Personal defense is becoming more important as the number of personal attacks on children through to adults has been increasing around the world. There are some steps that can be taken to ensure personal safety. When referring to personal safety I mean physical safety. You can increase your personal safety using physical conditioning, using common sense and assisted methods which can be considered controversial such as the use of pepper spray.

Physical Conditioning

In the event of a personal physical attack you can increase your chances of escape by increasing your physical strength and conditioning. Weight lifting or strength training is sufficient alone as a self defense mechanism. The reason for this being that you could be attacked by someone who is physically very much bigger than you.

You may have increased your strength relative to you size but strength alone may not be sufficient to ward off an attacker. Disciplines such as martial arts give you the additional tools to defend yourself. Martial arts teaches you mental discipline, physical discipline, stamina and awareness of one self and your surroundings.

Many martial arts training facilities focus on personal self defense and are reasonably priced. Depending on your city they usually have specialist classes for children, men, women or women only classes.

Using Common Sense

You can decrease your chances of physical attack by not exposing yourself to to dangerous situations. Here are some tips to use:

• Don't walk home in the evening alone if you can avoid it - travel in well lit and populated areas

• If you exercise by walking or jogging do not use earphones - someone could sneak up on you or you may not hear a vehicle and be injured

• Do not accept rides from strangers or groups of strangers if you find yourself stranded somewhere

• Carry a cell with you at all times so you can call the police if in danger

Additional Physical Assistance

Pepper spray is a substance that is used by law enforcement to subdue and protect themselves from physical harm from people intending to cause harm. Pepper spray is now available as a personal item you can store in your purse or briefcase. Many joggers carry personal pepper sprays to protect themselves from aggressive dogs or animals that are not leashed or muzzled.

Remember personal safety is your responsibility and if you use mental and physical awareness you can reduce the likelihood of an attack.