Mark Muddiman introduced the guest speaker, Master Robert Kloss of the Hockessin Korean Martial Arts Studio. Mark noted that Master Kloss has a 4th degree black belt in Korean martial arts and a 5th degree black belt in a related discipline. Mark also noted that he and Frank Alteri have been taking instruction from Master Kloss for some time. No one attempted to argue with Mark on any issue following that announcement.

In a very engaging presentation, Kloss discussed growing up in Southwest Philadelphia and being the victim of armed robberies, fights, muggings, and the like. He discovered the need for self-defense and eventually came to find his calling in teaching techniques to others.

He said that he has had students as young as four and as old as 67 do very well in his classes. While he did not promote his personal business, Kloss did emphasize the need for training for better health and so that a physical response to danger can be automatic.

Most of the presentation covered ways to prevent being a crime victim, e.g., don't travel alone, be aware of the people around you, know your travel route, keep your valuables in different pockets, don't flash cash, don't pause and count your money at an ATM machine, wear sensible clothing and shoes in case you need to escape, etc.

He emphasized that the best defense for a mugging is not being there…noting that awareness and planning will help you avoid many problem situations. He also recommended planning for an effective response which, when confronted with an armed robber, probably is to give up the money or keys and run. He noted that the time to resist is usually when the attacker wants to take you to another location. There were many questions following the interesting presentation.