QOTD- How prepared are you to defend yourself?

with all of this talk about purse snatching and home invades, how prepared are you, both mentally and physically, to defend yourself should the need arise?

edited for clarity:

In case some of you are wondering, I am speaking about your physical self, not your radio, watch, ering, bag or anything else that can be replaced.

I am speaking of someone wanting to harm your body (and mind and spirit along with it)

Mentally - I'm good to go

Physically - heck no - I got nails kid....

to answer...my father was VERY big about teaching us to defend ourselves. his mom was attacked in the vestibule of their apt. building when he was 12 (everyone was home at the time too, only a floor above her ) and he made it a point to instill in us the 'power' (for lack of a better word) to fight.

he would 'spar' with us on a regular basis. I was raised a city rat in the streets, so I have had my share of scuffles (with boys and girls) and can hold my own. I don't think I am the toughest or invincible by any means, but I will fight for myself and for someone that needs me.

I also took self-defense and jiu jitsu (which I LOVED, I just can't afford right now)

I may not win, but it is so ingrained in me to fight and protect myself, that I would not be harmed without trying.

The dojo I went to offers FREE monthly self defense courses for women, if anyone is ever interested, I will certainly forward the information.

Well, I think I am well prepared....

I am a 3rd degree red belt (one belt under black belt) in Tae Kwon Do, Korean martial arts.... after spending a million $$ for classes I hope I can kick some ***......

Jake and me were talking about this last night

When he is home, I am safe- very safe- like I feel bad for who ever breaks in

but he worries about me- he teaches me moves to defend myslef- but I think I need to practice

I need to speak up here.
My family was the first family on Long Island to be invaded. TThey were all over the news. (I live i NY)
They were woken up in their sleep at gunpoint. My mother gave them EVERYTHING they asked for.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!
NEVER defend yourself. As the police indicated: Not defending yourself is the BEST way to defend yourself. When something horrific happens like this, you want to give them everythign you have so they leave. If that means your fendi purse in Roosevelt Fields parking lot so be it.

Be aware of yuour surroundings. By a home alarm and lock your doors. thats the best defense.

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Posted by JXNOscar

I need to speak up here.
My family was the first family on Long Island to be invaded. TThey were all over the news. (I live i NY)
They were woken up in their sleep at gunpoint. My mother gave them EVERYTHING they asked for.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!
NEVER defend yourself. As the police indicated: Not defending yourself is the BEST way to defend yourself. When something horrific happens like this, you want to give them everythign you have so they leave. If that means your fendi purse in Roosevelt Fields parking lot so be it.

Be aware of yuour surroundings. By a home alarm and lock your doors. thats the best defense.

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So true, thank you for stating this. Some people do not understand, you have a better chance of not being hurt if you just give what they want. And also to add, no matter how big and strong you or your FH/DH is, no one can stop a bullet or a knife. Be safe and aware of your surroundings at all times

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Posted by JXNOscar

I need to speak up here.
My family was the first family on Long Island to be invaded. TThey were all over the news. (I live i NY)
They were woken up in their sleep at gunpoint. My mother gave them EVERYTHING they asked for.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!
NEVER defend yourself. As the police indicated: Not defending yourself is the BEST way to defend yourself. When something horrific happens like this, you want to give them everythign you have so they leave. If that means your fendi purse in Roosevelt Fields parking lot so be it.

Be aware of yuour surroundings. By a home alarm and lock your doors. thats the best defense.

---

when faced with a gun, you are absolutely right. look down and away, and let them take whatever they want.

BUT, when it's strength on strenght or any other weapon, that is ABSOLUTELY not true. If someone wants to abduct you, rape you, whatever, pick of your hands and feet, kick scream punch bite...do WHATEVER you have to do so they don't get their hands on you.

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by JXNOscar

I need to speak up here.
My family was the first family on Long Island to be invaded. TThey were all over the news. (I live i NY)
They were woken up in their sleep at gunpoint. My mother gave them EVERYTHING they asked for.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!
NEVER defend yourself. As the police indicated: Not defending yourself is the BEST way to defend yourself. When something horrific happens like this, you want to give them everythign you have so they leave. If that means your fendi purse in Roosevelt Fields parking lot so be it.

Be aware of yuour surroundings. By a home alarm and lock your doors. thats the best defense.

---

when faced with a gun, you are absolutely right. look down and away, and let them take whatever they want.

BUT, when it's strength on strenght or any other weapon, that is ABSOLUTELY not true. If someone wants to abduct you, rape you, whatever, pick of your hands and feet, kick scream punch bite...do WHATEVER you have to do so they don't get their hands on you.

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I agree that if someone is trying to abduct you, you should kick and scream but if some loser wants your gucci, fendi, prada, etc

for gods sake, GIVE IT UP and buy another one. It is not worth your life. That is what I meant to say.

in that case, of course you are right

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by JXNOscar

I need to speak up here.
My family was the first family on Long Island to be invaded. TThey were all over the news. (I live i NY)
They were woken up in their sleep at gunpoint. My mother gave them EVERYTHING they asked for.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!
NEVER defend yourself. As the police indicated: Not defending yourself is the BEST way to defend yourself. When something horrific happens like this, you want to give them everythign you have so they leave. If that means your fendi purse in Roosevelt Fields parking lot so be it.

Be aware of yuour surroundings. By a home alarm and lock your doors. thats the best defense.

---

when faced with a gun, you are absolutely right. look down and away, and let them take whatever they want.

BUT, when it's strength on strenght or any other weapon, that is ABSOLUTELY not true. If someone wants to abduct you, rape you, whatever, pick of your hands and feet, kick scream punch bite...do WHATEVER you have to do so they don't get their hands on you.

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I agree with this, I would not let someone try & hurt me without putting up a fight.

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Posted by BEANS

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Posted by JessicaM.

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Posted by JXNOscar

I need to speak up here.
My family was the first family on Long Island to be invaded. TThey were all over the news. (I live i NY)
They were woken up in their sleep at gunpoint. My mother gave them EVERYTHING they asked for.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!
NEVER defend yourself. As the police indicated: Not defending yourself is the BEST way to defend yourself. When something horrific happens like this, you want to give them everythign you have so they leave. If that means your fendi purse in Roosevelt Fields parking lot so be it.

Be aware of yuour surroundings. By a home alarm and lock your doors. thats the best defense.

---

when faced with a gun, you are absolutely right. look down and away, and let them take whatever they want.

BUT, when it's strength on strenght or any other weapon, that is ABSOLUTELY not true. If someone wants to abduct you, rape you, whatever, pick of your hands and feet, kick scream punch bite...do WHATEVER you have to do so they don't get their hands on you.

---

I agree with this, I would not let someone try & hurt me without putting up a fight.

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I could be wrong but I think people who do home invasions are not looking to 'hurt' you, they want to steal from you. I would give them what they wanted in that case. Maybe I am wrong, but that is how I feel. Now if someone wanted to rape or kidnap me, they would be in for a serious brawl, and trust me, I can 'throw down'



edited for spelling

Well, my first thing is to go for the guy's nuts...but if for some reason they're not 'accesible', I will go for his eyes...if that doesnt work I'll def book...

ETA: Personally, I dont think I would be able to fight a man...I mean come on lets face reality...but I think learning some techniques that will at least set you free from his hands is a good thing to know.

I have taken self defense classes. I also used to take Tai Kwon Do, but then I stopped. But I know enough to get by. Plus, I keep pepper spray in my bag

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Posted by hmpena

You know... I never really thought about this. When FH was in the hospital, I realized that anything could happen while sleeping. However I never took any steps to do anything about it. i would love to take self defense class.

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Hollie, If you ever want to go, let me know.

the dojo offers the FREE self desense class, but also gives a woman only 4 week course for $99 (I think that's still the price)

Sylvia, you'd be surprised what you can do when you KNOW what to do.

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Posted by M&S Sept12006

ETA: Personally, I dont think I would be able to fight a man...I mean come on lets face reality....

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Well that is not always true.... I went to competition where I sparred with men (of the same level) bigger than me and won first place. I never had to use my skills 'on the streets' (hope not to) so I don't know how I would react in a real life threatening situation, but I feel that my skills would help me defend myself....

Mentally I'd be scared to death but who wouldn't be???

Physically - I did take self defense class in college but never had to use it. I'd just hope I remember all of it!

What does make me feel somewhat better is the fact that earlier this year we had a security expert come to our house and walk us through where the weak spots could be. We made some changes regarding locks, etc.

If all else fails, I have an attack cat named Percy!!!