TBO-TECH

Krav Maga is considered as one of the best and most effective self-defense systems for hand-to-hand combat. It is a Hebrew term that means ‘close combat’. Although it is commonly known as the fighting style of Israeli soldiers, it was actually developed in the 30s in Czechoslovakia and Hungary. Krav Maga was initially used to help teach the Jewish community to defend itself against the Nazis.

Today, Krav Maga is a self-defense style that is increasingly becoming popular. With its emphasis on using calculated responses to attacks and implementing defenses, it has become a favorite among self-defense students.

How it works
Krav Maga is a combination of many martial arts techniques, including karate, jujitsu and judo. It doesn’t actually have set rules of fighting and unlike other self-defense disciplines, it can be used by either men or women. Techniques are used to effectively and efficiently neutralize an attacker while allowing the person to escape.

To use Krav Maga as self-defense technique effectively, the direct threat must first be assessed and then dealt with accordingly. The type of force used on the attacker will depend on how serious the threat is, eliminating the need for unnecessary force and conserving the user’s strength.

Once the immediate threat has been managed, the next step is then to prevent any attacks coming from the opponent. In case the attacker does make any moves, techniques to neutralize them must then be implemented.

Training
Krav Maga is frequently taught by using physical and sensory distractions, including smoke, loud music or noises and flashing lights. This is to train the student to learn to focus on the more important aspects of the combat (i.e., the immediate threat). Often, the student is even trained to the point of exhaustion or blindfolded before an attack is initiated.

Training is also conducted on a variety of surfaces, including flat floors, dirt, mud, rock, concrete, etc.

Krav Maga is best for close contact man-to-man fighting and for situations when the user is disadvantaged, such as when there are multiple attackers, when attackers are armed or when the user is hurt. It is also very effective when trying to parlay attacks while defending another person.

Guiding principles
There are 6 guiding principles used with Krav Maga techniques. These include:

- Avoid getting hurt.
- Neutralize your attacker as fast as possible.
- Quickly switch from defensive to offensive techniques
- Use the body’s natural reflexes
- Use all the vulnerable areas of the body
- Use any objects that may be at hand

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Kidnapping is a very real threat, wherever you may be in the world or whatever city you may live in. It’s not just a problem in third world or politically unstable countries. Each year, tens of thousands of adults and children go missing due to kidnapping, the reason for which may not always be related to money. To protect yourself and your family, here are tips on how to prevent kidnappers from victimizing you:

Find alternative routes
If you think there is a threat, find other streets or highways you can use when driving from home to work and back. Kidnappers rely on your routine to track you down and then look for a time when you’re most vulnerable to an attack.

Do not accept lifts offered by strangers
Once you get into a stranger’s car, you are at their mercy. They could either incapacitate you or hold you hostage and you might not have an opportunity to defend yourself.

Do not leave your doors open
Kidnappers don’t always snatch their victims off the streets. They can sometimes begin the attack right in your own home. To prevent kidnapping in your own property, close your doors and gates and install locks or alarms. The more secured you are inside, the more difficult you will be to abduct.

Let someone know where you are
If you must meet a new acquaintance, make sure someone knows where you’re going and who you’re meeting. Leave word with a family member or friend where you’re headed and if possible, give the name of the person you’re about to meet and other details you might know.

Meet them in a crowded place or somewhere other people can see you. Heavy human traffic is a major deterrent for kidnappers and may just save your life.

Tell your child to never talk to strangers
Train your children to avoid strangers, even if they seem friendly and offer gifts. If a stranger asks for help, tell your child to refuse and to call the attention of an adult immediately. If a gift is being offered, tell them not to accept anything.

Arm yourself with self-defense weapons
Other than a gun, there are weapons and gadgets you can carry with you that are very effective for preventing kidnapping. Pepper sprays, for example, are very effective for stopping an attacker and giving you sufficient time to incapacitate him/her and escape.

A stun gun is also a very important self-defense weapon to bring to help prevent a kidnapping. A stun gun is capable of bringing a sufficient bolt of electricity to shock an attacker, rendering him/her helpless for a few precious minutes so you have time to run away.

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Sometimes the best way to protect yourself is to fool an attacker into believing that you are stronger than they are. Animals do this through camouflage or physical trickery. Humans can, too. Here are the top 5 fake but effective self-defense gadgets you might consider buying to protect yourself:

Fake security cameras
Security cameras are part of a surveillance system that may be a bit costly to install. To help save money and still give you some amount of protection in the form of a deterrent, you could use fake security cameras instead.

Fake gadgets such as these heavy duty plastic replicas look and act like the real thing. They can be installed easily on a wall or pole where they will be easily noticed by would-be attackers or thieves. Since they move like real security cameras, there will be no doubt left in the minds of criminals as to their real purpose.

The best fake security cameras are those equipped with a blinking LED light and basic left to right motion. Two to three AA batteries are used to power the gadget.

Fake mobile phone
A cellphone is probably the most ubiquitous gadget there is today other than an iPod. It can also be used to disguise a very effective weapon for self-defense – a fully functioning stun gun. The phone of course will not work but the stun gun will.

Fake lipstick
Fake lipsticks that disguise a stun gun or a knife can be very effective self-defense gadgets. These, of course, are specifically designed for women and can be very effective for preventing and stopping a physical attack.

Fake lipsticks look like real lipstick cases and can be kept conveniently inside a purse or a pocket. In case a threat is suspected, they can be carried in the palm of the hand and deployed in case the threat becomes real.

Fake keychains
Fake keychains look like harmless little things that hang from your pocket but unlike fake security cameras, they actually work. Fake keychains can be very efficient self-defense weapons when wielded correctly. They are usually made with heavy stainless steel, fiberglass or wood and are equipped with sharp edges.

Some, such as the Romatron, are designed with heavy, rounded edges for hitting an attacker. Since these keychains are not very heavy, they have to be used with sufficient force in order to stun or knock out an opponent.

Fake guard dog
Can’t afford to keep a real guard dog? Use a fake one. This is actually a gadget equipped with a sensor that sounds off when tripped by an intruder. It then lets out the loud, low barks of a large, mean dog.

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You have already watched countless Martial Arts lessons in CD’s. You have your tools and gadgets handy. But do you really know what to do and how to execute the moves when you need them the most? Do you know when to fight or flight? If your response is “Ummm, not really…”, you are in big trouble. Why not go to self defense trainings then? Don’t know where to find groups offering these trainings? Learn how to choose the best self defense lesson for you first.

To be able to make an informed decision in selecting a training course for you, it’s important that you know what you need and want to gain from a lesson. There are those who’d like to master these methods for fitness purposes, not only physically but also psychologically. Some would want to learn to better protect themselves. Some would want to join competitions instead.

In finding self defense lessons to join, schools can be a great help. Schools in the vicinity of your neighbourhood would be good sources of these trainings. Ask for flyers, brochures or simply meet with the instructors to get more information about the offerings. Before saying yes and paying anything, don’t forget to ask for recommendations so you can have more options. Another factor that should help you decide in choosing lessons is whether the school or training offers safety equipment or facilities. You can also scour the web for more information about current self defense courses or trainings available. Here are some of the upcoming self defense trainings that might be near your place:

Self Defense Seminar at Lamy’s Black Belt Academy, 183 Elm St., Milford, Nov. 22, from 1-3 p.m.

Self Defense for Women with Brynda Ivan, second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, brown belt in Kajukenpo karate, Dec. 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; at The Summa Wellness Institute

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Hiring someone to take care of your children is essentially like asking someone to take your place. This is why having a nanny is really as much an issue of trust as it is of necessity. If you suspect that this trust is breached, then you might want to consider using a nanny cam to keep your children safe and your nanny in line. But how do you prevent your nanny from manipulating the nanny cam? Here are tips you can use:

Buy a nanny cam that can be hidden
Most nannies will take it personally if they find out that you’re using a nanny cam. This can affect her relationship with you and your child. Furthermore, if she knows exactly where your nanny cam is located and has plans of harming your child, she could manipulate your nanny cam in such a way that it won’t show her in a bad light.

For example: if you keep your nanny cam only in a specific place in the bedroom, the nanny could avoid hitting your child in that area, since she knows the nanny cam is watching. But what’s to stop her from hurting your child in another area of the house where no nanny cam is present?

To make sure your nanny won’t be able to manipulate the nanny cam to her benefit, buy one that resemble a common household item. Or, use a nanny cam that can be integrated into things that are inside the room such as the child’s crib, stuffed toy, books or furniture. If she doesn’t suspect it, she won’t be able to do with it as she pleases.

Use dummy cameras
Dummy nanny cams can work in your favor in case you have a clever nanny in your hands. In case she goes around searching for a hidden camera that spies on her, you could place multiple cameras in the room, preferably hidden in an area where she either would not think to look or cannot easily reach. Place the dummy camera in an obvious area and the other camera/s in a more conspicuous location.

Tell your nanny that you have a nanny cam installed
Another way to prevent your nanny from manipulating the nanny cam is to simply inform them that you have one installed. Explain that it’s not that you don’t trust her to take care of your child, it’s just that you like to check on your child yourself. However, do not tell your nanny where the nanny cam is located. That way, she won’t have an idea which places in the house she could be in her best behavior in and which areas she can let loose.

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These days, one of the best ways to keep your home or business safe is to install a security camera. Security cameras don’t only serve as witnesses to a crime or an incident, they also serve as a deterrent for would-be criminals. But security cameras are only as effective as your knowledge about their use. If you do not understand the best ways to use them, they would not be helpful to you in any way. Got a security camera? Learn how to use them to your advantage. Here are 5 ways security cameras can serve you:

As gatekeepers
If your concern is to keep an eye on anyone who enters the door or any entryway, this is one of the best ways to use security cameras. Have one or two installed near the gate, a front or back door or a hallway. This will allow you to view the people who come in or out. That way, you can keep yourself on top of things, particularly if you need to be careful about people who enter your home or building.

As event recorders
Rigged to a VCR or a digital recorder, security cameras can serve as witnesses to an event or incident. Once an event is recorded, it can be reviewed at a later time should you need to check or verify anything. In case of an investigation, the recordings you have may also be used as evidence.

As nanny cams
If you have a young child whose care you have entrusted to a nanny, you might consider using security cameras as nanny cams. For families with busy parents and very young children, this is one of the best ways to use security cameras because it allows them to monitor activities in the home even when adults are away at a remote location.

As surveillance equipment
Whether you’re trying to secure a home or a business establishment, you’ll find that the best way to use security cameras is to install them as part of your surveillance equipment. Security cameras are excellent for use in monitoring the activities in a home, an office building, a shop, a store, a museum, even a parking lot. With multiple installations, security cameras should be able to offer you sufficient coverage to let you know what’s happening where and at what time.

As deterrent
Believe it or not, many households and business establishments use dummy security cameras as a means to deter any would-be intruders or thieves. Dummy cams will not replace working cameras but they could work as a means to inform people that your place is being monitored and that any criminal activities may be tracked and even recorded.

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Probably the top reason why homeowners opt to install security systems by themselves is the thought of saving money from the cost of professional help. After all, hiring a professional to do the job for you can be rather expensive. Furthermore, there are more and more security systems that are being designed to be do-it-yourself projects, allowing homeowners to install the equipment themselves, even if they have moderate skills at best. But did you know there are dangers in installing and using DIY security systems? Here are some things you ought to know:

You might not have the sufficient skills to install the security system yourself
If it’s a DIY security system, then it must have been designed in the simplest manner, complete with instructions that will guide you from one step to the next. But just because it’s detailed simply doesn’t automatically mean that you can install the system without any glitches. You could fail to understand a specific but critical step, for example, or make a mistake about a part or a wiring or you could even damage an important function of the unit.

If you have the system professionally installed, you could be confident with the thought that your system is in the hands of someone who understands how it works, where parts ought to be and how the unit should be installed correctly and safely.

The warranty is automatically void
Most of the DIY security systems you buy do not come with a warranty. Why? The manufacturers are less than enthusiastic about carrying the risk of a buyer installing the system themselves and accidentally damaging it. And therein lies the danger of using a DIY security system.

If you’re not covered by a warranty, even if you do install the unit correctly, you are still not covered. In case something goes wrong with the security system within, say, a year’s time after purchase, you cannot take advantage of the savings that you otherwise would have if you bought a system that’s covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. As a result, you will spend for the parts and labor out of your own pocket.

No maintenance support
If only security systems were equipment you could install and leave on their own… Unfortunately, most systems don’t work like that. There will be times when you’ll need technical support from the manufacturer or have a question to ask regarding a function or feature of the unit. A common danger in using DIY security systems is that you won’t have access to maintenance support if you need it, when you need it.

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Children are very vulnerable beings, not only because they lack the experience and skills to recognize danger and protect themselves accordingly but also because they are naturally guileless and trusting. Each new thing they see, hear and feel is an experience worth exploring, regardless of its potential danger. Need to child-proof your home or simply ensure the protection and safety of your child? Here are 5 child security gadgets you might want to consider buying:

Baby monitor
It’s lightweight, inconspicuous and it lets you monitor a very young child from another location in the house. Baby monitors are one of the most popular child security gadgets for new parents. They function as ‘always on’ intercom system, allowing you to hear your child and any activities that may occur in his/her room even when you’re in the kitchen, living room, bedroom or garage.

Wireless leash
The wireless leash lets you keep your child within a specific area of the house or the yard. Simply attach this security gadget on your child’s wrist and the sensor will transmit a warning alarm to you in case he wanders away.

Security cam
Also known as a surveillance cam or a nanny cam, security cameras are excellent choices as child security gadgets. They allow you to monitor the child in his room and to determine if he’s in imminent danger or not. This will require some setup but it will come in handy in case you need to keep an eye out for a child but cannot be physically present with them.

A simpler but similar gadget is the wireless monitoring kit. You could install the camera in the room where the child is and then monitor their activities from a handheld receiver that you can bring to another location in the house.

Pool Alarm
If you have a pool in your home, consider installing this child security gadget. This alarm is installed in the pool and will electronically sense if your child wanders too near the water or actually falls into the pool. This is an excellent gadget to use if you have a pool or jacuzzi that is frequently unsupervised or uncovered.

Mobile handsets with GPS
In Japan, many parents are using mobile handsets with built-in GPS (global positioning systems) to keep track of their youngsters. Since most children walk to school or frequently use public transportation even at very young ages, parents feel that their children are safer if they know where they are exactly at a particular moment.

If you want to keep tabs on your child’s location from time to time, consider buying a child security gadget that has a built-in GPS. In case you suspect a problem, you could immediately give your child a call or get in touch with the authorities to check on his location.

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Whether or not you live in a crime-infested neighborhood, you need to have a good home security surveillance system installed. This will ensure that you and your family are kept safe and secure at all times. But how do you really use home security surveillance without overdoing it and how can you maximize the tools that you already have? Here are things you need to know for fool-proof home security surveillance:

Choice of home security surveillance systems
If you aren’t careful about your choice of a home security surveillance system, you could end up spending more for gadgets you don’t really need. Before you buy, make sure you understand two things:

- how the gadgets work
- your security needs

Once you have an idea of what you truly require and what’s available, you’ll know exactly which home surveillance system will work for you.

Mind the zone
Find out the number of zones that a system has. In most cases, you’ll find that a single system is capable of covering multiple zones. These are areas in your home that you want to monitor and thus will require the installation of a camera or alarm. Make sure you get this information first before buying a home security surveillance system.

Sometimes, it’s all about the camera
Without a good camera, your home security surveillance system will just be an expensive piece of junk. The system relies on the camera to pick up and capture images. If the camera is of poor quality, the system may not offer you the kind of protection and security you need.

A good camera, on the other hand, will capture all the necessary details you will need later on to view a person or an incident in detail. When buying or choosing a home security surveillance system, keep this in mind.

24-hour monitoring?
You could choose a service offering to monitor your premises 24/7 or you could opt to have a service that lets your system call an authorized number only if the alarm is tripped. Consider the number and size of occupants in the house as well. Wandering pets, little children and even guests who like to go downstairs for a little snack could set off your alarm if you aren’t careful.

DIY or professionally installed?
That will really depend on how well you know the system, how it’s designed and how skilled you are. Although there are security surveillance systems that have been created to allow homeowners to perform the installations without professional help, you might consider asking a pro in case you have very little understanding of electronics. This will ensure that your system is installed correctly and safely and that it will truly work to protect you.

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Keeping a teenager safe and secure can be a real challenge. Most teenagers are wired to go against the will of those they perceive to be an authority figure. Furthermore, they are at an age when exploring and experimenting with new experiences makes much more sense that being safe and prudent. So how to keep your teenager safe? Wire them up. Here are 4 of the best security gadgets your teen should have:

GPS gadgets
Global positioning systems are increasingly becoming the security gadget of choice for teens. If you want to monitor their whereabouts, you could have this gadget attached to their car or backpack. If they’re running late for no reason, you could check their location, decide the best course of action and get them the help they need.

Security cameras
Security cameras are an important component of any home security surveillance system. They can pick up and record images and allow people inside the home to view any intruder who might attempt to break in. These systems are also wired to a third party company that can alert the authorities in case the alarm has been set off.

If you frequently leave your teenager alone in the house, consider installing a security system. It doesn’t only serve as a deterrent, it’s also an excellent way to alert your teen in case of imminent danger or get them the help they need in case a possible attacker shows up.

Self-defense gadgets
Self-defense gadgets can either help protect your teen actively or it can work as a deterrent to an attacker. Security gadgets such as handheld alarms, for example, can give out loud sounds to alert anyone that your child is being attacked. This can help scare away a would-be attacker and give your child enough time to get away.

Spying software
It’s a sneaky way to monitor your teens’ activities but if you know how to use these applications in the right way, they can keep your teens safe and save you from worries. Spy software comes in different forms and packages but they function in a similar manner – to keep track of your teen’s activities online or on the phone.

If you suspect that your teen may be exposing himself to the dangers of the Internet or is becoming more vulnerable because of his mobile phone, consider using spy software. Once installed, this will keep track of the activities logged in by your child and tap into any files that they have viewed, edited or saved. If they are being stalked, harassed, solicited or bullied, spy software will come in handy, especially if you need to prove it to the authorities.

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