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21st Century Self Defense
By: Master M. Inoshita

In ancient times the martial arts were used to defend one's family, community, and possessions from harm. Often physical techniques were only a small part of the skills used by marital arts leaders and practitioners. Methods for successfully growing and storing crops, cleaning equipment and other practical skills often made a greater contribution to success in battle than the physical skills of individual warriors. Many of the traditional protocols in Tang Soo Do such as folding your dobahk, date back to a time when these practices had utility in the practical realities of warfare.

In our modern digital world of cell phones and the Internet, physical self-defense skills may not be able to keep our possessions or families safe. Many 21st century crimes such as identity theft have no physical defense. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc. I recently received an email, which had some very practical advice for defending yourself on the battlefield of life.

The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks-you can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them easily. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad.

If your wallet is stolen, file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important: Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit, preventing criminals from obtaining new credit cards in your name.

The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

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