Self Defense Shopping And Traveling Safety Tips

The idea of practicing self defense is not to learn to fight but to learn how to keep you safe. Self Defense is not just about fighting and learning a few fancy moves. It involves the entire body, including mind, spirit and even the soul. Some people might disagree. But, did you know that most persons who do any form of martial art are deeply religious? Here are some self defense shopping and and traveling safety tips to help you and your family.

Having your mind, body and spirit in balance will benefit you and those you seek to protect. Physical strength is important but we who study the art believe that a balance mind is the most essential element needed for success, because no matter how physically strong or adept you are, if your mind is not functioning to an optimal level then you are in big trouble.

On the other hand, you might be a little bit out of shape but you have great mental stability and your mental strength takes you through the roughest times.

I know this hub is long overdue and maybe should have been written before the Christmas holidays to offer shoppers some safety guide, but I write with my instincts so here I am. We shop 12 months for the year so safety is not seasonal, it's everyday practice and these tips are for all seasons and occasions.

• Carry as little cash as possible. I know that the US is a credit and debit card nation, but other countries are not as technologically advanced as the USA. Take for instance here in Jamaica, 80% still carry a huge amount of cash when shopping. Maybe it's because our markets don't use POS, some establishments are still in the stone age and some people have no idea that they can use their cards in the stores. What many people do is go to the ATM and make a withdrawal to spend. In other parts of the world, there are many people still not using a debit card and so become targets of thieves and muggers. We say get with the times and use plastic instead of cash.
• Shop with a friend or family member. Thieves also steal items and not only money. You alone carrying a huge amount of bags are prime target, not only is it displaying that you have a lot of newly purchased stuff, you also are leaving yourself defenseless by overloading your arms with so many bags. Shop in groups, and if you drove, put your stuff away in the trunk of the car after every few items. This way your arms are left free just in case you need them. There is also safety in numbers.
• If you have to use cash, never keep it all in one place. Okay, so credit or debit card is not an option for you. Split your money into sections and hide all over your body or car or purse. Think of creative ways to do this.
• If you happen to drive or went shopping with someone who drives, lock items of value in trunk of the car. Never leave things on the back seat or even on the floor of the car. In most cases, stuff left on the floor can be seen by predators. Never under any circumstances leave your keys in the ignition.
• Shop early to avoid being the last one(s) to leave the plaza or store.
• If confronted by a robber, give him what he wants; nothing is more important than or worth your life or health.
• Have your keys in your hand before you get to your house, to avoid rummaging in your bag. Never delay outside your gate or house because that's when most robbers take advantage.

On foot / walking / pedestrian

• Keep away from dark or poorly lit streets and alleyways. If you have to walk at night stay on the side of the road that has houses or well lit street lamps. Have your defensive weapon (keychain pen, nail file etc.) in your hand, ready to use if needs be.
• If you suspect you are being followed, cross over to the other side of the road. If you are near to a shop or home go there and and alert someone.
• If you see a group or maybe just one or two suspicious looking people, don't walk towards them. Cross the street.
• If you see a group of angry looking people turn around and go back the way you came.
• If a vehicle pulls up threateningly at your feet....RUN!
• If a vehicle pulls up at your feet...don't stop, keep walking! If they need directions never agree to take them there, verbal directions should be enough.
• If someone pulls the door of the vehicle, start running.
• Never walk with head phones on. You may not hear someone come up behind you.
• It is better not to walk towards or close parked vehicles, especially if the engine is still running. You might be walking towards danger.
• Never allow anyone to get you into their car (stranger I mean). Bite, scratch, kick and scream as loudly as possible, do every thing in your power to not get into that car.
• Never give into a threat in order to get into the vehicle. 99%of the time, the threats are just air to get to you. In most cases the kidnapper(s) don't even know your family, so don't give in. Most people who give in never live to return.

I know some of these tips seems a bit extreme but they are all for your own safety. Keep safe and never let a stranger get in your car or let a stranger pull you into their car. Be aware of your surroundings. Look and listen. If your instincts tell you something...listen to it!