Talk to your kids. We’ve posted this a few times over the last year. Have a heart to heart and discuss the ‘realities’ of the world: there are bad people out there who will target you because you’re young. Our kids have to understand that it’s o.k. to say ‘no’… that in order to survive, sometimes we have to fight back. We have to fight back with everything we have to create a moment of opportunity and escape.

Secondly, get your kids into a self defense class. What is one Saturday out of their lives? What they learn could possibly be the difference between life and death. Anyone in the San Diego area, contact my office for more information on my private courses. Sometimes we get a gaggle of kids and teens (with their parents) who take the course and the experience is a lot of fun. If you can’t make any of my classes, look us up on Youtube (hitadministrator). There are some valuable clips on self defense. Finally, buy the DVD and sign up for program. $19.99 is very insignificant if the safety of your child is in question. The DVD gives you and your kids preventative tactics and also demonstrates how to stop an attack and get to a place of safety. There are exercises which you can practice with your children to help them train. In addition to the DVD, you get a monthly eNewsletter and private video blogs we send out to our members.

Here is a quick clip from the DVD. This has to do with outdoor exercise and some preventative measures to take so you do not look like a potential target.

Our thoughts go out to Chelsea’s family.

Get the HIT Kit/Empower Yourself.

The HIT Kit includes: The HIT DVD; a monthly eNewsletter; and special video blogs sent to you with training updates, as well as, my personal interviews with police officers and other experts in the field. There may also be some clandestine shooting of real people making critical mistakes out in the real world (they may be surprised when I approach them and show them their footage).

For more information, visit: www.hitselfdefense.com

So let’s talk some basics about tactical communication and measured response. If confronted by a student or the relative of a student:

Is this a lethal or non-lethal situation? If you are in a non-lethal situation, try to utilize tactical communication.
1. Provide alternatives.
2. Point out consequences to the behavior.
3. Set boundaries (both physical and verbal).

If the confrontation becomes physical here are some techniques that can help. These techniques are more evasive in nature and tend to provide a low probability of injury.
1. Maintain a safe survival distance (usually 6-8 feet).
2. If the individual tries to grab you (with the correct survival space) you can anticipate
the grab; block and/or evade and quickly get out of the situation. The HIT Kit will
show you numerous ways to block a grab or hold. Also, how to practice these techniques
at home.

If you feel the attack could be lethal, put aside the natural tendency as an educator to nurture and defend yourself.
1. Keep your cool and have a plan. Try to practice the: ‘If this happens, then I do that.’ You
can do this in your own spare time. Here is a quick example: you’re in the
classroom after everyone has gone home. Take a second out and imagine that someone
comes through the door with intent to do bodily harm to you. What would you do? Practice the
responses in your head. Practice, practice, practice. The more preparation you have the less
likely you will freeze up if the scenario ever happens in real life.

2. Empower yourself. Remember, the most vulnerable areas are the ‘marbles’. Eyes and groin.
If you are in a life threatening situation, go for the marbles; disengage the attack and get
to a place of safety.

A couple of preemptive things you can do to reduce your risk of attack:
1. Lock the door to your room or office if you’re working late. If someone knocks, make sure
you find out who it is before you open up the door. If you feel uncomfortable in the
situation, don’t open the door. Either ask them to come back during regular hours or tell them
you’re busy and will talk with them tomorrow.
2. Make sure you have a cell phone to call the police if needed.
3. Park your car closer to the building if you’re working late.
4. If you have security in your building, make sure they’re aware that you are working late. You
can also utilize their services to walk you to your car.

Stay Safe.

Get the HIT Kit/Empower Yourself.
The HIT Kit includes: The HIT DVD; a monthly eNewsletter; and special video blogs sent to you with training updates, as well as, my personal interviews with police officers and other experts in the field. There may also be some clandestine shooting of real people making critical mistakes out in the real world (they may be surprised when I approach them and show them their footage).

Visit the site for more information: www.hitselfdefense.com

More often than not, our emotions tend to over-ride our instincts. In the case of the healthcare provider, you are there to help patients. Don’t forget to listen to those instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. Also, watch out for these potential signs before an attack:

A. Large body movements: clenching fists, rapid eye movement (darting back and forth), aggressive movements; aggressive speech. Remember: When a patient loses control, emotionally, they can also lose control physically.

B. Invasion of your personal space. Set your boundaries (survival space - usually 6-8ft).

C. Extreme crossing of your personal space: verbal assaults, physical grabs, pushes.

A few suggestions:
1. Keep your escape routes open. Never let a patient get between you and the door.

2. Make sure to explain to the patient what your intentions are (I.V. insertion, probing) before you cross their personal boundaries. Don’t assume they know what your intentions are.

3. Size up your potential for injury. Going back to those instincts, if you feel like something isn’t right… don’t wait for the worst case scenario to happen - get out of the situation.

Unfortunately, your plight doesn’t end when you leave the actual work environment. Hospitals, clinics, etc. can also be high-risk environments for attacks outside of the workplace. Think about it: your usually tired after your shift, walking to your car (in some cases at night)… maybe your texting or on your phone. This is a prime environment for an attack.

Remember:
1. Walk in groups… walk with a friend or a security guard.

2. Park close to your exit (if you can). Otherwise, make sure to carry a flash light and maybe even a can of pepper spray in case of attack.

3. BE AWARE: no matter how tired you are… be alert, or at the very least, make yourself appear alert. No cell phones, no texting - your head is on a swivel. You’re looking around at your environment. Make yourself a hard target. Remember a predator will assess a potential attack with two things in mind: can I get away with the attack without getting hurt and without getting caught.

Stay safe.

For more information on my ‘Business Training’ classes and seminars: www.defensivesystems.com

Get the HIT Kit/Empower Yourself.
The HIT Kit includes: The HIT DVD; a monthly eNewsletter; and special video blogs sent to you with training updates, as well as, my personal interviews with police officers and other experts in the field. There may also be some clandestine shooting of real people making critical mistakes out in the real world (they may be surprised when I approach them and show them their footage).

Visit the Site/Get the Kit: www.hitselfdefense.com

SAN DIEGO - He’s accused of brutally killing a woman he barely knew. An unemployed Rancho Bernardo man learned his bail is set at $2 million dollars on Tuesday for allegedly murdering his neighbor, Jennifer Jones. The prosecutor argued there is good reason for the high bail.

“This was a completely unprovoked ambush and a brutal attack,” says Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler.

Spieler told the judge that Richard Saldivar attacked the 28-year old engineer after she arrived home from work at Solar Turbine.

“He armed himself with a knife, waited outside and when Ms. Jones had her back turned to enter her apartment the defendant followed her inside… based on the evidence we have the attack came swiftly. Ms. Jones died of multiple stab wounds to her upper body,” says Spieler.

The Prosecutor didn’t give a motive but said Saldivar had gotten an eviction notice the day of the killing.

This is a real unfortunate story. This young lady returned home from work and was attacked right in front of her apartment. To make matters worse, she was on the phone at the time talking to her parents.

As always, let me first say, these tips are meant as a means to help prevent future attacks. I do not mean to imply that this young lady could have prevented this unprovoked or unforeseen attack.

Here are a few key tips on the subject of personal safety and home safety:
A. Keep alert when you are on your way from your car to your front door. This can often be a key time for an attack. More often than not, people let their guard down as they approach their home thinking they are in a safe zone.

B. Stay off cell phones and don’t text until you are in your home safely. Again, a predator might be more likely to attack when he thinks your guard is down or when you aren’t paying attention.

C. Have your keys in your hand ready to open the front door. Don’t ‘dilly dally’ in front of your door looking for the key.

D. Trust your instincts: if something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. If you have a feeling that something is wrong (example: front door is ajar, garage door is open, stranger or stranger(s) loitering near your home or apartment) call the police and drive to a place of safety. Do not exit the car and investigate yourself.

E. Have an exit strategy: play the ‘if this… than that’ game. As you’re walking to your home, imagine that someone comes at you from a hidden or dark area. What do you do? If this is a property crime - give them the property, run and yell (throw your purse, wallet in the opposite direction, run and yell). If this is a crime against person - remember to focus on the ’soft, vulnerable parts’ (eyes/groin): strike and flee. The more you practice (even in your imagination) the less likely you will be to freeze if the situation ever happens in real life. You will have a plan of action and a plan of escape.

Two important things, here: (1). From the sounds of things, this lady never had any idea this guy was going to attack her. In addition, the attack sounds so swift and brutal; she probably never had a chance to defend herself. (2). I don’t mean to suggest that you should be paranoid of everyday situations - just be a bit more ‘on guard’ in potentially high risk situations and areas.

Stay safe.

Get the HIT Kit/Empower Yourself.
The HIT Kit includes: The HIT DVD; a monthly eNewsletter; and special video blogs sent to you with training updates, as well as, my personal interviews with police officers and other experts in the field. There may also be some clandestine shooting of real people making critical mistakes out in the real world (they may be surprised when I approach them and show them their footage).

Visit the site/Get the Kit: www.hitselfdefense.com

Leasing Agent/Real Estate Agent: We had a predator a few years back in San Diego that set up appointments to look at potential properties - once inside, he would rape the agent. This is a tough situation, as you want to make the sale (especially in these difficult financial times). Be aware, this is a prime scenario for an attack. You’re isolated and more often than not - you don’t know the individual you’re meeting. Here are a few suggestions: use that inner-voice (trust your instincts) if the situation feels wrong, back off. If possible, have the potential client meet you your office first, so you can get some information on them and get a “feel” for him or her. If that’s not possible, get as much information about them over the phone before you meet and consider taking a co-worker with you. When arriving, observe the persons personal car and description and the license number, then call it in to the office so someone’s got a record of it. Do not be the first through the door: This might be an opportunity for the other individual to block you in and lock the door. Let them walk through the door first. Also, keep your exit areas open and keep as close as possible to potential exits. If you are attacked - remember: go for the marbles (eyes and groin) and ’stick it’ to them… this might give you a few seconds to make your escape - and YELL to get anyone and everyone’s attention.

Workplace (late night/early morning): If you find yourself working early in the morning or late at night, a few suggestions: Park close to the entrance. If you have to park out in the north forty, move your car closer to the entrance during the lunch hour. Be alert on the way to the car (no cell phone/texting). Have your keys in your hand to enter your car quickly and to use as a potential weapon (see the HIT DVD) against an attacker. Remember, a predator wants to isolate their victims. If you’re working by yourself, you are going to potentially be in an isolated situation. Use the buddy system: walk out to the car with a co-worker, even if it means waiting a few minutes for them. If you have a security guard on-site, have them walk you to your car. Two other important tools that you should have: a small flashlight (look inside your car before you open the door) and some pepper spray (try to avoid the smaller key chain pepper spray as these might not be as accessible in a volatile situation). One last note: let someone know you are leaving if you leave late at night. At least loved ones or friends know when to expect you home.

In the Office:This could be a predator who enters the workplace (often on a ruse), a domestic violence spillover, or an irate customer or employee that feels they’ve been wronged. In the latter case, this often involves verbal assaults - but sometimes this can quickly escalate into a physical assault. First, keep all work areas secured and question the presence of persons you don’t recognize or don’t have their I.D. visible. Don’t tolerate inappropriate behavior in the workplace, set boundaries. If you feel the person may become violent, notify a supervisor or security to assist you. Have a code word to use over the intercom or phone to notify a co-worker if you don’t feel comfortable telling them what the problem is in front of the person. If you are threatened, leave the area, putting obstacles and barriers between you and the potential assailant. If you need to, use a ruse, like “can I get you some water?”, or “I need to check the file”. Don’t ‘take one for the team’ - and don’t let the situation get out of hand. Just like any other situation, be ready to defend yourself if necessary to facilitate an escape.

Remember: sometimes our chances of attack are higher dependent on the nature of the industry we work in… but no one is immune from workplace violence.

For more information on my ‘Business Training’ workshops and seminars, visit: www.defensivesystems.com

Get the HIT Kit/Empower Yourself.
The HIT Kit includes: The HIT DVD; a monthly eNewsletter; and special video blogs sent to you with training updates, as well as, my personal interviews with police officers and other experts in the field. There may also be some clandestine shooting of real people making critical mistakes out in the real world (they may be surprised when I approach them and show them their footage).

Visit the site/Get the Kit: www.hitselfdefense.com

A. Be aware of your environment: be especially careful in enclosed spaces (i.e. parking garages, etc.). Also, be extra careful at night. The more alert you appear the less attractive you are to a potential predator. This means that you want to stay off the phone, no texting, no iPod until you get to your car or to your destination. If a stranger does walk up to you, first and foremost, keep your ’survival space’ - usually 8-10 feet. You want to give yourself enough space to react if the situation turns out to be an attack. Also, carry some pepper spray with you - and have that pepper spray ready if you need to thwart a potential attack. Empower yourself and be ready for any situation.

B. Alcohol and parties: I know college is a time to let loose and tip a few back when you’re not in the library studying. Statistics show that ‘Acquaintance’ rape is much more prevalent than ‘Stranger’ rape (something like 87% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knew). If you plan to go out and tie one on - have a sober backup (friend) to watch your back. Just like a sober driver, your sober party goer is there to protect you. They will watch your back and step in if you or someone else acts inappropriately in a party or club situation. I told a story a few months back about a young woman who was approached by detectives that wanted to I.D. her from a video they found in a serial rapist’s possession. The girl had no idea the attack ever took place. In the video, she apparently tried to fight back but was under the influence of a date rape drug and passed out while the assault took place. Which brings us to one final note on the subject: don’t accept a drink from a stranger… order or pour your own.

C. Outdoor exercise: Just like enclosed places, be alert out there… NO earphones from the iPod. I know how tempting it is to run or walk with your favorite music playing. Remember that you limit your ability to hear someone if they approach you from behind. I am a runner and find myself approaching women while they’re walking or running on a trail close to my house. Women who don’t have earphones in usually look behind them when I’m still a good distance away. More often than not, women who are listening to music become startled when I run by them - even when I try to give them an alert that I’ll be passing them on the left or right - the music is too loud for them to hear my warning. Again, think like a predator - who are you going to attack…. someone who is listening to music, not paying attention, or someone who is alert of their surroundings?

Have a fun and safe year at school.

Visit the site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com

A. Be aware. The best way to avoid contact with bears is to keep your eyes open when you are hiking, camping etc. This is your first line of defense. If you see them early enough you can backtrack your way out of the area. Similar to the human predator; when you are aware of your surroundings, regardless of your location, you are better equipped to see and avoid potential danger. Think about it…. if you were in an area that was known to have bears, would you have your iPod in or be talking on your phone? Most likely, you would be aware of your surroundings to avoid an attack situation: same holds true when you are in a more urban environment.

B. If a bear approaches you make noise/get ‘Big’/throw stones, etc. You want to give the bear unwanted consequences, or at least provide the bear with the ‘illusion’ that you are not an easy target. With the human predator, you want to approach the situation in the same manner. You want to give the human predator potential consequences that they would rather avoid - like injury or getting caught (even if you only give them the illusion). Get BIG! Make them re-assess the attack.

C. If you do unintentionally provoke a bear attack - fight back with everything you have and try to create space if you have the opportunity - put a barrier between you and the bear. There are a few different schools of thought with bear attacks: one is to roll up into a ball or play dead. The other is to fight back (even if your attempt is in vain) and try to inflict some type of pain that will end the attack and make the bear retreat (like fingers into the eyes). Again, approach an attack from a human predator in the same manner. Fight with everything you have and strike to the vulnerable areas (eyes and groin). Just remember: if do not resist/the attack will occur - so what have you got to lose?

I hope this helps.

Stay safe.

Visit the Site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com

Coroner: Lily Burk Died of Slash to the Neck
KTLA News
11:29 AM PDT, July 31, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Lily Burk, the 17-year-old student who was abducted and killed last week, died from a slash wound to her neck, according to the L.A. County coroner’s office.

Burk suffered the traumatic injury July 24 in the form of an “incised wound to her neck,” said Ed Winter, assistant chief of the L.A. County Coroner’s Office.

Police say surveillance video shows Lily Burk and Charlie Samuel walking to an ATM at the Union Bank on Second and San Pedro streets in Little Tokyo in the hours before her death.

Police say the 17-year can be seen trying and failing to extract cash.

The video, which has not been released, shows other customer using the ATM as well as numerous other people walking by the couple.

Police say the two went unnoticed and that Burk did not appear to call out to anyone or appear to be in distress.

Samuel, a 50-year old parolee, was given a pass to leave a residential drug program on the day Burk was killed.

He was supposed to visit the DMV, but because of state furloughs, the office was closed that day.

Samuel was reportedly with an escort, but after a few hours, that person returned to the rehab center alone, saying Samuel refused to come back.

Police say Burk was running an errand for her mother at the Southwestern University School of Law when she was approached by Samuel.

Samuel has a long criminal record, including 10 criminal convictions in the last 30 years.

Most of Samuel’s convictions were for misdemeanor crimes such as DUI and theft, but now the 50-year old is facing murder charges.

The murder charge includes the special circumstance allegations of murder during the commission of a kidnapping and murder during the commission of a robbery, which could make him eligible for the death sentence if convicted of the teen’s slaying.

Samuel didn’t enter a plea during a court appearance on Tuesday.

His arraignment was rescheduled for Aug. 20, and he remains in custody without bail.

Here is the list of Samuel’s prior convictions:

* 1978: Misdemeanor grand theft in San Bernardino County.
* 1981: Misdemeanor petty theft in San Bernardino.
* 1985: Misdemeanor providing false information to a peace office in San Bernardino.
* 1985: Misdemeanor under the influence of a controlled substance in San Bernardino.
* 1986: Misdemeanor under the influence of a controlled substance in San Bernardino.
* 1987: Felony home invasion robbery, felony burglary, unlawful taking of vehicle in San Bernardino.
* 1997: Felony burglary in San Bernardino.
* 2003: Misdemeanor driving on a suspended license in Los Angeles County.
* 2006: Felony petty theft with prior theft in Los Angeles.
* 2009: Misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia in Los Angeles.

Police say Burk was killed Friday after hours of trying in vain to get money for Samuel who abducted her off Wilshire Boulevard.

Her body was found Saturday inside her black Volvo in a downtown parking lot at the corner of Alameda and Fifth streets.

Copyright © 2009, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles

Let me first say (as always) that I only suggest these preventative measures for any potential future incidents. I don’t mean to suggest that Lily should have done something different, as we don’t know the exact circumstances of the case.

Here are a few quick tips to remember if you are ever in an abduction situation:

A. Be alert, keep your head on a swivel. Don’t let anyone who gives you that ‘bad’ feeling in your stomach get close enough: keep your survival space - usually 8-10 feet.

B. Do not allow yourself to be taken to a secondary location. To put this frankly; if the ‘perp’ wants something on your person (property crime) - give them the property. Maybe throw the property in the opposite direction to give yourself a potential few seconds to run the other way. If the ‘perp’ wants to get you into the car and go to another location, fight with everything you have to get away. If they wanted to kill you, they’d kill you there… they want to get you to an isolated area - you don’t want to be in that situation. The bottom line is - you have nothing to lose if you fight back.

C. Make yourself an undesirable (or hard) target. This follows along the same lines with ‘B’, above. If someone tries to get you into your car - or their car - fight with everything you have - and YELL. These are circumstances the ‘perp’ does not want. There was a recent case in Escondido, CA where a young lady grabbed coffee from her car and threw the coffee in the ‘perps’ face; thereafter, she scratched him and escaped. She became an undesirable target: http://www.hitselfdefense.com/blog/hit-notable-failed-carjackingkidnap-unconventional-weapons

D. Fake compliance: similar to the story above, I believe this woman faked compliance; ‘o.k., o.k., I’m going to do what you want, don’t hurt me…’ - she then threw coffee in the ‘perps’ face. Sometimes you have to fake compliance until you can gain an advantage (get the ‘perp’ to let their guard down) and find an avenue of escape.

E. Set up a ‘Code’ word for your kids to use if they’re ever in trouble. This has to primarily do with phone calls - you should have one general word that your kids can use that will immediately let you know that they are in trouble. As an example, if your kids refer to you as dad, maybe have them call you (or your wife) by your first name. You want to use a word that will not draw attention, and at the same time, alert you that they’re in trouble.

D. Practice scenarios with your kids. If approached by someone (you act as the ‘perp’) give them some common statements that someone might use to get them into a vehicle. Example: “Your mom’s been hurt and she’s at the hospital, you need to come with us right away.” Set up some scenarios and let them answer and maintain a safe distance. With the scenario above, remind them - if something ever happens to mom and dad, someone will call you and let you know… if someone approaches you with this tactic, run and YELL!. The more you practice, the more your kids (and loved ones) will act instinctively.

My sincere apologies go out to Lily’s family. This was really an unfortunate situation. Here is a clip from the DVD I ran a few months ago about abduction prevention techniques.

Stay safe.

Visit the Site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com

Stay safe.

Visit the Site/Get the DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com

Pics from Class:

Be sure to note towards the end of the news story: this guy was caught because the intended victim fought back. From other news accounts, she yelled, kicked and scratched this guy: kudos to this woman. She did whatever she had to do to ‘REMOVE’ herself from the situation and flee. Again, I want to make this clear: it’s your decision to resist or not to resist during a sexual assault or attempted abduction. However, if you do not resist, the attack will occur.

Another interesting point of this case: this guy was a father of two and a business owner in the community. From all accounts, he was a nice guy. Sometimes we forget that these predators come in all forms. Sometimes they are our neighbors or the guy who gives us coffee in the morning.

Refer to blog post(s): http://www.hitselfdefense.com/blog/hit-alert-possible-serial-rapist-sexually-assaults-another-woman
http://www.hitselfdefense.com/blog/hit-news-hit-teaches-at-emergency-meeting-about-serial-rapist

Details Emerge About Sex-Assault Suspect (Name withheld) arrested in connection to case on Wednesday

By ERIC S. PAGE and H. MARTIN

Updated 9:50 AM PDT, Fri, Jul 3, 2009
Related Topics: Thomas James Parker

The suspect wanted in a string of sexual assaults may now be behind bars, said San Diego police officers.

DNA evidence has linked a 39-year old Tierrasanta dad and Little Italy businessman to a string of sexual assault going back to June 2008, according to police.

(Name Withheld) was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly tried to assault a women in the Escala Condominium Complex in Mission Valley.

On Thursday afternoon, police said DNA matches linked (name withheld) to three of six attacks — not including what occurred Wednesday — spread out over a 13-month period.

“Once the suspect was taken into custody, our lab started the DNA testing process late last night, and this afternoon they were able to give us the result and match the suspect to the series,” San Diego police Capt. Jim Collins said Thursday.

“Suffice it to say — (name withheld), unless he has an identical twin — is, in fact, the source of the DNA found in these cases,” said Mike Grubb, the San Diego Police Department crime-lab manager.

A suspect description and other evidence ties (name withheld) to all seven incidents, according to investigators.

(Name withheld) followed all the women home and approached them in their garages, then used zip ties to bind his victim, police said. He is also accused of threatening to rape all the women; he did not follow through on all of those threats, however, police said.

According to a neighbor who talked with Wednesday’s victim, the suspect tried to shut the garage door after he followed her inside, but the woman fought back, kicking and screaming, and managed to re-open the door and flee. That got the attention of the neighbor, who chased the suspect across busy Friars Road.

An off-duty Border Patrol agent saw what was happening, intervened and arrested the suspect.

(Name withheld) neighbors said he is known as “Jim” and is a family man who is married with two kids. They said he has lived in his Tierrasanta home for three years. He is the owner of the It’s a Grind coffeehouse in Little Italy. The shop was closed early Wednesday after employees were ordered home and investigators searched for clues.

(Name withheld) remains in jail Thursday on a series of charges. His bail has been set at more than $5 million.

By the way, I was just up in the Smokey Mountains camping. Interesting how similar the instructions are for evading a bear attack and evading a sexual assault. Stay tuned for my next post.

Stay safe.

Visit the Site/GET THE DVD: www.hitselfdefense.com