Airport security. Love them or hate them, they play a vital role in making our journeys safer. As I am writing this post, I am in a foreign country on a business trip. As a South African I am used to watching my back and being a little bit paranoid about the risk of becoming the victim of a violent attack. Planning for personal safety and security is part and parcel of travelling for me.
Photo by yousef alfuhigi on Unsplash
No guns, knives, sharp objects pepper spray and liquids in bottles allowed
That rules out just about all normal self-defense weapons. Which means that when you travel you cannot rely on conventional weapons for self protection. All the time you spent on the shooting range the time you spent using your weapon under pressure is suddenly not useful. Sure if you have your weapon with you those are essential skills but what to do if you cannot have your weapon with you? Also, this predicament is not only limited to situations where you travel. What about when you are in another situation or place where it is not practical or desirable to have a weapon with you?
Sometimes you need a hammer to get a screw out of a wall
Have you ever been in a situation where you tried to get a screw out from a wall with a star point screwdriver and the screw did not want to come out? Eventually the screw head became worn out due to the screwdriver slipping. So you then went for pliers to try and force the screw out. That did not work so you went for the tool that fixes a lot of problems…a hammer. You used the clawed part of the hammer and pulled the screw out in the same way you would pull a nail out. Basically you used 3 tools to get the desired result. Imagine if you only relied on the screwdriver and did not consider trying out any other tools. The same principle applies to self defense. Relying only on one type of weapon is the same as relying on one tool. What if the tool fails? What is your plan then?
Pack light
On my latest overseas business trip I decided to pack light to avoid checking in my luggage. What a difference that made! I was more mobile at the airport. I had no difficulties getting to my room. I could take detours to shops without worrying about by luggage. I had everything I needed right with me. The same applies to self defense. Imagine if you could have everything you needed to defend yourself with you all the time. You would be able to go anywhere without worrying about dragging the heavy cumbersome weapon along with you. You will have no hassles safely storing your weapon when you do not need it. You will have no issues at security checkpoints. You have the freedom to make choices on the spot!
Always have the most powerful weapon with you
The most powerful weapon you can always have with you is the knowledge and physical skills needed to detect and avoid an attack as early as possible. Unfortunately not all attacks can be avoided and in those circumstances you need the knowledge and physical skills to stop the threat in its tracks. You need to know how to strike for maximum effect, how to defend against strikes, how to get out of chokes, grabs, holds and what to do if you end up on the ground. You need to know how to deal with knife attacks or situations where a gun is used. You need to know how to turn everyday items into effective weapons. You can only get that knowledge and skills if you look wider than relying only on a physical weapon.
Get the very best reality based self-defense training you can afford
You are a responsible person, correct? I mean you have insured your home, your car and maybe even your other material possessions like your laptop. You arranged with a friend or family member to look after your home while you are away. You purchased travel insurance just in case your baggage gets lost or your flight gets cancelled. Do you see a pattern here? All the precautions you took was focused on material possessions and to protect yourself against financial loss. What about yourself and the safety of your loved ones? What actions have you taken to protect your most valuable asset – your life and the lives of your loved ones? Now is the time to invest in your most valuable asset by getting the training you need, before you need it.
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