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Category: Self Defense for You or Your Character

Beware The Flesheater

No, I’m not talking about zombies. I’m talking about this fierce looking combat knife called the Flesheater. It was designed by world renowned martial artist and retired USMC Master Sergeant AJ Advincula (my sensei), and custom made by knife maker Jim Hammond. It’s also the knife my alpha gladiators use in my sci-fi romance series, The Survival Race. We’re first introduced to the knife in book one, Captive: An Alien Abduction SciFi Romance, where broken-warrior Max uses it as he and his “mate,” Addy, escape from alien captivity. This 14 inch knife, with its nine inch re-curve blade, was designed for one thing: combat. And Max knows how to wield it in a fight. I own this knife (though my husband mistakenly believes it’s his, but let’s not open up that can of worms) and train with it. Let me tell you, it is one serious weapon. You can cut

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The Best Martial Arts Style

Which self-defense or martial arts style is best? I’ll answer after this little story told to me by my teacher Arcenio J. Advincula (retired USMC Master Sergeant and 1st generation student of Tatsuo Shimabuku, the founder of our style, Isshinryu). One day, after a training session, the students were enjoying a drink with Master Shimabuku. Some were drinking beer, some awamori (a distilled alcoholic drink), and some pine juice. Using this social time as an opportunity to teach, the Master asked which bottle was the best. Those drinking beer said theirs was the best. Those drinking awamori claimed theirs was the best. Those drinking pine juice said theirs was the best. The Master replied, “All bottles are good. They all serve their purpose.” Though Master Shimabuku never mentioned why he asked the question about the bottles, Sensei Advincula believes he was relating it to karate styles: that all styles of

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Winter Car Safety

For many of us, winter means snow, sleet, and icy road conditions. It’s a perfect time to stay home and snuggle by the fire. If you must travel out in bad weather, however, be sure you and your car are prepared for a winter emergency. Get your vehicle tuned up, keep the gas tank full, and be sure you have the following in your car. Cell phone and charger Reflective triangles or flares Spare tire, wheel wrench, and a jack Jumper cables Tool kit Shovel Ice scraper and brush Bag of salt, sand, or cat litter for traction Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit – be sure to include medications and baby items (formula, diapers, etc.) if needed. Exterior windshield cleaner Extra clothes – hats, gloves, coats, boots Blankets or sleeping bag to keep warm inside the vehicle Non-perishable, high-energy foods like energy bars, candy bars, dried fruits, and

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Posturing

Perhaps you’ve seen someone about to get into a fight stand a little taller, puff out his chest, stick out his chin, shout, swear, or flat out take a fighting guard. This is posturing. And it could help you in a self-defense situation. Cobras make themselves larger by rising up and spreading their hoods to intimidate prey and prepare for a swift attack. Mongooses rise up and make their fur stand on end to appear larger. Both animals show their fangs/teeth and make noise. Silverback gorillas hoot and pound their chests as they threaten their opponent to back down. Many animals, including your house cat, posture instinctively. People, however, need to train for it. Posturing is making yourself appear confident, strong, and intimidating to your attacker so they lose their will to fight. It is both a fighting position and an attitude. No, you don’t need to pound your chest,

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PARTY SAFELY

Spring is almost here! You know what that means? Spring Break and time to let loose! If it’s been a while (a long while for some of us) since you’ve partied during spring break, these tips are good to remember at any time. PLAN A: There is safety in numbers, so go out with a group of friends you trust, stay together, and leave together. Don’t leave–or let your friends leave–with a stranger. Be sure you have a designated driver. If you decide to stay out later, leave earlier, or realize your designated driver has been drinking, switch to PLAN B: Call someone you trust to come get you or call a taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Remember to fully charge your cell phone before going out and have emergency cash. PLAN A: Don’t share too much personal information (phone number, birthday, address) with people you’ve just met. Don’t trust someone

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