We’ve all seen the news stories. They fill a good portion of the evening news and the daily papers - both online and in print.

Have you ever wondered…

What if the victims in many of these stories had properly prepared themselves for the eventuality of being attacked, because…

1. They recognized the existence of danger in the world…

2. They knew that, based on the shear numbers of incidents that…

…danger could, and probably might, touch them, and…

3. They took steps to insure that they would be a survivor instead of a victim who’s story would be laid bare to the world, courtesy of the press…

What if even one story ended like this…

“…she remembers learning how to get out of this type of attack and [automatically] reaches up to grab and pull his arm away from her neck. What she finds though, is that she cannot even begin to budge it in the least.

“Taking the short stick-like key ring that she habitually carries in her hand when there might be a need, she begins delivering a barrage of stabbing and grinding attacks to her assailant’s body. As she feels his grip loosen, she expands her counter-attack to include stamping heel kicks to his instep, smashing headbutt strikes to his face behind her head, and maybe even a well-placed elbow or two to his ribcage.

“She finds herself free as her assailant is sent reeling from the painful blows. She stands there in her defensive position, watching to see what his next move will be, her eyes burning with rage and indignation. Her very presence communicates to her would-be attacker that, “what he is feeling right now is the nicest thing that he will feel if he tries to touch her again!”

Can you see how the assailant’s own perception would be suddenly different, because…

Seeing what was supposed to be his victim standing before him, obviously prepared to do more than he has already experienced, the assailant’s intentions change. What began as a defensive, anger-response to his own pain and a desire for retaliation, has now, with the realization that his victim is no-such-thing, he decides that his own safety is more important than what he wanted from “this” particular target.

He decides to let her go. And, besides…

…he will be able to find another, easier, victim…

…soon enough.

***************************************

This story illustrates a common occurrence - more common, in fact, than most of us ever begin to realize. It describes, in one form, what happens to would-be assailants every day, who choose the wrong target and are left with the realization that not everyone will play the role of the “victim.”

Unfortunately, stories like this are usually never reported on by either the police or news people.

Why? Because they never even know about them. Because the intended victim handled things on their own and escaped safely, returning home to friends and family.

This article then, is a tribute to all those who have decided that, should something ever happen, they choose the outcome of this story to be theirs.

Can you imagine what the world would be like if even half of citizens were capable and prepared to defend themselves against danger? I for one can think of two types of people who would have to find new work…

…criminal attackers, and…

…reporters!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and director of Warrior Concepts International in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He is the author of the “Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery” eCourse, which is available free of charge to subscribers of his self defense newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/newsletter-subscribe-self-defense.html He is also the creator of the EDR: Non-Martial Arts Defensive Training Program, author of the book, “The Karate-Myth” as-well-as the powerful, “Danger Prevention Tactics” video. Additional information is available by visiting http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com.

Tags: Wing Chun, Kung Fu, Las Vegas Kung Fu School, Las Vegas Wing Chun School, Lo Man Kam, Lo Man Kam Wing Chun, Martial Arts Self Defense

As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in martial arts such as karate, tae kwon do, kung fu and other martial art styles will improve one’s cardiovascular fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out with weights. But overall power of one’s body will definitely increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use strength effectively.
Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly while training in martial arts since entire ranges of motion from the body are exercised. This is especially true with martial art styles such as tae kwon do, Thai kickboxing as well as some schools of karate and kung fu where high kicks are used. All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one’s coordination as well.
Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only improves the mind’s focus but also helps in self control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace through their training. In today’s hectic world, these particular benefits translate into one of the most effective stress management tools available. When training in a martial arts session or in a group class, all the day to day troubles of the world seem to be forgotten. People come out refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the big world out there.
Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and progressions. As one advances in a martial art, the feeling of accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially beneficial for children who were not very confident in the first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life such as in other sports and general self esteem. Other challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with much less fear.
An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to note is that children will generally become more disciplined from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. Former ‘problem’ kids with bad attitudes could become well behaved and respectful as a result of taking martial arts a few times per week. Respect is something that all martial arts instructors place great importance in during their classes. Martial arts kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social economic backgrounds they come from.
Martial arts training has so many great benefits covering physical, mental and emotional aspects that it’s no wonder why it has become one of the most popular activities for both adults and children. However, it is important to point out that not all martial arts programs will produce the range of benefits discussed. Programs that teach just combat fighting techniques may not result in the desired mental and spiritual benefits so it is important to search around for the right martial arts school that will offer the benefits one wishes to achieve.
About the Author
Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do, karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won Canadian and world championship titles (NBL and WSKF). He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has martial arts info articles.

Tags: Wing Chun, Kung Fu, Las Vegas Kung Fu School, Las Vegas Wing Chun School, Lo Man Kam, Lo Man Kam Wing Chun, Martial Arts Self Defense

I received a mailer at the office, an attractive one that, in red and white, decorated with hearts and bows.

It is pitching a gym membership for women, offering a Valentine s Day Special.

Of course, it s a cute idea, and what can be a better way to work off those holiday chocolates than to work out?

Actually, there is one.

If you want to truly give the gift of love to your partner, to your spouse, or your children, give them the gift of self-defense training.

Nothing sends the message better that you love them than saying you want them to be safe, to be free from danger, and above all, to live a less fearful life.

Specifically, here s what they ll get out of your gift:

(1) Self-esteem. People who think highly of themselves are better lovers because they love themselves.

(2) Self-confidence. Self-confident people are sexier. Actor Jack Palance said so, it that commercial on TV a few years ago!

(3) Physical fitness. Whether its abs of steel, or toned arms, legs, and other body parts, you ll get them by practicing martial arts, even that slow and graceful one elders often use, Tai Chi.

(4) Increased energy and vigor. Unquestionably, your stamina improves and you radiate dynamism when you re a martial artist.

(5) Peace of mind. Wouldn t it be nice to walk down that dark alley at night and know your love is the scariest one there?

Seriously, give it some thought.

This Valentine s Day, you have a chance to give a gift of love, and life!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable, published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC’s Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

Tags: Wing Chun, Kung Fu, Las Vegas Kung Fu School, Las Vegas Wing Chun School, Lo Man Kam, Lo Man Kam Wing Chun, Martial Arts Self Defense