Self Defense in Canada

Self Defense Canada - Women's Self Defense YouTube Video

September 13, 2011, Toronto, Canada - In this Self Defense Canada blog, I would like to offer a YouTube video of a SAFE International Women's Self Defense party.  In this video you will see what one is capable of, after only 30 minutes of self defense training.  I find that by teaching self defense concepts, rather than techniques, our clients have a much quicker learning curve.  Techniques take years to learn and are based on an attacker attacking in a certain way, whereas concepts work regardless of the variables.  A SAFE International Women's Self Defense party is an excellent environment to learn how to protect oneself.  While self defense and personal protection is a serious topic, our research shows that when people are learning in a fun, interactive environment, they are much more likely to open up with stories and be physical with the drills we run.  SAFE International always covers Awareness and Avoidance strategies which are based on one's daily routines.  We examine what an attacker looks for, what an attacker wants, and doesn't want in confrontation. One of the biggest topics we examine, is how most people are too polite, even when their intuition is telling them the complete opposite.  We cover the most common distraction techniques an attacker will use to gain an advantage.  We then move on to verbal strategies in the event that avoidance is no longer possible.  Rather than just teaching to yell at a potential attacker, we cover a few verbal strategies based on the aggressor and the scenario.  The third step is addressing the physical aspect of self defense.  We begin with the advantages of adopting a passive stance rather than an aggressive stance.  We only teach gross motor strikes due to the adrenal rush one gets when they are in a highly stressful state such as an attack scenario.  We teach a philsophy of "Attack the Attacker" which reverses one from being the Prey, to that of being the Predator.  Another philsophy is to attack the head if all avoidance and verbal strategies have failed.  In this video, you will see those philsophies come into play.  This is only 30 minutes into the physical training and you can see how the idea of self defense concepts are very effective.  The self defense drills increase with intensity as the participants gain more confidence.  This is very important as you don't want to terrify your clients right from the start.  It is important to build rapport with your students and the results will be seen as the drills progress.

 

One thing you notice immediately is that there is no hesitation, but rather a forward moving attack once she noticed some pre-contact cue of an attack.  Many teach that one has to wait to be attacked before they can defend themself.  Being proactive, rather than reactive, dramatically increases your chance of survival.  You will also notice that she is not thinking what strike had to be next based on memorization, but rather what strike made the most sense based on the theory of attack the head.  Now, every scenario is different and requires different reactions, but if all avoidance and verbal defenses have not worked, one needs to be prepared to take action in order to get home and survive.  At first glance, many find it is easy to pick apart a video like this, but this is only 30 minutes into training and one has to look at the whole course and how everyone progresses throughout the drills.

How do you book a SAFE International Women's Self Defense Party?  Its simple.  Get some friends/family together and email me at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz  You can plan a meal and/or snacks.  Not only is a SAFE International Women's Self Defense Party potentially life saving, but a lot of fun as well.

SAFE International has taught more than 120,000 people since 1994.  We are available throughout North America to teach in schools, corporations, women's group, privately or for parties.  Please visit our main site at www.safeinternational.biz and our high school site at www.highschoolselfdefense.com for more information.  My name is Chris Roberts, CEO of SAFE International.

SAFE International Self Defense Expands Into Albuquerque, New Mexico

June 20, 2011, Canada - SAFE International is a leading provider of self defense training in North America.  SAFE International is pleased to announce its self defense expansion into Albuquerque, New Mexcio with a focused marketing campaign to provide self defense to women, corporations and high school students.

SAFE International has delivered training to over one hundred thousand (100,000) people since 1994. The company is owned and managed by Chris Roberts, CEO, who is a professional teaching Director and self-defense instructor.

Ryan Fellows is the Director of Operations for SAFE International™ in the U.S.A.  Ryan Fellows lives in Albuquerque, NM, in the southwest United States. He has been married to his wife Vickie for 19 years and has three daughters.  Ryan studied martial arts and tactics for many years. His teaching and training credentials range from: studies in Shotokan Karate to more modern methods of self-defense.  Ryan is an NRA Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor and is also a NRA Range Safety Officer.  He has been teaching Albuquerque Self-Defense to people for many years from high school to senior citizens.  Ryan has volunteered his services to many community organizations including domestic violence and women’s /family shelters. He has a passion for teaching people how to stay safe, and believes that the key to good instruction is keeping it fun.

Mr. Roberts founded SAFE International™ in 1994. He saw there was a lack of practical and effective self defense instruction for people. The SAFE International high school courses became known for their instruction on how to deal with conflict before it starts rather than just deal with the physical side of self defense. While self protection is a serious topic, the SAFE instructors have managed to develop a course that integrates humour while still getting a serious message across to students/clients.  Chris Roberts has developed and taught specially tailored self defense courses in the corporate environment, particularly to companies/organizations that are in higher risk professions including health care, real estate, sales people, etc.  Self protection is a not only a necessity, but is also a form of insurance that will make your business more profitable and your employees more confident and secure. Workplace violence is a serious issue and SAFE has the ability to teach workplace staff how to deal with all aspects of confrontation including the Awareness/Avoidance stages along with Verbal Diffusing skills and physical self defense. 

SAFE International also offers specialized Women’s Self Defense courses to women’s groups, including their Women’s Self Defense Parties.  Twenty five percent of women will be assaulted during their lifetime. This is an alarming fact especially since over forty seven percent of crime is unreported. Women will know their attacker fifty seven percent of the time according to studies. Women lead busy lives and need easy to remember tactics that work in real-life situations. They also need training that fits into their busy schedules. SAFE International's instructors understand the challenges that women face and offer classes, group seminars and private lessons to fit into anyone's schedule.

SAFE International has become North America’s most popular high school course for both boys and girls due to the fact that they don't teach martial arts, but rather a practical approach to personal safety with an emphasis on recognizing and avoiding potentially dangerous situations.  All instructors are certified through SAFE International™ and have a unique ability to reach the students in an effective and memorable manner. SAFE International has traditionally focused on self defense instruction for high school students.  It offers 1, 3, 4 or 5 hour courses which can be taught over consecutive days or all in one day depending upon the school/ organization's needs. They offer High School self defense customized to the class needs and expectations. Each session includes discussion, role playing and a practical physical component ending with their famous simulated attacks in which the students get the opportunity to practice their newly learned skills on a padded instructor. These are real-world tactics that can be used by anyone against violent and stressful attacks. 

SAFE International™ also trains/consults people privately on a weekly basis. Private clients include mothers, fathers, daughters, police officers, seniors, and people with disabilities.  Chris Roberts constantly studies and implements new tactics when they fit the criteria of being simple, but effective.  SAFE International teaches self defense concepts that are based on Gross Motor movements, rather than complicated and difficult to remember techniques.

Contact SAFE International and Chris Roberts to schedule self defense for your corporation, group, or school.   You can visit their websites at www.safeinternational.biz or www.highschoolselfdefense.com   You can also email Chris Roberts directly by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz  You can also reach Mr. Roberts toll free at 1-800-465-5972.

Self Defense In Canada - Why I Am A Self Defense Advisor, Not An Expert

April 17, 2011, Toronto, Canada - In this Self Defense In Canada blog, I would like to offer my thoughts on why I am feel I am a self defense advisor, not an expert.  I have always had trouble with saying I am an expert at self defense when people ask me, even though it has been in my blog heading since the beginning.  I am not comfortable using the word expert as it implies one knows everything about the topic.  In fact, anyone who claims to be an expert might want to really look at themself and reconsider the term.  I came to think of this when I recently spoke to Rich Dimitri, founder of Senshido.  I had spoken to a member of the media on a topic I feel Rich is a better resource to deal with than myself.  I had told him I had informed the lady I was speaking to, that Rich was more of an expert on this topic.  Rich said in his typical fashion, "Bro, I am no expert on anything".  This made me think that if he is not an expert, where the hell did I get the nerve to consider my self an expert! From now on, I am a self defense advisor/coach who delivers his material in an expert fashion!  Is that better?  Lol.  Here are some thoughts on this topic. 

I Don't Know Everything - if you are a student and looking for a self defense advisor/teacher and they tell you that they know everything, RUN!  How could one possibly know absolultely everything about a topic which has literally millions of variables from scenarios, to pyschology, to verbal and physical skills?  Have they used their skills to defend against one attacker, two attackers, four attackers where 2 had knives and one had a bat, etc, etc, etc.  If the majority of their time is telling you about their successes, RUN!  They are there to help you develop the skills for success.  I am constantly watching new videos, talking to other EXPERTS, etc. and I never stop learinng what might work, what might not work.  I find learning skills that won't work in my humble opinion more valuable than those that do work.  But I am also open to the fact that what might not work for me, will work for somoene else and will advise someone if I feel it might work for them. 

What If Someone Got Hurt Using Your Expert Knowledge - one thing I tell people over and over and over is that nothing I teach them is guaranteed to work.  Again, there are too many variables and one of the biggest mistakes is assuming you know how your client will react under the stress of a real attack.  Hell, are you absolutely positive how you will react every single time?  People seem to want an answer that will work in every possible scenario and if someone claims they are giving you that answer, RUN!  Would that self defense instructor be willing to back that up if you were beaten to a pulp?  Not likely.  Would they be willing to pay your medical expenses if they expert advice didn't turn out accurate?  Not likely.  Would they be willing to face your family and friends and tell them it is their fault their advice didn't work?  Not likely!

I always find it funny and scary, when I ask others in the industry if they are open to having me or someone like Rich Dimitri come do a seminar with their students so maybe they can see something different or useful.  I have had some take that question as an insult to their abilities.  I will never stop inviitng people to teach me and my students if I feel my students could pick up something of value.  I also remember that this can be an industry filled with ego and that one's ego very often does not allow others to take some of the limelight.  If we are truly in this industry to "MAKE PEOPLE SAFER", shouldn't we be open to letting our students see different approaches and letting them decide what might be useful to them.  Where do some of us get the nerve to thing we are the cat's meow in the self defense world.

I feel fortunate to have my SAFE gang and Rich's team of instructors there to put me in check if I ever feel like I am becoming bigger than my purpose. 

We are SAFE International, a team of self defense experts, LOL, just kidding, self defense advisors who are available throughout North America to teach personal protection instruction.  Please visit our sites at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com to learn how we can "make your people safer".

 

Ottawa Self Defense - Ottawa Teen, Girl 16, Sexually Assaulted And Abducted In Barrhaven

Barrhaven, Canada, January 20, 2010 - In this Canada self defense blog, I would like to hilight a terrible story in which an Ottawa Teen, Girl 16, was Sexually Assaulted and Abducted in Barrhaven, Ontario.  The reason I share this story is to make mothers  and fathers realize that their children do not live in the same world they grew up in, and that they need to educate their kids on real personal safety/self defense now.  Whenever I write about this and make people aware of terrible stories like this, people automatically accuse me of trying to take advantage of the situation for monetary gain.  I DON'T CARE WHERE THEY GET THIS TRAINING, AS LONG AS THEY GET  SELF DEFENSE  TRAINING THAT ADDRESSES REAL LIFE SCENARIOS. In my experience, it takes a tragedy like this for people to wake up and take it seriously.  People's biggest misconception is that something like this could never happen to them.  No one whoever gets attacked, expects it.  It happens in the smallest, friendliest towns, and the largest scariest cities.  I operate SAFE International, Canada's leader in self defense instruction.  Please read this story and I will offer some further thoughts.

Updated: Thu Jan. 20 2011 6:21:37 PM

ctvottawa.ca

Ottawa police are searching for a male suspect driving a red SUV after a 16-year-old girl was allegedly forced into a vehicle, sexually assaulted, and abducted during a brazen daytime attack in Barrhaven.

Police say the teenager was walking on Tartan Drive at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday when she was apparently approached by an unknown male in an older model red SUV.

The man apparently asked for directions. When the girl stopped to offer help, police say she was forced into the vehicle where she was allegedly sexually assaulted. The man also had a gun.

Police say the man drove the girl to the Fallowfield Road Park and Ride before letting her go. He then drove away.

Sgt. Jeff Webster says he believes the girl's life was threatened and police have increased security in the neighbourhood.

"It is certainly a concerning event for the community of Barrhaven and a very much concern to the Ottawa Police Service," he said.

In 2005, Ottawa teenager Jennifer Teague was abducted and murdered in the same neighbourhood. However, her killer is behind bars.

Police are now asking young women and girls to be cautious of people approaching them, especially males who approach teenaged girls for directions. Police are offering the following tips:

• Be alert; don't use headphones
• Buddy up with a friend rather than walking alone
• Get attention if you feel uneasy by screaming or making a scene
• Make sure you have a cellphone
• Call police if you hear or see anything suspicious

School boards are also making sure parents and students are aware of the incident. The Ottawa Catholic School Board sent out a letter to parents and the Ottawa-Carleton Public School Board made an announcement.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, investigators say this type of attack is rare.

"It's something we're not used to seeing for sure and something that's getting a lot of police attention by way of investigation," Webster said.

Suspect description

The young victim was able to give police a detailed description of her attacker. He is described as a man in his 40s with light brown or olive skin. Police say he spoke English with a French accent.

The suspect is about five feet six inches tall, with a medium build and dark, shaggy, ear-length hair.

He was wearing a beige suede coat, blue jeans, work boots and glasses with thin black rims. He was also wearing a gold wedding band.

The vehicle is described as an older model red four-door SUV, similar to a Ford Escape or Ford Explorer. It is equipped with winter tires and no hub caps. There was no license plate on the front of the vehicle.

Police say the vehicle had two front bucket seats. The rear seats had been removed at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem

First I wish the family our thoughts and prayers.  I do not know them, but SAFE International has taught more than 100,000 high school students self defense and I can only imagine what they are going through.  I am a self defense instructor, but a parent first, so again, my thoughts are with them.  This young girl gave an excellent description under these horrific circumstances.  Please let the police know if you have any information.

Some of the specifics in this case are very common as far as how an attacker will lure their victim.  I have always taught it will be something simple like asking for directions or the time.  Despite what many adults think, the vast majority of teens are great, inspirational, fun people who are just guilty of being TOO POLITE.  The majority of people are just kind folk going along in life more than happy to help someone by giving the time or directions.  The problem is that attackers know this and take advantage of it.  It makes me sick that I have to teach people, not to be parnaoid, but to be aware doing a simple task such as giving directions, etc.  I always teach teens that their directions are the same if they are 20 feet away as they are 2 feet away.  If you are not comfortable, don't give the time, and just walk away, keeping an eye on the person.  Most often, your gut or intuition will tell you something is not right.  I would much rather risk offending a complete stranger than to have something happen to me.   As the police mention in this article, cell phones can be valuable, but I also point out that they can be a distraction if one is busy texting or talking.  Use the phone only when required to avoid being unaware of your surroundings.  Ipods might be the single greatest invention for criminals.  You have absolutely no awareness of anything around you, making it easy for someone to surprise you.

SAFE International has taught more than 100,000 clients self defense skills.  Not just the physical, but the emotional, psychological, and verbal as well.  Please visit our main site at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com for more information on our courses.  You can also email me at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

Canada Self Defense - Girl 16, Sexually Assaulted And Abducted In Barrhaven

Barrhaven, Canada, January 20, 2010 - In this Canada self defense blog, I would like to hilight a terrible story in which a Girl 16, was Sexually Assaulted and Abducted in Barrhaven, Ontario.  The reason I share this story is to make mothers  and fathers realize that their children do not live in the same world they grew up in, and that they need to educate their kids on real personal safety/self defense now.  Whenever I write about this and make people aware of terrible stories like this, people automatically accuse me of trying to take advantage of the situation for monetary gain.  I DON'T CARE WHERE THEY GET THIS TRAINING, AS LONG AS THEY GET  SELF DEFENSE  TRAINING THAT ADDRESSES REAL LIFE SCENARIOS. In my experience, it takes a tragedy like this for people to wake up and take it seriously.  People's biggest misconception is that something like this could never happen to them.  No one whoever gets attacked, expects it.  It happens in the smallest, friendliest towns, and the largest scariest cities.  I operate SAFE International, Canada's leader in self defense instruction.  Please read this story and I will offer some further thoughts.

Updated: Thu Jan. 20 2011 6:21:37 PM

ctvottawa.ca

Ottawa police are searching for a male suspect driving a red SUV after a 16-year-old girl was allegedly forced into a vehicle, sexually assaulted, and abducted during a brazen daytime attack in Barrhaven.

Police say the teenager was walking on Tartan Drive at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday when she was apparently approached by an unknown male in an older model red SUV.

The man apparently asked for directions. When the girl stopped to offer help, police say she was forced into the vehicle where she was allegedly sexually assaulted. The man also had a gun.

Police say the man drove the girl to the Fallowfield Road Park and Ride before letting her go. He then drove away.

Sgt. Jeff Webster says he believes the girl's life was threatened and police have increased security in the neighbourhood.

"It is certainly a concerning event for the community of Barrhaven and a very much concern to the Ottawa Police Service," he said.

In 2005, Ottawa teenager Jennifer Teague was abducted and murdered in the same neighbourhood. However, her killer is behind bars.

Police are now asking young women and girls to be cautious of people approaching them, especially males who approach teenaged girls for directions. Police are offering the following tips:

• Be alert; don't use headphones
• Buddy up with a friend rather than walking alone
• Get attention if you feel uneasy by screaming or making a scene
• Make sure you have a cellphone
• Call police if you hear or see anything suspicious

School boards are also making sure parents and students are aware of the incident. The Ottawa Catholic School Board sent out a letter to parents and the Ottawa-Carleton Public School Board made an announcement.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, investigators say this type of attack is rare.

"It's something we're not used to seeing for sure and something that's getting a lot of police attention by way of investigation," Webster said.

Suspect description

The young victim was able to give police a detailed description of her attacker. He is described as a man in his 40s with light brown or olive skin. Police say he spoke English with a French accent.

The suspect is about five feet six inches tall, with a medium build and dark, shaggy, ear-length hair.

He was wearing a beige suede coat, blue jeans, work boots and glasses with thin black rims. He was also wearing a gold wedding band.

The vehicle is described as an older model red four-door SUV, similar to a Ford Escape or Ford Explorer. It is equipped with winter tires and no hub caps. There was no license plate on the front of the vehicle.

Police say the vehicle had two front bucket seats. The rear seats had been removed at the time of the attack.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS).

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem

First I wish the family our thoughts and prayers.  I do not know them, but SAFE International has taught more than 100,000 high school students self defense and I can only imagine what they are going through.  I am a self defense instructor, but a parent first, so again, my thoughts are with them.  This young girl gave an excellent description under the horrific circumstances.  Please let the police know if you have any information.

Some of the specifics in this case are very common as far as how an attacker will lure their victim.  I have always taught it will be something simple like asking for directions or the time.  Despite what many adults think, the vast majority of teens are great, inspirational, fun people who are just guilty of being TOO POLITE.  The majority of people are just kind folk going along in life more than happy to help someone by giving the time or directions.  The problem is that attackers know this and take advantage of it.  It makes me sick that I have to teach people, not to be parnaoid, but to be aware doing a simple task such as giving directions, etc.  I always teach teens that their directions are the same if they are 20 feet away as they are 2 feet away.  If you are not comfortable, don't give the time, and just walk away, keeping an eye on the person.  Most often, your gut or intuition will tell you something is not right.  I would much rather risk offending a complete stranger than to have something happen to me.   As the police mention in this article, cell phones can be valuable, but I also point out that they can be a distraction if one is busy texting or talking.  Use the phone only when required to avoid being unaware of your surroundings.  Ipods might be the single greatest invention for criminals.  You have absolutely no awareness of anything around you, making it easy for someone to surprise you.

SAFE International has taught more than 100,000 clients self defense skills.  Not just the physical, but the emotional, psychological, and verbal as well.  Please visit our main site at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com for more information on our courses.  You can also email me at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

Canada Self Defense - High School Teacher Testimonial

January 15, 2011, London, Canada - In this Canada self defense blog, I would like to offer an unsolicited High School Teacher Testimonial.  SAFE International has taught self defense to more than 100,000 high school students since 1994.  We consistently get excellent reviews from both teachers and students.  In fact, teachers tell me that students usually rate our course as their favourite activity in all of their physical education experience.  The instructor in this testimonial is Chris Greenwood.  Chris has been with SAFE International almost from the beginning.  He has taught more students than any of my instructors and has become not only a fantastic instructor, but also a close friend.  His ability to reach the students with a serious topic in a fun manner is probably his best asset.  While many might get bored after teaching for a few years, Chris still instructs at an extremely high level even after 15 years.  Please enjoy this testimonial from a teacher at a new school we taught near London, Ontario..

Hello Phys. Ed friends,

Over the last few years of teaching grade 11 girls phys. ed and fitness, I have had many wonderful speakers and presenters come in to share their knowledge and expertise with my classes.  This past week I had such a phenomenal experience with SAFE International that I have to share this resource with all of you.  This recommendation comes without any persuasion from the self protection instructor or organization but is truly driven by my need to tell others about this awesome course.  All four of our girls classes (grades 9-11) participated in a four day course on personal safety.  On day one we met our instructor Chris and he spent an hour demonstrating and discussing Danger Detection strategies and the ladies practised their newly acquired skills. He was relatable, made the girls feel comfortable and was really funny. Day 2 we learned strikes and holds and on day 3 we learned escapes, holds and groundwork.  I learned a lot in these days and the students were all participating and having fun.  All of our strategies and skills were about to be put to the test on day 4: Simulated Attacks.  Each girl gets to practice their skills on Chris (who is well padded) in an attack-like scenario.  The students were awesome and those who were watching, screamed instructions to the participant the whole time they were engaged in the fight.  I’ve never seen them so “into it” - laughing, sweating, shouting....  I videoed their skills and they were so excited to watch themselves afterwards and critiqued their own form.  Unfortunately, the girls videoed me as well - since I always try and participate.  Let me tell you, my heart was pounding and I was EXHAUSTED after 2minutes of grappling with Chris. I’m not sure how well I did but I do feel more confident in my self defense skills and in my prevention strategies (see the attached video).  I highly recommend you have Chris come out to your schools to deliver this program; it is a valuable if not necessary course for our female students to promote safety awareness and to develop self-confidence!!!  Share this email with your colleagues  :)

I would like to thank Katie and the crew at Medway High School.  It is always so gratifying to have teachers and students tell us how much they have gained from a SAFE International experience.  Also, a special thanks to Chris Greenwood and all SAFE instructors for they continued efforts in making our youth safer.  Please visit our websites at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com for more information on our course offerings.  You can also email me directly at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

Canada Self Defense - Why I Hate The Term "Self Defense"

January 4, 2011, Toronto, Canada - In this Canada self defense blog, I would like to discuss why I hate the term "self defense".  I thought it might be interesting to just sit down and think of all the reasons I don't like the term "self defense".  I mean I have used it for years and will probably continue to use it, although, once I get clients in front of me, they quickly realize why I am not a fan of the term. This will just be a stream of consciousness in no particular order.  Please be aware that your first priority is to avoid danger or verbally defuse, but if that is no longer a choice, we use "self defense".

Probably the first thing that comes to mind, is that the term "self defense" implies one has to wait until they are attacked before they are allowed legally, to react.  Want to know a great way to get the crap beaten out of you or even killed?  Wait and see what the attacker does to you, and hope that you are quick enough to block and then strike back, if you even do, because you feel it still might not be legally right to do.  Do you think it is quicker to be reactive or proactive?  It's not even a contest unless the guy attacking you throws a haymaker with the speed of a sloth.  Is it quicker to move forwards or backwards?  Obviously, whoever is moving forward is generating more force and power and is being proactive.  If you are going backwards in a "self defense" scenario, you are likely reacting to what the charging attacker is throwing at you.  Whenever I get some resistance discussing striking first before the attacker, I will ask, "What if someone was just about to grab or strike your child?"  Would you wait because it is wrong to strike someone first, or would you, without hesitation, begin attacking the attacker?  Both men and women will tell me that it is different with their child.  When I ask why, they will just sort of look at me and go, "It just is, its my child".  Hmmm...  It is amazing how we will all do much more for our loved ones, than we will do for ourselves.  One of them most valuable tools I have learned from Tony Blauer is when he said, "What do you see yourself doing for others, that you can't see you doing for yourself?"  This really opened my eyes to the fact that you need to"Be Your Own Bodyguard" as Tony says.

That leads me to the next reason I don't like the term "self defense".  It implies that you are just defending yourself.  Are you a mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, etc?  You are not only defending yourself, but also those who are important to you, because if you are not around to share your life with them, their lives will also have been affected by your tragedy.  When you start to think of these things, it makes it more likely that you will not wait to use "self defense", but rather to attack the attacker before they attack you. 

I don't consider myself a particularly intellectual person, but what is your philosophy when it comes to "self defense"? You hear all sorts of things like, "It is not right to hurt others, regardless of what they have done to you".  You should "turn the other cheek".  That is a great one because after their haymaker makes contact with your one cheek, you could turn it and let them punch the other one.  I think you know what I mean with that.  I love the way Tim Larkin discusses philosophy in the world of "violence", because lets face it, the scenario you might be in, is one person trying to put violence on you, so you better put more violence on them before they do.  There is room for philosophy before the violence and after, but not during.  As Tim puts it, "Philosophy does not exist in the moment of violence".  Are you beginning to see why I don't like the term "self defense"?  It really does not work effectively in real world violence.  The term that might be better used is, "ATTACK THE ATTACKER QUICKLY AND AGGRESSIVELY, DOING ANYTHING NECESSARY TO THEM, BECAUSE YOU WANT TO LIVE".  That term doesn't flow as quickly and as easily as "self defense".  This is why I am particularly fond of a concept by Rich Dimitri called "The Shredder".  It perfectly meets the criteria for the term above, rather than self defense.  When people think of self defense, they think of a perfectly executed block and then counter when in fact real violence is chaotic, messy, and violent.  The Shredder is one of the best ways to turn the term "self defense" into the term "attack the attacker"

I have not discussed the legalities here or when exactly you should strike first. That would take another whole blog to discuss.  I just needed to offer a few reasons why I don't like the term "self defense", but will continue to use it until I get to say what I really want to in front of a group of clients.

My name is Chris Roberts, CEO of SAFE International, Canada's leader in SELF DEFENSE (LOL)  instruction. Please visit our websites at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com for more information.  You can also contact me directly by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

 

New Streetfighting DVD For Sale

December 23, 2010, Toronto, Canada - In this blog, I would like to make my readers aware of a New Streetfighting DVD which is available now.  There are so many self defense/streetfighting DVD's on the market with fancy, flashy, and outrageous techniques.  When Robb Hamic puts out material, I take notice, as it always of the highest quality and effective skills.  Go now to www.streetfighting.co to see the promotional video or to order the DVD!

Real fighters want simple concepts that work in a variety of situations. The key to our teaching in this DVD is the simplicity and the brutal effectiveness of each move. Each of these tactics have been used in street fights with much success and they will work for you.

Don't put false confidence into a martial art or belt ranking. WARNING: techniques that work in a dojo (with a willing practice partner) don't work in the street against a criminal. Conventional martial art techniques won't work in a life and death confrontation, defense against a home invasion, car jacking or multiple attackers or other real life situations.

 

Consider these facts:
Each year 1 in 1000 people are the victims of an assault that could or does cause great bodily harm in the United States. Do the math.
The aggravated assault rate in some cities is 1 in 100 people, each year!
47% of crime is unreported.
The average police response time is over 4 minutes in the United States.
Bad people often ambush their victims and bring their friends to fight.
Most fights are over in 10-15 seconds.
If a victim is knocked to the ground they stand a good chance of sustaining much greater injury.
A fall / tackle / takedown on concrete can kill a victim.
Most people lose fights to multiple attackers and are kicked repeatedly.
Fights / Attacks can happen anywhere and they are sudden and chaotic.
Don't depend on someone else to keep you and your family safe!

This DVD contains 38 proven techniques and over two hours of instruction. It is a rare value and already discount priced. The DVD has already been distributed nationwide and is receiving a lot of interest. Future DVD's are in development and will be available in the coming months to address women's self-defense, rape prevention, bullying, fighting drills, advanced jujitsu, advanced leg submissions for MMA and many other proven tactics. All orders ship immediately to customers in the U.S. and Internationally.

 

Watch The Trailer ... Buy The DVD

My name is Chris Roberts, CEO of SAFE International, Canada's leader in self defense instruction.  I encourage all my readers to go to www.streetfighting.co to order this DVD.  Be sure to tell Robb that I sent you.  You can also view my website at www.safeinternational.biz or by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

Canada Self Defense - Women's Self Defense Simulated Attacks

December 17, 2010, Ottawa, Canada - In this Canada self defense blog, I am offering a video showing women's self defense simulated attacks at an Ottawa high school.  This is just part of the SAFE International high school self defense course which has been taught to more than 120,000 clients since 1994.  SAFE International focuses on avoiding potentially dangerous situations before ever recommending physical self defense.  We review how to NOT appear as a potential victim by walking with confidence and being aware of one's surroundings.  We teach both women and men the importance of trusting their intuition and why being too polite can be dangerous.  Most confrontations can be dealt with through verbal skills.  Most self defense companies ignore these first two critical steps and jump right into physical self defense.  There are many legalities that need to be discussed before teaching any physical skills.

 

What you will notice in this video is that self defense is not fancy, perfectly executed flying kicks and death blows, but rather a chaotic mess of gross motor strikes.  As I have mentioned many times before, the body can't perform any fine motor skills until there has been a shift from prey to predator.  We teach that you always want to avoid, run or defuse a situation before getting physical, but once it does go physical, it is important to adopt the philosophy of "attack the attacker" until one can safely escape the scenario. I am the first to admit that when we perform the simulated attacks with clients, they may only remember 20% of what we have taught them, but that 20% may save their life.  I don't like the term self defense as it implies that one needs to wait to be attacked before reacting.  At SAFE International, we discuss when it is appropriate and legal to strike first, which will greatly increase your odds of surviving an attack. It is important to remember that an attacker does not choose a victim looking for a challenge, but rather someone they perceive as being an easy victim.  It is important to not be that easy victim as there are three things an attacker does not want.  They do not want to get caught, get hurt or for the attack to go on to long.  When you attack the attacker, you create all three of these scenarios an attacker does not want.  Enjoy the video!  Thanks to Kelly and her gang!

SAFE International is available throughout North America to conduct seminars for women, men, families and corporations.  Please visit our websites at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com.  You can also email me at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz 

 

Canada Self Defense - How To Stop Bullying at www.stopabully.ca

December 4, 2010, Toronto, Canada - In this Canada self defense blog, I would like to promote a website on how to stop bullying at www.stopabully.ca. This national Stop A Bully program was developed by a B.C. teacher allows any student in Canada to submit a bully report directly to school officials without any risk of becoming a target themselves.  SAFE International has taught more than 120,000 students self defense skills.  Bullying is an important topic that parents, educators, and people of all ages should be concerned with.  I encourage everyone to check out the website at www.stopabully.ca

Read carefully before submitting a BULLY REPORT:

• We always recommend to students that they talk to their parent/guardian, or a school staff member, regarding any incident of harassment or violence at school.

• For severe cases of violence or threat of violence we recommend that students, or their parents, contact the RCMP immediately for assistance.

• If a student needs immediate help contact the Kids Help Phone

• All information that is submitted on the Bully Report form will be forwarded to the Principal and Counselor of the school.

• Any photos or video that are submitted will also be forwarded to the Principal and Counselor of the school.  The email address that sent in the photos or video will NOT be forwarded to the school.

• Complete and specific details of any incident are always needed in order for action to be taken by school staff.

• Although your name may not be included on the form it is possible from the incident details that the school staff may determine who submitted the form.  It is possible that they may approach you directly to offer assistance and/or collect more information.

• StopABully.ca has no control over the actions (or lack of action) of a school in dealing with BULLY REPORTS, but we encourage every school to use the reported details in taking all steps necessary to stop the harassment.

• If a Principal declines to accept BULLY REPORTS we will not be able to provide any assistance with that particular school.

• It is unlawful to make accusations that are untrue, any such submissions may be passed along to authorities for investigation.

SAFE International supports anti-bullying sites like www.stopabully.ca.  You can also view our websites at www.safeinternational.biz and www.highschoolselfdefense.com.  You can also email me directly at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz