TIPS FOR BETTER SELF DEFENSE

Did you know?

Every 74 seconds someone in America is sexually assaulted. Estimates are that one in six

women will be raped in their lifetime. 33% during the day, 80% by someone they know,

40% in their own home. In 2023, 309 rapes were reported to the San Diego Police

department. That is nearly six each week.

Neighborhood watch hosted a self-defense session in the clubhouse on May 14th.

During the May Neighborhood Watch meeting, Gale Bryan, self-defense instructor, gave

a free, 2-hour self-defense lecture & demonstration. This was a non hands-on introduction to self-defense. We learned awareness and prevention, how to use household & general items (including a cell phone, umbrella, keys, flashlight, a book & more) as improvised weapons and how to perform “Cane Fu” (defending yourself with a cane). She discouraged the carrying of a deadly weapon by explaining dangerous consequences to a victim when handling a knife, pepper spray or gun. Gale said that 90% of self defense is prevention, describing several scenarios in which awareness, beforehand preparation, critical thinking and common sense (even intuition) can help one avoid an altercation.

PREVENTION: Several things to remember.

Don't look like a victim. Pay attention to your intuition and surroundings, not your cell

phone. Wear only one ear bud while walking or jogging so you can hear the sounds around you. Your house and car doors should always be locked. Your keys are in your hand, not your pocket or purse. Remember this acronym: ERA–Eliminate, Recognize and Avoid danger. Fight only when absolutely necessary; fight to incapacitate, not injure. Do not allow fear to paralyze you, act instead. Don't ever let yourself be forced into a car, run or fight.

DEFENSE DEMONSTRATION:

Gail demonstrated simple reactive and proactive technique during an attack. She said if

you can kick a file cabinet drawer shut, throw a pie in someone's face, pound a surface

with your fist, walk up stairs and release an old-school car parking brake, then you can

perform basic defense moves. Your best weapon is your own body. Using a static

volunteer, Gail showed which body part targets would incapacitate an attacker. She also

showed how to break free from wrist holds, bear hugs, neck chokes, headlocks and more.

Gale Bryan is a martial artist and self-defense instructor. She is available for bookings of

a public and private nature. She offers a free 1.5 hour lecture/demonstration for non-profit organizations (HOAs, neighborhood watch, seniors, churches, clubs, schools). Paid classes specific to women & children are also available. Please call her with any questions or for more information:

858-737-4082 or 619-339-4821. Email- PlayfulTigris@aol.com Facebook- Gale Bryan:

Every Woman Can, Self Defense for Women