Starting in July, I am going to begin a very unique offering in the Uptown area (but available to replicate in other areas of DFW). The theme? Train 10 Weeks for 10 Seconds! What do I mean by this?

The average attack (versus “fight”) only lasts about 10 seconds or less, typically because the attacker(s) had the initial element of surprise. But what do these critical 10 seconds look like? This is what we will investigate over 10 weeks as we train in the following five scenarios for just two weeks each:

–2 weeks of defense training facing a single, unarmed opponent
–2 weeks of defense training facing multiple, unarmed opponents
–2 weeks of defense training facing an attacker with a knife
–2 weeks of defense training facing an attacker with a gun
–2 weeks of defense training from a seated and ground position

The real appeal here is that the above is being offered at only $100 for all 10 weeks! This is an introductory offer only, however. Classes will be held at Trophy Fitness in Uptown from 7:30-8:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning the second week of July.

For more information, or to register (as space will be limited), email me directly at jeff@DefenseByDesign.com.

Jeff McKissack
Defense By Design

So many times in my presentations I address various “stereotypes.” Why? Because we all have them. Ask any group of kids to describe a “stranger” and you’ll be amazed at the answers you receive. They’re looking for Freddie Kruger, not Mister Rogers, yet we all know it’s more of the latter than the former that poses a real threat to our kids.

Now take as another example (for college students and adults) the case of Joran van der Sloot suspected in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway five years ago in Aruba, now also a suspect in the murder of a young woman in Peru. But more importantly “look at” his photo. Is this the new face of crime? Actually, it always has been, as the more and more you learn, the more you also realize (a) there are no stereotypes and (b) the more “effective” perpetrators are those who do not “look the part.” The old saying about not judging a book by its cover is still very sound advice.

Remember this the next time that “nice young man/woman” approaches you to offer assistance, buy you a drink or escort you to your car, home, apartment, etc. It’s the face that can often times throw you off. Look beyond the cover and learn to read the book.

Jeff McKissack
Defense By Design

About a week or so ago, two friends were walking from a house party to a local club. On their way they were attacked by four men swinging a baseball bat or bats.

While law-enforcement is considering this now a “hate crime” due to the derrogatory terms used to describe the two victims by their assailants during the attack, I look at this another way entirely. Unfortunately, to me, this is now “the norm” when it comes to these types of attacks.

I recall a husband-wife couple from my gym attacked two years ago (personal trainer and her police officer husband) by four men leaving a house party as the couple approached their car. Both husband and wife were in great physical shape, the husband (a cop) had his gun on him as well. But their attackers had something more important — the element of surprise. The wife was in a comma for three months and when she did come out her jaw was wired shut for another three months since her attacker broke it.

More and more we are hearing stories of very brutal and viscious attacks by multiple (key word next), “simultaneous” attackers. This calls for a very different type of personal defense training and strategy. But this approach is also the “norm” with what I teach as we will always assume there is more than “one.” To learn more, contact Defense By Design.

Jeff McKissack
Defense By Design

Last week a man “pretending” to be a Chase Bank employee entered one of their branches and robbed the location. He was dressed “like” an employee of Chase, had a idenfication badge similar to Chase and did not appear on anyone’s personal radar as someone of suspicion.

This is a classic example of the “Authority/Service Provider Lure” I speak of in my seminars, when someone pretends to be someone they are not. Often they can pose as an authority figure like a police officer, security officer, fireman, doctor, etc. However, they can also pose as more everyday professionals such as plumbers, electricians, pest control, carpet cleaners, couriers, etc. These are the people we either automatically trust given their positions of authority or automatically trust as someone we’re used to seeing in our homes, neighborhoods and office buildings.

It just goes to show, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” CHASE down the truth for yourself!

Jeff McKissack
Defense By Design

Coming soon to the Uptown area of Dallas will be a very “unique” opportunity for locals to get an up-close and personal presentation from Defense By Design.

One Tuesday each month Defense By Design is partnering with the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority to offer “A Streetcar Named Defense,” a two-hour tour around Uptown with a very unique twist. Riders will be treated to two hours of training involving profiling, reading body language and some basics of physical self-defense, both on and off the trolley as we tour the Uptown area. Regarding the physical training (on and off the trolley) it will obviously have an emphasis on “close quarters” scenarios, seated and standing.

While the vast majority of these offerings will be targeted to residents of various apartment communities in the area, other groups and residents will be considered as time and budgets allow. We will start each tour at a local restaurant/club and end at another restaurant/club as sponsors come onboard (no pun intended).

What a great idea for “date night” or even friends looking for something different…OK, something very different for a Tuesday night on the town.

For more information, contact Defense By Design to either participate or set up your own group event.

Jeff McKissack
Defense By Design

As I read this story today on MSN, I was reminded of Anne Li last fall murdered by a co-worker at Yale University. Now another Ivy League school faces a similar tragedy at the University of Virginia.

George Huguely, 22, of Chevy Chase, Maryland., has been charged in the death of Yeardley Love, 22, of Cockeysville, Maryland. Both were seniors and in a relationship at some point in the past.

As tragic as this is, once again it serves to remind us (especially parents) that there are no such things as safe or unsafe “places” - only safe or unsafe “people.” We must teach our children and teens how to better read the early-warning signs of danger, how to know when someone, even someone we think we know, is taking on a different persona.

Years ago when I represented the CHILD LURES Crime Prevention program, we used the weather as an analogy, noting that “Most people are like the weather…nice, warm and safe.” However, just as the weather can change…change rapidly…become suddenly violent, the same is true with people. We all have “bad weather days” - all of us. However, there is a difference between bad weather and violent weather, and sometimes only minutes or the right set of atmospheric circumstances separate the two. Again, the same is true with people.

Our heart goes out to the parents of this slain young lady, Yeardley Love. In the last week I’ve had two friends give birth to their first-borns and have seen the joy on their faces. I cannot even begin to imagine the angst on the faces of Yeardley’s parents now. This is a tragedy no parent should suffer, especially when it is so easily preventable.

Let’s learn yet again from a tragedy never, ever to take our safety for granted…even when around those we know.

Jeff McKissack
Defense By Design

I have had a good bit of interest recently in more “topical” self-defense training.  People who have asked me about gun defense, knife fighting, stick fighting or even some of the more traditional weapons of martial arts as applied in more contemporary settings.

I have heard and responded to these inquiries by setting up a special seminar series on Meetup.com.  Note the information and link below where Dallas locals can sign up for this monthly offering.  The cost is simply $20 and the locations, as the subject matter, will change monthly with the cost always remaining the same.  The time table will be two hours, devoted to the given monthly topic.

By signing up on the Meetup.com system for this series, you will receive notifications via the system when and where the seminars are offered as well as the topics.  You may simply then RSVP using the system to note your attendance and pay at the event.  The months where various weapons are incorporated, you will be informed where you can purchase either “the” weapon online or a close facsimile of it locally.  There will not be many of these, so once you own the weapon obviously you’ll have it for future use as well.

Again, this is in response to what I’ve heard while locally speaking, so I hope those out there who have been “asking” will now also be “responding” by signing up on the Meetup.com system.  I am looking forward to teaching these seminars, though I might sometimes also call in various instructor friends of mine in the area as well.

Yet another example of hearing from you and “designing” a response.

The story below is a perfect illustration of how the “Internet Lure” works on MEN as well as women.  Remember, anyone can pretend to be “anyone” (age-wise, gender-wise, etc) online for whatever purpose (sex, assault, robbery, etc).  Guys beware!  You think it’s just “sexual predators” online looking for women?  THINK AGAIN!

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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -A Utah driver rammed a sheriff’s patrol car on purpose and officers aren’t even upset. West Valley City police say a man posted an ad asking for a massage.

When he showed up at the appointed meeting place, instead of finding a woman police said a 21-year-old man hopped into the truck, flashed a gun and told the victim to drive.

Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Johnson said the driver tried to stay calm but saw an opportunity to escape when he pulled up next to a sheriff’s deputy.

Johnson said the man hit the patrol car, jumped out of the truck and started yelling. Officers quickly arrested the gunman.

Johnson said a little damage to a vehicle that can be repaired is better than anyone getting hurt.

As we’re now in the heat (no reverse pun intended) of the Holiday season, I wanted to take an opportunity to share some last-minute Holiday tips as you’re out at the malls and headed to those parties…including New Year’s.   Feel free to share these with friends, family and co-workers to make sure everyone plays it safe out there:

• Be aware of your surroundings, coming from and going to your car.  Most criminals are opportunists.  They are looking for people not looking for them.  Don’t be on your cell phone, texting, looking for your keys or even car and literally “scan” your path as you walk it.  Make sure you know where you parked and how to get back.  If you have any hesitancy as to the distance or lighting, call security or ask for an escort at your party.  Remember, criminals are not “ninja.”  They do not appear out of nowhere, but they do appear out of places you’re not looking.
• Be very careful offering assistance to those you don’t know.  “Assistance” is probably the most-common tactic employed by those trying to lure you.  And it doesn’t have to be a “man” asking for help to set you up.  Women have been used, teens have been used, older people have been used, etc.  During this time of year especially, most of us want to go out of our way to be helpful.  Unfortunately, criminals know this too.  Just be keenly aware of any vulnerable areas where you are giving or receiving assistance.  Also, know your limits.  If you’re not a locksmith, a mechanic, a doctor or nurse, your greatest assistance may simply be calling upon others to lend that helping hand.
• When at parties, WATCH THOSE DRINKS!  Most are now familiar with drugs being slipped into their drinks when not watching.  Those are not “urban myths,” I assure you!   Even if you think you know “most everyone” at the party…do you know “everyone?”  If that open glass is out of your sight for more than a few, quick seconds, find another drink.  If someone brings you an uncapped bottled beverage, go and get your own.  Again, this tip is not just for the “ladies” either.  It’s not always about sex, sometimes people are just stupid, thinking they are giving someone a “pick-me-up” at the party to have a better time.  Be careful on this one!
• BREATHE!!!  Yes, it is hectic at this time of year.  But don’t let your frustration and aggitations get you in trouble.  If that person ahead of you didn’t see the light turn green as quickly as you did behind him or her, give them a few seconds before hitting the horn.  If in line at the cash register, realize there are not only others in front of you, but behind you.  Point being, everyone wants to be on their way, not just you.  Be patient.  If cut off in traffic, give the person the benefit of the doubt that they simply did not see you vs trying to “run you off the road” (which is rarely the case).  Whether it is by counting to ten, the way our parents taught us, or whatever other relaxation technique helps you…BREATHE!

These are just a few, quick strategies, obviously there are more.  But the Holidays are supposed to be a time of friends and family, so the best advice is to surround yourself with those you know and trust.  And keep “everything” in moderation to keep yourself safe in other areas as well (wink, wink).

I hope you all have a great break, wherever your travels find you.  And my hope is that you are Home (Safe) for the Holidays!

Jeff McKissack

CBS 11, November 30, 2009

Jay Gormley, Reporting

Three robbers used a place of worship in Sunnyvale to commit a violent crime against a 77-year-old church deacon Sunday.

Bill Hammett of Mesquite was ordained as a deacon 40 years ago.  He says self-defense was not part of his training.

“I’m not going to go down without a fight, Church is not a place for a fight, but sometimes you have to defend yourself wherever you’re at” says Hammett.

Dallas County sheriff’s deputies say Hammett was beaten and robbed during Sunday morning services at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church.

While 2,000 people worshipped inside the sanctuary, Hammett was locking up thousands of dollars in collections in the church office safe.  A few minutes later, he came across three men, ages 18 to 20. Hammett says he assumed they were members of the congregation.

“The black man had black slacks on and a nice sports shirt. The two white guys had blue jeans on and real nice shirts on.”

The retired photographer says the men demanded money.  Hammett says he believes the robbers were after the Sunday offering donated by the congregation.

“I told them I didn’t have any money and they said, we’ll see about that. That’s when one of the guys grabbed me by the left arm and the other guy grabbed me by the right.”

The determined deacon was not about to go down without a fight. Hammett says he took out one of the robbers.

“I slugged him in the throat with my fist. He went down. About that same time, the other two hit me upside the head and I went down.”

Hammett, who had to be taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for his injuries, says the robbers struck him several times in the head and neck with a club.

Dallas County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kim Leach says the robbers only got away with Hammett’s wallet and cash. 

The 77-year-old says next time, his attackers might not be so lucky.  “A deputy sheriff asked me, what would I have done if I had a pistol handy? I said, I would have shot them and I would have shot to kill.”