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Woman’s Self Defense Weekly: Visualization and Awareness

by · February 29, 2012 · Posted In: Admin
SOFREP_STEVEN KLEIN
I turn up the music on my ipod as I quicken my pace, finally falling into a comfortable stride as I bulldoze through the shrubby trail. My breath becomes heavier and more cleansing with every step I take. The bass pulses through my headphones, sending adrenaline pumping through my veins as I hit mile six. A shadow catches my eye and I dismiss it, too focused on the monster of a hill I’m about to conquer up ahead. I see movement out of the corner of my eye, finally snapping me out of my runner’s high. I turn my head just in time to see his hands hooking around my neck, jolting me out of my stride and paralyzing me with fear. Or, wait… What if he lunges at me and we both fall to the ground? No, hold on… I turn just in time to see his gun pointed at me straight in the eye. Or maybe it’s only a knife to my throat.

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You’ve just witnessed one of the hundreds of scenarios I run through my head daily during my runs. It usually gets me running my fastest, and the time passes more quickly as an extra bonus. Training for a marathon can get pretty boring, and turns into a mind game more than anything else. I realized after reading Brandon’s recent article  about mental visualization “Flow“, and starting to read Escape the Wolf: A Security Handbook for Traveling Professionals, that I’ve been training myself against potential attackers for years. If you haven’t already, check them out; They’re great reads.

And I believe every word of it, too. I doubt I’m the only girl who has ever played out how they would fight their attackers if ever in a situation in which they needed to. Are you going to kick up your heel and nail him between the legs? Throw up an elbow to the nose? How about sinking your teeth into the arm that’s dragging you away? Of course, these are just a few of my personal tactics I’ve imagined condoning on my attackers. And after last week’s post, I can add the palm strike and eye gouge to my list. (Thanks, Brandon!) According to Escape the Wolf, “…Running scenarios of reaction through your head will better prepare you for possible attack”.  It makes perfect sense. The theory of envisioning success can be applied to any situation. (Another reason why Brandon’s Flow article can be taken into account by everyone.) Even becoming more aware of your surroundings and consistently assessing your environment is a simple, easy first step to start with. Sound like a no brainer? How many times have you almost run into someone on the sidewalk because whatever you’re reading on your cell phone is more important than where you’re walking? Ever thought of how vulnerable this makes you?

So start planning and KNOW your surroundings. Sometimes it’s safe to walk and text and other times you are making yourself an easy target. Get those reflexes ready so if (God forbid) you ever find yourself under attack, you can walk away (Er… Ok, use your Surefire Self Defense flashlight on them and run away) effortlessly and unscathed.

Powerful women need powerful tools.  Visualization and Awareness should be at the top of the list.

Fashion Extra
SOFREP is showcasing our friend and fashion stylist Sally Lyndley to bring you the latest fashion tips.  We want to keep you looking your finest while kicking ass.

This week’s latest:
JW Anderson appears to be London’s most hyped new(ish) designer.  More and more street blogger faces have been popping up in his clothes. There are some great solid items here too, it’s not all fluff and fantasy.
Awesome Items: Plaid Long Skirts, Oversized Sweaters, Platform Penny Loafers, Plaid Shirt/Skirt Combo, Vinyl Shirt/Trouser Hook Ups, Long Polka Dot Knit Looks.

SOFREP JW Anderson Fall Winter 2012

Click here to see the rest of the line!

Also be sure to check out For Those Who Notice to get the full scoop on beauty and fashion.

For Those Who Notice is a cheat sheet of fashion’s most influential inspiration. The exclusive FTWN content is instigated by the world’s best designers, stylists, hair stylists, makeup artists and casting directors among others. We bring you unbiased reports of what is most relevant in luxury fashion. FTWN is inspiration for fashion and beauty industry professionals as well as fashion fanatics. FTWN’s reports are visual-based marketplace assessments written and edited by stylist Sally Lyndley.

I hope you enjoyed this post and please help us spread the word.

-Laura

 

Photo by Steven Klein

Article by Laura Simonian with input from former US Navy SEAL Brandon Webb

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LCpl X
LCpl X

Here's a fucked up story I'm sure will piss you off about a righteous shooting, a black guy with a bat, and a DA that wants to make a name for herself:

 

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/19/justice/diguglielmo-new-york-deli-killing/index.html

 

He struck the elder DiGuglielmo twice, shattering his kneecap and then cracking his wrist.

 

From inside the deli, Rich Jr. saw Campbell swinging the bat at his father, so he reached under the cash register and grabbed a gun. Rich Jr. says, "From the time that bat came out to the time it was over, it was a matter of four seconds, five seconds. My training just kicked in."

 

Rich Jr. ran outside and fired three times, hitting Charles Campbell squarely in the chest.

 

 

 

KineticFury
KineticFury like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

... or you could just wear one of those vests that has the weights in them and start screaming "allah akbar" when somebody jumps you. Sorry ladies I couldn't help it.

 

Anyways great post. I admit I'm always a little worried when my little sister goes out running - at 5'2" and under 115lbs size isn't on her size.

LCpl X
LCpl X like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @KineticFury 

I'm lucky, my little sister's 5'2" and over 200 lbs, no running for her anytime soon.

jessbvg
jessbvg like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

  Thanks for post, great from ladies point of view :) Platform penny loafers... Glad those are back. Is Aquanet next?! LOL

 

  I'd like to request input from everyone. As the article above states, it is best to plan and know your surroundings. Please advise best way to plan for unwanted attention while you're at the gas pump. After bravely navigating the south side traffic in the not so nice part of town and experiencing chest pains over the rising cost of fuel where I find myself pondering a Prius or Bolt (Ew. Just cannot do.)...I realise yet again I am a wide open target. Firearm in console, door wide open - yes, please drive away in my vehicle or do I lock the door with firearm inside?

  Suggestions for situation, other than a hybrid?!

LCpl X
LCpl X like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

 @jessbvg 

If you don't have the time to actually train with your gun, I suggest you don't carry one at all, same for other impact weapons, too many incidents where a woman gets disarmed. Many times your weapon is actually what they want and is what's drawing attention.

 

Also patronize one gas station, get to know the clerks there, the set up, mind all the cameras take note of the angles, once you you've focused on one station you can play out scenarios in your head more consistently.

LCpl X
LCpl X like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @jessbvg 

Also start playing Jason Bourne games, notice who's following you, test your theory by making left/right turns, slowing down, speeding up, etc. But get into the habit of being aware of possible tails.

Old PH2
Old PH2 like.author.displayName 1 Like

 @LCpl X @jessbvg From a commercial security standpoint we try to think like the Bad guys.  Look for areas of weakness.  Habitual use of certain routes.  Daily routines.  Do you always get coffee from a favorite shop?  Do you run along busy roads or secluded park trails?  Both have potential for snatch and grab.  Biggest advice I can give is open your eyes, be aware of what and who is around you. 

Some of the best thieves I've seen blend in with the surroundings, look like they belong.  Really good career criminals know that if you look like you belong there, most people leave you alone.  

Don't go agoraphobic, but be aware of what may await you.

LCpl X
LCpl X like.author.displayName like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 3 Like

 Also, when you call 911, it gonna be "911, What's your Emergency?"

 

You answer with:

 

1). Your location, and it's not the corner of Walk/Don't Walk, know your cross streets, near McDonald's, etc. be specific.

 

2). The crime. I think I'm getting followed, I'm being attacked, etc.

 

3). The suspect(s). Vehicle descriptions, start noticing lic. plate number/letter patterns, make/model, male/black, clothes.

 

Include these in your scenarios.

Old PH2
Old PH2 like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

 @jessbvg Yeah, I always have my firearm on my person.  Use the card on the pump so you do not have to disarm to enter the gas station.  Plus making a habit of having the pistol on you is good for the off chance you are run off the road, pistol will be at hand in case of a wreck.  You may be shaken up and unable to find your weapon when needed.

Old PH2
Old PH2 like.author.displayName 1 Like

My wife is still working with our girls and has not seen this yet.  I must say having Laura write from a woman's perspective will help keep the articles grounded.  Nice integration of the info from "Flow." 

 

Maybe a short discussion on defensive sparing would be good next.  Give the ladies some input on how to physically prepare, developing muscle memory.  As always great post, high fashion has never been my forte~, but nice effort.

 

Laura you can rest assured you have my family's support.

LCpl X
LCpl X like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

Yuck, that fashion line reminds me of "Shutter Island". I hope this is Brandon's taste (you sicko) and not Laura's.

 

For scenarios and visualization, I'd like to add that you should also practice dialing 911 on your phone, once fine motor skills set in, it'll be difficult.

 

There's a guy that posts here who mentioned he studies Arnis, I was hoping he'd comment more on the self defense articles.

 

Thanks, Laura!

Jesse
Jesse like.author.displayName like.author.displayName 2 Like

Great writing. I always wonder what it is like being a woman  out running with no one around. I often do out in the desert for marathon training and have similar thoughts about stray dogs, which I have had to fend off with rocks and sticks laying nearby. Typically a good yell is enough, but obviously ladies face other perspectives. It is also interesting thoughts you can develop when in the flow or lack there of.