Dragon [drag-uhn]: Noun

    A fierce, violent person, generally a male. A coward that readily flees from individuals of equal size and strength and prefers to prey on smaller, weaker and defenseless individuals.

    In this article, I will be speaking directly to women. As a woman, you have a special set of concerns that men generally ignore. Daily, you live with risks that men will never understand or appreciate. You, more than a man, will benefit from a solid base of defensive proficiency.

    Per a Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Survey completed between 1979 and 1987; women who offer no defense to an attack are 2.5 times more likely to sustain a serious injury than women who resist with a gun. In contrast, women who resist without a gun are four times more likely to sustain a serious injury than women who resist with a gun.

    Please consider the following undeniable facts: There are dragons out there. Women are at a greater risk of dragon attacks than men. Women seek defensive training far less often then men. Dragons are not invincible.

    Let us examine each of these facts with an eye toward finding obtainable solutions.

    Generally speaking, women are smaller and less powerful than dragons. Dragons, by their nature, have abandoned the natural instinct to protect women. They have replaced it with a coward's desire to prey on those he considers defenseless. Women are at a much greater risk of becoming a victim.

    For some reason, women obtain defensive training much less often than men. Women are often hesitant and uncomfortable about training with men. I am puzzled because women very often are quicker to grasp defensive concepts and to effectively apply training standards. I think this is true because as men, we let pride get in the way of learning, or perhaps we are not as smart.

    So, what is the answer? Women must develop two skill sets. The first is situational awareness. This is not the same thing as paranoia. Situational awareness means that you recognize situations that may put you at risk and avoid them. It means that you pay attention to the hairs on the back of your neck and act appropriately. And finally, if things start to go bad, you must have the skills and confidence to take proactive measures.

    Because self preservation is the key, you will want to take yourself out of harms way and avoid making yourself vulnerable.

    It's not just about guns. Your brain is your primary weapon system. Learn to use your brain first. This will reduce the likelihood that you will have to turn to your gun. You don't have to change the way you dress. You don't have to change the way you think of yourself as a woman. You just have to understand that certain things you do may attract the attention of dragons. With this mindset in place, you will become less vulnerable.

    DallyPost Tactical, among others, offers defensive courses for women. As you consider getting some training, you should look for a program that focuses on progressive proficiency. The basic idea behind progressive proficiency is that your training should start in a place where you are comfortable; then build skills, one layer at a time, as you are able to move forward.

    The program objective must offer each participant a training path that will lead to increased safety through knowledge, respect and skill.

    When I consider the crimes that bother me most, they are always dragon attacks against women, children and the elderly. Because dragons exist, so do I.

    Lance Earl is a firearms instructor and the manufacturer of an advanced moving target system. Learn more at www.dallypost.com.