WATERBURY--With the recent murders of two joggers, safety and self-defense skills are key for those who run outdoors.
Drew Serrano, president of East Coast Training Systems in Waterbury, teaches self-defense. Serrano says that danger can strike in the blink of an eye.
"You're not Bruce Lee," said Serrano. "You're not Superwoman. This is real life, and when it happens, it happens quick."
The best defense, according to Serrano, is your body.
"First and foremost, you should learn how to use your own body because that's something you're going to have on you no matter what."
Serrano says that tools like pepper spray can also be good, but only if you are trained to use them properly.
Serrano says the palms and elbows are some of the strongest parts of your body to use when targeting places without much muscle, including the neck, face and groin.
The seventh-degree American-Philippine Kun Tao black belt also recommends unplugging from technology while out on runs. Constantly looking at a screen or wearing headphones can cause you to miss something happening around you. You should, however, still carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.
Also remember to always park and walk in well-lit, well-populated areas. And most of all, try to jog with a partner, if possible.
For more information about East Coast Training Systems, as well as its free self-defense classes, click here.
