by Keri Nadeau

Created on: May 27, 2008

"In this world, there is predator and there is prey. Be alert and aware so you are not the prey," Jim Brown, martial arts instructor at Title Boxing Club, told a group of women on Saturday at a self-defense seminar.

On Saturday, March 1, 2008, from 9 am until 3 pm, more than one hundred people convened upon Title Boxing at 119th and Metcalf in Overland Park, KS to learn self-defense techniques taught by one of several martial arts experts. Specific mental and physical techniques designed to help a person successfully escape, resist and survive a physical attack were on the 45-minute menu of events. The event was co-sponsored by the Kelsey Smith foundation, Mix 93.3 radio, Sports Radio 810 and the Title Boxing Club. 100% of the proceeds from the event went to benefit the foundation, named for the high school senior who was abducted in June of 2007 from a Target parking lot.

Although techniques such as the palm heel strike, elbows as weapons, using knees and foot stomping were taught, the biggest key to the event was mental preparation. According to martial arts instructor Jim Brown, some of the key things a person can do to avoid an attack are:

1. Be alert: When walking to your car in alone, get your keys out ahead of time, avoid talking on your cell phone and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Be prepared: Visualize possible scenarios in your mind and don't be afraid to practice them. Knowing how you will respond to an attacker before it happens will provide you with the confidence to get yourself out of a situation should it arise.
3. Be noisy: Martial arts research has shown that a person is 25% stronger when they make noise. This will make your defense stronger if needed, but additionally, screaming or hitting your car's horn could be enough to scare off the possible attacker.
4. Protect your personal space: If someone is approaching you too closely, move away to keep them in your line of sight.
5. Trust your gut: One of your biggest weapons against attack is your instinct. If it doesn't feel right, get out.
6. Never get in the car: Whether you are being asked to do so at gun or knife-point or not, your chances of surviving the attack decrease by 90% if you get into the car. Your attacker doesn't want to kill you, they want you. Make noise, find a way to get free of the attacker and run away. If they have a gun, run in a zig zag fashion to make it more difficult for them to aim.

Overall, the message was one of empowerment. "These aren't the times of the damsel in distress and the hero on the white horse. You are all responsible for your own safety," said Brown at the conclusion of the 11 am seminar.

For more information on Title Boxing Club, go to their website at www.titleboxingclub.com.

For more information on the Kelsey Smith Foundation, go to their website at www.kelseysarmy.org.

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