Protect Yourself from a National Epidemic

On a recent night in the booming city of Huntsville, Alabama, a bank's after hours remodeling contractor was shot to death after being confronted in the parking lot by an assailant in demand of money. Several nights later, police reported multiple armed robberies during the course of one evening. From approximately 9:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. the city of Huntsville was under siege by a carload of armed men in search of easy money. In addition to these troubling events, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of bank robberies reported on the news in north Alabama. This problem is not unique to Huntsville; it is a national epidemic. Reasons are many and one can blame the poor economy and the increased price of everything from fuel to utilities to groceries. Even prior to the economic downturn, a check of the local news depicted a troubling trend toward violent acts in many communities in the United States.


No amount of task forces, studies, increased police patrols, or social experiments can impact personal safety more than proper prudence by the individual. Self defense courses are fine; the martial arts are wonderful for keeping in shape and learning to fight; however, most of the techniques learned are quickly forgotten when one's life is on the line. I know this from experience. As a rookie police officer in a high crime area of Broward County, Florida, I thought I knew it all. I had graduated at the top of my class from one of the best police training academies in the United States. I was trained in the art of self defense by none other than Joe Hess, former three time heavyweight kickboxing champion of the world. I had practiced to fight hand to hand, with nightsticks, and with a handgun and shotgun. I had practiced, practiced, and practiced some more, to the point I thought my responses were automatic and second nature. The first time I found myself struggling in hand-to-hand combat with a violent criminal, all of my hand to hand combat techniques seemed to go out the window. My body seemed to go into an autopilot mode and conscious thought was difficult. The more times I found myself in these situations, the more effective I became at subduing violent criminals. The first time I saw the muzzle flash of a weapon in my direction, I felt the same feeling. My reaction was automatic and fortunately my handgun response skills were ingrained into my brain through repetitive and realistic training. My point is please do not make the mistake of thinking you are ready for a violent confrontation with a criminal. You never are. You can prepare yourself but you are never "ready." Fortunately, there are many ways to adequately prepare and the best preparation is avoidance.

For a free in-home consultation or to arrange training, contact Ken Miller at (256) 679-7405.