Kuk Sool Won of The Woodlands offered an exciting and informative workshop designed to teach self-defense and personal protection skills for some StoneBridge GirlFriends. The primary goal of the workshop was to make us aware of some of the options available to us should we ever need to defend ourselves.  The workshop helped to introduce ideas, concepts and techniques.  However, ongoing training in self defense will help to sharpen and improve your defense skills.  Here are some THINGS TO REMEMBER:

WHEN DRIVING:

1. Do not travel alone, if possible, or at least when you have to drive through the bad parts of town.
2. When parking, choose close and well lit areas and don't park next to big trucks or vans, especially by the sliding door.
3. Always have your keys ready when returning to your vehicle.
4. Make sure your doors are locked when you are driving.  You could become a victim of a carjacking or kidnapping at the stop light.
5. If you think someone is following you, make 4 right or left turns to be sure.  If you are being followed, use your cell phone or drive to a police station.
6. Do not box yourself in at a stoplight.  Leave enough room between you and the car ahead for you to pull out and around it if danger presents itself.
7. If you are hit by another car in a secluded area, do not stop and get out to exchange info.  Use your cell phone.  Some criminals use this as a way to set up an attack.
8. Do not ask "strangers" for directions.
9. Be wary of people who are "out of gas".  Sometimes they only want money or worse.

WHEN SHOPPING:

1. Be aware of anyone that may be watching or following you.
2. If possible, don't load up when shopping - make several trips to the car if necessary.
3. Do not be distracted by texting and phone calls when returning to your car, alway be aware of what is around you.

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR ENVIRONMENT:

1. All objects such as buildings, cars, shrubbery, people, etc.
2. Consider visibility, the available light and weather, as well as the terrain for possible avenues of escape.

KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN:

1. Let others know your whearabouts, update them  if you change plans or meet delays.
2. Know the locations of things such as fire alarms, emergency exits, etc.
3. Remember to use car alarms, distress buttons in elevators and you own voice (it is best to should out "FIRE" rather than "help").

 For more information on Kuk Sool Won please visit their website at www.kswwoodlands.com.