7 Tips to Defence yourself

Most people are incredibly unprepared when it comes to keeping their family and friends safe. But according to martial arts and self-defense expert, Chris "Lt. X" Pizzo, even if you have limited training, you can still protect your loved ones like a celebrity bodyguard.

"The first thing people need to remember is that in the street, any attack is a direct threat to your life," said Pizzo. "At the bare minimum, at least that will help change people's reality when it comes to the mindset of legitimate self-defense. Once they have that taken care of, they can move on to other steps that require a bit more effort."

Therefore, Lieutenant X recommends the following when it comes to protecting yourself and your own Entourage (or family) in the mean streets of reality:

1) "Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Never lead your group into any area where there might even be a possibility of conflict ... Seedy neighborhoods, back alleys, rowdy European soccer games, etc. This might seem like common sense to many, but police reports tell a different story."

2) "Always move with a purpose. There is a reason criminals prey on those who look lost, confused, or sleepy. Move to and from places with intent when out with your friends and family. If on vacation, do the whole 'tourist gaze' thing ONLY in public places that were designed specifically to do so such as museums, historical buildings, tours, etc."

3) "Have an emergency preparedness plan for self-defense situations. Professional bodyguards and private security teams all make sure their clients know EXACTLY what to do, and where to go for when things go bad. You most likely have a fire drill for your family, why not a self-defense plan?"

4) "Get in the damn car. Your vehicle is the ultimate weapon. Get a ton of steel in between your entourage and your attackers and its all over. Heck, you can even run the threat over during your escape. There's a reason why Secret Service agents are trained to go for a car extraction first, even before drawing their own weapons."

5) "The forward drive. Regardless if the attack comes from one person or an entire gang, there is still only one of you. Pick your target and start the forward drive leveling anything in your path. This will not only decimate your front target, but will also ensnare the remainder of the threats into following you."

6) "Gross motor movements. Jabs, crosses, arm bars and takedowns are all fine for the ring but will get you and those you're trying to protect killed in the street. Big, fast, thoughtless movement such as edge of hand strikes, whip kicks, driving knees, gouging, etc. are what will open up opportunities of escape or put your attacker down. Remember, combat sports like boxing, judo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, MMA, etc. are not self-defense."

7) "Run you silly sod. Everybody out of harm's way? Good, now RUN. The stupidest thing you could do when trying to protect others is get yourself all tied up. If there's ever the option to hot-foot it out of there, take it. There are people depending on you, and your own ego is not nearly as important as their safety. If you want to 'fight' get in the ring, if you want to protect yourself and your family, get the hell out of there."