IMPROVISED WEAPONS FOR SELF-DEFENCE

In an interview recently, I was asked what my opinion on what improvised weapons should be used in a self-defence situation. As a broad guideline, an improvised weapon is an every-day item that can create a greater impact by being swung, thrust or thrown/projected at an aggressor.

As with any self-defence training, there are 3 aspects in using any improvised weapons:

1. Know what tool to use

2. Know what target to strike at

3. Know how to use the tools to strike at the target.

In this post, I will only focus on point 1, "know what tools to use".

When selecting a tool, anything that is around you that fits one or more of the following criteria is a valid improvised weapon:

• Items that are hard and will allow you to use at a distance (an arms-length or greater) against an aggressor. This implies you also need to be able to either lift it up or be able to move it around.

• Items that are small, but hard enough to allow you to apply pressure on it against an aggressor without breaking on impact in close-range (within an arms-length).

• Items that are easily accessible under a high-pressured situation.

Here are also some general guild lines on things to avoid using as an improvised weapon:

• Items that you will need immediately after the incident has occurred.

• Items that you do not want damaged, stolen or lost.

• Items that are hard to reach when the incident occurs.

Car key, for instance, is not an ideal choice for an improvised weapon. If you are in a remote area and get attacked whist in or walking to your car, you do not want to risk losing or damaging your car keys during the struggle with an aggressor.

Cell phones are other items to avoid. If you get injured or have to call the police or a loved one to tell them of the incident, your injuries and/or your whereabouts, you want to ensure that you have a working cell phone handy.

Of course, in the heat of the moment, you may reach for the closest items that are available to you, which may be the car keys or cell phone. If this is the case, you just need to do what is necessary to deal with the immediate threat with whatever means possible. This will mean that you may be without your car keys or phone after the situation, which may on its own be another problem. One way to mitigate this risk is to carry suitable "weapons" that can be used in a self-defence situation. It should be items that you have consciously decided that you will use on an aggressor, should the need arise. Furthermore, it should be items that you have practiced accessing and using under a pressurised situation.

One of the favourite "improvised weapons" that I have often heard and read about for women, are her high-heel shoes. Unless you are comfortable wearing and using high-heel shoes in a situation that will require you to move and kick in these shoes, I personally would not recommend removing them as an improvised weapon to strike an aggressor. Why? Well for starters, most high-heel shoes that I have seen on women have a strap on them to secure the shoes to the feet. This could take some time to remove and hence, goes against the principle of, "must be easily accessible". Furthermore, it compromises her balance as she would have to have to balance on one leg whilst trying to fend off an aggressor or even just to try and get away from the threat! Besides being prone to ankle injuries or losing her own balance and failing (which is definitely not ideal when being attacked), being off-balanced would seriously reduce her chances of being able to handle a self-defence incident.

Let’s look now at a few suggested improvised weapons that one could use in various environments. This list is by no means exhaustive, but, they do follow the guidelines above for selecting a suitable weapon:

At home:  Broom stick, umbrella, dog leash + chain, books, hard files, electric tooth brush, furniture, pot plants, dustbin, ash tray, ornaments, kettle cords, boiling water, rolled up magazine/newspaper, pepper/curry powder, pots & pans, knives, flasks, torch, garden tool, scissors, screw drivers, insecticide, etc..

While traveling in own vehicle: CD's, CD covers, fire extinguisher, cigarette lighter, traffic triangle, car jack, spanner, car tool set, steering lock, first aid kit, water bottles, etc...

Walking about in a shopping mall, to your vehicle, or using public transport: water bottle, walking stick, umbrella, jacket, belt, comb, cigarette lighter, deodorant, groceries, baby pram (minus the baby), etc.. 

An underlying theme in all of this is to have a self-defence ATTITUDE, which is basically, having the mental and emotional capabilities of using the correct tools to strike effectively at the correct targets, when the need arise.

Feel free to look around your environment and scrutinize what you carry and use every day and determine whether or not it would be a suitable tool for self-defence or not.  Furthermore, be sure also to practice accessing and using those items you find suitable - you never know when and where you might need an improvised weapon! If you are serious about your safety, I would suggest seeking out a suitable self-defence instructor that can explain the principles of self-defence to you, as well as empower you with the knowledge and skills relevant for your circumstances.

Till next time, be safe!

Get EDUCATED. Feel EMPOWERED. Live a FULLY-ENGAGED life!

SMASH-AND-GRABBER REVEALS ALL & HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR SELF-DEFENCE ADVANTAGE!

The hot topic of smash-and-grab is once again in the public eye, thanks to social media. In a recent incident that was filmed by a fellow driver's dashcam and loaded onto YouTube, it can be seen how the criminals attack-ritual that leads to this less-than-20-second smash-and-grab crime. ENCA has a great news clip online at the moment that does an interview with a smash-and-grabber and reveals some of their methods and mentality. There are also some safety tips from the neighborhood watch.

To summerise, here are some of the main points from that clip that pertains to their methods:

• A spark plug, or "bomb", is used to break the motor window because it has a sharp point to penetrate the window. Keep in mind, that the size of the spark plug also makes it easily concealable. 

• Although they will do their dirty deed anywhere where there is an opportunity, the are currently using bridges to do their deed as once the deed is done, they flee under the bridge, knowing that most people will not follow them.

• At least a 2-man job. One to do the deed, the other as a lookout. More have been used in many cases.

• Women are targeted because they get scared easily (and offer little resistance).

• Smash-and-grabbers wait for you to be in traffic or at red lights before attacking.

• A smash-and-grabber will dress up in "protective clothing" such as a jacket or overall to protect selves from cuts after they have dove through broken glass.

•  If there is no getaway, the smash-and-grabber will probably not do it (but be warned, there are still desperate crininals out there)!

• The smash-and-grabber can use the threats of a gun or any other weapon to gain compliance.

A few safety tips to avoid becoming a smash-and-grab-victim:

• Consider safety film (anti-smash-and-grab film) or even window tinting for your car's windows.
• Leave your window open slightly (approximately 3 cm, but less than 5cm).This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if they’re struck by a sharp object.
• Lock your doors.
• Never open doors or windows (fully) or for strangers. Less than 3cm of window is sufficient.
• Avoid getting involved in discussions with street vendors, flyer-distributors or window cleaner at intersections.
• Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters, for example those who are wearing usually warm or heavy clothing during warmer weather.
• Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially when stationery.
• Remain vigilant when coming to an intersection or stopping your vehicle.
• If you encounter obstacles such as rocks or tires do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.
• Leave a gap between you and the car in front of you to give you room to manoeuvre, should something happen.
• Be wary if you see broken glass lying on the road, as it may indicate a smash-and-grab hotspot.
• Hide your valuables - Car floors, dashboards and seats are not good places to leave items.
• Alternatively, lock your valuables away in your boot if you do not need them for the duration of your travel.

If you see a smash-and-grab incident taking place or about to take place:

• Be a responsible citizen and do something!
• Hoot and point, if you see suspicious characters walking around a fellow driver's car, or if the smash-and-grab is in progress.
• Assist the victim ONLY if you have ensured your (and your loved ones’) safety first.
• Don't give chase UNLESS you have had proper training to deal with such situations. Even then, I still caution against it.

For a previous blog on smash-and-grabs, please go to: http://defence-unlimited.blogspot.com/2014/05/smash-and-grabwhat-to-do-and-not-do.html

Get EDUCATED. Be EMPOWERED. Live a FULLY-ENGAGED LIFE.

The link to the ENCA clip can be found at:
http://www.enca.com/south-africa/smash-and-grabber-tells-all

Weapons For Self Defence

I was asked last week by a participant at my “Intro to Self Defence" workshop what was my opinion on carrying a weapon for self  defence.  At the time, I was caught off-guard and gave my experience and opinion of the weapon she suggested (a taser). However, after some thought and further research, I would like to offer a more in-depth analysis on weapons in general. 

A weapon can be defined as “any instrument or device for use in attack or defence in combat”, or “anything used against an opponent, adversary, or victim”.   

To further refine this definition, a weapon is any instrument or tool, combined with the intention to cause harm to another, whether for attack or for defence. 

In my opinion, the greatest weapon is the human mind combined with the correct intention. With this combination, ANY tool around you can become a deadly weapon. 

This makes a vast amount of “tools” all around us that we can use (should we need to), or have them used against us as weapons. What I am referring to is “improvised weapons”, which should conjure images of car keys, rolled up magazines, the high-heel of a woman’s shoe, or even a broomstick used in a deadly manner! We humans are pretty well equipped at using anything around us to throw, poke or swing– It comes instinctively (just watch a child play and you will see how natural this comes to them). What happens as we get older is that we get conditioned to be more “civilized” and not throw, poke or swing objects at people anymore! I will elaborate on that idea in another article some other time.

I will focus on a few tools that I personally have come across and/or used for self defence purposes. For some of these tools, I have little to no experience with, whereas others, I have moderate to extensive training with. I will offer you my opinions of what I have researched and experienced. Should you consider getting a tool for self defence, it boils down to what you are comfortable and effective with in both accessing and using the tool, as well as whether it is LEGALLY available to you to purchase and carry in your country or state. The latter part of this statement will be for you to research yourself and find out what laws affect you in your place of residence.

The 6 tools I will be discussing are: Pepper Sprays; Stun Guns; Tasers; Tactical Baton; Knives; Hand Guns.

I will also pay particular attention to the following criteria in which to do some comparisons on:

1. Effectiveness - Is the weapon an effective self defence tool?
2. Operability - How easy or difficult is the weapon to operate?
3. Carry-ability - How “wearable” is the weapon?
4. Cost - The relative cost of the weapon.

Pepper sprays: An aerosol spray that temporarily irritates the eyes and mucous membranes, used to stun and incapacitate an attacker, long enough to get away.  The active ingredient is capsaicin, extracted from capsicum.  There is a wide variety of pepper sprays that varies in types of deployment (stream, cone, foam, gel, fog), strength, distance (up to 12ft / 3.66m) and size (from hand-held tubes to up to 9.2oz / 272ml cans).  

Advantages:

• Effective, with correct training; 
• Simple to operate;
• Come in disguised forms, so gives the element of surprise;
• Small and easy to carry; 
• Non-lethal;
• No permanent effects on the person it is used on;
• Cheap enough to buy multiple sprays.

Disadvantages:

• Good for one use;
• Dependent on weather conditions (if used outdoors);
• Could affect the handler too if used in confined spaces (such as in a car);
• Has an expiry date;
• Has a limited spray-time;
• There are cases of pepper sprays being ineffective on some people.

The Stun Gun is a battery-powered, hand-held electroshock weapon that releases an electrical charge when held against a person and activated by a trigger, to immobilize a person briefly.  

Advantages:

• Can generate from 200,000 volts and up, enough to incapacitate an attacker;
• Can be used multiple times before requiring a recharge;
• Come in various disguises such as cell phones, flash lights, night sticks, etc…
• Basic training required on how to use the weapon; 
• Small and easy to carry;
• Relatively cheap to purchase. 

Disadvantages:

• Need to be very close to the attacker to be effective (at least arms-length);
• Need to make direct contact with the attacker’s body or limbs; 
• Needs to be recharged;
• Lots of cheap, ineffective stun guns on the market that do not have a strong enough charge to incapacitate an attacker. 

The Taser, is a trademarked product by a company called "Taser International", and is an electroshock weapon that fires 2 pins connected to a wire into an assailant, causing strong involuntary muscle contractions and/or pain.  

Advantages:

• Can stop an attacker up to 15ft / 4.57m away;
• Non-lethal but effective;
• Some models are small and easy to carry, whereas larger ones might be more difficult;
• Requires basic training to be able to operate.

Disadvantages:

• Both the weapon and additional capsules (which it fires) are expensive to purchase;
• Can fire only once before needing a reload (only one other model can fire 2 shots);
• Has proven to be ineffective on some people; 
• To ensure the attacker remains incapacitated, it is recommended that once you have shot him/her, you are to leave the weapon behind so that you can make your escape (which will continue shocking him/her until the charge runs out). This can be a costly tool considering the tools costs begins from +- USD400. 

The Telescopic Baton (or sometimes known as the “ASP “ – named as such by its manufacturer, "Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc", but people have used the name as a general term for all other branded  telescopic batons) is essentially a steel club (much like the nightstick, truncheon or billy club), that collapses into itself when not in use.  This makes it easy to carry around and conceal, but potent when extended and put to use.  Many law enforcement agencies around the world have adopted this weapon as their initial compliance tool to be used on unruly citizens. 

Advantages:

• Easy to carry and conceal (but again check the legality of this in your country/state);
• Quick to deploy and use;
• Comes in various lengths;
• Non-lethal but effective;
• Great intimidation tool;
• Easy to use (swing around and hit the attacker);
• The cost of the weapon varies from cheap to moderate. 

Disadvantage:

• May be illegal for civilians to carry and/or conceal in some countries or states;
• The lock on the baton must be secured when in use to ensure it does not collapse in an inopportune time;
• Requires practice to be able to deploy the weapon properly;
• Specialised training and/or correct mind-set to be able to use the weapon to its maximum potential.

Knives are one of my favourite tools for self defence! It’s easy to use and easily concealable. More importantly, it can be a lethal means to end an attack, should I need to. However, with that said it is also easily available anywhere and hence, very easy for criminals to obtain and carry around too. In fact, over 90% of crime in South Africa is carried out using a knife or some other improvised bladed-tool.  One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a teacher/mentor, who said: “If you want to learn how to use a weapon, you must also know how to effectively defend against it.”

Advantages:

• Small and easy to carry and conceal;
• Can be a lethal means to end an attack;
• Requires little training or skill to cause damage (“place hard point bit of tool into soft, fleshy part of the body”);
• The cost knives vary from very cheap to very expensive.

Disadvantages:

• May be illegal in some countries/states to carry or conceal on one’s self;
• Easily available to everyone, even criminals;
• Can be lethal in the hands of both a skilled or unskilled knifer;
• The low-cost of knives makes it accessible to ANYONE. 

The last weapon discussed is the Hand Gun. Although I was never a fan of fire arms, I had to face the reality of where I live and what the common modus of operandi of criminals are.  The sad reality is that not only in South Africa, but all around the world, crimes are getting more violent and involve lethal weapons such as bladed weapons and/or firearms. With that in mind, and the words uttered by my previously mentioned teacher/mentor, I decided to do some extensive firearm training. I have a new-found respect for firearms and understand what damage it can cause, as well as the lives that can be saved using it. The debate about whether it is right or wrong to own a firearm is an ongoing one, however, below are my views of the advantages and disadvantages of a hand gun:

Advantages: 

• Easy to operate and/or conceal (if allowed by the laws of your country/state); 
• Can be a lethal means to end an attack;
• Distance is the greatest advantage as I don’t need to be anywhere close to an attacker to stop him/her; 
• Can be fired multiple times;
• With the correct training, can be used effectively against multiple attackers; 
• I can fire through doors or walls to strike an attacker on the other side. 

Disadvantage

• Investment cost is high, as it includes the cost of the weapon itself, ammunition, proper storage facilities; ongoing training costs, etc.
• Damaging to the human body, regardless as to whether you use it in a lethal or non-lethal way; 
• Require competency to be done and a bureaucratic process to be followed to obtain a licence to own a firearm LEGALLY in South Africa;
• Illegal firearms on the open market that are easily obtainable by criminals, is rife in South Africa;
• Requires special training and constant practice to be effective.

As a forewarning, weapons can give one a false sense of security.  Have a backup plan should you get disarmed from your weapon. Don’t be too dependent on it for your personal safety.  You have to train how to access your weapons under pressure, and how to use it effectively under pressure. Notice there are 2 parts to that statement. The first, is the most important, “being able to access the weapon under pressure”.  This is important because say for instance, have a Taser in your handbag, but a robbery is busy trying to steal it from you, it will make accessing that tool very difficult! In another scenario, you are ambushed by a knife-wielding attacker. You have a knife or firearm on your body, but the pressure of his/her attack takes you by surprise and you need to deal with the immediate threat before  being able to access your tools.  This could involve dealing with the immediate treat, disrupting the assailant’s immediate attack; create enough distance for yourself to finally being able to access your weapon. The next statement of, “being able to use the weapon effectively under pressure”, is true for some weapons that are more complicated and requires special training (e.g. firearm) especially under pressure. Other weapons require little to no training to be able to use it in a manner that may not be as efficient, but effective nevertheless. For instance a knife – the instructions are simple: Take sharp, pointy bit and thrust and slash to the soft bits of the attacker’s body.   

To end off, here are some further precautions about using a tool for self defence:

• Check the laws of your country/state regarding the various tools you may use for self defence; 
• A tool can be used as a weapon against you too;
• Practise accessing and using your tools under high-pressure conditions;
• Know the limitations of your tools;
• Don’t let your tools be the sole instrument of your personal safety;
• Have a backup plan should you get disarmed from your tools.

Till next time, get educated, become empowered, and ultimately, live and engage life positively.

WH