SMASH-AND-GRABBER REVEALS ALL & HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR SELF-DEFENCE ADVANTAGE!

The hot topic of smash-and-grab is once again in the public eye, thanks to social media. In a recent incident that was filmed by a fellow driver's dashcam and loaded onto YouTube, it can be seen how the criminals attack-ritual that leads to this less-than-20-second smash-and-grab crime. ENCA has a great news clip online at the moment that does an interview with a smash-and-grabber and reveals some of their methods and mentality. There are also some safety tips from the neighborhood watch.

To summerise, here are some of the main points from that clip that pertains to their methods:

• A spark plug, or "bomb", is used to break the motor window because it has a sharp point to penetrate the window. Keep in mind, that the size of the spark plug also makes it easily concealable. 

• Although they will do their dirty deed anywhere where there is an opportunity, the are currently using bridges to do their deed as once the deed is done, they flee under the bridge, knowing that most people will not follow them.

• At least a 2-man job. One to do the deed, the other as a lookout. More have been used in many cases.

• Women are targeted because they get scared easily (and offer little resistance).

• Smash-and-grabbers wait for you to be in traffic or at red lights before attacking.

• A smash-and-grabber will dress up in "protective clothing" such as a jacket or overall to protect selves from cuts after they have dove through broken glass.

•  If there is no getaway, the smash-and-grabber will probably not do it (but be warned, there are still desperate crininals out there)!

• The smash-and-grabber can use the threats of a gun or any other weapon to gain compliance.

A few safety tips to avoid becoming a smash-and-grab-victim:

• Consider safety film (anti-smash-and-grab film) or even window tinting for your car's windows.
• Leave your window open slightly (approximately 3 cm, but less than 5cm).This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if they’re struck by a sharp object.
• Lock your doors.
• Never open doors or windows (fully) or for strangers. Less than 3cm of window is sufficient.
• Avoid getting involved in discussions with street vendors, flyer-distributors or window cleaner at intersections.
• Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters, for example those who are wearing usually warm or heavy clothing during warmer weather.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially when stationery.
• Remain vigilant when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
• If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tires do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.
• Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to manoeuvre, should something happen.
• Be wary if you see broken glass lying on the road, as it may indicate a smash-and-grab hotspot.
• Hide your valuables - Car floors, dashboards and seats are not good places to leave items.
• Alternatively, lock your valuables away in your boot if you do not need them for the duration of your travel.

If you see a smash-and-grab incident taking place or about to take place:

• Be a responsible citizen and do something!
• Hoot and point, if you see suspicious characters walking around a fellow driver's car, or if the smash-and-grab is in progress.
• Assist the victim ONLY if you have ensured your (and your loved ones’) safety first.
• Don't give chase UNLESS you have had proper training to deal with such situations. Even then, I still caution against it.

For a previous blog on smash-and-grabs, please go to: http://defence-unlimited.blogspot.com/2014/05/smash-and-grabwhat-to-do-and-not-do.html

Get EDUCATED. Be EMPOWERED. Live a FULLY-ENGAGED LIFE.

The link to the ENCA clip can be found at:
http://www.enca.com/south-africa/smash-and-grabber-tells-all

SELF-DEFENCE TRAINING - Unlocking potential to live a fully-engaged life

"Unlocking potential to live a fully-engaged life". This is the mission that Defence Unlimited has committed to and constantly promotes in its marketing material.

So what exactly is a "fully-engaged" life? Well, in my definition, it is one where I am living a life that I choose. But you will ask me, many people want to have a life filled with many things, but never seem to achieve them - things like "job satisfaction", "financial freedom" or "eternal peace and harmony". I say, yes, that is true, but is that not because they don't take the necessary ACTIONS to fulfil that kind of life? That is a different topic all together as it deals with the mental attitude and actions to go out and create that kind of life. We at Defence Unlimited can merely start to "unlock the potential" to have that kind of life. This is key though - In order to have THAT kind of life, the basic foundation, must first be addressed. In our case, the need to feel secure, and taking the necessary precautions to ensure that security. This is also referred to as the "security needs" as defined by Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Without this secure security foundation, any attempt to build something upon it will crumble like a deck of cards build on a table with 2 legs.  And trust you me, in this day and age, it will eventually come crashing down. It is my humble opinion, that if one does not create this security foundation, and at is most primal form, the PHYSICAL and MENTAL security foundation, there is no way in hell they will succeed in reaching those large, gregarious goals, whatever they may be.

"Fully-engaged" also implies to a life that is filled with moments of fun, joy, laughter, and occasionally sprinkled with some heartache, sadness and crying. It is these emotions and every other emotion in between, and our expression of these emotions that makes us human. It reminds us that we are alive and that each breath we take will be unique both to us and to that exact moment in time and space. It's about being present for each of those moments where we linger not on the past or have any fears the future. We take charge of this moment in time and live it to the fullest. I have heard of too many people who have been victims of crime and have become reclusive in their homes.  They are not willing to face the present because the unfortunate past event has chained them to a life of fear, paranoia and depression. I have heard of others still that, out of fear or frustration, have focused all their energies on the negative current state of affairs, and the eminent doom and gloom of the country and the world. They have forgotten that their body is still bound to the present and they have no interest in enjoying the moment for what it is, thereby not living a life, but rather just passing negative commentary about it.

This brings us back to the final piece of our mission, "..through effective self-defence training". I truly believe that effective self-defence training can unlock ones potential to live a fully-engaged life. Effective self-defence training installs three vital characteristics: confidence, resilience and discipline.  Confidence is the first step as by installing confidence, one builds the capacity to be able to face life head-on, with head held high. Having the knowledge and skills to be able to protect ones self and ones loved ones, will give you confidence that you can take on the world! This is very different from being arrogant, and there is a clear distinction between the two, especially in self-defence terms. Next is resilience. Let's be realistic - not everyone or every situation is going to do or go exactly as planned. We need to accept the fact that sometimes, we might  get knocked down, and it will hurt either mentally, physically, or even both. However, the important thing is that we get back up, brush it off, and continue forward. All too often, a person will give up to easily because they got knocked off their feet, or it hurts too much. Being able to get back up and press on is the hallmark of a successful person! Lastly, discipline. Doing the same thing over and over again is perhaps the most boring and dullest thing I could ever do. However, change that mind-set that doing the same thing over and over again from something boring to something that will make me better, well, that is certainly worth striving towards. Whether it's mentally positively honing yourself, or physically doing it, discipline is another key to success.

With that, the mission of Defence Unlimited is very clear. We may be a bit fluffy on the outside, but we are sure as heck want to unlock and unleash as much positive human potential as possible within our lifetime! After all, don't we all want to have world peace?

Get EDUCATED, Be EMPOWERED. Live a FULLY-ENGAGED Life.

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My 10 Steps For Success

Look back at one of your successes and try and recall HOW you accomplished that success. It might have been some life-changing steps that was challenging to adhere to. Else, it could have been some sacrifice in either time, money or health.  Perhaps still, it might have been something that required a tremendous effort of your behalf. It might have been an emotionally-charged goal that you had a deep desire to reach. It could have been losing those extra pounds/kilos to get to that ideal weight; obtaining that next black belt in a particular style of martial art; or that tender that was successfully closed to secure a multi-million dollar deal! Whatever it was, it is that end goal that we are after!

Then, there is the discipline and focus towards that goal. Discipline implies the absolute adherence to following those steps to success in a consistent and continual manner. Focus is what is needed to stay on that path and to not let anything detract you from accomplishing that goal.

Here is an account of one of my most recent success:

Although I always had aspirations to look like a warring-Spartan with a 6-pack for abs, it was never something I was emotionally-charged enough to actually do something about. It was one of those things that I had convinced myself that I had reached the 30's now, and society dictated that for over 30's it was hard to shed those rolls of fat we call love handles.  What led me to make up this 12-week challenge was this one picture that was taken with my wife while on a family holiday.

I posted it on Facebook, and all I could say was that I looked FAT! As a martial artist, active for at least 5 days a week doing some training or the other, I could not figure out why I was looking so “big”? I was training harder than ever, and I was eating reasonably healthy foods, so what was happening?

I was getting despondent and desperate. It was during one of these low moments that I remember coming across a group of people that had really impressed me with their weight-loss program and their ability to achieve results. I started to do some research and eventually found the details of this group, Kaizen Transformation. After going through their marketing material and looking at the results they had accomplished with their clients, I decided to sign up for the 12-week dieting and fitness program.

Without giving too many trade secrets away, let me condense my experience in a few bullet points below:

• I was training hard but only at the cardio-vascular section. I had little to no strength-training in my program. That was an essential component to build muscle and burn fay!

• My diet was ok, but not ideal for me. I was put on a strict diet that monitored everything that I ate and forced me to make my own food! Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed the cooking experience and feel I have now also accomplished a skill I had always wanted to learn. I am far from being the next Master Chef, however, I know I can whip up a reasonably healthy and nutritious meal (much to my wife's delight)!

• My stats and training program was constantly monitored by my diet and fitness coaches, who gave me feedback on my progress.

• Lastly, I had an emotionally-charged goal in mind: If I could be disciplined enough to stick to these 12 weeks and accomplish some visible improvements, I will have discipline to move onto my next goal in life - to leave my corporate job and peruse a business in something I am passionate about.  

And here is the results after 12 weeks:

Needless to say, I was pleased with my results, but I realise I still have some way to go still to obtain that Spartan 6-pack! However, it did convince me that I have the discipline and the focus to accomplish any goal I set my mind and emotions to. With that, I had handed in my resignation from my corporate job, and as from 1 September 2014, I will be pursuing my passion as a full-time venture, which is to educate and empower people who have crime-related fears and frustrations, so as to unlock their potential for greatness! Defence Unlimited is the embodiment of that goal.

In a round-about way, I have therefore discovered my 10-steps for success based on this experience:

1.  Have an emotionally-charged goal;
2.  Seek help from experts;
3. Have a clearly defined plan;
4. Do what the action plan defines;
5. Stay focused, disciplined and motivated; 
6. Be accountable. If not to myself, then to someone who will kick me up the a$$ if I mess up;
7. It's ok to mess up. Acknowledge it, make a conscious effort to not do it again; get over it and move forward;
8. Stay mentally strong by being conscious of what I think and plant into my subconscious; 
9. Just keep going, especially during the tough times;
10. Celebrate ALL successes, even before the goal is accomplished!

This may be a very generic model, but it worked for me. Please do share any other steps that you have experienced that should be included, removed, or improved.

Till next time.

Stay EDUCATED. Get EMPOWERED. ENGAGE positively.