Safety and Professional Travel: 10 Questions to Ask a Self Defence Instructor

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Over the years, professionals have worked with the International Krav Maga Federation (IKMF), to develop the knowledge and skills to prevent and survive self-defence situations they might encounter during business travel.


Some clients include:

• banking professionals
• insurance brokers
• developers
• lawyers
• medical/healthcare professionals
• engineers
• entrepreneurs 
• diplomats 

As a travelling professional here are 10 general questions you can ask a self-defence instructor.

1. What can I do to prevent an assault?  Essentially, this involves awareness training.  Learning how to scan your environment, interpreting body language, develop safe habits...
2. What steps can I take to minimize being targeted for theft?  This usually centers around being discrete about your possessions, schedule, where you are residing.  Minimize alcohol intake, especially in unfamiliar environments. (sorry!)
3. How do criminals target their victims?  Sometimes it is "wrong place, wrong time" but criminals can be cunning and choose carefully to avoid harm to themselves and getting caught.
4. How can I be discrete when I represent a high profile organization?  
5. What do I do if I am physically attacked? Learning how to respond under stress against various attacks - punches, kicks, grabs....
6. What do I do if my colleague is physically attacked?  This involves what we call "third-party protection" - a challenging topic.   
7. What are my options in the event of an armed assault?  If it is a matter of giving up property to save your life then please comply.  If it is an abduction then you have to explore taking action.  
8. What does a real assault/attack look like? What are my best options for survival? A significant part of IKMF research involves exploring the various tactics of criminals in different countries.  
9. What do I do after I have survived an assault? Looking at the immediate aftermath - getting to a safe place - as well as follow-up supports such as counselling.  
10. What techniques can I use to de-escalate a situation?  Using body language and your voice to prevent a situation from becoming worse.  

Beginning with these questions, along with training with a qualified self defence instructor, can give you the awareness to avoid and prevent assaults, and the skills to save your life.



Stay Safe,

Christopher Gagne
Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto
torontokrav@rogers.com
416-657-1028

Ikmftoronto.com