Posted by Charles_Ca on 2/21/06 1:20pm
Msg #98685

Self defense, situational awareness and weapons

There have been several threads regarding unpleasant situations. While some of the situations may be misconstrued others can be dangerous without any outward signs. I teach self defense classes for Realtors. The subject comes up frequently since recently there has been an increase in attacks directed at Realtors. Much as Realtors, notaries frequently have the same situation where they are going to a location to meet a stranger with no previous background and little or no information about the specific location.

I recommend that everyone have at least some martial arts training. It is good for both the body and the mind and can save your life. I provded both Karate and Kung Fu traiing for my daughter and it helped both in school and socially. Martial arts training for police and military personnel differs greatly from your typical martial arts school. Police and military arts are generally easier to teach and can be taught in one or two sessions. Many police departments provide self defense classes for their community as well as some schools and colleges.

There are a number of LTL weapons (Less than Lethal) that can be used and I noted that some have mentioned pepper spray. Oleo-resin capsicum is very effective in distracting an attacker but is not effective in all situations. There are some who don’t succumb to pepper spray and then there is the possibility in a close-in situation such as someone grabbing you where you might actually get the pepper spray in your own face, not a position you want to wind up in. You also have to be aware of the wind direction in an outdoor situation or the spray could blow back on you. Pepper spray is easy to obtain and a number of places sell it: you can even buy it at pet stores (it’s the same formulation) that is used against dogs. Some areas regulate the sale and use of pepper spray for personal defense so you need to be aware of licensing requirements.

I like the pepper spray that is also a keychain and combined with a device like the Persuader or Kubotan can become a very compact and efficient weapons system. The persuader and Kubotan are a form of miniature baton that is very compact. One of my favorite batons is the ASP extending baton. The ASP is compact and opens either automatically or by gravity. They come as either a heavy coiled spring or telescoping tubes. The ASP can be easily carried in a purse or pocket and is readily available. With the ASP baton you can use it as one would use a night stick and can effectively disarm a person wielding a knife or gun and the ASP can inflict a lot of pain if dealing with a persistent attacker.

Stun guns are another good combination with the pepper spray and there are some excellent ones that are compact and effective but again not on everyone. The stun gun emits a high voltage high frequency current that scrambles the nerve signals rendering an attacker incapacitated. Excellent when you can't use pepper spray such as in close-in situations. all you need to do is contact any body part and energize, it works through clothing even. i wojld recommend a compact unit for pocket or purse where its readily accessible.

I believe that everyone should read up on situational awareness and there a several good books. One should not go to every encounter expecting trouble but should be aware of developing situations so that if trouble happens you are prepared. Psychologists and criminal profilers tell us that criminals stay away from prey with a specific profile and attack those with a victim attitude. Being secure in your knowledge of being able to defend yourself takes you out of the characteristic victim profile. When you know how to defend yourself you are more confident and it shows. If anyone has any questions I’d be glad to answer them. I sell nothing and I volunteer my teaching to numerous groups, so I have no axe to grind. I am sure that there are others in this group such as Expedient Notary who can provide additional insights especially from a woman’s perspective which like it or not is different than a man’s!

Reply by Charm_AL on 2/21/06 1:28pm
Msg #98690

Thanks for the wealth of good info!

Reply by eXpedN_TX on 2/21/06 1:33pm
Msg #98692

Great information Charles...

If anyone reading this board is in the Dallas, TX area, I help teach taekwondo at the Huffhines Recreational Center in Richardson, TX. My Grandmasters website is at tigerchos.com - Oklahoma. Stop by Huffhines and introduce yourself. We offer a couple free classes to see if its for you. It's a great way to stay in shape as well.

I still don't care for carrying anything on you that can be used against you. Therefore, I don't recommend pepper spray. Especially if you are a small female. It is very easy for someone to turn this on you. The best type of self defense is learning what you can do to keep yourself out of harms way, but if an issue ever does arrive, there are some great techniques you can use (no matter how strong you are or how much bigger your apponent is) without weapons. You are more of a weapon than you think.

If you rely on pepper spray, be very aware that you are more than likely adding more vulnerability to yourself than without having it all. If you do carry it, make sure it's ready to use and use it right away. Never point it at someone unless you plan to press down at that very moment.

Thanks Charles!!!

Reply by Charles_Ca on 2/21/06 3:07pm
Msg #98719

Re: Excellent advice Expedient. Avoidance is always the

best weapon of all.

Reply by Becca_FL on 2/21/06 1:52pm
Msg #98698

Have MACE, will travel... n/m

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/21/06 3:13pm
Msg #98721

I will read every word this evening - in the meantime - I am going to go back to the bwr from 4377 - See message #57023. I charged plenty this time.

This should be good. I am taking treats for that little dog that laughed at me.

b