Self Defense and Protecting Others

When we hear the term "third party protection" we often think of bodyguards protecting state officials or celebrities.  While this is certainly an aspect of third party protection there is a more practical application for most of us: protecting those we spend time with -  friends, co-workers, and family.

 
Self defense training tends to focus on protecting yourself but real life situations might require you to help others.

Some possible scenarios:

• You are out for an evening walk with your partner/spouse and an aggressive man approaches, yelling at both of you.
• A home invasion. You must protect your family -get them to safety.
• A co worker is attacked at the office or off-site.

There are innumerable examples.  On December 4, 2014, here in Toronto, a woman and her 21 month old baby were attacked by a 14 year old boy, and a 12 year old girl.  She was allegedly punched and kicked and the baby was briefly snatched from the woman's arms. 

 Learning how to protect others includes body positioning, strike prevention, releasing others from hold and chokes, even weapons defenses.  Sometimes, it is simply getting help. Essentially, it comes down to defending someone who is vulnerable due to lack of physical ability, skill, or awareness of the danger.

Third party protection is very challenging but, in my view, a necessary part of of any practical self defense program.  After all, we are social animals, spending much our time with others, including  people we care about.

Here is a video with one of our Global Instructors, Tamir Gilad, teaching workshop participants in New York City how to protect others.

Stay safe,



Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Self Defense and Public Stabbings

This year, Canada has witnessed a series of high profile public stabbings involving one assailant and multiple victims. 

Some examples:

• On  Friday, Feb. 28th, Jayme Pasieka, went to his job at a Loblaw warehouse donning a bullet-proof vest and armed with two knives. His stabbing spree ended with two workers dead and four others wounded.

• In Toronto, on the morning of Wednesday, April 9th, Chuang Li was fired from his job at his office near York Mills.  In reaction, Li allegedly repeatedly stabbed two managers then stabbed another manager who might have tried to stop him. 

• Most recently, in Calgary, a young man stabbed a group of young adults at a house party.  Five were killed. 

Why these tragedies happen is not clear.  It is also difficult to anticipate such horrible acts as they happen suddenly, without warning, and in places where violence is foreign. 

The simple fact is we simply don't know what people are thinking, feeling, or planning.  How, then, can we anticipate such horrible incidents.  Sadly, in most cases, we cannot.

So, what can we do? Every situation is unique but here are 5 general suggestions.

1. Exit/escape plans. Similar to fire drills exit plans facilitate employees leaving the dangerous area for a safer place.  In fact, such evacuation plans should be similar and should include contingency  actions. For tips on escaping go to:  http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2012/10/escaping-7-points-to-consider.html

2. Planning for hindered escape.  You might not be able to escape. The assailant is blocking the way. An unsettling reality is that if the assailant is an employee then he will be familiar with exits and yes, exit plans.  This means you might have to resort to different actions (see points below).

3. A safe place?  If there is no accessible exit is there a room you can lock, barricade, and call for help? 

4. Common Objects:  Warehouse inventory, office supplies, chairs, fans, lamps, small tables, chairs....   If immediate escape is not possible using a common object to protect yourself can be life saving.  It is worthwhile to ask an expert how best to use common objects. (leading us to point no.5)  

5. Learning Self Defense: Yes, this sounds self-serving but self defense training that offers you a better understanding of edged weapons assaults and teaches practical skills, can be a life saving investment.  For more on surviving knife assaults visit: http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2012/07/knife-assaults-5-general-tips.html


Public stabbings instill terror and often have tragic results.  If you are ever involved directly or indirectly please take care of yourself by seeking counseling that focuses on addressing your traumatic experience.



Stay safe,



Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Workshop: Using and Defending Against Common Objects (May 3rd)

Objects surround us in our daily lives.   Assailants can use these against us but you can also learn to use objects such as chairs, liquids(e.g. coffee), household objects such as appliances etc.., to protect yourself.


This workshop will help you understand what kind of objects have been commonly used and how to best utilize such objects for self defense and what to do if an attacker tries to use one against you.


Saturday May 3, 3:45 to 5:45pm
IKMF Toronto, 2156 Yonge St.
40/person

To register contact online visit: http://www.ikmftoronto.com/prices.php

If you have any questions please contact,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

Home Invasions and Weapons of Opportunity

On February 10, 2014, two men broke into the home of an elderly Canadian couple in Mexico, murdering both of them. The invaders used objects from the victim's home- a knife and a statue.
 
This tragedy highlights how assaults often involve weapons of opportunity, also known as common objects.  In everyday life, in our office, on the streets, and in our homes, there are objects we can use to protect ourselves but can also be used against us.

Developing an awareness of common objects/weapons of opportunity is an essential part of a practical self defense program.  Wherever you are you should scan your surroundings for points of entry/exit, other people, and objects that you can use to protect yourself or can be used against you.

Here are some examples:

• coffee, water, and other liquids
• furniture such as chairs, small tables...
• sharp objects such as knives, broken bottle, utility knives
• appliances - blenders, kettles, pots and pans
• canned goods, jars, plates.....

There are innumerable examples.  When you have a moment walk through your house and take an inventory.  You will be surprised at the variety of options.

Lastly, if you are taking self defense classes ask your instructor to include classes that focus on using common objects to defend as well as learning how to defend against an attacker wielding them. 

Stay safe,

Christopher Gagne

Lead Instructor, International Krav Maga Federation, Toronto

torontokrav@rogers.com

416-657-1028
Ikmftoronto.com

March 15 Workshop: Surviving Knife Attacks (with Expert 1 Mougeot)