Julianna Crowder
Julianna Crowder, Austin TX
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Seven Questions About Self Defense

9/26/2014

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What does the bad guy look for in a victim?  
Most crimes are random acts of opportunity.  When criminals set out to victimize someone, there are things they look for like people who are not paying attention to what is going on around them, appears to have a lot of money or expensive jewelry, or someone who looks easy to control.  By carrying a kubotan on your key ring lets the bad guy know that you have a weapon, which means you have thought about how to defend yourself.  It is an outward sign that you are not an easy mark and maybe they should keep looking.  In the Lets Get R.E.A.L. course, we discuss all these issues and more on how to avoid being the target of a violent crime. 

How do I keep my kids safe from my self defense tools?  
As with anything, you need to have a routine and rules.  Establish the rule that no one goes into your purse, laptop bag or where ever you choose to store the gun, taser or pepper spray for the day, without asking your permission first.  When you get home take out your gun, taser or pepper spray and properly secure it for the evening.  You set a routine to wash your face and brush your teeth right?  Well set the routine with your self defense tools as well.

How do I use a Kubotan?  
The most basic applications involve striking or poking vulnerable areas of the body with the Kubotan. Generally speaking, swinging strikes work better against bony surfaces while fleshy areas are more susceptible to pokes and jabs with the ends of the Kubotan. The Kubotan greatly intensifies the destructive power of any blow.  There are many worthy targets on the body: the shin, hip bone, collarbone, ankle, and kneecap are all desirable targets. A sharp crack to a bony area will prompt an assailant to discontinue his attack. A harder, well placed blow can easily break bones--especially if the force of the blow is not diminished by clothing.

Should I carry a Knife?  
A knife comes in handy for all sorts of random tasks that involve separating matter.  Like cutting a string, or making a sandwich, or opening a package.  It can also come in handy in an emergency which by their nature are unforeseen, for example having a car accident where you need to cut yourself out of the seat belt.   When used in self defense, a knife is a very useful tool of course with the proper training.   So one should carry a knife all the time.

Pepper Spray really?… I am afraid I will spray myself!  
There are many different ways that pepper spray is packaged from look-a-like perfume and lipstick to containers with safety levers in place.  If you carry a look-a-like product make sure that take precautions for friends or children that might get into your purse.  There is always a chance to have “back spray” get you if you use the pepper spray in the breeze.  A foam product eliminates that problem, but tends to be packaged in a bigger container.  

If I want a Gun, how do I carry the gun safely and legally?  
To use the handgun appropriately takes training, and more importantly, confidence.  You can learn to properly use a gun, clean a gun, even how to shop for a gun, and what makes all that happen is a positive mental attitude.  To carry the gun legally you take the Texas Concealed Handgun License course and meet the requirements to apply for the license.  There are many options for training, it is encouraged that you learn to shoot from a certified instructor. Finding the right instructor is an important component  Make sure the instructor you choose teaches in alignment with your goals, morals and will meet your expectations. 

What is the difference between a stun gun and a taser?  
Both TASERs and stun guns are electronic control devises (ECDs). The TASER is capable of creating neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI) by shooting two needle like barbs connected by a wire to the handheld device into the skin, whereas stun guns only create pain and need to be held to body for 5-7 seconds to work.

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IDPA Nationals 2014- First All Ladies Squad

9/24/2014

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While I was at the 2014 Indoor Nationals this past February, I was chatting with Joyce Wilson, Executive Director of IDPA and I had a flash in my brain (which happens a lot when I'm chatting with "Industry People" about the things I am most passionate about- women and the shooting sports).  I asked her if there had ever been an all ladies squad at Nationals, she said no, I immediately said can I bring one?  She gave her blessing and sent me over to IDPA HQ for the final approval and logistics.  

I made the announcement at the A Girl & A Gun Women's Shooting League National Conference a few weeks later. With over 2000 members in our organization, filling 12 spots on a squad was not going to hard, but I wanted it to be fair and something that everyone had a real opportunity at.  The rules were simple: Be a member of AG & AG and IDPA, Shoot the 1 stage qualifier... and that is it.  We did not keep record of time/points, it was just a matter of participation.  Then the names of the women who participated were in the pot for a random draw. By July we had our squad and were ready to make history (or Herstory)

My main goal was to introduce the amazing experience of a major match to our members who didn't know what they were missing out on!  I successfully met that goal!  The 12 woman that were on the team were in different stages of their competitive shooting journey.  Some new to the sport with 6 months experience, others with a few years under their belts.  None of them had been to a Nationals.  I was extremely proud of them for so many reasons, but most impressive was how well prepared they were.  For weeks they were chatting as a team about what to bring, best equipment, best clothing, best food choices as an athlete, best travel practices, and just about any other thing 12 girls can talk about.  It was like going to camp!  

Our Squad shot 15 stages in one day.  I was worried about them hanging in there for such a long day, but the weather was wonderful, and with all the preparations they took, they sailed through the day like champs.  They asked questions... boy did they!  I called them my chickens.  Our Team Coach Randi Rogers was on hand to make sure they understood how to best approach each stage safely and efficiently.  It was a huge treat to have Randi spend the day with us, she is a wonderful role model and just a really kind person.  

I was on staff for the rest of the match and spent the next two days with two other squads with shooters from around the US and Puerto Rico.  It is always such a fun and rewarding job being Squad Safety Officer, or "Squad Mom" as the shooters call you.  My welcome talk includes that I am there to make their match a great experience, if you need anything I'm your girl.... water, food, potty breaks, to bitch at someone!  I did get to full fill all those needs....but we will leave that story for another time.  

All in all this was my first IDPA Nationals too.  It was amazing experience and I am so happy I got to share it with my AG & AG  sisters and dear friends in the sport.  See ya next year!

Additional thanks goes out to:
Smith & Wesson and Comp-tac for making it possible for Randi Rogers to be our Squad Coach
Allison Neil and Robert Ray, IDPA HQ for guiding us through the process
Brett Russo, Blade-tech gave the girls a swag bag.  

Team member Christy Ross and Husband Gene have wonderful pictures on their blog The Couple That Shoots Together


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    I have been blessed with flexibility in my schedule to travel around Texas and the country teaching classes, taking classes, working matches, shooting matches and launching chapters of A Girl and  A Gun Women's Shooting League.

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"I have attended 3 CHL classes in the past and I am a Master Rifle Instructor, US Army Distinguished Rifleman, and National Rifle Coach/Competitor.  So I know what I am talking about when I say the parts of your presentation I observed were, by far, the most professional I have seen for CHL training--good job!"    
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