9 Killer Self Defense Myths Exposed

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    9 Killer Self Defense Myths Exposed

    Andre Vatke

    Terms of UseAll rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any

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    Contact InformationDynamic Self Defense (New Albany)

    New Albany Defense, LLC

    5775 Zarley Street

    New Albany, OH 43054

    614.304.1406

    www.NewAlbanyDefense.com

    Legal NoticesWhile all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, neither

    the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for error, omissions or contraryinterpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The purchaser or reader of this

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    organizations are unintentional.

    Copyright MMXIII Andre Vatke, All Rights Reserved

    Published by New Albany Defense, LLC

    2

    http://www.newalbanydefense.com/http://www.newalbanydefense.com/
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    Every year in America, 5 million people are victims of

    a violent crime and a sexual assault occurs every

    2 minutes.

    Most people have a healthy fear of being a victim of

    violence, and you probably learned from a young age to be

    on guard when it comes to your safety in public. But there

    are a lot of conflicting opinions when it comes to what you

    should do if you do get attacked. Whether in an empty

    parking lot or a crowded mall, everyone seems to havesome idea of what you should do to defend yourself if you

    find yourself confronted with danger.

    How do many of these so-called rules of self defense hold

    up?

    The truth about defending yourself against an attacker is

    that you have to let go of many of the common things most

    people wrongly believe.

    Attackers Choose Victims Based

    On Appearance

    A Chicago High School senior went out to celebrate New

    Year's Eve at a concert. She probably added something

    sparkly and a little extra mascara to her going outensemble. She probably made a few New Year's

    resolutions earlier that day and texted friends about her

    3

    MYTH 1

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    plans for the night. She probably switched purses in a last-

    minute decision, because she didn't have her ID when she

    left that night. A seemingly small mistake that ended uphaving a much larger impact following the horrible events

    only hours later.

    When the 18-year-old woman

    arrived at the theater for the

    concert, she was turned away

    because she didn't have her ID.

    Security cameras show that she

    went inside a nearby restaurant,

    where she met up with six young

    men. An employee of the restaurant

    saw them leave together. They

    weren't gone long before some of

    the boys returned to the restaurant to

    report that a girl was lying naked on the sidewalk. Therestaurant employee noticed blood stains on their jeans.1

    Its not uncommon for people and even the media to fixate

    on what this woman might have been wearing. But its

    important to understand that this woman was not attacked

    because of something she wore or because she went out

    at night. Countless women wore and did exactly what they

    wanted on New Year's Eve in the same neighborhood and

    were not harassed or attacked.

    The data from experts on who gets attacked the most

    proves that attackers choose victims based on behavior,

    not appearance. Criminals often report to psychologists

    that they do not choose their victims - their victims choose

    themselves.

    4

    1 Chicago Sun-Times - January 1, 2012

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    In a study reported in January 2013, attackers were

    judging victim vulnerability primarily from viewing targets

    walking. Key information on your psychological makeup,attention, even whether or not you will fight back are

    transmitted in your characteristic body language.2

    Criminals are looking for the easy targets. If you are

    distracted, talking on the phone, rummaging through your

    bag or otherwise acting off guard or unaware of your

    surroundings, you run a higher risk of attack. Its also a

    myth to never make eye contact with an attacker. Letting

    them know that you are aware they are there and that you

    can identify them can be a key deterrent.

    In the case of the Chicago High School student, the

    biggest problem was in leaving with a group of strangers.

    Knowing what situations require caution and effective

    defensive behaviors will keep you a lot safer than dressinga certain way.

    5

    2 Psychopathy and Victim Selection: The Use of Gait as a Cue to

    Vulnerability; J Interpers Violence February 19, 2013

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    A Gun, Pepper Spray Or Taser Is

    All The Defense You Need.

    A firearm may seem like the perfect self defense tool. To

    be sure, its hard to argue with a bullet. The problem isnt

    so much the firearm... its being able to use it under stress

    or when surprised.

    Military and Police studies show

    that even trained operators can lose

    as much as 50% of their normal

    performance capacity when in an

    actual confrontation. Its the primary

    cause for Police overshooting or

    friendly fire incidents. The way

    these organizations fight the

    performance loss from stress is to

    train under stress. Going to the

    shooting range to shoot paper

    targets isnt the same thing.

    A handgun has other potential obstacles when looked at

    practically. What happens in those seconds where youscramble for your gun, chamber a round, release the

    safety, aim and fire? Studies show that when civilians who

    do not have tactical training are surprised by an active

    shooter over 75% struggle just to draw their gun much less

    aim and hit their target before being hit themselves.

    Another factor to consider is that shooting someone does

    not mean they instantly stop being a threat. A study of

    police shootings revealed that it takes an average of 15

    6

    MYTH 2

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    seconds before the average male is incapacitated after

    being shot by a 9mm bullet. 15 seconds might not sound

    like a lot but it's enough time to empty an entire magazineinto you, stab you or club you into unconsciousness.

    And what can you do if the "tool" you are relying on is used

    against you?

    Consider the 42 year old Cascade Idaho man that went to

    investigate a strange man on his neighbors property.3 On

    confronting the hooded man the stranger drew a knife and

    stabbed him. On this the man drew his gun on the criminal.

    A struggle for the gun ensued and the 42 year old was shot

    in the leg with his own gun and the criminal escaped.

    Another concern with relying on a gun for self defense is

    the fact that there are times when you will not have it with

    you. What do you do when you cant carry a firearm...when you have nothing?

    Similar concerns exist with pepper or chemical sprays. A

    report by the National Institute of Justice showed that 17%

    of suspects sprayed with Police grade OC (Oleoresin

    Capsicum) continued to struggle with officers4. A report by

    The Police Policy Studies Council indicates that cross-

    contamination - getting a dose of your own spray, is

    common. Another study indicates that cross contamination

    7

    3 Cascade man stabbed, shot with own gun confronting attacker;

    Associated Press February 13, 2013

    4 National Crime Victimization Survey 2009; Bureau of Justice Statistics,

    U.S. Department of Justice

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    is so prevalent that officers in the field should know in

    advance how they can function after exposure.5

    How many people carrying OC pepper spray have training

    in deploying it much less in knowing what to do when the

    wind or circumstance blows a bit back at them?

    Tasers are another popular option as a self defense tool.

    Who hasnt seen a TV program where someone is hit with

    a taser and goes down like a sack of potatoes. Tasers

    have the same issues that other tools do in that one needs

    to be intimately familiar with the device and train to use it

    under stress. But there are other potential problems with

    tasers that are not often talked about.

    A Sheriff friend of mine from Texas once told me that he

    hated to use a taser. When I asked why, he told me that

    not everyone responds the same way. Some people caneven build up a tolerance. In fact, the influence of certain

    drugs can greatly reduce the effects of both OC spray and

    tasers.6

    I should also point out that the term Taser encompases a

    number of devices. There are two main types, the fired

    taser and the hand held. The fired taser shoots two barbs

    that penetrate the skin and short circuit the body nervous

    system. While its pretty much impossible to resist the

    effects of this device no matter what youre taking, you still

    have to hit your target. The range is just a few meters so if

    8

    5 Chemical Hazards In Law Enforcement; Clinics In Occupational and

    Environmental Medicine Volume 3, Issue 3, Pages 443-456

    6 New York Times; July 16, 2011

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    you miss or the charge wears off before you have made

    your escape the mistake could be fatal.

    The handheld taser is much harder to deploy because of

    the fact that you have to get within striking range - the

    range where you can touch them with your arm. At this

    range the attacker could decide to get very personal with

    you and that could be a huge shock to someone who is

    unprepared for it.

    There is nothing wrong with having a weapon such as a

    firearm or deterrent like OC spray, as long as you are

    aware of some of the limitations. The mistake isnt the tool,

    its an overreliance on the tool to the point that you are

    helpless when its not available to you.

    The Stronger/Bigger

    Person Will Win.

    Theres a reason the idea that the bigger guy will win is a

    clich... its almost always true in a fight - especially when

    it comes to wrestling or grappling. In fact, the bigger the

    size difference the more true that rule tends to be.

    The problem is that self defense isnt a wrestling match. Its

    never going to be a fair fight. When a knife comes out orthere are 3 friends how much you can benchpress quickly

    becomes irrelevant. If youre the big guy you could find

    9

    MYTH 3

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    yourself at a true disadvantage if

    you let your ego get in the way. And

    if youre the smaller person youdont have to be afraid of a bigger

    attacker - just aware of the realities

    and what your best options are.

    In our Dynamic Self Defense

    classes I often remind the class that

    you dont have to be the hardest

    hitter in the class to be effective... you

    only need to hit hard enough to cause an injury. And that is

    as much a factor of targeting (knowing where to strike and

    how the body reacts when you do) and technique (using

    the best tools on your body) as it is strength. Ive worked

    with 115lb women that can in full confidence take out a

    300lb guy and do it like its second nature - without

    freaking out or shutting down.

    If I Know How To Fight Ill Be OK.

    Most people today are familiar with MMA matches. Theyve

    watched fights on TV maybe even taken some Jujitsu or

    other martial arts classes. And maybe they are really good

    on the mat. But when it comes to self defense its not going

    to mean very much.

    The first problem is that self defense isnt a sport... anattacker on the street will NOT attack you like your

    cooperating training partner. His form of attack will not be

    10

    MYTH 4

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    ring fighting, it will be attacking.

    There will be no referee, no tapouts.

    The second problem is that when

    facing a predator, he he will hide his

    intent. He will not pick a fight with

    you. He may want to mug you, take

    something from you or worse.

    Unlike social violence that starts

    with verbalization and escalates,

    you wont see this coming. He may

    ask for the time and as you look at your watch pulls a knife

    on you. At this point simply being a good fighter is

    irrelevant. He has the advantage.

    The third problem is that you are likely to face not one

    attacker but three or more. This is where even the best

    martial artists break down. In our own school we oftenwork with black belts in other systems. They are usually

    very good fighters in one-on-one sparring. They have great

    technique, are able to gauge distance, anticipate strikes,

    etc. Yet when faced with multiple attackers they quickly get

    overwhelmed. They tend to focus on one person at a time -

    with a sort of tunnel vision - while the other attackers hit

    them from behind. Good self defense tactics requires a

    360 degree defense. Theres no time to monkey around

    with just one person.

    The son of a close friend is an expert grappler. He has

    trained in Judo since a small child and is even the

    grappling coach for a champion MMA fighter. He was

    known for ending bar fights... often with a rear choke. The

    drunken attacker would usually throw a haymaker and myfriends son would block it and in a fluid move, maneuver

    11

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    the attacker into a rear naked naked choke. From there it

    was just a few seconds before the attacker would pass out.

    As you can imagine, his ego got quite big as a result of

    this. At one halloween party there was a verbal altercation

    but nothing more. As he left the party he was hit on the

    head from behind with a board and was knocked

    unconscious. As he lay there his attackers nearly beat him

    to death breaking bones and severing his ear in the

    process. All his skill didnt mean a thing.

    Knowing how to fight isnt a bad thing, but its not as

    important as being aware of your surroundings. Its much

    easier to defend against something you can see coming

    than something that catches you by surprise.

    The training rule at our school is to always assume the

    other guy is bigger than you, stronger than you, has aweapon and theres three of him. Its what keeps you

    aware of your situation and making smart decisions.

    Im Safe In My Neighborhood

    Im not one to say you have to be on high alert just for a

    trip to the grocery store. But familiar surroundings and

    feeling like nothing will ever happen here also lead to

    complacency. Having a reduced level of awareness not

    only increases your odds of being targeted but it alsomakes it easier to be surprised by an attacker.

    12

    MYTH 5

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    The reality is that no city or

    neighborhood is completely free of

    violence.7

    Burglaries, homeinvasions and parking lot muggings

    happen in even the best

    communities. That doesnt mean we

    need to panic or fret with anxiety,

    just to not get complacent.

    One of the best defenses in a public

    area is to be in a place that has

    potential witnesses and even helpers in a worst case. This

    alone is usually enough deterrent to prevent an attack. And

    in cases where thats not enough, use your voice to ask

    people to help... shout Help me, call 911 at the top of

    your lungs. Onlookers are sometimes paralyzed by what

    they see (the old saying of I cant believe my eyes) and

    need a cue on what to do next. When in doubt get topeople and lights and then let them know you need help.

    The first step required for a bystander to intervene is that

    they notice the situation at all. Once a situation has been

    noticed, in order for a bystander to intervene they must

    interpret the incident as an emergency. Bystanders monitor

    the reactions of other people in an emergency situation to

    see if others think that it is necessary to intervene. Context

    also plays a big role. In an experiment to people's

    reactions to a man and woman fighting in the street,

    bystanders helped 65% of the time when the woman

    yelled, "Get away from me; I don't know you." Bystanders

    only helped 19% percent of the time when the woman

    13

    7 Prevention Institute / Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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    yelled "Get away from me; I don't know why I ever married

    you."8

    When it comes to violent crimes, in over 45% of cases for

    men and 65% of cases for women, the attacker is

    someone they know.9 And its no surprise that they dont

    wait for you to enter a strange neighborhood to attack you!

    Our Dynamic Self Defense School in New Albany, Ohio is

    in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Ohio. Yet in

    recent years weve seen several shootings, home

    invasions, stabbings, burglaries and more. In most cases

    these crimes were not committed by a complete stranger.

    Learning to recognize a potentially violent situation, defuse

    it nonviolently when possible and in the worst case,

    defense against physical attack is beneficial regardless of

    where you live. Its far better to have the knowledge andtraining and not need it than need it and not have it.

    14

    8 Meyers, David G. (2010). Social Psychology (10th Ed). New York:

    McGraw- Hill

    9 Criminal Victimization, 2009; Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Justice

    Department

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    You Should Use Objects

    As Weapons

    One of the oldest self defense tips I can remember was

    someone telling a group of women to use their keys as a

    weapon. They were told to stab at the attackers face

    potentially hitting the eyes. But the chances of you getting

    a good shot at their eye with a key is very slim. Most likely,you will scratch them or punch them, which will hurt your

    hand. And for a more committed attacker, keys do not have

    much stopping or destructive power. Plus you have to be at

    very close range.

    Digging through your purse for other

    items isnt realistic either. You just

    wont have the time. Knowing a few

    good physical moves is much more

    valuable than carrying around any

    particular objects. A palm strike to the

    nose or chin has a much better

    chance at stopping an attacker than

    a fist full of keys.

    While attackers reactions to victim

    reisitance are not well understood,10 fighting back at all

    may be enough to cause an attacker to cease his assault.

    In this case it doesnt really matter too much what you use,

    as long as you fight back hard and your fight back

    effectively.

    15

    10 The Effect of Context and Crime Characteristics on Sex Offenders

    Reaction to Victim Resistance; Crime & Delinquency July 2012 vol. 58

    no. 4 588-611

    MYTH 6

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    One rape survivor put it like this...

    For me, I couldn't believe it was happening. It was

    like my brain turned off and all I wanted to do was

    survive. I thought about kicking him or even

    honking my horn, but he had me subdued in my car

    so I couldn't move. He had his weight on me, and

    clamped his hand over my mouth. I was in total

    state of shock and couldn't move. He said he'd kill

    me if I looked at him...

    You can say you'd fight back all you want, but you

    don't know until it happens to you. Now, I would

    fight back hard. But then I was so scared he was

    going to kill me that I went into shock and didn't

    know what to do. There was no adrenaline - just

    fear.

    The key to fighting back is learning how to do it effectively

    before you may need it. Knowing even a few moves and

    how to execute them under the stress of an attack can

    save a lot of physical and psychological trauma. Just

    knowing how to defend youself can change your odds.

    One never knows how many times lives were spared from

    a confrontation simply because the would-be attacker

    chose someone else who looked like an easier mark, or

    because the would-be victim chose a safer route.

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    Always Run Away From A Mugger

    Running away from a mugger might seem like a good idea

    as running away gives you distance from them and any

    weapons they might have. But it depends. There are times

    when running away can be lethal.

    Take the case of of a 23 year old

    New York man who was confronted

    by two men demanding his iPhone.

    He refused. One of the assailants

    whipped out his gun and pulled the

    trigger one time, sending a bullet

    into the young mans back as he

    tried to run away.11

    Compliance is a key factor in a

    mugging or anytime an attacker

    wants something you own. Its not worth losing your life for

    an amount of cash or a gadget. Statistics show that simply

    complying with the robbers demand by giving up your

    property, while not foolproof, should be your first option.

    You should know, however, that simply giving them what

    they want does not mean they wont hurt you.12 You have

    to assume the attacker is armed and respond with that in

    mind. Deciding to fight or run will depend on the situation

    17

    11 New York Daily News; January 26, 2012

    12 Harrisburg police: Woman shot in foot after robbery; The Patriot

    News, April 17, 2013

    MYTH 7

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    and most importantly on whether or not a mugger goes

    from just taking your stuff to violating your moral code.

    On a personal level, I would not turn my back to an

    attacker as that prevents me from seeing what he might do

    and responding. Its better to back up at least out of striking

    range with the attacker in view before turning and running.

    If you do decide to run be sure to throw whatever you have

    on the ground prior to booking it. They will likely be happy

    they have what they are after and will not try to shoot you

    as the risk will not be worth the gain to them. Keep in mind

    too that the odds of a shooter thats not trained in Reactive

    Shooting (the skill of shooting a moving target) actually

    hitting a moving target, are at less than 10%.

    Another thing to consider is what happens if you are with

    other people? Do you run and leave them behind? Again,another simplistic myth that ignores many aspects of smart

    self defence.

    You Should Never Fight

    An Armed Attacker

    When a criminal pulls a gun or knife on you, the

    conventional wisdom says that you are putting yourself in

    more danger if you struggle with him. It is true thatstruggling with an attacker for control of a weapon can be

    18

    MYTH 8

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    extremely dangerous. However, if

    they are determined to use that

    weapon, preventing its use on youis critical.

    In conversations with law

    enforcement officers they tell me

    that the majority of stabbing victims

    never saw the knife. They felt a

    punch and only later realised they

    had been stabbed. Not seeing the

    knife makes traditional disarming techniques almost

    useless in the real world. It also makes being aware of

    what the attacker is doing with their hands, how close they

    are to you and who else may be around critical. The more

    time you have to react to an attack the higher the odds

    things will go in your favor.

    When it comes to dealing with an attackers weapon, you

    should know the right physical moves to keep them from

    being able to use it against you. More importantly, you

    should know the principles of dealing with an armed

    attacker. Even people trained in martial arts will tend to

    tunnel vision in on the weapon. But the weapon isnt really

    the main problem. I usually illustrate this to a class by

    placing the weapon on the floor and asking if its a problem

    there.

    The weapon is only a problem because the person holding

    it has ability to think. They can do something with it as a

    tool or more bluntly, a labor saving device. Take out the

    persons ability to use that weapon and its no longer a

    problem. Its a small distinction but a critical one becausetraditional disarming techniques focus on the weapon as

    the object of power. The better strategy is to look for the

    19

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    most direct means to shutting down the attackers ability to

    think or physically use that weapon.

    A broken arm even a broken finger will produce a handicap

    that will last for at least the duration of your encounter.

    Likewise anything that inhibits his ability to think - including

    being knocked out - has a lasting effect. We teach our

    students how to maximize these injuries and chain them

    together until the attacker is no longer a threat.

    You Will Perform Better Under

    Stress Due To An Increase In

    Adrenaline

    Adrenaline, or more accurately epinephrine, is a cocktail of

    chemicals that acts as both a hormone and

    neurotransmitter. Its release is a crucial component of the

    fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system.

    Its a motivational drug of sorts thatgives you the extra resources of

    motivation and energy to deal with

    some crisis NOW. Something

    unexpectedly happens and your

    body obliges by dumping into your

    bloodstream a couple of double

    espressos. For the next few minutes

    you're going to be turbocharged to

    get the job done.

    20

    MYTH 9

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    The problem is you are preset in your reaction. When

    something happens, it is previous experience,interpretation and memory that are telling you what's

    happening isnt right. If for example you heard a loud bang

    and you associate loud bangs with something bad, your

    body will react accordingly. Your reaction will be different

    than someone who hasn't had a bad experience. The

    sound of a car backfiring will cause most people to look

    around and wonder what that was. Whereas someone who

    has been shot at will be hitting the deck faster than

    conscious thought.

    The most common effects of an

    adrenaline rush are tunnel vision

    (loss of peripheral vision), time

    distortion (the proverbial 'slow

    motion' effect), auditory exclusion(hearing can just go away), and

    increased pain tolerance. Your

    speed and strength can increase

    while your fine motor skills

    decrease. These are all the effect of

    your brain freeing up resources to activate the fight-or-flight

    reflex.

    An adrenaline dump drops your brain into a pattern/

    behavioral strategy that you have almost no conscious

    control over. You will react in a way your subconscious

    believes will be most advantageous. Even when that

    behavior isnt advantageous at all such as completely

    shutting down.

    Anyone that thinks that under the stress of the real thing,

    they will perform better and be stronger and quicker

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    because of an adrenaline dump is kidding themselves.

    Training for the stress response can make a big difference

    but in a real encounter, the truth is you will not think asclearly, you will tire quicker, you will not move as well, and

    this will be a big problem if you are not ready for it.

    At Dynamic Self Defense we train with the idea that in a

    real situation we will be half as good as our average

    training day. Moreover we train our students to get used to

    stress and the adrenaline dump. We train to make the

    automatic strategy one of trained defense rather than

    shutting down.

    Practicing Self Defense

    You can never predict when an attack might strike, but

    practicing good personal safety habits should be a part of

    everyones life. If you are in public, especially in a high-risk

    area like a parking garage or dark street, you should be

    aware of your surroundings and prepared to yell, fight, and

    run if you are attacked by a criminal. Not only do the

    actions you take before you are victimized make a

    difference, but learning strong self-defense techniques istruly the best way to prevent a tragedy.

    Training at a reality based martial art like Dynamic Self-

    Defense is an investment into peace of mind and daily

    confidence.

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    How to Choose A

    Self Defense Class

    Finding A Class...

    If you know someone taking a class or have a friend that

    teaches talk to them. They might be able to point you in

    the right direction.

    Go to your local police station or check with community

    groups. They should be able to point you to some good

    instructors.

    Search on line for Self Defense and see what comes

    up. Note that martial arts schools may not always be a

    good choice for learning self defense. Most traditionalmartial arts spend the majority of their time doing other

    stuff rather than training self defense.

    Choosing Between Classes...

    Schedule a time to view a live class. Dont just watch the

    instructor, pay attention to the people in the class. These

    are the people you may be training with, so you shouldbe comfortable around them.

    Take time to talk with the instructor and if possible the

    people in the class. This will give you a better picture of

    what the training will involve.

    Make sure you will enjoy the class. If you hate the

    classes or they are too hard it will only increase yourodds of giving up on them.

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    Ask yourself if the techniques would work in a real

    situation. Would they work against a non-compliant

    person once you mastered them?

    Does the instructor modify the class for different people?

    Not all techniques will work the same for all people. If

    you are smaller, older or not as physically capable does

    the curriculum allow you to adapt? There is no such thing

    as one size fits all in self defense.

    Does the class introduce some element of psychologicalstress? A big part of self defense is being able to avoid

    panic or shut down due to the adrenaline dump. A class

    should be suportine but it should also try to inoculate you

    in some way to the stresses of a real attack.

    About Dynamic Self DefenseDynamic Self Defense is a dynamic, progressive and

    complete martial art system that combines the best

    aspects of traditional martial arts modified for self-defense

    with the latest scientific training methods. For those familiar

    with traditional martial arts, it can be best visualized as

    mixed martial art cross between Muay Thai Kickboxing and

    Jujitsu. Much of what we teach is from proven MilitaryCombatives adapted for practical civilian self-defense.

    Students of all ages and skill levels are taught in the 3

    foundational elements of Self-Defense

    1 Principles of Defense: An understanding of the

    types of violent encounters and how to avoid themnonviolently. What is going through the attackers

    mind and what should be going through yours.

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    2 Tools of Defense: The parts of your body that can

    do damage to an attacker without incurring equal

    damage in return.3 Targets of Defense: The vulnerable points on the

    human body, how to damage them and what

    happens when you do.

    Our Founders & Instructors

    Grandmaster Robert Lowery:Grandmaster Lowery exemplifies

    the true martial arts master. With

    over 40 years of martial arts

    experience Master Lowery has

    attained multiple black belts and

    trained in and studied Judo, Jujistu,

    Aikido, Tae Kwon-Do, Shotokan

    Karate, Tang Soo-Do, YoshukaiKarate, Kwang Duk Kwang and

    Choi Kwang-Do. He has attained

    Master level in Choi Kwang-Do and used his vast

    knowledge of martial arts, to create training programs for

    law enforcement agencies, the FBI and the U.S. Army

    Rangers at Fort Benning.

    Grandmaster Eric Hennings:

    Grandmaster Hennings brings

    military combat experience to

    Dynamic Self-Defense as first as a

    Marine and later as an Army

    Ranger. He first studied martial arts

    in the U.S. Marine Corps where he

    expanded on his hand to handcombat training by studying Jujitsu.

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    After a transfer Master Hennings went on to study Tae

    Kwon-Do for a number years finally training in Choi

    Kwang-Do under Grand Master Choi where he achievedMaster level. He became the chief Instructor to the military

    for Choi Kwang-Do and taught martial arts to U.S. Army

    Ranger Instructors at Camp Merrill and to Rangers and

    soldiers at Ft. Benning.

    Master Scott Mulhollen: Master

    Mulhollen has studied and trained in

    martial arts since the age of 15.

    Prior to training with Grandmaster

    Lowery he achieved the rank of 1st

    Degree Black Belt in Choi Kwang-

    Do and was a certified Chief

    Instructor. Dynamic Self-Defense

    appealed to him because of the

    realistic training it provided specifically including ground fighting

    and defense from modern day weapons like knives, guns

    and blunt objects. He is the owner and Chief Instructor of

    the New Albany school and currently holds a 4th Degree

    Black Belt in Dynamic Self-Defense and is a certified

    Master Instructor. He has taught many students to Black

    Belt level and beyond. He continues to actively study and

    train martial arts with his students and Master mentors.

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    Our Programs

    Womens Self Defense Courses: We offer a variety ofcustom tailored programs that teach basic survival

    techniques to women of all ages. An ideal event for

    womens groups, clubs, employee functions and more.

    Adult Self Defense/Martial Arts: We teach you how to

    survive any violent encounter through practical, reality

    based martial arts training. Learn nonviolent tactics plushow to effectively defend yourself and your family against

    real world attacks such as multiple attackers and weapons.

    Kids Self Defense/Martial Arts: Just about any martial

    arts for kids program will help your child improve their

    coordination, balance and focus. Yet only Dynamic Self-

    Defense offers the best self defense based martial arts

    curriculum for kids. We focus solely on practical, ageappropriate solutions for the types of situations kids age

    6 and up face in the modern world.

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    Locations

    New Albany, Ohio - Our New Albany Studio offers easyaccess to anyone in NE Columbus or surrounding suburbs,

    Atlanta, Georgia - We have two location in the greater

    Atlanta metro area as well as an ongoing program at

    Kennesaw State University.

    United Kingdom - We have multiple locations in thegreater London metro area.

    Become A Dynamic Self Defense Affiliate - If you

    are a martial arts school owner and would like to

    inquire about becoming a DSD affiliate pleasecontact Master Mulhollen at

    [email protected] or call

    614.304.1406.

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    mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
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    About The Author

    Andre Vatke is a Certified Assistant Instructor at the NewAlbany school and 1st Degree Black Belt. Mr. Vatke came

    to Dynamic Self-Defense having studied and trained in

    other martial arts including Go Ju Ru Karate and Shaolin

    Kung-Fu. He was frustrated with traditional martial arts

    because they spent little or no time dealing with realistic

    self-defense scenarios which was why he got involved to

    begin with. After many years out of training, Mr. Mulhollen

    convinced him to start training again and hes never looked

    back. He enjoys bringing conceptual insight into teaching

    and training situations.

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