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In this series of articles over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing some quick tips that can help you and those you love stay safer.

• Click here for Tip # 1

These tips came about after we attended many self defense classes taught by martial artists who trained daily. The techniques they taught were difficult, if not impossible, to execute—or even remember unless practiced consistently.

So, we decided it would be more beneficial to everyone if there were a program that focused on staying safe and avoiding dangerous situations. There had to be a common sense approach to safety. But, we also knew it had to go beyond being confronted or grabbed by an attacker.

These tips are not the only ways to be aware or safe, but they do address many areas. The tips are for children as well as adults—so parents will want to share the information with their children.

Tip #2: Trust your instincts.

How many times have you “had a feeling” that something was going to happen? It could be something good or bad. Did you pay attention to the feeling? The deer in the woods doesn’t ignore the feeling or scent of the hunter. He will alert all the other deer and take off running.

As humans we tend to ignore these feelings. We knew a person who was alive because she listened to her instincts. By not getting into a car with her friends, she lived when the rest of her friends were killed in a tragic accident. Another friend avoided being arrested for MIP by changing her mind and staying home from a party—yes, she was called a “chicken” and a few other names. Vicki has personally trusted this instinct and have gotten out of some bad situations—if she had listened earlier they wouldn’t have gotten bad in the first place.

Simply put, if someone “creeps” you out, stay away from them.

About the author: Mike & Vicki Neiman

Masters Vicki and Mike Neiman own and operate South Central Taekwando with locations in Hastings and Grand Island. They have trained more than 165 Black Belts. They have been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame both individually and as a husband-wife team. In addition to martial arts instruction in a number of disciplines, the Neimans are advocates of healthy lifestyles and essential nutrition.