In the run up to Christmas and New Year we all relax and want to enjoy ourselves so now is the time to take a few minutes with your family to remind them that prevention is better than cure when it comes to self defence.

”Remember that skills perfected in the dojo can be blurred by the festive spirit so don’t be led into a false feeling of self confidence,” says Xen-Do’s Sensei Denise Bailey. “Use the Xen-Do safety system: Anticipate – Avoid – Act to stay out of trouble .”

Anticipate situations such as which route you will take and how best to travel, make sure you know the times of last trains and buses and check out which taxi company can you trust, arrange to travel with a friend whenever possible.

”It might sound simple but ensure you fully charge your mobile phone and have important numbers to hand,” says Sensei Denise. ”Parents should get into the habit of rehearsing their children every time they go out, this way safety becomes part of the routine.”

Avoid putting yourself at risk, ”steer clear of known danger spots and walk in brightly lit areas you know well, if parking choose a place easily accessible when you return to your car and have your keys ready, both to enter the car and as a form of defence if need be, simple but effective,” says Sensei Denise.

”Don’t draw attention to yourself, keep expensive jewellery covered and take care when using a smart phone or opening your handbag.”

Act by remaining alert, Sensei Denise continues, ”studies have shown that a potential attacker is looking for the weakest opportunity, so walk purposefully down the centre of the street and look ahead to identify any threats. Cross the road if you sense danger ahead and follow your instincts, analysis shows that our instincts are there to be trusted, not discounted.

“If you are in a threatening situation then act fast, use the control techniques practised in the Xen-Do dojo to command and deflect the situation, a loud voice or positive body stance says ‘leave me alone’ and will usually buy time to escape or call the police, failing that a well placed and powerful kick will give you the element of surprise.”

Dai Master Raf, founder of Xen-Do School of Kickboxing and Martial Arts has years of experience in teaching adults, children and security personnel self defence: ”By planning and rehearsing for threatening situations you will act appropriately and fast if you have to, it’s amazing how many skilled Martial Artists would just simply freeze because their mindset is in the dojo not the street.

If you follow Sensei Denise’s advice then you will appear strong and in control so have fun, enjoy the party season and stay safe.

This article is based on opinion:
– the author is not a qualified doctor or anyone who can dispense medical advice.
– any opinions stated are just that and people should consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or changes of any nature prompted by the articles published by or on behalf of Xen-Do.
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