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Play, travel, walk, etc. with at least one other person

Predators prey on that one child walking alone or that one teen walking from the mall to her car. For teen guys, there is strength in numbers, so team up with your buddies. The point is to cut down on riding solo. Encourage your children to play in groups, even when they are by their homes.

Get a small cell phone

I know some parents will pass over this idea to avoid large cell bills, but listen. Give your child a cell phone for two reasons. First, because they can call in case of emergencies – from being picked up from an out of control party, to finding their way home while walking back home after a little league game. Secondly, in 2002, legislation was passed that all cell phones must have a GPS capabilities in them. As a result, if a child is are abducted, the cell phone can act as a honing device. So get a small one, and teach your child to always keep it in their pocket. Teaching them to not run up huge bills, and enforcing strict “when to use” guidelines is worth the alternatives.

Your comfort first

Children and teens are pulled in two different directions. We teach them to respect authority on one hand but also ask them not to talk to “strangers” when they ask a question, such as helping the man out who supposedly lost his dog. Rather we need to teach them to trust their inner voice. If it feels weird, don’t do it. Better yet, the lesson should be…don’t do it, and then discuss it with your parents. Teach them to be polite, but not compliant, and to talk over all situations with mom and dad.

Learn to love crowds

Many times as parents we have the connotation that crowds are dangerous. Riots, gang fights, and other mischievous activities always seem to happen when big groups of children or teens gather… right? I’m not saying they don’t, I just want parents to understand that once again predators love to isolate children. And remember, a predator for all purposes of this conversation could be the 16-year-old boy who is taking your daughter out. The point is that any predator dislikes crowds, because there is too much of a chance of getting caught. So teach your young ones to find a safe haven in crowds, whether they think they’re being followed, or their new boyfriend is getting too close – too fast.

Know where they are, and who they’ re with

Sounds pretty cliché, I know, but it is so important. Many times when children go missing, many parents have no clue where they were, or who they were with. If you don’t have one piece of

information, you better have the other. This is another reason cell phones are so great, as long as they are used properly – including parents not overusing it – embarrassing their child as they call them every hour in front of their friends. Make a habit of getting a call or a stop home before they change venues or go off with another group of people.

Make some noise, lots of it

If I had one technique to teach any child on how to defend himself or herself, boy or girl, young or old, it would be using their voice. Attackers hate attention (remember they love isolation). However, because kids are expected to be quiet at school, in the library, at home, in the neighborhood, in malls, etc., they don’t get any positive practice at screaming their heads off! So take your child right now downstairs in the basement, or in the car in the garage, and have them give you their best screaming shriek that might even shatter windows. Then teach them that their blood- curdling yell is their number one self-defense tool. If they ever get grabbed, attacked, followed, chased, etc., yell until they’re to safety.

Get your kids, whatever age they’ re at into self-defense lessons

Call it a pitch or commercial, but lessons will give them tools, confidence, and fitness. Tools to fight back, confidence to look like an undesirable target, an d a fitness level to run away long and hard if they need to. For lessons that meet their specific needs call toll free 1-877-337-1877 or email me directly at Matt@EliteJKD.com.

Watch what you wear

If you wear expensive jewelry you’re only attracting attention, and maybe the wrong kind. I’m not saying don’t wear nice jewelry, just be conservative in your everyday work and errand running. Jewelry isn’t the only thing, what about that $600 name brand coat and even that $500 purse. Taking it a step further, watch your choice of clothes. Now of course you have a right to wear whatever you want, and whatever you wear doesn’t condone any rape or violent attack. However, be choosy, be smart. If you are going to a new club in a part of town you don’t know, watch yourself. If you like to dress sexy once in a while at work, that is fine, just cover up when you have to walk a block and a half to your car at 7pm at night. Once again, the goal is just to watch yourself.

Keep what you carry to a minimum

Robbers love it when you’re at a checkout counter and open your purse showing credit cards, a lot of cash, and other valuables. If possible, carry your personal items in your purse, but find a small wallet you can keep in your pocket that carries your credit cards, cash, and maybe even your car key. If you can ditch your purse before going to the county fair or even out shopping downtown, that might be the best option. Robbers know that the purse is where the goodies are. Be smarter and find a better safe place.

Invest in a flashlight

The best is to find one of those little tiny ones which are small, but put off some serious light. You can also buy a handheld one which turns into a great striking weapon if need be. However, a striking weapon is not the point of this flashlight, the light is. Adult women have to walk in the dark, in parking lots, stairwells, while shopping at night, going from one meeting room to the next during a Saturday as most of the office is closed and dark, and many women exercise outside at night as well. Once again, we have to ask ourselves, what do the bad guys love? Darkness, right? So if a rapist is out and looking for some prey, will they choose the woman in the dim parking lot, or the other woman who is shining a flashlight around checking corners, behind dumpsters, etc. For all they know the second female is a security guard, get my point? In addition, there are practical applications, helping you find your way, your dropped keys, or keyholes a lot quicker.

Wherever you are, look like you have a purpose

Once again, a lot is perception by the attacker… but this one will take a little practice. So right now, get up and walk from one end of the room to the other. First do it without purpose, walk slowly, not in a straight line, stop and look around in confusion – realy look lost. Then do the exact opposite, walk in a straight line, at an upbeat pace, shoulders back, head straight, even looked determined to go wherever you’re going. By practicing this for five minutes each day, over the course of the week, you’ll also find out that you’ll feel better too – in addition to looking like a hard target.

Look at people, often

In our society, women many times are taught to be submissive. When you’re out and about this week, try something… Look other women directly in the eye when you’re walking from one point to the next. You don’t have to stare them down, just a quick strong glance. What will almost everyone do, look down. W hat would that tell an aggressor, if you looked at him squarely? You’re telling him first that you see him; there is no surprise attack opportunity here. Secondly, you are telling him you have a very high level of confidence, once again not a quality he is looking for. Lastly, you’re paying attention… attention not just to others but also to your surroundings, exits, improvised weapons, and the like. Most attacks happen by surprise, so take that away from predators, let them know you’re watching them.

Learn how to use pepper spray and carry it

Pepper spray is legal in all 50 states; even though there are a couple states that have special buying processes. So why pepper spray? Can we be honest, and not overly stereotypical? Women on average are weaker, smaller, and less skilled then men when it comes to getting physical. Therefore, you need a way to even up the odds. In one second if you could temporarily blind an attacker, make it hard for him to breathe, in addition to making his skin feel like it is on fire, all without laying a hand on this “cancer” of society – would you? Well, pepper spray can do just that, BUT only with proper training. It is a great equalizer, with unparalleled amounts of leverage, so do not pass up this legal tool. (Check out our Pepper-D-Fense Program at www.PepperSelfDefense.com).

Get yourself, whatever age you are into self-defense lessons

Call it a pitch or commercial, but lessons will give you tools, confidence, and fitness. Tools to fight back, confidence to look like an undesirable target, and fitness level to run long and hard if you need to. For lessons that meet your specific needs call toll free 1-877-337-1877 or email me directly at Matt@EliteJKD.com.

I feel so strong about this, I’ll give you 2 Weeks free. You can also check into our DVD’s to learn 10 simple and effective self-defense moves even the most unfit of you can learn (Insta- D-Fense Program, www.InstaSelfDefense.com), or teach yourself how to use pepper spray properly (Pepper-D-Fense Program, www.PepperSelfDefense.com). If you don’t agree with the information presented you have a 60 day money back guarantee on the DVDs. Being a husband myself, that is how much I care, because I don’t want there to be any excuses. See additional extras at the bottom of this document.

Learn to verbally de-escalate violent situations before they get physical

Black Belt magazine, the largest and best self-defense magazine, published an article I wrote on verbal de-escalation in their June 2004 issue. Here is a quick two-minute lesson, because there are so many situations which turn violent when they don’t have to. When a person starts spewing insults your way, the first thing to do is back up, it will give you more reaction time if he does jump at you. Secondly, put your hands up with your hand open, which says “Hey man, take it easy, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean whatever I did…”. Thirdly, now say what your body is saying… “I am sorry, I didn’t mean to bump into you…, I don’t want to fight…, I’m sorry I took your seat, etc.” Lastly, take a look at Tip #3, know your weak opponents’ targets and get ready to strike as you back up and leave the situation. The vast majority of the time, you’ll leave, and there will be no altercation. On the other hand if someone does throw a punch make a one shot hit at a super vulnerable target and get out of there.

Know your exits, always

When you’re at a party, in a bar, restaurant, at the gym, and even driving in your car know your exits. A fight can break out at any second, and someone can attack you when you least expect it – so expect it and know where to run. I know these first two points don’t seem too “manly”, but let me tell you they are the least expensive (compared to being in the hospital, or having some sue you), and training them is super easy. Let’s start today, if someone jumped you right now, where would you run. Think about if you were at your favorite place to eat, or maybe at the gym, where would you go? Develop this street awareness. Remember the goal of self-defense is to survive – and you can’t survive if you don’t escape.

Know where to hit quick and simply

Think about these targets: Shin, groin, throat, and eyes. Pick ten different ways you could get attacked, and the best target to hit either with a punch or kick. Train these ten situations by writing them down first, and then mentally visualizing them each ten times before you go to bed for a week. Too easy to do, too many reps? Won’t really help you? Stop the excuses, and start right now. How many people who’ve been attacked, stabbed, or killed did this drill?

Leave the situation, run if you have to

Why am I putting so much stress on running, and getting the heck out of a situation? Because guys have this disease called ego. We stay just long enough to get hit with a sucker punch, for an opponent’s friend to show up (make that two), or “win” a situation and then spend the next six months in court as the “loser” takes 50% of our next 50 paychecks. Do you want to know how to defend yourself against bigger, stronger, and skilled attackers, walk away, and run if you have to. If they chase you down try Tip #1 and then #3, now repeat #4.

Exercise, lift and run

I’m not ignorant enough to believe that all attacks will end with verbal de-escalating the situation, or with one shot kicks to the groin. Some altercations get very sticky, and take some time and energy. Put a Yugo and a Lamborghini on the racing track. Put two ounces of gas in the Lambo and a full tank in the Yugo. Who are you going to put your money on? The point is if a situation gets hairy, and goes for some time, you’ll need enough gas (cardio and muscular energy) to last long enough to survive. By making an investment of working out, even on a semi-regular basis, ensures you that you’ll have more energy than 75% of attackers out there. Many people who get attacked just give up because they run out of gas. Do not let this happen to you. Besides if you never get attacked in your life, you’ve increased the quality of your health. You win either way!

Lock house doors, car doors while driving, set alarms when sleeping, and anything else you can do to make it harder for attackers

None of these are full proof ways. I used to have the mindset of a tough guy – “I’m a martial arts instructor, I stock pepper spray, and even have a gun – bring them on! Why do I need to lock doors?, etc.”. The bottom line is, why invite trouble? These items create layers in your comfort areas, so use them. If you have a family there is no excuse.

Get yourself, whatever age or physical condition yo u’ re at into self -defense lessons.

Call it a pitch or commercial, but lessons will give you tools, confidence, and an outlet for fitness. Tools to fight back, confidence to look like an undesirable target, and a fitness level to run away long and hard if you need to. For lessons that meet your specific needs call toll free 1-877-337-1877 or email me directly at Matt@EliteJKD.com. I feel so strong about this, I’ll give you 2 Weeks free.

When it comes to buying a firearm most of think of personal protection or hunting and you can only purchase these firearms at a store. The fact is, you can buy guns online, too. Below are some of my findings and tips on buying a gun online and stores.

Perfectly Legal

Whether you buy online or in a store let me point out that these transactions are fully legal and regulated. Federal laws are followed throughout; if the gun must be shipped, then it must be shipped to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Before a gun is r eleased to the buyer, the required background checks are done by the receiving FFL holder. The FFL holder will often charge a small fee for his services. I a state like Illinois you must possess a FOID card to purchase firearms and ammo. There is also a wait period of 72 hours for handguns and 48 hours for long guns.

Types of Sites

Large retailers like Cabala’s, Gander Mountain, Scheele, and Bass and Pro offer a wide variety of firearms. They usually car ry the top selling brands that are fast movers. Retailers get judged on turning out inventory so you very seldom find the top notch exclusive brands in those stores. If you are looking for a more exclusive brand try touching base with your local gun shop. Most retailers these days sell both new and used firearms. They will even buy your used firearms.

Most of the internet sales follow the classified-ad or auction format, and are selling both new and used guns. In the past, most listings were placed by average folks looking to sell a gun they’ve decided to replace or just get rid of, but dealers are selling online more often.

These ads can also be a great place to find deals on holsters and accessories, oftentimes by small dealers who don’t get sufficient buying traffic on their Web sites. I have bought a few guns online, and the process is not complicated.

Getting Started

If you’re a new shooter this can be a very difficult thing. I highly recommend talking to a person that has experience. You will be able
to find out useful information from and NRA Instructor, or another professional in the field. You might even want to take a class as most NRA Instructors will have a wide variety of firearms for you to touch, feel, and even shoot. There are many firearms to choo se from and a lot of stores and sites to choose from. Another good way to start is by doing your research online as many categories are available
on most Web sites, such as shotguns, rifles, revolvers, pistols, antiques, etc (it’s helpful to know that semi -automatic handguns are
properly referred to as pistols. Pistols and revolvers are not the same thing). Select the category you’re interested in, and take a look.

Make sure you shop around and ask a lot of questions. You want to make sure you are getting a fire arm you are comfortable with as it will more than likely by with you for the rest of your life. If it is going to be used for personal protection do your research is a must. Excellent gun shops usually have a shooting range and will allow you to test a firearms out before you purchase.

New vs. Used

Buying used or new firearms is up to you. I seldom buy guns used. You can usually get a used one just as good, for less, in most cases. Although firearms have been known to be a great investment and retain their value very well. When buying a used gun make sure your buying it lower than the resale value. Buy a used gun if it is a collector’s item. I sometimes find used guns for a great value at estate sales or even garage sales.

New is new. Some people just like the fact that they are the only or original owner of something.

First Time Buyer

When buying a firearm online always ask the buyer why he is selling it. The last thing you want to buy is a hot gun. You can never be sure but do as much research as possible. You will hear all kinds of stories. Just try to be as safe as possible and do as much research as possible. When you’re buying used from a store, the firearms has been researched and you are in pretty good shape.

Remember when you shop at a retailer your shopping convenience. They know this to and do not always have the best deals. W hat I do know is there is always a sale going on somewhere. Search a couple retailers for the same gun and you will be surprised i n the variances you will find. In some cases you might be able to find a retailer to price match.

Make a Call

Always make a call before you purchase online. In most retail stores you can ask a lot of questions. When shopping at some retail stores you may know more than then person working behind the counter. Make sure you ask them why they are selling, if there is any custom features to the firearm, and how the firearm has worked for them.

Phone calls will help you judge whether you want to deal with this person depending on the way they carry themselves. You might be able to find out additional information about the firearm before you buy it allowing you to step back before you make the purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, do your research! You want to know more about the gun then the person selling it does. This will make you a better negotiator and buyer. Compare prices. Consult a reference book or someone with firsthand knowledge of gun trading and values. Never make a deal you’re unsure about. And always ask why the gun is being sold.

This is a common question for all and we have to be careful because laws are constantly changing. We also need to be aware that there is Federal Law, State Law, and Local Ordinances. So as you travel with a firearm make sure you do your research! Good places to research are Attorney Generals Offices, State Police Websites, and Handgunlaw.us. Make sure you plan your trip around laws and states that you might have issues with. The laws and questions I address below pertain to Illinois. This information was pulled from the Illinois State Police.

How can I legally transport a firearm on my person or in my vehicle?

Three statutory codes regulate the possession, transfer, and transportation of firearms —the Criminal Code, the Wildlife Code, and the Firearm Owner’s Identification Act.

Under Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW) in the Criminal Code, persons who have been issued a valid FOID card may transport a firearm anywhere in their vehicle or on their person as long as the firearm is unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container. Firearms that are not immediately accessible or are broken down in a non-functioning state may also be carried or transported under the Criminal Code. The Wildlife Code, however, is more restrictive. It requires that all firearms transported in or on any vehicle be unloaded and in a case. Because of this, it is recommended that, in order to be in compliance with
all statutes, all firearms be transported:

1. Unloaded and,
2. Enclosed in a case, and
3. By persons who have a valid FOID card.

Unless specifically exempted from UUW, a person commits a Class 4 Felony if he or she carries or possesses a firearm contrary to the aggravated UUW law of the Criminal Code (i.e., unlawfully carries on their person or illegally transports a firearm in a vehicle) AND one or more of the following aggravating factors apply:

(1) The firearm possessed was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense;
(2) The firearm possessed was uncased, unloaded, and the ammunition for the weapon was immediately accessible at the time of the offense;
(3) Does not have a valid FOID card;
(4) Was previously adjudicated of a Felony as a juvenile;
(5) Was engaged in a Misdemeanor violation of the Cannabis Control Act or the Controlled Substances Act;
(6) Is a member of a street gang;
(7) Has had an order of protection against them in the last two years;
(8) Was engaged in the commission or attempted commission of a Misdemeanor involving the use of violence against another person or the property of another; or
(9) Is under 21 years of age and in possession of a handgun, unless the person is engaged in hunting activities under the Wildlife Code.

What constitutes a legal “case”?

The Criminal Code refers to “a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container.” However, the Wildlife Code is more specific,defining case as “a container specifically designed for the purpose of housing a gun or bow and arrow device which completely encloses such gun or bow and arrow device by being zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, or otherwise fastened with no portion of the gun or bow and arrow device exposed.”

How do the differences in these two laws affect me for the purposes of the Unlawful Use of Weapons law?

It is recommended that persons transport their firearms only unloaded and in a case in order to be fully compliant with all statutes. A firearm transported in a container other than a case while engaged in activities covered by the Wildlife Code could subject an individual to a charge of Class B Misdemeanor under the Wildlife Code, but would not be considered Unlawful Use of Weapons if the container were a “firearm carrying box, shipping box, or other container” as provided in the Criminal Code.

If I fail to zip up the case entirely, will I be guilty of a felony?

No, as long as the firearm is unloaded, and none of the aggravating factors of the Unlawful Use of Weapons law are present. The way to avoid this situation is to make sure firearm cases are completely zipped or otherwise completely fastened shut.
What is immediately accessible?

The test is if a reasonable person would conclude that the firearm is located within relatively quick reach. It is a Class 4 Felony to have an uncased, loaded firearm immediately accessible. It is recommended that firearms be unloaded and enclosed in a case, and possessed by an individual with a valid FOID card when being transported.

What is broken down in a non-functioning state?

The firearm is disassembled, making it inoperable, e.g., slide or barrel removed.

Does a firearm have to be broken down to be legal?

No. However, it is recommended that to transport a firearm it be unloaded and encased, and possessed by the holder of a valid FOID card.

How can I legally transport my firearm in my Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), pickup truck, van, station wagon, or even a motorcycle?

The surest way is to have the firearm unloaded and enclosed in a case, and to make sure your FOID card is valid.

How do I transport a firearm through an Illinois community with an ordinance that prohibits firearms or handguns?

Illinois’ Unlawful Use of Weapons law does not preempt local ordinances from banning firearms. Persons carrying or transporting firearms through such communities could be subject to local firearm ordinances. Federal law does attempt to provide limited protection in these circumstances, but when transporting firearms in unfamiliar communities, it is a good idea to check with authorities on local law.

If a nonresident is coming to Illinois to hunt and would like to bring their firearm, how do they legally transport it?

Nonresidents must comply with the gun case law as described above. Additionally, the firearm must not be immediately accessible or must be broken down in a non-functioning state.

What if I leave a firearm in my vehicle (regardless of location) and a family member, without a valid FOID card, is driving the vehicle without me and is stopped by police and the firearm is found?

The law states a person must “knowingly” violate the law. The assumption in the question is that the family member was unaware of a firearm’s presence. However, at a traffic stop, you should expect the officer to handle the situation at face value, take enforcement action accordingly, and let the court settle the matter. Depending on the situation, the charge could be a Class 4 Felony. Don’t put a family member in that position.

How can I legally transport ammunition?

Illinois law requires that residents possessing ammunition must have a valid FOID card. Transporting an unloaded, uncased firearm with ammunition immediately accessible is a Class 4 Felony, unless the firearm is not immediately accessible or is broken down in a non-functioning state. The location of ammunition being transported, including ammunition being transported in loaded magazines, is not regulated if the firearm is possessed or transported lawfully.

Is it illegal to have ammunition in the case with the firearm?

No, if the firearm is unloaded and is properly enclosed in a case and the individual possessing the firearm and ammunition is in possession of a valid FOID card.

Can I transport a firearm in a gun rack in the back window of my truck?

Yes, if the firearm is unloaded and encased, and you are a resident with a valid FOID card. One thing to consider — a gun displayed in
a window could invite theft.

Can I keep a firearm in my hotel room when I travel?

Yes, assuming no local ordinance applies. The critical question is how the firearm was carried into the room and transported in a vehicle. Those actions must be done lawfully.

I have a friend/relative who has a “conceal and carry” permit issued in the state in which they reside. Is the permit recognized in Illinois?

No. Nonresidents are subject to Illinois law, restrictions, and penalties, and should be familiar with them if the nonresident plans to bring a firearm into the state.

What constitutes “unloaded” for a muzzleloading firearm?

(17 Ill. Admin. Code, Ch. I, Sec 660.30 – 5) provides a definition for an unloaded muzzleloading firearm as follows: Removal of percussion cap or removal of prime powder from frizzen pan with frizzen pan open and hammer all the way down or removal of prime powder from flashpan and wheel un-wound or removal of prime powder and match with match not lit shall constitute an unloaded muzzleloading firearm.

Remember laws are subject to change therefore it is your responsibility to keep up with federal, state, and local laws pertaining to you and your travels. The laws listed above are not case laws. Some case laws might be more lenient and allow you to transport a firearm differently. Always remember when you are traveling with a firearm to hunt with you fall under the regulations of the DNR.

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