I was recently asked by Science of Skill to respond to the question below. *Q: “My wife commutes nearly one hour to and from work, and she works in the city where I am afraid something might happen. Do you advise women to carry mace? What other women’s self defense advice do you have?” My […]
Author: Ed Kress
For over 35 years Ed Kress has been an instructor and student at the Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts, named "Best Overall Martial Arts School” worldwide by Black Belt Magazine. Master Fred Degerberg awarded Ed his 7th degree Black Belt in 2015. Growing up on Chicago’s Southside, Ed learned early in life to pay attention to his surroundings in order to avoid potentially dangerous people and situations. Along with local law enforcement officers and directors of campus security, Ed has developed a program which focuses on teaching personal safety on the streets, and as it relates to the high school and college experience. Ed has trained thousands of adult men and women as well as high school and college students to improve their personal and situational awareness and, when necessary, how to physically defend themselves using their brains as well as their bodies.
Ed began his martial arts career when he started wrestling in 8th grade, taking 1st place in the Chicago Park District City Championships. He later wrestled varsity at Mendel Catholic High School where he was a Chicago Catholic League Conference Champion. During his college career at North Park University he was a Conference Champion and 2-time NCAA Div 3 national qualifier. He was on his way to qualifying for the 3rd time when a neck injury ended his college career. His record that year was 17 - 0. He continues to wrestle as Head Freshman Wrestling Coach at Loyola Academy. A position he has held since 2004.
Halloween safety: Beware of distracted drivers
Just because you have the right to cross the street doesn’t mean you should. You may be in the right. You just don’t want to be dead right!
3 Things you can do to attract a robber.
What is the best way to attract the attention of robbers when going to or from work or school in the city? It’s really very simple, just follow these 3 simple rules. 1. Walk down the sidewalk, stand on L platforms or at bus-stops and focus all your attention on your smartphone or tablet. 2. […]
Instagram used to target college students
A maintenance worker targeted at least 33 women, police say, all college students, tracking their movements through social media and then burglarizing their apartments and houses.
75-year old army veteran saved kids from knife wielding attacker
Would you have had a clue how to handle a situation like the one James Vernon faced last Tuesday October 13th, when a knife wielding attacker blocked the only door to the library room holding sixteen children and a handful of mothers and chess teacher James Vernon. He was volunteering his time as a chess […]
Recognizing Pre-Attack Indicators
In order to avoid potentially dangerous people you need to know what to look for. What types of behaviors should you be looking for when walking down the street? This edited list of Pre-Attack Indicators comes courtesy of: Protective Concepts. Suspicious Signs — Recognizing Pre-Attack Indicators Signaling between people – in particular people who otherwise appear […]
Don’t open the Door!
A young woman, living near DePaul University, heard a knock at the door to her apartment. When she went to answer it she found herself staring at a man wearing a ski mask and displaying a handgun.
Are students prepared for the dark side of high school and college?
It’s that time again. The kids are heading back to school and some moms and dads are having mixed emotions as their sons and daughters head off to what awaits them in high school or college. Along with the pride that fills a parents heart there is also fear. It was hard enough keeping them […]
4th woman attacked in Midlothian:
It has been just over a week since the last attack took place near the Metra Station in Midlothian. It was the fourth attack in as many weeks. The first attack took place July 20th and the most recent on August 10th. According to ABC News the victims said their attacker punched and beat them […]
Black Friday: 10 tips to keep thieves at bay
Over 140 million people will be shopping for bargains this Black Friday. Sprinkled in among those millions of bargain hunters will be thousands of criminals looking to pick up a few gifts at your expense. These criminals will come in all shapes, sizes, and ages. They will consist of thieves, strong-arm robbers, pickpockets, and purse-snatchers […]