I’m a self-defense professional – the best first course of action when being pursued while running after Eliza Fletcher’s murder

A SELF-DEFENSE expert has revealed the best first steps you can take if you’re being stalked while jogging after the brutal murder of Eliza Fletcher.

Fletcher, 34, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by ex-convict Cleotha Abston during her routine morning run in Memphis on Friday, leaving her family heartbroken and others fearing the same fate.

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Just two days later, another woman was jogging in Orange County, Fla., when she was allegedly attacked by 19-year-old Israel Pagan, who has since been charged.

In an exclusive chat with The US Sun, self-defense expert Tsahi Shemeshto revealed the preventive steps to take and what to do during an attack.

Shemesh, the founder of Krav Maga Experts, pointed out that mindfulness is key when running or walking alone.

He urged joggers to be aware of people getting too close to them or behaving in a way that “isn’t normal or that makes you uncomfortable.”

Shemesh warned against acting too late for fear of not making a fuss.

“Your reaction starts from the moment you feel something is wrong, not when you’re being attacked,” he said.

Knowing your comfort level around people and in your personal space is important, Shemesh added.

Shemesh advised staying at least an arm’s length away from strangers.

“There’s no reason for them to be even that close to you… so if someone is that close, it means it’s a red flag and we need to start responding,” Shemesh said.

Rather than freeze or just keep walking if you think someone is getting too close, Shemesh suggested looking at the person.

“The right thing to do is to make sure you make eye contact first,” Shemesh said. “People don’t like being recognized later.”

If you can look closely at the person, they have a better chance of being identified later, which could get them into trouble.

Shemesh said, “This immediately reduces the likelihood of getting into an altercation with that person.”

‘RETURN!’

It’s also important to use your voice after making eye contact. Make sure to use an assertive voice and say, “Sorry. you are too close to me

“The goal is to disengage, not engage,” Shemesh said. So try not to start a fight right away.

“You don’t try to insult her because that will eventually lead to annoyance,” Shemesh said, describing it as “an honorable escape.”

“Honourable Escape”

Shemesh said these tips would help a jogger get out of an awkward situation without having to get into a physical altercation.

However, if someone tries to physically attack you, Shemesh advised to throw yourself in the face and groin.

“You should hit it like crazy because if you’re fighting someone crazy, you’ve got to reach or exceed that crazy level if you want to win,” Shemesh said.

As soon as you are able, run away, call the police and tell the officer your location.

Shemesh said to “yell as much as possible to be aware of where you are”.

“HIT LIKE CRAZY”

The goal is not to get into a fight, so it’s important to take preventive measures.

“Self-defense starts with not having the same routine every day,” Shemesh said.

It’s harder for someone to follow you when you switch it up.

“The defense starts with not turning your earbuds on full volume … and being unaware of what’s going on around you,” Shemesh said.

Shemesh also warned against using headphones at all when running or walking at night.

Using headphones impairs your hearing, which is needed to perceive your surroundings. It’s even more critical at night when your vision, another important sense, is also affected.

“Self-defense is a life skill,” Shemesh said.

He compared it to swimming. According to Shemesh, if swimming is a life skill, then so should self-defense.

“I teach my kids to swim,” he added. “You can choose when to walk around water. Water is a choice. Violence is not a choice.”

“Violence has a way of finding you and you need to know how to respond to it.”