COMMUNITY PATROL USA EZ SELF-DEFENSE. Self-Defense Seminar Participant Handbook. SD1 : Beginners Self-Defense Class. Originally Published in July 2005

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1 COMMUNITY PATROL USA EZ SELF-DEFENSE Self-Defense Seminar Participant Handbook SD1 : Beginners Self-Defense Class Originally Published in July 2005 PRODUCED BY: Community Patrol USA (CP-USA) National Headquarters San Francisco, California info@communitypatrolusa.org

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Community Patrol USA DISCLAIMER... 4 STATEMENT OF INTENT... 4 INTRODUCTION... 5 San Francisco Safety Coalition... 5 Stop The Violence Project... 5 B SAFE 4 PRIDE Pre-Pride Safety Seminar... 5 Working Together For A Better San Francisco... 6 Self-Defense versus Defending Yourself... 7 What To Expect... 8 What NOT To Expect... 8 GET INVOLVED!... 9 Defending Yourself Often Requires A Willingness To Defend Others... 9 Become a Sheep Dog! KNOW AND OBEY THE LAW Physically Defending Yourself AVOIDANCE vs COST PRACTICE B-E-W-A-R-E B - BEFORE E EVADE W WARN A ATTRACT R REACT Capitulate, De-Escalate, or Defend Capitulation Can Work At Times De-Escalation Does Wonders Sometimes Physically Defend Yourself ONLY When ALL Else Has Failed Physical Defense Must Be Simple & Effective E ESCAPE LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN SELF-DEFENSE SITUATIONS Page 2 of 32

3 A Generalized Definition of Self-Defense Some Good Guidelines To Keep In Mind For Self- Defense Some Good Guidelines To Keep In Mind For Self- Defense PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT COMMUNITY PATROL USA Page 3 of 32

4 DISCLAIMER Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the techniques and information provided and discussed in this document. At the time of printing and presentation this document the materials are, to the best of our knowledge accurate however anomalies, omissions, and factual errors may exist. This document may be modified at any time without prior notice either in part of in full. STATEMENT OF INTENT This document describes examples and recommends techniques that will expand your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter under discussion. Such examples and recommendations are by no means complete or exhaustive, they are merely provided to offer guidance in your own exploration of this topic. This document is NOT intended, designed, or presented as a statement of, or recommendation for the use of these techniques in a defensive situation or in any other situation and the attendee is reminded that they are fully bound and obligated by all applicable laws prevalent to the use of such techniques in a defensive or offensive situation or manner. The reader and user of this document is fully and individually culpable and responsible for all decisions to implement or use the techniques described, practiced, and discussed in this documentation, and for all subsequent injuries or loss that may result as a consequence of using such techniques. This documentation is not intended, designed, or presented to replace, repudiate, or in any way discredit information you previously received from any other source. Many different theories, concepts, and techniques are used throughout the world. Page 4 of 32

5 INTRODUCTION San Francisco Safety Coalition Community Patrol USA The San Francisco Safety Coalition (SFSC) is a joint partnership between law enforcement and community voluntary organizations involved in the safety, security and well being of the City and County of San Francisco, its residents and visitors. Stop The Violence Project The Stop The Violence (STV) project is a joint effort between the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence (SPI), Castro Community On Patrol (CCOP) and Community Patrol USA (CP-USA) to raise awareness to the tragic increase in crime and reclaim our neighborhoods through education, the distribution of safety whistles and presenting safety training opportunities for the LGBT community of San Francisco. Let's purge the violence and bring safety back to our communities. B SAFE 4 PRIDE Pre-Pride Safety Seminar The B SAFE 4 PRIDE safety seminar was conceived by the Stop The Violence project as a way to help prepare the community for the 2012 San Francisco PRIDE events to help ensure everyone has a FUN, SAFE and ENJOYABLE time and continues to be deployed each year in anticipation of SF PRIDE. Page 5 of 32

6 Working Together For A Better San Francisco We work closely in cooperation with the following organizations and non-governmental agencies: Page 6 of 32

7 Self-Defense versus Defending Yourself We all practice self-defense, every minute of every day. It s nothing secret, special, or ancient.it s common every day sense safety. Looking both ways before you cross the street, wearing a seatbelt, not running with scissors in your hand and so on. Defending yourself physically however, is something entirely much more complicated, difficult, and challenging. As much of what we ll work on today is in the realm of avoiding trouble, it would be considered self-defense. If the worst situation comes to pass and you find yourself needing to physically defend yourself, the latter part of this seminar and handbook with deal with that reality. Page 7 of 32

8 What To Expect o No GUARANTEES. We can t guarantee anything in a four hour seminar. We will provide information, tips, and techniques for you to consider and use as appropriate, but we can t guarantee you will remember them or that they will work. But having them and trying them, is better than nothing at all. o A thought process for avoiding potential trouble o A series of steps to try to get out of trouble without resorting to physical responses o A realization that, like anything else in life, learning to defend yourself requires time, dedication, practice and commitment. What NOT To Expect o To walk away from this seminar as an expert in selfdefense, defending yourself, and in unarmed combat o To be able to defend yourself effectively this takes time, training, practice, and skill. You won t be learning this in a two hour seminar o To feel confident and unafraid when confronted with a dangerous situation or person even the most experienced and high ranking black belts feel unconfident and afraid in such circumstances, as these are life-saving and natural feelings and emotions. Page 8 of 32

9 GET INVOLVED! Defending Yourself Often Requires A Willingness To Defend Others The best form of self-defense is a society in which no-one ever intimidates, attacks, abuses, or threatens anyone else. We re far from enjoying this type of utopia, but we can actively work toward it if only we d get involved appropriately. o Get involved in your neighborhood, and get to know your neighbors if you don t already. o Start or join your community neighborhood watch. These organizations do sterling work and help to reduce crime o Be observant, and be willing to report suspicious activity or aggressive individuals. You can report anonymously, but if no-one calls the police, they can t be expected to prevent crime...only to respond to it. o Take a stand in your community by getting involved in local politics and talking with your local representatives on those issues which concern you. Page 9 of 32

10 Become a Sheep Dog! In society there are generally three types of people out there. WOLVES who are the criminal element, intent on preying on the weak, unaware or unlucky. SHEEP who are the targets of the wolves. They are often unaware of possible danger as their primary concern is finding and eating the sweetest grass in the pasture, even if that grass is close to the deep, dark forest where the wolves lurk. SHEEP DOGS are essentially wolves, but with good intentions. They are aware of dangers. They are alert and attentive and they look after the sheep whenever they are able to by herding them away from danger spots and barking to keep the wolves at bay. We hope that by the conclusion of this seminar, you will be one of the SHEEP DOGS out there. You ll be more aware and attentive. You ll be more willing to take action by calling police or forming a neighborhood watch, and so on. BECOME A SHEEP DOG WE NEED MORE SHEEP DOGS Page 10 of 32

11 KNOW AND OBEY THE LAW Physically Defending Yourself Physical defense is the worst form of self-defense possible, and should only ever be used in an absolute last resort. Do anything and everything possible to avoid physical conflict, but if it comes to it, remember that you are culpable and liable for all of your actions and the subsequent consequences of those actions. The law will allow you to use the minimum force necessary to protect your life If you defend yourself physically, you must be prepared to defend your actions in a court of law. Even defending your life can land you in court as the defendant while your assailant sits at the plaintiffs table. Look into the laws that apply where you live with regard to selfdefense and what is considered appropriate action, and inappropriate action. You may be surprised by what you find. In most jurisdictions if you had an opportunity to de-escalate a situation, or to walk away from an argument before it turned violent, and you did not do so, your claim of self-defense may not be recognized and you may be charged. REMEMBER ignorance of the law is not a viable defense in most jurisdictions. Page 11 of 32

12 AVOIDANCE vs COST B Before E Evade W Warn A Attract R React E - Escape C Chain O Of S Self-defense T - Techniques As Sun Tzu notes in The Art Of War : To win a hundred victories in a hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill. There is a very real cost associated with self-defense, and our goal is to limit that emotional, spiritual, physical and potential legal cost as much as possible. Avoidance is, naturally, the least costly avenue and that is what we will focus on by using the BEWARE acronym as your defensive guide. Page 12 of 32

13 PRACTICE B-E-W-A-R-E Good self-defense is about training yourself to think in a different way, and to be more conscious, alert, and aware of who and what surrounds you at all times. Our self-defense mnemonic B E W A R E helps you to do just this: B - BEFORE Prior to going somewhere, entering an environment or making a decision, be aware of your situation, circumstances and surroundings. Like the old saying goes it s better to be prepared for the worst, than surprised by it. E - EVADE As you recognize a potentially dangerous situation developing, try anything to evade or avoid it. Walk or run away. Choose an alternative course or retreat. if you re not in the way, you can t get hit. W - WARN If the threat is real and exists, warn your attackers that you will defend yourself. Most attackers are cowards and they are seeking meek, capitulative and easy targets. Impress upon them that you may not be an easy target and they may move on to someone else. A - ATTRACT Attract the attention of others and make them aware of your situation and your need for assistance or help. Shout Fire as more people will be nosey than willing to assist you if you shout Help R - REACT Either give the assailants what they want, or defend yourself if necessary. E - ESCAPE Escape from the situation as quickly as possible and immediately report the incident to the proper authorities Page 13 of 32

14 B - BEFORE Consider your destination or task before you set out, and what potential risks there may be if any. If there are any risks, can you mitigate them in some way? o Walk to destinations only during daylight hours, and only on well used streets and thoroughfares. o At night try to travel with someone else, or use only well lit and well traveled streets and thoroughfares. o Stay on streets and in areas that you know. If necessary, walk a mile out of your way to stay on well lit streets on your way to or from a destination. o At night, arrange for transportation ahead of time to get to and return from destinations. o If you are walking at night, be aware of your surroundings at all times. o Call for a taxi to return home at night following events, especially if you will be going home alone o If you re traveling by public transportation at night, try to sit as close to the vehicle operators as possible. o Where possible, sit in the side-running seats so that you can observe activity throughout the length of the vehicle. o In taxis, always note the operators name and license number, and always wear your seatbelt Page 14 of 32

15 E EVADE As you recognize a potentially dangerous situation developing, try anything to evade or avoid it. Walk or run away. Choose an alternative course or retreat. if you re not in the way, you can t get hit. o It s better to look or feel stupid, than to end up in the hospital or worse! o Trust your instincts. If they tell you something or someone is wrong.listen to them and try to choose an alternative route or RUN AWAY o Look for other people on the streets who may be used for support, or seek out businesses that are still open and go in until the danger passes o Use your cell phone to talk to a friend (or pretend to talk.) If the individual/s thing you re talking with someone, they may be less likely to interact with you o If you re really concerned, call and tell them your situation. They ll be happy to stay on the phone until you re safe, or to send you help if needed. o If it doesn t look right it s NOT! Page 15 of 32

16 W WARN If the threat is real, warn your attackers that you will defend yourself. Most attackers are cowards and seek meek, easy targets. Impress upon them that will not be an easy target and they may move on. o Make the person who is making you uncomfortable, uncomfortable themselves. o Address them directly and ask them What do you want leave me alone in a strong, demanding and forceful voice. o If you are already on the phone with the police or a friend, tell the attacker that and describe the attacker over the phone o Keep them at a safe distance by telling them to STOP as they get close to you. Remember keep them are more than an arms length away. o Take stock of your surroundings and all possible avenues of escape and begin maneuvering towards one of them. o Be prepared to fend of a possible attack at any moment, and take stock of what items you re carrying that may help you to defend yourself. o Be confident, be firm, and find the black belt within you. This is no time to be meek and mild, this is the time to become a superhero at heart! Page 16 of 32

17 A ATTRACT Community Patrol USA Attract the attention of others and make them aware of your situation and your need for assistance or help. o Shout Fire as more people will be nosey than willing to assist you if you shout Help o Often in a confrontation, strangers who could provide you with support assume that it s a lover quarrel or a family matter. It s important you let strangers know that you don t know the attacker and that you need help. o I don t know you, leave me alone, what do you want are all way s to let witnesses know that you need help. o Look directly at a witness and TELL them to call the police. Telling someone actually makes them feel responsibility to follow through. o If you re completely alone, shout FIRE at the top of your lungs. People are curious about fire and will come to watch, where they may not want to get involved with someone shouting for HELP. o If there are cars around you, bump them to set of their alarms. If you feel as though you are in real danger, throw a stone to break the window of a store with a burglar alarm, or a home with a light on. It s better to pay for the window than pay with your life. Page 17 of 32

18 R REACT Capitulate, De-Escalate, or Defend Either give the assailants what they want, try to de-escalate the situation, or defend yourself if absolutely necessary. o If someone grabs you and you cannot escape you have three choices 1. try to de-escalate the situation by complying with them, 2. try to give them what they want 3. Try to defend yourself physically, if you MUST o Don t get physical over material possessions, THEY ARE NOT WORTH YOUR LIFE o Appeal to them I ll try to give you whatever you want just tell me what you want while looking for an escape route at all times. o Keep them talking and they re less likely to attack or hurt you o Offer them what you have if they ll leave you alone. Give them your watch, your money, your jewelry, your clothes if necessary in order to remain unhurt and alive. o Offer to buy someone a drink to placate them or apologize profusely, even if you don t know why you re apologizing Page 18 of 32

19 Capitulation Can Work At Times Consider capitulation to the assailant s demands when this is easily done, safe for you to do so, and where you believe this will resolve the present confrontation or conflict. Giving up your cell phone or i-pod when faced with a knife is a much better option than arguing or fighting over material possessions. NEVER capitulate if it means getting into a vehicle with a stranger or going from a well traveled route or street to a remote or desolate area. o Asses what the assailant wants and attempt to talk them down i.e. they ask for your watch and you offer them the money in your wallet instead. Sometimes this will work. o If you perceive a real threat one option would be to comply with their demands provided it does not put you in more peril. o Possessions can be replaced, however injuries can be much more debilitating and long lasting. Avoid the need to get physical if at all possible. o BE PREPARED to switch immediately to physical defense if your life or well-being are threatened. Page 19 of 32

20 De-Escalation Does Wonders Sometimes Trying to talk your way out of the situation is often the best self-defense course, no matter how skilled you are or how much you feel you are being wronged. o Apologize to the assailant and try to lower the temperature of the confrontation if possible. o Offer the assailant an alternative to what they originally asked for or demanded. Sometimes the fact that you are willing to give up anything will placate a thief or petty criminal. o Carry a second wallet with a small amount of money and some old credit cards. Give this if your wallet or purse is demanded. Most criminals will not check too closely. o Seem sympathetic to THEIR plight, no matter how much you think they are in the wrong. If they empathize they may not be so willing to commit harm to you. o BE PREPARED to switch immediately to physical defense if your life or well-being are threatened. Page 20 of 32

21 Physically Defend Yourself ONLY When ALL Else Has Failed Only react physically with defensive techniques when ABSOLUTELY necessary and ONLY after you have exhausted all other possible alternatives. REMEMBER there are no guarantees! Remember also, you are legally liable for any injuries you inflict, even on an assailant! Your primary concern is to ESCAPE as quickly as possible. Remember the self-defense edict: EVADE DISTRACT DEFLECT ESCAPE Page 21 of 32

22 Physical Defense Must Be Simple & Effective In order to provide the best chance of surviving a physical encounter, the techniques must be: SIMPLE NATURAL MOVEMENTS EASY TO REMEMBER EASY TO DEPLOY IMPACTFUL ON THE ASSAILANT WITHOUT INJURING THE DEFENDER NON LIFE-THREATENING TO THE ASSAILANT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE DEFENDER A PRECIOUS FEW SECONDS OR MORE TO ESCAPE FROM THEIR ATTACKER AND SEEK HELP Page 22 of 32

23 The NOSE is an easy target to strike with the palm of your hand. It will cause pain, watering of the eyes, possible broken cartilage or bone in the nose of the attached and possible bleeding. Long term injury should be minimal, but immediate recovery will take seconds in most cases. Page 23 of 32

24 The THROAT is an easy target to strike with the inside edge of your palm. It will cause pain, watering of the eyes, and may possibly induce vomiting. Long term injury should be minimal, but immediate recovery will take seconds in most cases. Page 24 of 32

25 KNEE is as easy target to strike with the edge of your foot, as though you were trying to break a stick as it lay at an angle next to a wall, then scrape down the SHIN by sliding the edge of your foot sown the attackers shin and finally strike the TOP OF FOOT by stomping on it with your heel It will cause hyper extension of the knee and possible swelling of the joint, severe pain on the shin and possible lacerations to the skin, and bruising of the metatarsals on the top of the foot. Long term injury should be minimal, but immediate recovery will take seconds in most cases. Page 25 of 32

26 E ESCAPE Escape from the situation as quickly as possible and immediately report the incident to the proper authorities. o Leave the area of the attack, find somewhere safe, and call the POLICE or a FRIEND immediately o Write down or verbalize to a friend or even a stranger as much as you can remember about the attacker and the incident. This may be important later on, and your memory of the incident will change in a short amount of time. o With luck, the police with know who your attacker is from your description and they ll be able to apprehend and charge them based on your evidence DON T BLAME YOURSELF IF YOU ARE ATTACKED. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT o Consider seeking professional counseling to help you deal with the aftermath of an attack. Even professional law enforcement and safety personnel need to talk to someone after significant incidents and traumas. o DON T SECOND GUESS YOUR DECISIONS. o BE GRATEFUL YOU GOT AWAY ALIVE! o REPORT the attack to the police. You may help to prevent someone else from being attacked and perhaps from being injured more than you were. Page 26 of 32

27 LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS IN SELF- DEFENSE SITUATIONS While many people believe they know what self-defense is, or what self-defense means, many are entirely unaware of the legal definition of self-defense. It is the legal definition that will come into play in determining whether you will face charges following a physical defense encounter, or not. The legal definition of self-defense can vary from town to town, city to city, and State to State. Be sure to check out the definition that applies where you live. A Generalized Definition of Self-Defense The following is a generalized definition which will serve as a reasonable guide, but should not be relied upon without verifying the definition that applies where you are. Any action which uses the minimum force necessary to prevent your injury or death, where a real and reasonable threat, or belief of threat, to your physical well being is unjustly presented. Page 27 of 32

28 Some Good Guidelines To Keep In Mind For Self-Defense The following conditions are our best generic guidelines that you should try to follow when in any jurisdiction with regard to legal self-defense situations. You MAY be justified in claiming self-defense when: 1. The threat is current, immediate and unavoidable. 2. Your level of force is appropriate for the level of threat presented. 3. Your use of force stops as soon as threat to you or someone else you are defending ceases. Page 28 of 32

29 Some Good Guidelines To Keep In Mind For Self-Defense The following conditions are our best generic guidelines that you should try to follow when in any jurisdiction with regard to legal self-defense situations. You MAY NOT be justified in claiming self-defense if: 1. You helped to escalate the situation by arguing or physical actions. 2. You do not take any reasonable opportunity to de-escalate or walk away from the situation. 3. You act with unreasonable or excessive force compared to the threat presented. 4. You continue to use force when the threat has ceased. Page 29 of 32

30 PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT As with everything else in life, you need to practice these concepts in order to make them effective when you need them. o Use the BEWARE mnemonic frequently to remind yourself of the elements of self-defense, and try to be more aware of your surroundings at all times. o Practice the physical defense techniques with your partner, spouse, friends, or family to keep them fresh in your mind. o Consider taking the more advanced self-defense courses offered by reputable martial arts or self-defense organizations within your own community. o Consider taking this course again as a refresher when it s offered next. o Please recommend this course to your friends and family if you think it was a worth while and cost effective course. Page 30 of 32

31 COMMUNITY PATROL USA Community Patrol USA (CP-USA) is a not for profit entirely volunteer run organization dedicated to developing and enhancing the safety and security of neighborhoods and communities through the establishment or advancement of a number of safety initiatives that involve the active collaboration of residents, business, private security, law enforcement and governmental agencies at all levels. We promote and provide information and assistance in the deployment of 6 major program initiatives: 1. Community WATCH 2. Crime ACTIVITY Reporting 3. Crime ALERT System 4. Community On PATROL Service (COPS) 5. Community SAFETY Collaborative 6. Community EDUCATION Outreach We firmly believe that government and law enforcement alone cannot fully or effectively secure the safety and security of any neighborhood or community. It requires the active and involved participation of the residents, businesses and private security entities within each community to work collaboratively with local law enforcement and government agencies in a multitude of ways and through a number of different efforts to bridge the gap between what most citizens wish, and what law enforcement and governments can achieve given their resources and funding. Page 31 of 32

32 Please feel free to contact us at your convenience and we will be happy to meet with you to discuss your neighborhood challenges, and see how we can work together to develop enhanced safety and security for everyone in your community. Chief Ken Craig Chief of Patrol LIKE us on Facebook Page 32 of 32