In light of the recent car jackings that have been happening on the east end of Slidell dating back to early December, many local citizens are wondering what they should do in order to steer clear of the perpetrator.

According to owner of Rick Weems’ Martial Arts, Jude Grayson, a fourth-degree black belt and seven-time National Champion in Tae Kwon Do—the key to dealing with a bad confrontation such as a car jacking is to be alert and not fearful.

“When things like that happen, force down the fear,” said Grayson. “The time to be afraid is maybe after it when everything is over with. The time to be alert is when you are in danger.”
Grayson has been teaching at Rick Weems gym for years and believes everyone should attend at least one self-defense class because it not only helps build knowledge in physical defense, but also helps people become more mentally proactive.

“Always carry you keys between your knuckles because they can become a weapon, most importantly even if it’s not at my school, everyone needs to get into a self-defense class,” said Grayson.

According to Grayson there are several things young women can do to avoid a situation with a perpetrator before a weapon or confrontation has begun including: choosing a remote parking spot, having company out in public, carrying a cell phone, and being aware of where they are.

The particular suspect who has been committing abductions in Slidell seems to hide in-between cars and catches vulnerable women in the early 20’s off guard late at night.

“This is a time that I think is a time to not be careless. No one should be shopping at night right now. Wal-Mart always has police detail. If you have to shop, be smart about where you shop, be smart about where you park, park underneath the light,” said Grayson.

Also, Grayson recommended anyone who is leaving a grocery store or shopping mall at night should be walked to their car by a store employee, clerk, or manager.

These are all steps that can be taken before a robbery occurs, but Grayson also had advice for those wanting to know how to defend themselves upon meeting armed intruders including concealing a stun gun in.

“Everybody should have a taser,” said Grayson. “It’s a legal thing and you don’t have to pay attention to your real feelings on gun control. Tasers are safe, just keep them in your purse.”

Grayson’s gym will be hosting a street self-defense class starting Thursday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m. at the Rick Weem’s Martial Arts gym on 2145 Gause Blvd. The event is free to the public.