Be aware. Be safe.
Big shout out to Tony Thompson, partner and owner of West Coast Tae Kwon Do, for teaching a great “assault awareness” class this past Sunday. Some people tell you they care while others are willing to show you they care by challenging you, and investing the time in you to bring out your very best. That's Tony. He is a big powerful man with a big smile and gentle demeanor.
Last week a young girl, Sierra LaMar, was abducted from our town of Morgan Hill. Morgan Hill is a small community that tries to maintain its hometown quaint “feel”. The story has shaken all the families in our town and left parents confused. For that reason, our friend, Tony offered to teach a few girls in our community assault awareness techniques.
Being aware of your surroundings and maintaining an assertive mindset is very important, in any situation.
After the initial giggling from the girls at the discomfort of the physical contact during the drills, the realities began to sink in. Many girls froze when grabbed and others where far too gentle. Tony helped them get through their timidity and use force. He also taught them to be intentional in their mindset by having them repeat ,"I will escape".
Although, the class was designed for teen girls, I learned some key tools too. Tony taught us to get in the habit of scanning. Always scan from left to right. Notice people, exits, and furniture or items in the room. Scanning your surroundings is the first step toward assault prevention. Often teens are distracted with phones, iPods, or friends and they don't notice potentially dangerous people or situations. Teach your kids to scan when you enter a grocery store, restaurant, or parking lots. Make it a game and a normal thing that you do. I often ask my children after walking through a parking lot, "so how many people did you see in the parking lot and what did they look like?" We act like it’s a fun detective game.
Tony taught the group ”5 key escape techniques”. I have been to many self-defense classes that are a bit overwhelming with techniques that I forget how to do them but the techniques Tony taught were easy to remember and use. And Tony is so smart, he asked each girl to choose one technique and promise to practice it everyday for 21 days. Tony says if you practice anything for 21 days straight it will become a habit.
Although, I can't teach all the 5 escapes on this blog I highly recommend that you find an assault awareness class in your area. The abduction of Sierra LaMar was a big wake up call for many families; having some key escape techniques and being aware of you surroundings is invaluable and can empower you not to live in fear.
If you want information on workshops that Tony teaches or about West Coast Martial studios, send me an email and I will forward your request. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Live abundantly healthy!! Be safe!
Denise Locsin
On my way home I stopped to have my car washed. Finally! I envy those people who always have a clean car.
