Malibu Martial Arts Instructors Offer Safety Tips

In light of the recent in Malibu, Rick and Sharine Metzler, co-owners of THE PIT, Malibu Martial Arts, Inc., urged people to stay alert when driving or walking around town.

Rick, a fifth degree blackbelt in Hawaiian Kempo, and Sharine, a second degree brownbelt in Doce Pares Filipino Eskrima & Eskrido, encouraged Malibu residents to think before locking or unlocking a car door while driving.

"While in some circumstances keeping your doors unlocked is a better idea because it can help you escape from your car if you have an accident, if you're driving in a busy city it might be better to lock your doors to stay safe," Rick said. 

As important as locking your door, Sharine said, is thinking twice before opening a door to a stranger. 

"If someone who looks like a police officer asks you to open the door, know you don't immediately have to open your door. Ask the officer if he can hold on while you call and verify his identity at the police station. The officer will understand," Sharine said.  

At a stop sign make sure to leave enough room in front of your bumper to get away should you need to, Rick said. 

"If youre sitting at the light and your bumper is too close to the car in front of you, you're basically trapped. While you can't control how close the car behind you is, you can leave enough room in front of your car so that you can pull away if anyone tries to come into your car," Rick said. 

Safety also doesn't stop when the car stops, Sharine said. When parking be aware of your surroundings, she added. 

"Don't park your car in a dark parking lot next to van," Sharine said. The dark parking lot limits visibility, which could make you more vulnerable to being attacked, she advised.

The couple also offered tips to remember when walking.

"Always try to walk with someone," Sharine said. "If you are alone, call any security company. They would be happy to walk someone home from a public location." 

Rick also advises to try and not to look like an easy target when walking. 

"Perpetrators look for weaker people to prey on. If you don't look like an easy target they'll be more likely to think twice about attacking you," Rick said.

One thing that can help with that, is training in martial arts or any self defence system, he said.

"Martial arts or any self defense system isn't about techniques alone but about the confidence to do something," Rick said.

One of the more common crimes in Malibu, Sharine said, is purse snatching. If someone tries to take your purse, don't try to fight, run away.

"Your life is worth more than the stuff in your purse. You don't know if your attacker has a knife. Drop the purse and run," Sharine said. 

However, if someone tries to force you into their car, if you can, try and fight, or try and pick a the right moment to alert someone of the situation, according to Rick. 

"When you're a victim you only have so many options. You have to go by your gut because you don't know if you're going to be able to get out of the car. You are the only one who can decide whether you should act or placate the kidnapper until you have a better chance of escaping," Rick said.

Last but not least, Rick said, be vigilant for yourself and for others around you. 

"Too many people turn a blind eye to what is going on around them," Rick said. "Be alert and if as situation looks weird, report it," Rick said.  

He applauded the actions of , a Malibu resident who noticed the kidnapped girl last week at a local gas station and called 911. Rick also praised the young girl for having the wherewithal to reach out for help.

"No matter how much training you do nothing can prepare you for that kind of a situation. She should be congratulated for being able to alert the public and get away," Rick said.