magnolia Potpourri Opinion Houston Community Newspapers Online - News Around Town

Be Resourceful

2010-04-12T19:27:00.000-07:00

Being resourceful is easy. Think about what you have on and with you. Your belt, scarf, or jacket can be used as a whip or to choke. Coins and other small objects can be thrown on your attacker’s face to render him temporarily blind. It's okay if you don't have pepper spray. Spraying perfume or any other liquid besides water directly at a person’s eyes will hurt. If you are at home: cooking spray, hair spray, air freshener, etc.

Don’t panic! Think and respond instantly, as if your life depends on it.
It probably does!!

Anything and everything you have with and on you could be useful.

Presence of Mind

2010-04-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Presence of mind is just as important as knowing self defense techniques. Being aware of your situation is the best weapon when you need to defend yourself and save your life.

Catch your attacker by surprise with a quick response and not appearing scared. Put fear aside and deal with the moment. Your emotions can be dealt with AFTER surviving the attack, and when you have loving support.

Trust your instincts. They will guide you. If you sense something is wrong, leave. Always be aware of your situation. Know what’s happening around you. This alone will help you notice signs of trouble early enough to prevent an attack.

Failing a Pre-Attack Interview

2010-04-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Very few attacks are truly random. The majority of the time, they are planned.

A good self-defense strategy in preventing a rape and possibly saving your life is to fail the interview. Rapists are more predatory in nature, therefore they watch and look for their next target. They will case a certain area or a particular person. He is looking for a situation when a woman may be available and alone. Most rapes are committed by someone who is acquainted with you and your situation, not necessarily a friend or family member. But he has seen you, knows where you work, live and/or shop.

Another aspect is the interview process. He is testing you and the situation to see if you are an easy target. You want to FAIL this interview!

He will ask questions that are irrelevant to him. Do not give him any information you don't have to. Do not tell him you are alone. Do not take your eyes off of him, even when he tries to distract you. Keep distance and obstacles between you and him, but do not corner yourself.

Put your hands up, commanding loudly and with authority -- "STOP! GET AWAY FROM ME!" "I have NO business with you!" You want to attract attention.

Be Smart
Be Safe
Be Strong
Be a Survivor

Keep Up The Awareness!

Rape in Texas

2010-03-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

All statistics are from Crime in Texas 2008, provided by Uniform Crime Reporting program.

The estimated number of rapes committed in Texas for 2008 was 8,004. Of all reported forcible rapes, only 7% were attempts, 93% were rapes by force. More rapes were committed in April than any other month.

Rape arrestees were 75% White, and 88% adults, with the highest number of arrests made in the 20-24 age bracket.

Educating and empowering women will give them the confidence to protect themselves.

Be SmartSafe!
Regina : )

Cooper's Color Code

2010-03-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

White: inattentive/distracted
example- helping a child; listening to an ipod; texting; on the phone; relaxing at home.

Yellow: functionally alert
example- focusing on your car as you walk through the parking lot.

Orange: attentively alert
glancing around you and at the vehicles parked next to your car in the parking lot.

Red: high alert
example: noticing the vehicle following you and driving to a well lit and populated area. Active duty military personnel.

Your level of awareness should be somewhere between yellow and orange. Red is too exhausting to remain in all the time. The more you practice being surprised the sharper your senses become.

Surprise!

2010-03-23T22:13:00.000-07:00

The element of surprise can be a disadvantage AND an advantage.

When surprised your body dumps a chemical cocktail into your system impairing your ability to function. Typically you experience a)Muscle Tension, b)Auditory Occlusion/Exclusion, c)Tunnel Vision, d)Time and Space Distortion.

Let it be your best friend. Attackers are not counting on you knowing how to defend yourself and physically responding to their attack. Quick reaction time and the ability to use effective techniques could equal your life.

SmartSafe, Women's Commando Krav Maga, prepares you so you can steal an attacker's mind by surprising him.

Do You Know Any of Them?

2010-03-12T21:25:00.000-08:00

Authorities are looking for help identifying the people in the photos.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/11/dating.game.killer/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Twitter

Rodney Alcala certainly utilized survelience when choosing his targets. Don't be an easy target! Be KUTA Empowered! : )

Matters in Hand

2010-03-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to the story I share in my seminars.

http://www.federalobserver.com/2009/02/08/matters-in-hand/

Enjoy the laugh, gain valuable info.

Keep Up The Awareness!
: )

Benefits of Learning Life Saving Skills

2010-02-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Increase your knowledge and awareness
Gain freedom from fear
Boost your self-esteem
Skyrocket your self confidence
Lessen the risk of being a target
Discover potentially life saving skills
Increase your level of fitness and health

While power, speed, flexibility, fitness, balance, endurance and stamina are benficial, they are NOT pre-requisites when defending yourself.

KUTA: Keep Up The Awareness!

Guard Your Information

2010-02-04T21:58:00.000-08:00

The first essential step to self-protection for women is prevention. Prevention comes as your awareness is increased. Guard your information.

Be aware of people eavesdropping on your conversations.
Do not post personal information on the internet that may come back to haunt you.
The person standing next to you in line at the post office does not need to have access to information about where you live (your return address on the envelope that he can read).

Predators use information against their victims-don't help them hurt you!

Children's Self Defense part 3

2010-02-03T09:14:00.000-08:00

Essential Tips: What to do when confronted by strangers. Make sure your child knows these and is prepared to use them. Clarify this would be the time to be feisty and defiant.

Strangers common tricks: asking for help finding a lost pet, asking for directions, impersonating a policeman or someone his parent’s sent to pick him up.

Run from strangers immediately, quickly and yelling as they do. A personal alarm would be even better than yelling. They should yell, NO! I DON'T know you! or Stranger!

Children need to know if they are grabbed they must do all they can to escape. There is no wrong thing to do at this point. Screaming, squirming, kicking, biting, scratching, poking and yelling are all viable options. They could yell, “Stranger! Stranger!- This is not my Mom/Dad!” Teach them to grab any large object: fence, tree, pole, bike, or even another person.

Teach them to constantly look for ways to escape, and never give up. If they can get a hold of the car keys they should do so and toss them as far as possible. This is THE time for a child to be feisty!

If the child is put in the trunk he should be taught to kick out the tail lights or use anything he finds to make noise.

One last thought, play the “What if…?” Game. Take turns thinking of situations and what one would do in those situations. While it's not a fun game, for you or them, it can help a child think quickly if he's ever in that situation. It will encourage awareness of surroundings, and the realization these things can happen to anyone/anytime.

Make these self defense techniques for children a comfortable and regular practice. Talk about them freely. Keep all communication with your child frequent and comfortable.

Common Myths about women and self defense in our next blog...

Children's Self Defense part 2

2010-02-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

Let's cover a few more points.
Establish a code word or phrase for when someone else is picking up your child. Of course, that person will be someone whom your child knows well. If that person does not know the code, your child should not go with them.
NEVER leave children alone; not at home, in the yard, in the car, or to walk home from school. NEVER!
When out in public, keep your children within your arms reach. A kidnapper can snatch a child before your eyes and be gone in an instant. Why give them a jump start by letting your child meander around out of your reach?
Make sure your child's name is not visible on clothing or a back pack. Put it inside.
Our next blog will cover what a child should do when confronted by a stranger. Stay tuned. : )

Children's Self Defense

2010-01-26T21:58:00.000-08:00

This is part one of a multi-part blog on Children's Self Defense with comprehensive techniques that can potentially help save a child’s life. Techniques should be taught to all children as soon as they can comprehend the lessons. While we don’t want to raise paranoid kids, they need to be aware of the stranger dangers that lurk in today's society.

Keep your child's ID card and file current. (You can search for kits on line: Child ID Program.) Include medical information, physical description and recent picture. Dental records, fingerprints and DNA samples should be kept in a home file. Also have a wallet size ID including picture to carry with whoever is accompanying the child. Have each updated annually.
Teach them their entire name, phone number, address, your name(s). Teach them how to use a phone and about dialing 911.
Strangers. Remember strangers are not just people you’ve never seen. Tell them to stay at least an arm’s length from other adults, don’t talk to them, don’t take anything from them and never go anywhere with them!
Teach them their body is private and no one should touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable. No one should touch them anywhere their swimsuit would cover. They should not hug or kiss friends or family members if they do not wish too-that sends the wrong message.
Emphasize openness, and no secrets from you, their parents, for any reason. If someone were to ask them to keep a secret they need to tell you right away.

Repeated Pattern

2010-01-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

If a mother is in an abusive relationship, her children already have a strike against them. This is a learned behavior from the environment they live in, and most likely they will continue the cycle. Sons will have no respect for their mothers and will consider women objects to possess and abuse. Daughters will most likely end up with men who will recognize their lack of self esteem and abuse them.

Just as I coach, a women's self image and self esteem directly impact how she is perceived. How she's preceived impacts how she is treated.

It's CHOICE, not chance, that determines your future!

You ARE Worth Protecting!

2010-01-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Effective self-defense begins with an understanding that you are entitled to be safe and respected. This happens when you have a healthy self image. Everyone's self image is a reflection of their interactions with others and their life experiences.

With that said, how effectively a woman protects herself directly depends on her own sense of self worth. KUTA Empowered Women takes the time to help women understand this principle before embarking upon awareness tips and defensive techniques.

Women need to have confidence, knowledge and skills to protect themselves.

Escaping Harm!

2010-01-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

Self defense is about the simple moves you can/will use effectively. In a stresful, threatening situation where words and adrenaline are flying, you have to know it will work on a man larger than you. You don't have to be in great shape to defend yourself, but you do have to have a smart approach. Self-defense is about escaping harm!

Krav Maga

2010-01-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

Real life self defense.

The guiding principles are:

Do not get hurt
Utilize natural reflexes of the body
Exploit all vulnerable points of the body
Use any available objects as weapons
Quickly neutralize the attack
Rapidly transition from defensive to offensive

YOU ARE BEING INTERVIEWED

2010-01-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

The predator uses a series of questions to engage you and see how vulnerable you are. Most likely he has done it before and is a good judge of character. Some might literally be practice interviews when he's honing his craft. Others, are just jerks trying to engage you as an attractive woman.
If someone pays you a compliment completely out of the blue, be aware. If he asks a series of questions and continues to press -- BE ON GUARD! The questions don't even have to make sense or be related. If he wo'nt take "no" for an answer to anything -- step back and keep your distance, YOU ARE BEING INTERVIEWED.

This is one interview you want to fail!
Do not feel like you have to thank him for the compliment, you don't owe him anything!
Don't answer his questions! Redirect him with your statements. "Leave me alone!" "I don't know you!" "I do not have any business with you!"

Keep Up The Awareness! : )

More on this topic next time!

Think - Focus - Choose

2009-12-30T11:39:00.000-08:00

The way you think, your mindset, is your best defense. Refuse to think of yourself as a helpless victim. Value yourself. You are strong! You are capable! Do not give up! Do not let anyone control your mind or heart. If you give up and think, "I'm weak. This is too much. He's too strong. I can't." you are allowing him to control you.

Instead, focus on important people in your life, things you have not yet accomplished, goals you have yet to reach. Think like a Black Belt. Focus like a Black Belt. Choose to be a Black Belt of surviving and defending yourself.

Choose!
Choose to Take Action.
Choose to Be the Victor, not the victim.
Choose to Overcome and Find Courage in the moment of fear.

Date-Rape Drugs are Everywhere

2009-12-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

As many are celebrating the New Year with parties and friends; when it comes to personal safety, YOU are your own first line of defense.

Make plans BEFORE partying to have a designated driver. And, just because you know or trust a person doesn’t mean that they won’t try to take advantage of you. It's a sad fact that GHB is commonly and easily slipped unsuspectingly into drinks.

The following list of safety precautions will help you increase your ability to detect social situations that are potentially dangerous and reduce your chances of becoming a statistic:

*Do not drink anything that you haven’t opened yourself.
*Do not leave your drink unattended or allow others to share with you.
*Do not leave a party or club alone or with someone who you have just met.
*Report all suspicious behavior immediately.
*If you become overly intoxicated in a short period of time, usually five to fifteen minutes, report how you feel to a trusted friend and seek their assistance.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), “Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.”

KUTA - Keep Up The Awareness!

K.U.T.A. Trust Your Instincts

2009-12-20T20:17:00.000-08:00

By simply increasing your awareness, you are far less likely to fall victim to a vicious assault.

Learn to trust your instincts, we’ve all had that gut feeling when we know that something is wrong but we are not sure why. Those feelings of intuition are so important but don’t just listen to them, do something. Take evasive action or prepare yourself. If something appears to be wrong it usually is.

KUTA: Keep Up The Awareness!

Holiday Safety Tips

2009-12-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

*Be aware of your surroundings. Don't get so distracted, you fail to notice what's happening around you.
*Shop during daylight hours and in groups of two or more.
*Park in well-lit areas. Walk out to parking lot in a group. There's safety in numbers.
*Lock your vehicle when you park AND as soon as you get in.
*Hide your valuables. Put purchases in the trunk.
*Avoid carrying a purse. Put your money, cards and ID in your front pocket.
*Free up your hands. Avoid carrying too many bags.
*Have your key in your hand when you walk out. Don't dig around in your purse in the parking lot.
*Try to avoid shopping with small children.
*Avoid isolated ATMs. Use ATM during daylight and try to use a drive-up one.
*Check your surroundings before you exit your locked vehicle.
*Always let someone know where you will be and when you will return. Leave details of your agenda. Touch base with your current location.
*When returning home, make sure you are not being followed.
*If you are, get license number, vehicle description and stay on main roadways. Go to an occupied and lighted location; police station, fire department, grocery store, etc. and call for help.
*Have someone at home meet you outside and help you carry bags.

Krav Maga

2009-12-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

Krav Maga (Hebrew for "contact combat") is the official self-defense and fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces. It's a simple, effective self-defense system emphasizing instinctive movements, practical techniques and realistic training scenarios.
I "stumbled" across this on the internet recently and felt strongly compelled to check it out. I am highly impressed and eager to begin training. Krav Maga Houston holds an Introductory Seminar every Saturday morning at 0900 hours at our headquarters location (2615 SW Freeway, Suite 260). The seminar covers the Who, What, When, Where and Why of Krav Maga, the human response to danger and the realities of violence. You will leave much more enlightened than you were when you arrived. Worth your time! : )

How Safe is Your Home?

2009-12-08T19:15:00.000-08:00

*Is your address quick and easy for emergency response personnel to see from the street?
*Are your ladders and tools in a locked garage or storage shed?
*When you go out in the evening do you leave several lights on inside your home?
*Do you have deadbolt locks on all of your exterior doors?
*Do you have a home inventory of all your personal property stored in a safe, fire-proof place?
*Are the windows and doors of your home clearly visible from the street or from your neighbor's yard?
*Are the entries into your home well lighted all night long?
*Did you re-key all the locks in your house after you moved in?
*Are your entry doors made of steel, solid core wood (at least 1-3/4 inches) or metal wrapped wooden doors?
*Do you keep an extra set of keys with a trusted neighbor, rather than hiding a set outside your home?
*Do your exterior doors fit their frames tightly, with no more than 1/8 inch space between the door and frame?
*Are your sliding glass doors secured with locks, jammed with a dowel rod from inside, and protected from being easily lifted out from their frames?
*Do all of your entry doors have a peephole with a wide-angle viewer?
*When you are gone, do you have timers on some of your lighting to turn the lights off and on to create the illusion that someone is home?
*Can anyone gain access through a mail slot, dryer vent, or pet entrance?
*Have you installed extra, motion-sensitive security lighting around your home?
*Do you shred or otherwise destroy your junk mail before discarding it?
*Have you installed a home alarm system?

Peace and Safety! : )

KUTA

2009-12-08T18:41:00.000-08:00

Keep Up The Awareness!

Awareness is key to defending yourself. There are 4 risks I refer to time and again when speaking about self defense.

1. Awareness
2. Avoidance
3. Recognition
4. Reduction

We need to be Aware so we can Recognize and Avoid risks, therefore Reducing the opportunity to be a victim. Education is 90% of your self defense. And, of all you learn, your most powerful self defense is in your head. Your well prepared brain is your MOST important weapon.

Holiday Shopping

2009-12-06T22:30:00.000-08:00

See how you fare...

Do you shop alone at night?
How do you pay for your purchases?
If carrying cash, do you keep it in your front pocket?
Where do you store your packages; back seat, trunk?
Do you always lock your home's doors and windows?
Do you fumble for your keys in the parking lot?
Do you always park in well lit areas?
Are you on the phone while walking in the parking lot?
Do you avoid parking next to vans, trucks with campers vehicles with tinted windows?
Do you keep a record of your credit card numbers?
Is your child able to ask a store clerk for help if y'all are separated?
Do you verify delivery personnel's identification?
Where do you store wrapped gifts; under the tree, in view of a door or window?
Do you use only ATM's in well lit and active areas?
What do you do with your ATM receipts?
When using pin numbers, do you shield and prevent others from seeing?
When you leave home, do you leave a light, radio or other electronic on?

Be aware! Be Safe!

Comment and ask for the answers. : )

...more common than ...cancer

2009-12-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

As I sit here researching women's self defense, I have an intense desire to inform, enlighten, and educate. Women need to understand and be empowered.

About 90% of sexual offenses involving children are committed by older males on young girls; and about 75% of these offenses are committed by persons known to the victims, (fathers, other relatives, or visitors and family friends). According to the American Medical Association (AMA), over 61% of female victims of assault are under age 18.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injuries to women ages 15 - 44, more common than automobile accidents, muggings, and cancer deaths combined (Surgeon General, US. Public Health Services, (Journal of the American Medical Association, 276:23, 31-32, June 17, 1992). 22-35% of women who visit emergency rooms are there for injuries related to ongoing abuse (Journal of American Medical Association, 1990).

There are so many great efforts against cancer, why not domestic violence? Isn't it time to get our heads out of the sand?

Holiday Shopping

2009-11-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

A few tips for while you are out and about.

Don't wear expensive jewelry.
Carry your purse across your body instead of on your shoulder.
Use a basket or have help carrying your purchases.
Drop your packages if you need to defend your self. YOU are more important than the packages.
Pay attention to your surroundings.
Follow your gut feeling.
Look inside your vehicle before entering it.
Keep it locked at all times, whether you are in it or not.
Lock the door as soon as you get in, don't wait for it to lock itself.
Don't sit in the parking lot after exiting the store. Leave right away.
Close your garage door before you get out.

Easy Target....

2009-07-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of spending time with a woman very dear to me. As we went about our various activities and outings, I found myself aware of the ways she left herself unguarded.

Parked on a city street and standing at the car's hatchback, oblivious to her surroundings, as she organized something. This 5 minute activity made her an easy target.

Letting children run out of her reach on a city sidewalk, people all around. There aren't many people in the physical shape necessary to stop a child abductor from running off with a child that far from the parent.

Driving through town with doors unlocked.

Walking and talking on cell phone in public.

Riding on elevator without making eye contact or small talk with other passengers.

Do You Believe?

2009-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

You have to BELIEVE that you CAN defend yourself should you need to!
Do you?

Safety at Home

2009-07-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

While chatting with a beautiful young lady tonight, I learned how her greatest place of fear is in her own home. We all know we must be on guard while out and about, but in our homes... this is a place we should be able to relax. This reminded me of some statistics I recently saw, somewhere between 50-60% of rapes occur in a woman's own home. This young lady had valid reason for concern. But must we live in fear... especially at home? Not in my opinion. Confidence is the Unconquerable Enemy of Fear!

Empower Yourself!
Don't Live in Fear!
Attackers are looking for Easy victims, not a fight!
Do you have belief in your ability to defend yourself? You should!
Do you have confidence in your ability to defend yourself? You CAN!

If you are still thinking "It'll never happen to
me" then you are the perfect target for an attacker.

It's YOUR Choice!

2009-07-14T20:04:00.000-07:00

Kuta Empowered Women is about educating you. Our goal is for you to be confident that you CAN defend yourself. You do NOT have to be a victim. When you accept this mindset, you are well on your way. Remember:

* Victims of sexual abuse sustained an increase amount of physical injury if they pleaded, cried or tried reasoning. Don't act weak or like a victim.

* Approximately 50% of women escape attempted sexual assaults if they yell. This is a time to be assertive.

* Approximately 85% of women escape attempted sexual assaults if they vigorously and quickly resist physically. Learn simple and key moves to defend yourself.

Once you understand this, you can choose to defend yourself.

Education Improves Statistics

2009-06-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

In 2007, there were 248,300 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault; about 1 every 2 minutes. (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)

Sexual assault has fallen by more than 60% in recent years. Had the 1993 rate held steady, 6.8 million Americans would have been assaulted in the last 13 years. Thanks to the decline, the actual number of victims was about 4.2 million.

It is my firm opinion that by educating women, and helping them understand how to improve their awareness, we have empowered them, reducing their likeliness of being an easy target. Increase your awareness, walk with confidence and don't be an easy target.

References:
U.S. Department of Justice. 2007 National Crime Victimization Survey. 2007
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network www.rainn.org

Can you relate?

2009-06-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

I'm concerned about crime.
A woman was recently abducted in my town.
A woman I know was recently approached by a strange man in a parking lot.
I'm moving to a new town and don't know anyone.
I'm leaving for college, and college girls are a higher statistic.
I want to reduce my chances of being a statistic.
I'm traveling and want skills and confidence to protect myself.
I work late and have to walk in the dark.
I was assaulted as a child and live in fear of being raped.
One of my co-workers is overly friendly.
This guy at the charity meetings is always staring at me.
Waiting at the bus stop is creepy.

The list is endless. You don't need to live in fear. 80% of women that face a violent attack and choose to use assertive resistance, escape safely. You can be confident and empowered, facing fears, free to live life.

Using an ATM

2009-05-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

Following is from Kubler Al with Hikuta. Reprinted with permission.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Are you sure you want to go to that ATM tonight?
You know, that one you go to where you always feel uneasy.

Here's a tip that you should consider before the next time you
use an ATM.

Avoid the 8 to 12 window.

Between 8 pm and 12 midnight is when most ATM robberies occur.

If you must use an ATM during these hours, find one that is well-lighted and in public view with lots of people around.

If you can’t find one of these locations, you could also go into your local supermarket.
They often have an ATM inside the store or at least will offer cash back at the check out registers.

I wanted to share this with you, so you'd have one less chance of being robbed.

Stay safe,

Kubler Al

P.S. Feel free to forward this simple reminder to your friends and let them know
about the resources we have on our website by clicking on over to:
http://www.hikuta.com/index.html

KUTA

2009-05-06T23:08:00.000-07:00

Keep
Up
The
Awareness

Basic Physical Defense Principles

2009-05-05T21:41:00.000-07:00

1. Increase Reaction Time
2. Obtain Good Balance
3. Develop a Plan of Action
4. Use Distraction Techniques
5. Identify his Vulnerable Locations
6. Use our Personal Weapons
7. Avoid Confronting Force with Force
8. Avoid Panic
9. Disengage and Run
10. PRACTICE!!!

Confidence is the unconquerable enemy of fear." L. Nadeau

2009-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

When considering a self defense technique, you should spend your time learning simple moves that are powerful and flexible enough to be applied against several persons quickly.

Simple combat-style moves such as an open palm strike to the chin, applied with explosive quickness a few times, will afford you the time necessary to get away. There is no need for flashy high kicks or fancy footwork.

If you use your knee to a groin, lean your head slightly to the side. This will keep your head clear as your attacker responds by leaning forward.

2009-04-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Should you find yourself attacked, stay calm and think as the situation develops. When adrenaline kicks in, everything will seem to happen in slow motion. Since you are calm, and you do not panic, your mind will process thoughts quickly and it will seem like you have all day to decide on your reaction.
Another thing to remember, your skull is incredibly hard. Use it as a weapon against an attackers' face and/or collarbone.
Most "fights" are won before they start, and aggressors will back down if you maintain eye contact and are not intimidated by them. You won't look like a victim or easy target.
You might have only one possibility to defend yourself, do not lose it.

Cutting Edge Self Defense

2009-03-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

In my browsing and searching I have recently come across an amazing website: www.hikuta.com. Al provides a free ebook "How To Survive a Mugging". You can request it here: http://www.hikuta.com/eBook2ndGen.html
This is so much faster to learn than any other self defense I have practiced.

Be Prepared!
Be Aware!
Be Confident!
Avoid an Attack!
Defend Yourself!

80% of women who faced a violent attack and were assertive, using resistance were successful in safely escaping!

Is this you?

2009-03-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

We watched "What's Love Got to Do With It?" this weekend. The movie is based on Tina's biography "I, Tina". I was unaware of the abusive relationship she endured with Ike, but watching this movie left me highly disturbed and stirred. Once again I was reminded that approximately 1.3 million women are physically assaulted by an intimate partner annually in the United States.

Tina was a physically strong woman, quite capable of defending herself. However, she was mentally beaten down, lacking the confidence and strength to defend herself for many years. Domestic violence should not happen to anybody. Ever. Period.

If you are in danger, please use a safer computer, or call 911, your local hotline, or the U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224. There are many online resources, www.domesticviolence.org, but remember, computer trails can be followed. Use a SAFE computer.

So my point here is no one is immune to domestic violence and you need to know that it is NOT acceptable! You DO NOT deserve it and you are NOT responsible for the abusers behavior!

“How do I defend myself when I’m not sure I can?"

2009-03-13T04:13:00.000-07:00

The key here is to change your mindset and remember that whether you are attacked on the street or in your own bedroom, you have the right to defend yourself! It doesn’t really matter if you know your attacker or not.

Self-defense is all about surviving a situation where there is a very real risk of physical harm. You need techniques you can use without thinking.

There are common sense, self defense options you might have never thought about.

* Using perfume as a deterrent
* How to make a car key a lethal weapon
* What to scream other than “Help!"
* Getting out of a car your attacker has cornered you in
* Talking yourself through an attack – and talking your attacker out of it

We will cover these and others through this blog. Stay posted!

Awareness Out & About

2009-03-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

If you are going on an extended trip consider stopping your mail and paper deliveries, or at least have a trusted friend pick it up. Perhaps you can give them a key to go in and turn lights and/or radio on and off during the day.
Get to know your neighbors and watch out for each other. Do you know their daily routines?
If ANYTHING is out of the ordinary when you get home, do NOT go in! Call the police, allow them to investigate.
Approaching and getting into your vehicle, give it a visual check; under the vehicle, in the floor boards and back seat.
Lock doors immediately.
Keep windows up as much as the weather permits.
Leave parking area immediately. Do not sit in your car and "fiddle" with stuff. Move on to a safe, busy, public place.
Only leave your car keys when having a vehicle serviced. Remove house, office, etc. keys.
Think you're being followed, make a few extra turns, in public areas; drive to nearest police or fire station. Avoid isolated areas. Do not go home!

Reduce Risks at Home

2009-03-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

"Case" your own home, at night and during the day. Can you gain entrance through a "secure" doors or windows? Invite your local police department to do a security survey of your home. This may even allow you an insurance discount, check on it.
Make sure your drapes and shades are heavy enough to prevent silhouetting. Close them before dark.
Outdoor lighting is essential to deterring! Doors, corners, driveways, parking, etc.
Replace or trim bushes near windows(6" below ledge) and doors.
Solid doors, dead bolts and one-way peep hole.
Lock doors and windows, even second story ones!

Myths vs. Truth

2009-03-03T18:19:00.000-08:00

Awareness includes understanding the difference betweeen myths and truth. Let's shed some light of truth on these falacies.
Myth: "Women are physically powerless against men."
Myth: "Women secretly want to be raped."
Myth: "Only women of bad reputation get raped."
Myth: "It could never happen to me."
Myth: " Only young and attractive women are raped."
Rape affects ALL people; age, race and economic status do not matter.
Proper instruction and practice, reduce fear and prepare a woman. She CAN defend herself against men!
Rape is an expression of power and control.
The belief that women secretly want to be raped is another form of placing the blame on women and justifying aggressive masculine behavior.

Four Risks of Personal Safety

2009-02-24T10:28:00.001-08:00

You have to be aware in order to reduce the chances of being victimized. You also have to recognize a potential attacker. Can you? Do you know the steps you can take to avoid being an easy target? 90% of a woman's self defense is understanding the four risks and how she can impact those. Those "risks" are Awareness, Reduction, Recognize, and Avoidance.