Columbia Self Defense

Over the weekend, I watched some mixed martial art's matches on Showtime. Gosh, these athletes are really good. I love it when the fighters break to the ground and work feverishly on submitting one another. Because of the popularity of the UFC and other MMA groups, I do get students from time to time that want to do nothing but grapple. And while grappling is an excellent way to get in shape and learn how to submit your attacker, I don't believe it is the ONLY way to learn how to defend yourself. Take for example the video below.   Warning , it is pretty graphic and the language is very offensive. However, it offers a quick illustration of what can and typically does happen in an altercation: Protecting yourself on the street involves more than just dropping to the ground and rolling with your attacker. Having the ability to stand up and strike; or in this instance, even to block, is very important. I love the Gracie family and what they have done for the ...

Your car is not always the safest place to be in, particularly, depending on the neighborhood you are driving through. But, following these tips, while in the car, will help keep you safer.

Check out the most recent episode of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution   Mr. Oliver has become passionate about the state of kids’ nutrition, especially in public schools. His fight to be recognized in the LA area makes for a good story, but the information he brings — and his techniques for informing kids about the consequences of what they eat — really make this worth the watch. He’s not teaching kicks and punches, but this information is far more likely to save some lives. Sensei Chris Feldt Samurai Karate Studio Columbia, SC 29229 803-462-9425

The following article appeared on NPR, by Vanessa Romo This spring and summer, scantily-clad women, and some men, are taking to the streets in what are called "SlutWalks." They say they're protesting a culture in which the victim of a sexual assault is blamed, rather than the perpetrator. Hundreds of women in skimpy outfits — plunging necklines and the shortest of shorts — disregarded the overcast 60-degree weather and marched down the streets of Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood last weekend. Protester Monica Thomas explained why she came out for the walk. "I don't believe that how a woman dresses dictates whether or not a woman wants to be raped. No one wants to be raped. And no one deserves to be treated like that," she said. SlutWalks began in April when a Toronto police officer suggested women should "avoid dressing like sluts in order to not be victimized." He was talking to a small group of law students, but that comment i...

According to the Safe Horizon's website, the following are the latest facts on domestic violence:   Domestic violence (also known as intimate partner violence) can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, socio-economic status, or other factors. The Victims One in 4 women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.  Women experience more than 4 million physical assaults and rapes because of their partners, and men are victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults. Women are more likely to be killed by an intimate partner (30%) than men (5%). Women ages 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence. Every year, 1 in 3 women who is a victim of homicide is murdered by her partner. The Families Every year, more than 3 million children witness domestic violence in their homes. Children who live in homes where there is domestic violence are also ...

The following links provide up to date statistics on domestic violence and are highly recommended if you are looking for more information on domestic violence: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Office of Justice Programs. Intimate Partner Violence in the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Injury Prevention and Control: Violence Prevention. National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Fact Sheets National Criminal Justice Reference Service, Family Violence – Facts and Figures Sensei Chris Feldt Samurai Karate Studio Columbia, SC 29229 803-462-9425

Rape and Sexual Assault Statistics (From Bureau of Justice Statistics, Criminal Victimization, 2009, National Crime Victimization Survey: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2217) In 2009, there were 125,910 reports of rape and/or sexual assault. More than half of rape and sexual assault crimes take place between 6pm and 6am. Females are more likely to be victims of rape or sexual assault than males. Most victims of rape or sexual assault are females younger than 24 years of age. Most rapes committed against women are committed by an intimate partner (spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend) or someone else they know (friend, family member, acquaintance). Sensei Chris Feldt Samurai Karate Studio Columbia, SC 29229 803-462-9425