If you’ve ever talked to a martial arts or self defense teacher, then chances are you’ve been quoted some pretty grizzly statistics.

Such as, for example, how the FBI says there’s a violent crime every 22 seconds in America.

Or, how people get mugged, beaten, raped, even killed…every day of the week in big cities, small towns and rural areas all over the world.

But there’s also another violent crime problem you’re probably not hearing about.

A problem that has been growing for years almost without notice.

You see, in addition to the drug addicts, gang-bangers and drooling, sex-crazed lunatics wandering your neighborhood, you also have to watch out for so-called "normal" people, too.

Here’s what I mean:

One undeniable fact in the world today is that, while most people sue when they get cheated — or think they get cheated — not everyone uses the more openly corrupt court systems anymore.

Instead, many (way more than you’d think)…are now flirting with “foul play” and even murder.

And you simply never know who’s mad, jealous and angry with you.

Who’s blaming you for their problems.

Who’s thinking about you right now, and all the different ways they can hurt you and make your life hell. For any reason or even no reason at all.

The rising numbers of these cases are chilling (ask any police officer, they’ll tell you.)

And as unpleasant as it sounds…if someone is really obsessed with hurting you…and knows your “routine” — including where you’re going to be and when — you simply cannot rely on the police, the 911 operator, your “state-of-the-art” home security system, your guard dog or even your gun to protect you.

Those are not bad things to have in your hip pocket. But relying on them can be fatal.

Which is why it is so all-fired important you learn some sort of self defense or martial art.

Personally, I believe street-fighting martial arts is best. But really, anything is better than nothing. And it’s never too late to learn. I don’t care how old you are or how "out of shape" you are.

Whatever you decide, please realize the world is getting more and more dangerous every day. And if you learn how to protect yourself now…you may just be saving your life — or the life of someone you love — later.

Sifu Matt Numrich is one of only a few people in the world with Full Certification in Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and the Filipino Martial Arts. He’s been published in Black Belt Magazine and his students include US Air Marshal instructors, the US Navy, and dozens of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents. For a free lesson on how to win brutal street-fights go to: http://jkdondvd.com