subject: Defend Yourself - Using Everyday Items As Self-defense Weapons [print this page] Do you want to be able to defend yourself against a real world, brutal attacker who's coming at you with all he's got? Do you recognize that, unlike a sport karate contest, your assailant will probably be bigger, stronger, and maybe even better armed than you?
In this article, I want to look at some of the everyday items you might have on-hand, or find just laying around, that you can use in your own self defense. If you're serious about learning the critical lessons that will save your life and limb where it matters most - on the street - then you must be able to see anything and everything as a potential weapon and aid.
Here is a list of 5 common items that you can press into use as self defense weapons in an attack situation.
1) Pen - One of the best "hidden" weapons to carry - especially in today's world of "false-security" - is a sturdy, ball-point pen. Techniques using a pen include stabbing, poking, snagging, pinching, and even crushing pressure across the smaller bones and joints of your assailants fingers. It's important to train with cheaper, plastic pens as well. This will teach you how to adapt your grip and still apply many of the same techniques listed above.
2) Keys - You know, if I had a buck for every time someone told me about the "best way to hold keys" that some karate guy showed them, I could have bought that Lamborgini that I really want! Let me just say that, it's hard enough to get your keys in the right place between your fingers as these so-called self defense masters claim - and that's when you're calm and safe. Trying to do the same thing when some nutball is coming at you or wrestling you to the ground is...well...stupid!
The best way to hold your keys is the same way you normally do when you're going to start your car or open your front door. This is both strong and "natural." In this position, you can gouge, stab, and slash at your attacker's eyes, face, and exposed skin.
3) Belt - Many potential weapons that you can use to defend yourself are often so obvious that they are virtually invisible. Unless you train yourself to look at things differently, AND you program yourself to look for them, you won't be able to use them, even when they're "on you!"
This is true of the above items, and it's also true of belts, neckties, and even luggage and purse straps. These flexible weapons are made even more effective when they have a weight - like a beavy buckel - on the end. Parrying, snaring, whipping, and other such techniques allow you to turn the tables on an unsuspecting attacker who chose the wrong victim - YOU - as his target!
4) Credit card - Small, thin items like credit and debit cards, drink coasters, and the like can be pressed into use as cutting, slashing weapons. They can also, with sufficient training and practice, be thrown at your assailant's face as distracting weapons - just like the Ninja's shuriken, 'throwing star.'
5) Mechanics drop light - It's important if you to master the ability to defend yourself, that you see everything and anything as a potential aid in your defense. And, while you might not be a mechanic, and therefor not have access to this specific item, there are other, similar, everyday items that you do.
Remember, one of the skills that separate a true master or self defense expert, from everybody else, is his or her ability to recognize weapons and aids that create a distinct advantage over the attacker. But, more than the ability to recognize these items, you must take the time to learn how to use them effectively, and against the right targets.
