Senior Matters: Senior Self-Defense

When we think of self-defense we mostly think of women and children, but self-defense for senior citizens can be just as important.

Jim Fiore, owner of American Martial Arts Academy in D’Iberville, says self-defense has always been the root of his teachings with jiu-jitsu. He started because he wanted to protect his family if they ever ran into a bad situation. Although he teaches self-defense to all ages, he knows for senior citizens it can be very important because they can be seen as easy targets. “Always make sure that you’re observing your environment. You know if somebody is coming close and you kind of get those butterflies in your stomach that this is going to be a bad situation, look the person directly in their eyes and make eye contact. Walk tall, walk with confidence.”

Fiore tells News 25 seniors can be targeted for theft and other forms of attack because they are often weak and not very aware of their surroundings. News 25 went to Fiore’s academy to get a look at a few moves to share to make sure that senior citizens on the Gulf Coast are staying safe.

If you are about to be attacked and you feel your momentum going backwards, some things you can do are to keep your hips back, your hands up, and your head down to make sure that you don’t get hurt. “You want to look at the person with confidence and you want to talk to them in a strong voice. You know, your hands want to come up, this is a non-verbal cue saying ‘stop, don’t come any closer.’”

Fiore also says that if an attack does happen just give the attacker whatever possessions they want and make sure to create space between you and them.

People of all ages come in to learn about jiu-jitsu and self-defense including Fiore’s 68-year-old father who says he now feels safer when he is alone. “I would say I am a little bit more confident and if I ran into a situation where I would need to defend myself I would actually know what to do.”

Remember your possessions are not as valuable as your life and always keep distance between you and any stranger who approaches you because distance can mean your safety.

If you have any ideas for the Senior Matters segment, send story ideas to Newsrelease@wxxv25.com or send a letter to WXXV-TV 14351 HWY 49 North Gulfport, MS 39503 ATTN: News Department.