HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE--TAEKWONDO WITH AUTHOR ALI BRANDON

photo by Scott Feldstein

Ali Brandon, aka Diane A.S. Stuckart, is the national bestselling author of the Black Cat Bookshop Mystery series and the critically acclaimed Leonardo da Vinci historical mystery series. Additionally, she is the author of five critically-reviewed historical romances soon be re-released as ebooks. Learn more about Ali/Diane at her Ali Brandon website and her Diane Stuckart website.   

Paws of Death

Dante left out one circle of hell while documenting the official nine in his classic Inferno. Forget Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, and so on. The most terrifying one of all is actually Circle Number Ten:  Junior High P.E. class.

 I spent a couple of years in Ten. It’s a harrowing place to be, loud and hot and smelly, filled with mean girls and rotten boys. I was one of the doomed souls always hiding in the corner of the gym during dodge ball. I also was last to be chosen for the kickball team, was stuck off to the side anytime we played volleyball, and never did manage to do a single pull up. Obviously, I had no aptitude for athletics, and past performance predicted I’d never be one to enjoy physical sports.

How, then, did I manage to reach red belt rank in Taekwondo after waiting until my early forties to take up the sport?

And, given my “advanced” age, why in the heck did I even try in the first place?

The short answer to that last question is that a friend and her daughter signed up for a family martial arts class. They invited me along for moral support. I was looking for a new exercise regimen (I’d recently given up on the local gym…too many mean girls, again!) and so I figured that would be a fun way to get in shape. After all, I’d always secretly been a major Bruce Lee fan.

The longer answer is that, despite my early failure as an athlete, I had decided around the time I reached thirty that I really needed to revisit the world of physical fitness. And while no particular sport had quite “taken” to that point, I realized I liked the idea of being able to defend myself in a not-always-friendly world. Several years earlier when I’d temporarily decided to be a jogger, I also happened to own both a Doberman pinscher and a German shepherd. With those two dogs by my side as I ran, I’d felt invincible no matter how dark or lonely my jogging path was. Nobody was going to mess with me and my hell hounds!

But time had passed and my only remaining dog now was the shepherd, who was getting on in years. I figured my best bet was to recreate that feeling of power and competence on a more personal basis. And so I joined my friend for that first lesson, and stuck with it long after she and her child had lost interest.

I was involved in martial arts for a good three years, starting out in American karate and moving on to Taekwondo, with a brief foray into Aikido. While not a brilliant student (see above for Circle Number Ten reference), I was determined. I moved up the ranks at a respectable pace, though each belt test was an exercise in major stage fright that required a Zen-like attitude to get through.

The best classes were sparring nights, when we put on our protective gear and paired up to fight with our fellow students. Unfortunately, there were rarely more than one or two other women in the class with me, meaning my opponents usually were men. Big, young men with lots of muscles! And while punches and kicks above the shoulders were technically forbidden for anyone under the rank of black belt, I still got hit in the head enough times to know that my next physical challenge was not going to be boxing!

But despite the bruises and sprained necks and broken toes I collected, I was in the best shape of my life. My confidence in my physical abilities was higher than it ever had been, and I was having a great time. And when my sensei shut down his studio while I was still training for my brown belt, I was bereft.

But what does any of this have to do with my new Black Cat Bookshop mystery, Words with Fiends?

In the previous installment, A Novel Way to Die, my bookstore owner protagonist, Darla Pettistone, comes close to falling victim to a killer. The fear and helplessness she felt in that situation—particularly when she saw her beloved cat, Hamlet, put himself in jeopardy on her behalf—spurs her to take action. And so, in Words with Fiends, she heads off to martial arts class to learn a bit of self-defense. I won’t tell you what happens then, but you can guess that Darla and Hamlet once again stumble across another unseemly murder.

So what about me? After my sensei called it quits, I did, too. I moved on to yoga and even earned my 200-hour teaching certification. More recently, I took up belly dancing, but a torn Achilles tendon and heel spur recently made it impossible to dance. So I am back to the gym again. This time around, the girls aren’t quite as mean…or maybe I’m just a bit tougher now.

And what’s up next for me and Darla? Don’t tell anyone, but in the fourth Black Cat Bookshop mystery due out in fall of 2014, Darla and Hamlet head down to Fort Lauderdale for vacation. She pretty well sticks to the beach…but, just for fun, I may have to give surfing a try.

Words with Fiends

Lately, Hamlet hasn’t been chasing customers or being his obnoxious self—something Darla surprisingly misses. Concerned, she hires a cat whisperer to probe Hamlet’s feline psyche and then decides to get out of her own funk by taking up karate to learn how to defend herself in case the need arises again.

But when Darla finds her sensei dead at the dojo, it seems that even a master can be felled by foul play. Darla decides to investigate the matter herself, and the promise of a mystery snaps Hamlet out of his bad mood. After all, Darla may be the sleuth, but Hamlet’s got a black belt in detection…

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HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE - SELF-DEFENSE OPTIONS FROM A BLACK BELT AUTHOR

Stephen L. Brayton is both a mystery author and a Fifth Degree Black Belt instructor in the American Taekwondo Association. He began martial arts training in 1991, earned his black belt in 1993, and gained his instructor certification in 1995. He’s visiting with us today to discuss self-defense options. Visit Stephen’s website to learn more about him and his books. -- AP

Self Defense Options

I conduct several self defense seminars for high school students and women, as well as the various techniques shown in my regular classes. One of the things I teach those who participate in self defense courses is to have options available to immediately utilize.

For example, let me keep it simple and discuss a basic wrist grab. After determining the level of threat indicated, the person would pull his/her wrist against the opponent’s thumb, that finger being the weakest part of the hand in terms of grip. Depending on the intentions of the opponent, various follow up techniques can then be applied. However, what if the original pull-away doesn’t free the hand? I tell my students not to keep fighting because it isn’t going to work and will only bolster the resolve of the opponent. Instead, immediately apply two or three options, usually distraction techniques. These can be as simple as a stomp on the instep, kick to the knee, raking the shin with the side of the foot, poke to the eye, palm heel to the nose, or several others. Don’t forget to go back to the wrist release because that was the original goal.

Also remember to practice various techniques so you know with which ones you are most comfortable and are easiest for you to implement. If you aren’t sure about kicking, then that method would be wasted on an attacker.

In Beta, the heroine, Mallory Petersen, a private investigator/martial artist, uses various techniques when facing the bad guys, depending on the situation in which she finds herself.  In one scene, she plans to deliver a palm heel to the opponent’s nose, but because she has been hiding under a table, her calf muscles cramp and she stumbles during the attack. Immediately she changes her plans to a midriff tackle to bring the man down to her level before proceeding to incapacitate him.

Keep your options open and have a game plan already prepared before something goes wrong. You don’t want to have to be thinking of what to do next because seconds count in an attack.

Thanks for the advice, Stephen. These are things we should all know, but hopefully will never have to use. Readers, do you know how to defend yourselves in case of an attack? -- AP

GUEST SAFETY EXPERT K.M. FAWCETT -- BLOW THE WHISTLE ON THE BAD GUY

Today we welcome back safety expert K.M. Fawcett with a tip on how to blow the whistle on the bad guy.

K.M. Fawcett is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate. She and her husband Scott own the Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo, located in Lebanon, NJ. K.M. is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. K.M. writes paranormal romances and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. When not writing novels or teaching karate, you can find her blogging about martial arts and writing action at www.attackingthepage.wordpress.com. -- AP

Blow the Whistle on The Bad Guy
What is the one thing that an attacker doesn’t want?  Attention.  So why not keep a safety whistle with you?  If someone is getting too close for comfort in the parking lot or you feel you are in danger, blow your safety whistle.  Heads will turn.  Maybe even more effectively than yelling “fire.”  Let’s face it, humans are curious and a whistle blow will garner quick attention.  It may also scare off an attacker who is looking for an easy target.

A safety whistle is also a great thing to bring with you when camping, hiking, biking, or exercising anywhere outdoors.  If you get lost or injured, blowing your safety whistle will let others know you need assistance.  It requires less energy to blow a whistle than to yell.  Therefore, it won’t exhaust you or make you lose your voice like yelling does.  A whistle can also be heard longer distances than your voice.

K.M. believes so much in safety whistles that she’s offering a special stocking stuffer to one of our readers. All you have to do is post a comment this week to be entered in the drawing for an Attacking the Page Safety Whistle. -- AP

GUEST SAFETY EXPERT K.M. FAWCETT -- DRIVE-UP ATM SAFETY

Today we welcome back safety expert K.M. Fawcett with some more safety tips as we head out for our holiday shopping or anytime.

K.M. Fawcett is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate. She and her husband Scott own the Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo, located in Lebanon, NJ. K.M. is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. K.M. writes paranormal romances and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. When not writing novels or teaching karate, you can find her blogging about martial arts and writing action at www.attackingthepage.wordpress.com. -- AP

The Drive Up ATM

Use the drive up Automated Teller Machine (ATM) during daylight hours.  If you must use an ATM after hours, take someone with you.

Choose an ATM that looks and “feels” safer, even if it’s a few miles away.  Avoid ATM machines with poor lighting or visibility.  Avoid ATMs near obvious hiding places like shrubbery or overgrown trees.  Robbers like to have the element of surprise and no witnesses.

Make sure no one is hiding or loitering in the area of the ATM.  If someone looks suspicious or you have a gut feeling something isn’t right, drive away and find another ATM.

Keep your engine running, your doors locked and all other windows rolled up.  It might also be a good idea to leave enough space between your car and the one in line ahead of you in case you have to maneuver your vehicle out of there.

Make your transaction as quick as possible by having your card ready and your PIN number memorized.  Avoid counting your money in public.  Immediately put away your cash.

Be aware of your surroundings by watching your side and rear view mirrors during the transaction.  Robbers will most likely attack from the rear on the driver’s side.

If you see anyone approaching or feel threatened in any way, drive off immediately.

If an armed robber demands your cash, card or both, or tries to enter your vehicle, drive away.  Call the police and report the incident.
Great advice! Thanks so much for joining us today, K.M. So readers, do you practice safe ATM withdrawals? Post a comment to be entered in our drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

GUEST SAFETY EXPERT K.M. FAWCETT -- BECOME A HARD TARGET

Today we welcome back safety expert K.M. Fawcett with some timely advice on being a “hard target” as opposed to an “easy target” as we head into the holiday shopping season. 

K.M. Fawcett is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate. She and her husband Scott own the Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo, located in Lebanon, NJ. K.M. is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. K.M. writes paranormal romances and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. When not writing novels or teaching karate, you can find her blogging about martial arts and writing action at www.attackingthepage.wordpress.com. -- AP

BE A HARD TARGET

What do the people in the following scenarios have in common?  A mother exits a store looking at her latest purchase.  A sister stands in the parking lot rummaging through her purse in search of her car keys.  A friend walks, jogs or runs with headphones.  A niece is busy texting her friends.

Each of these people is unaware of her surroundings.  To a predator, they might as well have “Easy Target” written on their foreheads.

Criminals fear two things: being caught and being hurt.  Which is why they look for an easy target in the first place.  Unfortunately, it only takes a predator seconds to zero in on an easy target.  Fortunately, you are not an easy target.  You are a Hard Target because…

• You are aware of your surroundings.

• You walk with your head up and with a purpose.

• You look confident.

• You pay attention to the people around you.

• You make eye contact letting people know you see them, but you don’t stare so as not to challenge them.

• You wear headphones only while exercising at the gym.

• You have your keys in hand when going to your car.

Feel free to share other ways you can be a Hard Target in the comments section.

Stay Safe!

Great advice! Thanks so much for joining us today, K.M. So readers, how else can you make sure you’re a hard target? -- AP

GUEST SAFETY EXPERT K.M. FAWCETT -- "PURSE"ONAL SAFETY

Today we welcome back safety expert K.M. Fawcett with some “purse”onal safety tips. K.M. Fawcett is a Nidan (2nd degree black belt) in Isshinryu Karate. She and her husband Scott own the Tenchi Isshinryu Karate Dojo, located in Lebanon, NJ. K.M. is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. K.M. writes paranormal romances and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. When not writing novels or teaching karate, you can find her blogging about martial arts and writing action at www.attackingthepage.wordpress.com. -- AP

“Purse”onal Safety

Keep your purse and wallet safe from theft!

Don’t leave your purse or wallet in your car, in your shopping cart or in your coat when using a coat check or a coat rack.  When trying on clothes or testing products, never leave or set down your purse. When dining, keep your purse on your lap or on the ground between your feet.

Avoid carrying large purses, as they are easier to snatch.

Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket, especially in crowds.

Keep your purse held tightly against your body with the flap facing toward you.  Keep it zipped closed.  If you can’t close your purse, it’s time to clean it out.

Carry as little cash as possible. If you must carry a large amount of money, be careful not to let others see it.

You may want to carry a diversionary money fold with several singles covered by one larger bill, such as a twenty.  If someone tries to rob you, throw your diversionary money in one direction and run the other way (toward people if possible.)

Feel free to add your own “purse“onal safety tip in the comments section.

Great advice! Thanks so much for joining us today, K.M. So readers, do you have other “purse”onal safety tips you’d like to share? Post a comment this week to be entered into the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP

GUEST MELINDA LEIGH, SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTOR: SECURE YOUR HOME

Melinda Leigh from Attacking the Page is back today with some more safety tips. Melinda holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Melinda hosts Fight Like a Girl Southern NJ, a blog featuring effective and easy to learn self-defense for women. She’s also one of the bloggers at Attacking the Page, a blog about Martial Arts & Writing Action. You can also visit Melinda at her website. -- AP

There are many things you can do to make your home and property more secure, both when you’re home and away.  Make sure your property is well-lit, the windows and doors clearly visible.  Burglars love thick shrubs and shadowy entrances.  Lock your doors. This sounds simple, but many people neglect to lock up while they are at home. 

Single women should list their initials instead of their first names with the phone company and other utilities when possible.  Don’t post your address, phone number or other personal information on social networking sites, this includes your marital status if you’re single or the fact that your husband will be in Japan for the next two weeks.  If you have a home security system, use it.  Keep valuables in a safety deposit box. 


In addition, if you are going on vacation, make arrangements to have your lawn mowed, leaves raked or deliveries picked up.  Let a trusted neighbor know you’ll be away and when to expect you back.  Give the neighbor a phone number to contact you in case of emergency and a key. Ask the neighbor to walk through your home occasionally. Things like a broken pipe or freezer can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Unplug small appliances.

If you’re leaving your car at home, park it in its usual spot.  Ask your trusted neighbor to park in your driveway.  Keep drapes and blinds in their usual positions.  Use timers on interior/exterior lights and a radio or TV to make it appear as if someone is home when you are at work or on vacation. 

Stop your newspaper and mail or get a neighbor to collect them for you. Same goes for any deliveries.  Have the same neighbor put out your trash and bring the can in as normal. 

Don’t post your plans on social network sites, announce it on your answering machine, or otherwise broadcast your upcoming absence. Tell your Facebook friends all about your trip after you're home.  It’s also a good idea to let your alarm company know you’ll be away and how to reach you.

Great tips, Melinda! Thanks so much for stopping by to share them with us. And readers, remember to post a comment to be entered into the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP            

GUEST KATHY FAWCETT, SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTOR: TRAFFIC LIGHT SAFETY

Today we have another safety blog, courtesy of Kathy Fawcett from Attacking the Page. Kathy is a shodan (1st grade black belt) in Isshinryu Karate and helps run her husband‘s dojo, the NJ Academy of Martial Arts, located in Lebanon, NJ. She is also a certified women’s self-defense instructor with the FLAG (Fight Like a Girl) Program. Kathy writes paranormal romances and loves kick butt heroes and heroines. Welcome, Kathy! -- AP

TRAFFIC LIGHT OF SAFETY

Teach your children the Traffic Light of Safety.

Children learn at a very young age that a green light means go, yellow means slow down (unless you’re from New Jersey where it means gun it before it turns red) and red means stop.  So it is easy for them to understand the Traffic Light of Safety.

Green = Go.  It’s safe to play

Yellow = Caution.  Something isn’t right.  Get to a safe place now.

Red = Stop! You are in danger.  If you can’t get to safety, Defend Yourself!

The goal is to always be in a Green situation.  When teaching self-defense classes, I give the following example to my young students.

You are playing with your friends at the park.  Mom or Dad is nearby and can easily see you.  This is a green light.  Go ahead, it’s safe to play.

While playing, you wander past the big bulky jungle gym to the other side of the playground.  You can’t see Mom or Dad from here, which means they probably can’t see you either.  And look, there is a stranger nearby watching you play.  There is no immediate danger, but something just doesn’t feel right.  This is a Yellow Light.  Caution.  Get back to safety.  Find Mom or Dad.  Tell them what happened.  It may turn out that they know the other person.  He’s a dad whose kid is also playing at the park.  Or they may not know this person, and will keep a watchful eye on him.

What happens if the stranger calls you over?  He says he’s lost his puppy and asks you to help find him.  This is a Red Light.  Adults don’t need to ask kids for help.  They can find another adult to help them.   Get to safety immediately.  Don’t talk to the person.  Don’t make up excuses for why you can’t help, just run to safety.  If you feel you must say something, yell, “Have to ask Mom” WHILE you are running away.

What happens if the stranger grabs you?  This is an obvious Red Light.  You are in immediate danger.  You must do everything you can to get back to safety; punch, kick, bite, pinch, spit, and scream.

If you yell “No!  Stop,” people in the area may not help because they think you are a naughty child who doesn’t want to leave the park.  Yell, “Help!  Stranger!” or “I don’t know you!” or “Help!  You’re not my Dad.”  Let everyone in the area know you are in danger.

Keep in mind that you can use the Traffic Light to illustrate other scenarios with children of all ages, and adults too.  Try using this analogy with your teen when discussing Internet safety, partying, alcohol, drugs, or sex.

Great advice, isn’t it? Please share any examples you come up with in the comments section. Remember, anyone who posts a comment this week is entered into the drawing for a free book from our Book Club Friday guest author.-- AP

GUEST MELINDA LEIGH, SELF-DEFENSE INSTRUCTOR

Today at Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers I’d like to introduce you to a special guest, author and self-defense instructor Melinda Leigh. Melinda holds a 2nd degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She's also a founding member of the Liberty States Fiction Writers.  Melinda lives in the NJ suburbs with her husband, two kids, and a whole bunch of animals.  Her romantic suspense fiction has won writing awards across the country.

Melinda hosts Fight Like a Girl Southern NJ, a blog featuring effective and easy to learn self-defense for women. She’s also one of the bloggers at Attacking the Page, a blog about Martial Arts & Writing Action. Melinda, along with fellow bloggers Rayna Vause and Kathy Fawcett, will be stopping by Killer Crafts & Crafty Killers from time to time to offer practical safety tips for women. You can also visit Melinda at her website. -- AP

SAFETY TIP OF THE WEEK: USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Many people rely on trains and buses for transportation.  Unfortunately,  predators of all sorts troll these areas as well.   The following tips can help make your trip a safe one.

When riding on a bus or train, have your ticket or change ready so you do not have to get your wallet out.  Always wait in a well-lit area for your bus or train and wait near other people.  If possible, meet a friend there to wait with you, or even better, travel together.  A lone traveler is always more of a target than a group.  There’s safety in numbers.  If you do end up on the bus or train alone, sit close to the driver.   Don’t fall asleep.  Stay awake and alert at all times.  Don’t get so caught up in texting a friend or reading a book that you fail to notice who gets on and off.  You don’t need to stare to know who is around you and what they are doing.  Sit in an aisle seat so you won’t be blocked in. Keep your belongings on your person, with your purse strap over your shoulder and larger bags between your feet.

When you reach your destination, pay attention to who gets off at your stop.  If you think you are being followed, use the go-to-people principal.  Let the person know you see him and know where he is at all times.  If possible, have someone waiting for you, especially if your stop is isolated or dark.   If you’re going out with friends, make a pact that you will all leave together and make sure no one gets left behind.

Great tips, Melinda. Thanks for sharing, and we'll all look forward to seeing you, Rayna, and Kathy stopping by occasionally with more safety tips. Readers, do you have safety concerns? Let's hear from you. Anyone who posts a comment this week is entered in the drawing for a free book from out guest author on Book Club Friday. -- AP