Sunday, February 22, 2009

Never get in the car with Anybody



It is an instructors burden to do more than just technique, guiding a student in sound underlying principles of self defense is often more important, and longer lasting than just learning how to strike.

One such principle is to make everyone aware not to get into a car with someone else.

Many years ago I had a young woman begin training. After her first class she wanted to talk to me and asked me how she could defend herself in a car when her date was getting too fresh. I looked at her and told her the question wasn't how to defend herself, but whether she should have gotten in that car in the first place.

This upset her a little bit and I responded that many times the troubling situations come from individuals you know, and often know well. The best defense, whenever possible is not to get into the car in the first place.

I tell children that when someone is giving them any reason to get into a car they should immediately start running and of course shouting 'FIRE' which will draw an audience.

Anytime someone opts to get into the car, defense is much more difficult.

Of course in today's world the same rule applies. The case of the financier that convinced all of the very rich to get into his investment vehicle and then have lost their shirts is the same principle.

The best defense isn't how to handle it once it's begun, the defense is to know what your options are and consider whether they're worth the risk.

Getting into cars with strangers is a no brainer.
Getting into cars with 'friends' is more difficult to undestand.
Getting into cars with someone who intends to do you harm is the ultimate awarness issue.

and if you get in, and................ , can you get out?

No comments: