Page 82 - American Survival Guide - October 2017

... THE PHYSICAL ‹ Trust your in their back pocket. These are all very good self-defense items, but they are useful only
gut—not
SIZE OF A PERSON your heart or if you know how to quickly access them prior to an attack and how to use them with
mind—when
sufficient skill so they are not a hindrance while defending yourself.
ISN’T IN DIRECT something just As with any tool or weapon, regular practice is a necessity to become comfortable
doesn’t feel
right. (Photo:
PROPORTION TO Bigstock) wielding it when it matters. Everything—the initial draw, the application and the finish—
should all be smooth and flawless. Only then does carrying a weapon become a smart
THEIR SKILL LEVEL and practical idea.
OR ABILITY. PEOPLE GYM CLASSES ARE GREAT RESOURCES
WITH SMALLER Don’t confuse cardio-kickboxing with true boxing or kickboxing. Sweating while punching
FRAMES OR A a bag and shooting out kicks to an invisible target is not self-defense training. It does
work your cardio, which is always a good thing, but it isn’t going to save your life when or
LESS-MUSCULAR if you are attacked.
BUILD CAN Furthermore, a one-time seminar or special class that teaches women’s self-defense
OVERCOME LARGER is great to introduce life-saving skills. However, the students won’t retain or be able to
effectively emulate the techniques shown after only one exposure. Consistent training (at
OPPONENTS. least two days a week is the unofficial norm) is required to become proficient and able to
naturally perform the techniques.

82 AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE [OCTOBER 2017]

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