ZFF Rules to Live by:

#1 - Don’t Get Bit - or you’ll be having your friends for dinner!

Real World Application: Maneuvering and Positioning are knowing where you don’t want to be (alone in the middle of a Zombie horde). There are positions from where an assailant can (and probably will) successfully attack you. If he (and his cohorts or Zombie's) can achieve these positions your chances of effectively defending yourself are slim to none. Positioning is a strategy game. It is the criminal (Zombie) trying to put you where he wants you and you moving so he can't. Unless you are willing to commit extreme physical violence in self-defense do not allow this situation to develop or you may become the very thing you've been trying to avoid - a mindless Zombie.

#2 - Keep Your Blades Sharp - and don’t be afraid to use them.

Real World Application: Physical Self-Defense is the last ditch effort. Even though you are careful, you can still be attacked. You must also remember that the attacker may be intoxicated, high on drugs, or mentally disturbed (Zombiefied). Hence, there is always the chance that a properly applied defense or escape movement may not work. Liquor, drugs, and mental stability (being undead) can have a numbing affect on the body. Always remember, your ability to stay calm and think clearly is quite possibly the most valuable “technique” that you can learn. Sometimes, you just have to fight, so be prepared to use your blades.

#3 - Stay Agile, Mobile, and Versatile - get into shape NOW, before the apocalypse.

Real World Application: The ability to move efficiently, effectively and on balance, can’t be stressed enough. It is a fundamental. Unfortunately, it is a fundamental that's significance has been lost to many people. Proper body alignment and execution of the seven basic movements is an absolute must for any situation. Whether it’s dancing or fighting, the same skills are needed. In a fight for your life or personal safety, the person who can stay mentally and physically on balance will win. In a dance, it’s about having an enjoyable moment, and heading home with a happy partner.

#4 - It’s A Marathon Except When It’s A Sprint - then run faster then everyone else.

Real World Application: We believe that health, fitness and personal safety are a lifestyle and a long term commitment (a marathon). You have to be in it for the long haul so you're prepared for any emergencies that may rise (like Zombies, ha, ha). In which case, life becomes a sprint, (running from Zombies) or trying to put out fires and deal with stress. Doing the physical training is only half of the equation. The second half is to be mentally prepared. You must decide whether you are capable of using deadly force long before you ever need to use it. You need to ask yourself what are you willing to do to protect yourself, your family and your friends. These questions and decisions have to be made long before a physical attack occurs. This is about living a long healthy life; being prepared both mentally and physically; and committing to a life of awareness. Practice now for the long haul and run faster than everyone else, when it's needed.

#5 - Lift Heavy Things - be strong ammo gets heavy.

Real World Application: Being strong includes more than just physical strength, it also includes attitude. It's about projecting confidence and how you carry yourself. This is an important consideration when you are trying to develop safe life habits and incorporating self-defense skills into your life. Don’t act like a victim so you won't become a victim. You may have to fight one day (there's always a chance for an apocalypse). If so, being both mentally and physically in shape is the best way to ensure survival in those situations. Last man standing is the one who can stay strong during high adrenaline situations and has the stamina and training to fight through the pain.

#6 - Trust Your Gut - or your gut will be lunch.

Real World Application: Awareness is critical to self-defense. Pay attention to your surroundings. Know your route. Out-think potential attackers and identify where you might be most vulnerable. If you can train yourself to live at a higher level of awareness you will have done more to improve your ability to defend yourself than by learning martial arts techniques or how to shoot effectively.

#7 - Use Your Head - and cut off theirs.

Real World Application: The basics of self-defense lie in your mindset; how you view the world around you, your awareness, and your morality or ethics around self-defense. What dangers do you face in your personal world? Where might an attack come from (beware of bathrooms)? An attack could come from where you least expect it. Pay attention to the people you know and the social situations in which you find yourself. You never know when someone may become a Zombie - and then be prepared to cut off their head!

#8 - Pick Your Battles - you’ll survive longer.

Real World Application: Does the person have the ability to attack you? Could this person successfully assault you, whether through physical prowess, a weapon or numerical superiority (Zombie horde)? Many women underestimate male upperbody strength and how vulnerable they are to being physically overwhelmed. Know your limitations, never over-estimate one’s own abilities, and don’t go looking for a fight. Attitude not tempered with common sense will get you hurt or killed. Don't poke the Zombies with a stick, and not expect to get bit. Confidence is great but don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder, telling everyone you can maim them. Your greatest weapon is surprise. So remember, look cute on the outside, but be fierce on the inside.

#9 - Build A Tribe - because Zombies never sleep.

Real World Application: You will seldom, if ever, be robbed or raped in the middle of a crowd. A fringe area is where you are close to people, but out of range of immediate help. You won't be mugged in the mall, but will be in the parking lot or bathrooms (Zombieland Rule #3 - Beware of bathrooms). ATMs, parking lots, stairwells, public bathrooms and sidewalks should be considered potential danger areas. Traveling as a pack helps to avoid dangerous situations, and is another reason for being part of a tribe. Ladies - it's highly doubtful you will be accosted by a predator if you are out walking a couple of pit-bulls. A tribe (2 legs or 4) protects you and watches out for you. Don’t “go it alone” or try to be the “lone-wolf”. It applies to your fitness endeavors, personal safety, general life situations, and the Zombie apocalypse.

#10 - Be Prepared - organize before they rise!

Real World Application: Develop a sound survival plan. Practice good tactics. Learn to anticipate danger. Remember the old adage: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t get caught unprepared and not have a plan for survival. Whether it’s a Zombie apocalypse or natural disaster, have a plan in place and practice your skills.