Traditional Karate Center Empowers Women to Fight Back

Shihan Michael Buttermark, of of Matawan, recently held a women's empowerment workshop and luncheon to offer safety tips and practices to women of all ages.

Buttermark discussed ways women can avoid dangers and ways to respond if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. He also walked the participating women through multiple self defense techniques. Here are some key safety and self defense points that women everywhere can use to keep safe:

1. Be Alert

Buttermark cautioned that women with children are often identified as easy targets because they are either distracted by their children or a criminal knows they will comply in order to protect their children. He suggests always taking the path most traveled in an effort to avoid a scenario like this all together. Be observant, look around, walk with confidence and avoid walking in unlit areas at night.

2. Nothing is Worth Dying For

Purses, iPhones, credit cards, licenses, and jewelry can be a pain to replace, but they are in fact replaceable. If you find yourself in a situation where someone has a weapon and is after your personal items, Buttermark suggests just handing them over. Your life is not replaceable.

3. Empower Yourself

Make an active choice to defend yourself. Buttermark said you have to decide that you do not want to be a victim, that you do not want to live with the repercussions of being victimized, and that you do not want your life cut short. Be loud, call 911, and use physical force if necessary.

4. Vital Areas Count

Think ears, eyes, nose, groin, stomach, and feet. Anywhere sensitive, in any order, at a fast pace. Do not be concerned with following a specific acronym or get hung up if you forget perfect technique. Buttermark explained that seconds can mean the difference between life and death, and it's important to do everything and anything you can to create space between you and your attacker.

5. Stun and Run

Once you create space by stunning your attacker, run. You may not get a second chance to break away, Buttermark explained, and it's important to escape. Make noise and call for help.

Although these tips can be helpful, there is no substitute to practicing self defense. Traditional Karate Center will hold a second Female Empowerment Workshop on Sunday, Sept. 16. for more information on how to sign up.