When You're Fighting a Serial Killer It's Kill or Be Killed

Sensationalized by the media and worshiped by the twisted, serial killers are human predators. While they may be thrilling in works of fiction, a real life encounter with a serial killer is a terrifying experience, and it will take everything you have to survive.

On August 31, 2007 Rob Zombie will release his remake of the classic horror film Halloween. The film is about a psychotic murderer who was been institutionalized since childhood, and escaped custody on the way to court. He then goes on a mindless rampage through the streets Haddonfield, Illinois with his doctor in hot pursuit. While the scenario sounds unlikely it is closer to the truth then we would like to believe. When you're facing down a maniac it isn't about self defense any more; it is kill or be killed.

The reality is that serial killers don't stop until someone captures or kills them. Serial killers are driven to torture and kill for a wide range of reasons, and are unlike other criminals. In New York City, the "Son of Sam" claimed he murdered on the orders of a neighbor's dog, and was involved in a satanic cult. Canadian couple Paul Bernardo and Karla Homolka lived out their dark fantasies by torturing and murdering young school girls. Serial killers only make up a small part of the population, but they have the potential to destroy many lives.

If you don't want to end up being a victim of one of these depraved animals, you need a combination of self defense and deadly fighting techniques. Being observant and avoiding dangerous situations altogether is the best defense. Follow your mother's advice and don't talk to strangers, and don't let someone lead you away from a safe location. If you feel something isn't right, trust your instincts and quickly walk away. If your attackers do use physical force, assume they're trying to kill you or worse, abduct you so they can torture and kill you later. Fight back hard and make plenty of noise; if you can't finish them off, hurt them badly enough that you can get away.

In horror films killers are depicted as unstoppable forces, with only a lucky few managing to survive their wrath. That doesn't have to be the case in real life, though, if you know how to fight back. Self defense training and combat martial arts will take away a killer's advantages in a close combat situation, and improve your odds of survival. Remember that you're in a kill or be killed situation -- start fighting early, and don't stop until one of you is dead or disabled. Serial killers search for people they can victimize; surprise them and become their worst nightmare.