Armed Lifestyle - Issue 2 - June 2022

4
A Realtor’s Worst Nightmare
A Realtor’s Worst
Nightmare
By Amy Lucas
“I was staring at a 12-inch knife and this
man was telling me to take off my ring and
get in the closet! I could not believe this was
happening to me.” - Dawna Hetzler
knife because I like the design and frequently teach the Marines.
Originally, we used obsidian, bone, or antler. When steel
became available - that’s what we used. Many have said it
before, the best knife is the one you have. We train with knives
of various lengths to adapt to distance. I like the handle to have
a slight curve at the back or with a pommel, so the hand doesn’t
slip off the back. The grip should be textured and not round. I
prefer a guard, so the hand won’t slip off the grip and onto the
blade. For a fixed blade you really don’t need anything over 8-9
inches. A pocket knife blade should be about 5 inches (depending
on your local laws), have a textured grip and if possible, a guard
of some type. Having a wave type design for fast opening is
also desirable. A slight curve at the back of the handle is also
desirable. Knives should not be shiny!
PMCI: With so many knife styles being taught by instructors, how
does the Apache Fighting system differ?
Redfeather:
DAWNA HETZLER
We don’t stand our ground. We fight like the wind!
Why stay in place? We do not fight as if we were dueling but
as if we are on a battlefield. We don’t train for points but more
To the average person, real estate agents are often seen
as having an easy job. The public only sees agents working
incorporate the Native Culture as well. We want our students to
flexible hours, showing clients fabulous houses and landing big
commission checks. Sounds great, right?
PMCI: What role does the fighting knife play into the military, law
However, the side many don’t see is the uncertain income,
enforcement and private military application as well as a civilian
lack of benefits and the effect of a decline in the housing market.
world filled with concealed carry firearms?
Most importantly, working in real estate poses opportunities for
Redfeather: The military and law enforcement has always carried
dangerous conditions. Agents open themselves up to risk by
knives both for utility and CQB. Training to access the blade when
often meeting strangers in vacant houses and going to all types
out of ammo or when the firearm is grabbed is vital. A knife is no
of neighborhoods to show houses. Agents also often have an
match for a firearm but a man with a knife can sometimes access
online presence and work late. Many don’t have formal security
their weapon quicker. There are a variety of knives out there
training to prepare them for dangerous situations they may
specifically designed for easy access from a utility belt or vest.
accidentally find themselves in. As you can see, real estate is a
PMCI: Are they any specific exercises you would recommend for
vulnerable job open to predators.
those looking to contour their strength and dexterity for knife training?
Redfeather: We have specific routines that can help develop
CASE reflexes STUDY and dexterity. Among those routines we train using a
Dawna war post Hetzler (also called is a real a pell), estate using agent different in Colorado. patterns She of started cuts and in
the stabs, industry and starting right out slow of to high learn school. both One edge day, alignment she met and with good her
friend body mechanics. who she thought Training of in as water a warrior. also teaches This friend control was and a threegun
strength. competitive shooter and always attended different
adds
firearms
PMCI: training For in those the area. looking A real to get bad into ass! knife She began training, to talk where to Dawna do you
suggest about the they dangers start for of training? her job and the state of the world. She
Redfeather: wanted Dawna With to us! be We prepared have seminars and aware on a of regular her surroundings basis which
you and can able sign to take up for care in my of herself website, through www.apache-knife.com
any situation that she
PMCI: could possibly Before we be go, in. could The message you please received let our readers that day know was a she
needed to be responsible for her own safety.
Not being around firearms much, Dawna decided to take a
one-day weapons permit course. Before going she was thinking
she will never use this but might as well go. After class, she felt
empowered. It was not so much about firing a firearm, but it
was the first day she learned about mindset. What am I willing
to do? What could I do if something bad happened? Dawna
was hooked and continued to train. She worked on developing
a mindset. Thinking through situations and what she would do
if that situation ever happened to her. She eventually got so
comfortable with a firearm it was a part of getting dressed every
day. It was like another piece of her clothing she had to put on
before leaving her home.
When Dawna traveled to Nashville, she carried her firearm
since she expected to look at investment properties in unknown
areas and was traveling with another woman alone. Throughout
the trip they remained on yellow alert to be prepared for any
situation and to stay aware of their surroundings.
After returning home for her from her vacation she had an
open house scheduled the next day. During her open house
she was not in condition white (complacent or oblivious to her
surroundings) but a dull yellow because she was very tired from
her trip. When Dawna got to the home she was showing, there
was a loud knock at the door within five minutes. She opened the
front door and the man asked if he could come in and see the
house. She followed him around the home, created space and
put barriers between her and the man.
They talked for a few minutes, and he asked to see the
upstairs. They were both standing awkwardly at the bottom of
the stairs and Dawna took the first step and immediately knew
she had put herself in a position of weakness. She trained to
do the exact opposite. Now he is behind her blocking the only
escape route. Walking up the stairs Dawna asks the man a
question about his loan and qualifications. He said he had talked