Sifu James DeFillips: Real-World Self-Defense & Awareness During the Holidays

Have a plan before you need it.

The holiday season brings excitement—and dangerous distractions. Between shopping lists, phone notifications, and crowded parking lots, it’s easy to let your guard down. But awareness is your greatest defense. Train yourself to look up, scan your surroundings, notice who’s near your vehicle, and trust your instincts when something feels off. 

Distractions make you vulnerable; habits make you safe. Small choices like pocketing your phone, walking with confidence, and asking for help to your car can mean the difference between safety and danger. Don’t ignore that uneasy feeling—it’s your built-in alarm system.

Have a plan before you need it. When something goes wrong, you won’t rise to the occasion—you’ll fall to your level of preparation. Keep your escape plan simple: distract, disengage, and get to safety. Carry an item you can throw to divert attention, know where the exits are, and travel with a friend when possible. 

Confidence, awareness, and quick action are your best defense.

Bullet points from today's discussion:

Situational Awareness

• Put your phone away when walking to or from your car or through parking lots.
• Scan your surroundings—people, vehicles, exits, and lighting conditions.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
• Don’t dismiss feelings of unease; act on them early.

Planning Ahead

• Have a plan before something happens; simple plans work best under stress.
• Know your escape routes wherever you are (store, parking lot, street, etc.).
• Default to escaping, not fighting—your goal is to get away safely.
• Assume the attacker chose the time and place—you must choose the exit.

Practical Preparedness

• Keep keys in hand, not buried in your purse or pocket.
• Carry a distraction item (like “mugger’s money” or an old phone) to throw and create distance.
• Avoid carrying your only defensive item (like keys or pepper spray) inside a bag that could be stolen.
• Use strong body language—head up, make eye contact, walk confidently.

Increase Your Odds

• Use the buddy system—shop or walk with a friend when possible.
• If you feel unsafe, ask for store staff to walk you to your car.
• If chased or attacked, yell or scream—make noise to draw attention.
• Never obey commands that reduce your chance of escape (e.g., “Get in the car”).

Mindset & Training

• Stay calm—panic clouds judgment.
• Practice your plan mentally; repetition builds muscle memory.
• Consider basic self-defense training to increase confidence and efficiency.
• Remember: good habits today become your automatic reactions tomorrow.

Connect with James, Sifu of Wah Lum Kung Fu :

https://www.wahlumkungfu.com/

Melbourne, FL 32935

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Message to Sifu Lo: [e-mail]

Training Information: [e-mail]

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