Armor Up Self Protection

I recently had a frightening encounter with a man living in a homeless encampment near my home. On top of that, a local gang had taken up residence in the area and were dealing drugs from the tents, safe in the knowledge that the police couldn't search them without a court order. I confided my concerns to my personal trainer, worrying about how I would cope as the police weren't always on hand to help. He suggested I speak to Chris Hicks. Ironically, I knew Chris from my gym where he taught a self-defense class, although I had never taken part myself. Chris's training doesn't focus on fighting skills such as martial arts or any other system that requires years of practice and exceptional physical fitness. Instead, it's about handling violent situations where morality, ethical norms, justice, and decency are non-existent and you have only a few seconds to act. Chris calls it "7 seconds to safe." You don't have to be in great shape to learn his techniques, as the challenge is largely mental. He will have you do many things that will give you pause, but overcoming hesitation in the face of fear and anxiety is the most important benefit. Paradoxically, mastering how to handle physical aggression has had unexpected mental benefits. It's helped me become more assertive and comfortable saying "No" without reacting out of fear or anxiety. Chris and his Armor Up program have been invaluable to me both in its original goal and beyond. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. - John Butler