CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Tips on how to keep yourself safe

Tips on how to keep yourself safe

by Hayley Wielgus

TYLER (KYTX) - Would you know what to do if you were approached by a stranger or attacked? CBS 19's Hayley Wielgus brings us important information about defending yourself.

No matter what it takes, you have to fight with all your might to get away from an attacker. Some East Texans are learning how to do that through martial arts.  And there are some simple moves you can do, too.

Kung fu is centuries-old martial art.

"It stemmed from that era of time when they had to use it to survive every day. So what we use it for nowadays is a lot of awareness, we teach people to notice what's around them."

Brandon Jones is the owner of Tyler Kung Fu and Fitness. He says knowing a few self defense moves can give you the confidence you need to fend off an attacker.

"If you have a skill that can get you out of potential danger, you just carry yourself better and you become very aware."

You don't have to be a kung fu fighter to defend yourself. The first thing you should do is scream and try to run away - but if you're attacked fight back.

"If they're standing beside you, you can hit them, hold that fist and strike him with all you got."

If you are grabbed, Jones says one of the most simple self defense moves is to twist your arm, strike with the palm and knee your attacker.

"You need skills like this, you need to be prepared for all that's going on in this world, you need to be able to defend yourself."

Sandra Harper started practicing Kung Fu after taking a women's self defense class. Now she teaches other ladies how to take safety into their own hands.

"When you know this, you have confidence, with the confidence you become less of a victim."

Some police and self defense experts recommend screaming "fire" if you're attacked instead of help. It grabs people's attention faster and increases your chances of someone coming to your aid. Experts also say you should carry yourself with confidence. Attackers tend to go after people who they think won't fight back.