I am Jarvis Lacasse and I am a black belt in the martial arts. I can defend myself with my hands and feet, but through my experience with the martial arts, I have learned to use my mind first—to think before I react. Using common sense, you can assess the situation and avoid trouble.
     Anybody can be a target at any time, so look and listen and know where you are going. As the Green Team says, “A to B”—by staying in familiar surroundings you can avoid being a victim.
     Your life is worth more than a car or money. If you are attacked or confronted and your life is on the line, you should give up your property and run. Though I am a black belt, I wouldn’t fight someone with a gun.
     Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words scare me. Words can show you how people are feeling. If you listen to what someone is saying, you can tell how he or she feels about you. Key in on their emotions—whether they like you or not. If it doesn’t feel right to you, you should get out of the situation. Using your common sense you can avoid bad things from happening to you.
     Even if you think you can win, you are better off avoiding the fight. The consequences are too great.