In the great weapons debate you have probably heard the following piece of advice: "You shouldn't carry a gun/knife/pepper spray.
The bad guy will just take it away and use it against you!" In class I like to give a quick demonstration to dispatch this paternalistic notion.
I ask one of my advanced belts to throw a kick at me.
I grab his leg in midair, give it a good twist, and use it as leverage to dump him on the ground.
Then I tell my students "So, maybe he should think about amputating that leg.
Someone might use it against him.
" As an experienced and qualified self defense instructor, I know that there are only two relevant questions that must be answered in order to help an individual determine if she is ready to carry a weapon.
Do you know how to use it? Are you willing to use it? Lack of training and the use of a weapon solely as a bluffing tool can indeed spell disaster.
You should know what range your weapon is designed for, how much damage it can inflict, how to reach it in a crisis, and exactly how to use it.
Legal considerations and the amount of force you are willing to use will determine what type of weapon you choose to carry.
If you decide not to purchase a weapon, you still have plenty of self defense tools at your disposal.
Many every day objects can be used as an extension of your body to stave of an attack.
A ball point pen is great for stabbing.
You don't have to be accurate or go for the eyes to make this one work.
Drive it into the top of a thigh or any other large muscle group and the dull point will crush nerve endings on its way in causing excruciating pain.
If you wear a belt, consider using it as a flexible weapon.
You can spin your belt in front of you in a figure eight pattern to keep all but the boldest troublemakers at bay - or you can crack it like a whip.
A metal belt buckle just adds to the efficacy of this approach.
With some training and an extra article of clothing handy, you can create a trapping tool to wrap around an attackers arm or neck allowing you an opportunity to neutralize the individual with a lock or a take down.
Carry a pocketful of change or other small items with you to throw in a perpetrator's face.
Targeting the eyes will cause him to pause and shield his face.
Use this opportunity to run or push your advantage with a follow up strike to the knee or groin while he isn't looking.
Walls and other stationary objects make great weapons too.
If a person rushes you, sidestep the assault and give the guy a shove into the nearest barrier.
The bigger they are, the harder the impact.
If you are fleeing an attacker, grab any item you can along the way.
If it is too large or ungainly to be used as a weapon, you can still throw it behind you to trip your pursuer up.
Finally, remember that your best weapon is your mind.
Think ahead and be prepared!