A treatise of Defence Unlimited's Vision of Education, Empowerment and Engagement

"I started Defence Unlimited in 2008 as a means to not only teach the martial arts and self defence skills, but to also empower the people of South Africa with potential crime-prevention solutions. I have made it my mission to educate and empower people and to unlock their potential by overcoming crime-related fears and frustrations, thereby allowing them to live a happier, fulfilled and engaged life!"

This is the brief biography that I have published on my various social media profiles. In this statement I had tried to put a large emphasis on the "happier, fulfilled and engaged" portion. 

In order to explain this further, I need to refer to "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs", a model proposed by psychologist, Abraham Maslow, in his 1943 paper, "A Theory of Human Motivation", which attempted to explain the needs of people and how those needs would motivate them to take some action in order to obtain them.

To briefly describe this hierarchy, it is a pyramid with the largest, most fundamental levels of physiological needs at the bottom and the need self-actualization at the top (see the diagram below).

At the bottom is the 1^st  physiological need such as the need for air, water, food, sex, clothing and shelter. These are the basic needs that must at the very least be met. If this need becomes too great, there are some individual that may choose to obtain these needs by force, or illegally, thereby making that person a criminals.

The 2^nd need thereafter is one of safety, and includes personal safety, health and well-being. Financial safety is also classified under this need. A large portion of my efforts through Defence Unlimited is focused on addressing these personal safety and well-being needs.

The 3^rd level of human needs is interpersonal and involves feelings of love and belonging. A person who has a need to feel love and be loved, can draw on family and friends to fulfill this need. Then, on a deeper intimate level, the person will normally seek out a mate/partner/spouse to meet this intimate need. This is the normal path for most law-abiding people. However, again like the previous need of physiology, this need may become too much for the person and they resort to using less than legitimate ways in obtaining it. It is a fact that this need can override the fundamental physiology and safety need too. An example of this is in the case of children who will still cling onto abusive parents; or in the case of gang member participating in illegal and dangerous activity just to remain/belong to that peer group.

The 4^th need is that of esteem, and refers to an individuals need to have self-esteem and self-respect. Esteem also refers to the typical human desire to gain recognition and/or be accepted and valued by others, or to have a sense of contribution or value. However, again, like the other previous needs, a lack of this need can lead to an individual to perform criminal acts in obtaining this. Examples of this is rape that is motivated by the offenders need to feel dominant and in control.

The 5^th need is at the apex of the pyramid and is the need for self-actualization. This level of need refers to what a person's full potential is and the realization of that potential. Maslow describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be.

As mentioned, previously, my main focus is on addressing these personal safety and well-being needs. However, notice that that this need become under pressure from criminals’ need for all the other needs (barring the self-actualization need) - the physiology, safety, love & belonging and esteem needs. It is my vision to educate people in personal safety, self-defence and personal development. Furthermore, I wish to empower people with realistic personal protection and/or personal development skills. 

Once these fundamental needs are met, we can start striving towards the ultimate need, namely the self-actualization need. My personal opinion is that I could never make a person "self-actualize". It is something that the person will have to do by themselves (hence the "self" in "self-actualization"), however, what I can do is take them to the best level, namely assisting them in addressing the "esteem need". To accomplish this need, I have created a platform in which the person can accomplish this. I do this through getting people to engage in social-uplifting and environmental-awareness activities that actively contribute to building a harmonious global society.

I personally endorse the below initiatives  because they either are very close to my personal values, or are aligned with what I want to accomplish through Defence Unlimited - to educate and empower people to unlock their potential by overcoming crime-related fears and frustrations.

It is these three elements of education, empowerment and engagement that I truly believe will help to unlock a person's potential, allowing him/her to reach that apex of the pyramid!

With that said, the initiatives I endorse and recommend my students and associates to engage in are:

MANDELA DAY - "It is on your hands to create a betterworld for all who live in it." Nelson Mandela, 1983.

SLUTWALK JOHANNESBURG - Help raise awareness around a numberof sexual assault issues such as victim-blaming, corrective rape, genderviolence and questioning the acceptance of a "rape culture".

THE SANWILD RHINO SANCTUARY - "It is God's job to judgerhino poachers, it is our mission to arrange the meeting" - SRS CounterPoaching Units.

ARMING SISTERS DOCUMENTARY FILM - A documentary film following Patty Stonefish's quest to bring empowerment and self-defence training to indigenous women across America.

Please feel free to click on any of these initiatives to see how you can contribute!

Till next time. Get EDUCATED. Feel EMPOWERED. Positively ENGAGE.

Warren Ho

Founder of Defence Unlimited

It's Called A STOP Sign!

It was Tuesday night after work in Midrand, a northern suburb in Johannesburg, South Aftrica. I was driving to my regular Blade Fighting Class approximately 15 mins away. I stopped at a 4-way stop street and waited for my turn to turn into the right lane. When it was my turn, I pulled off, but luckily noticed a white BMW that just jumped the stop street, swerved far right, allowing him to narrowly miss me! We eventually both ended up at a red traffic light (or more commonly known as a “robot” in South Africa”). I rolled my window down and signalled to him to do the same. When he did, I politely told him that he had just jumped a stop street and he should be more careful in future.  He looked at me with a disinterested look, looked forward again and rolled his window back up. I again gestured him to open his window, and with a sterner tone of voice, said, “Did you notice the stop sign? It’s that big red sign that has the word “STOP” on it? It’s a few meters up the road that you just jumped and nearly hit me!”  Again he looked at me, but this time, said a very audible, “F*** you!” and drove off, jumping now the red traffic light! WTF!? Ok, so in my younger, hot-headed days, I would have perhaps given chase, get him to stop his car, and proceed to verbally evoke my version of an exorcism on him, filled with many Latin-sounding verbs and elaborate finger and hand gestures.  But times have changed. Besides getting older and (hopefully) wiser, I’ve realised there are more reckless drivers out there on the road. They seem to be fuelled by frustration, anger or just plain stupidity. There has been an increasing number of cases of reckless driving incidents that have resulted in deaths and injuries for not only the parties concerned, but also for any unfortunate pass-byers that may have gotten caught in these moments of recklessness.

In my Self Defence classes, I stress the importance of knowing what it is that you are willing to fight, die and kill for, and why (refer to the blog post, http://defence-unlimited.blogspot.com/2014/06/in-self-defence-only-question-you.html). 

In the case of Mr White Beemer, I had the very human reaction of feeling extremely angry when he initially jumped the stop sign, and I wanted justice to be done. Being a BMW driver (a relatively expensive car in South Africa and around the world), I assumed he was a reasonably sophisticated person who would listen to some polite reasoning – perhaps he genuinely did not see that stop street. However, the subsequent verbal faeces that came from his mouth and the jumping of the red traffic light convinced me otherwise. At that very moment, the emotions of anger and rage flooded my body!  My body responded by getting into a flight of fight situation – the adrenaline kicked in, my vision narrowed, my body gave a sudden flash of heat, and my palms went sweaty. I am human after all, and if I feel offended, these are very real and natural emotions and bodily reactions! However, thank goodness my training kicked in, and that question I kept drilling into my students popped into my head, “is this something I am willing to fight, die and kill for”? Thankfully, the answer was no, and I turned in the opposite direction and continued on my journey.  Don’t get me wrong, I was still very much pissed off, and I kept running different scenarios in my head – What if I just flashed him with my 200-lumen bright tactical flashlight? What if I had my pepper spray with me?  What if I just followed him and scared him off a bit? What if...What if...What if…??  Eventually, at training and after a few sparring rounds, I was able to rid myself of these self-defeating questions and pent up frustrations and rage.  I was then able to return home in a calm and serene state, with the evening’s earlier event reduced to nothing more than a distant memory. 

The point I am making is, it is easy to say, “Just forget it! He is not worth it”, but this is extremely hard to put it into practise. We are all, after all, just like any other animal in the wild that that uses its emotional responses to navigate around their environment. However, the one thing that sets us humans apart from all the other species is our unique ability to rationalise and make logical choices.  I am glad in this instance I let my rational side dominate. I can only hope is that my words got into Mr White Beemer driver’s head somewhere that elicited his verbal-barf.  Barfs I can handle. Road-kill I cannot.

To conclude, the lessons I learnt from this experience are as follows:

1. Remember always what it is that I am willing to fight, die and kill for, and why. 
2. I can try and change the world, but don’t expect the world to respond favourably to me.
3. My emotions are real and natural, but use my rational and logical mind to make the choice that will keep me safe.
4. Use my various outlets (e.g. physical training and sparring) to release my rage and frustrations effectively and healthily.
5. There are reckless drivers out there, so I have to be vigilant at all times. This is part of my self-defence!
6. Don’t be a reckless driver myself!

If you want some further convincing for point 6, take a look at this video link below – It will make you think twice about driving recklessly. It certainly did for me: http://youtu.be/a8QxZJZfU5Q.

Till next time, get educated, feel empowered, and ultimately, live a positive and engaged life!

Warren Ho

Founder of Defence Unlimited 

www.defence-unlimited.com

8 Reasons Why I Will Become A Victim Of Crime

1. I complain a lot

Out of the fear or frustration of crime, I complain to everyone that is willing to listen to me. They eventually tell me to change topics and this frustrates me even more so I go out and look for fresh ears to complain to. I let this fear and frustration consume my every though, each and every day. I actively contribute to other peoples' fears and frustrations and keep telling them about how bad things are; how no one does anything about it; how it used to be with the "other government"; that this country has gone to a ball of shyte, e-tolls this, and corruption that, etc.... It doesn't stop! As long as there is electricity (or not), it is an opportunity for me to complain! I fail to recognise that this constant negative consciousness - thinking, feeling, talking and doing of things negatively - will attract more of these negative elements in my life!

["This makes it better for the rest of us! The more negativity is attracted to you, the less will be attracted to me!"]

2. I don't take responsibility

Crime is not my problem! I pay my taxes (mostly) and I voted at the last elections, so it’s the government’s problem! The police and judicial system should handle it! I very rarely read, listen and comprehend the potential hazards that are around me, whether it's via the media, other people’s experienced, or through sources. I have more important things to do in my life, like earning a living, raising a family, and trying to achieve that next big house or car, or overseas trip! All these other aspirations are “more important” than the one thing that these aspirations are built upon - my own personal safety.

["With great power comes great responsibility. But I have the greatest power yet...I LIVE, hence I have the greatest responsibility to preserve it! Only once your own safety foundation is establish, can all other aspirations be accomplished.”]

                                      

3. I have become apathetic 

I don't care about the crime anymore. It is going to get us all anyway so why bother doing anything about it! Alternatively, I am so cocky enough to think, crime will never get me, I have become disconnected to the reality of the situation. Perhaps I have to disconnect so I don’t feel the fear or frustration anymore.  I am like a machine – cold and unemotional. Alternatively, I might have the "Ostrich syndrome" - if I ignore it, it will never get me. If it does find me, I will just use my natural skills to get me out of a situation (like using those ostrich wings to fly off or fend myself). My attitude is one where I don’t care or give a damm anymore.

["Evil will prevail unless good men and women stand up and fight against it."]

4. I am lazy

I don't take the necessary steps to become aware and avoid the potential criminal elements in my life. Furthermore, I don't believe in preparing adequately enough so I don't invest in effective security at my home or office, or personal security by training by body and mind for potentially life threatening situations. Besides, I carry a weapon - both a knife that I got as a gift at the last office party, which I occasionally whip out to cut biltong with, and I have a licensed firearm that I have stashed away in the safe for those just-in-case moments! I don't need to do any on-going training because I am just that kind of guy- I seen it once, and I can repeat it multiple times thereafter, word-for-word. Just don't ask me actually do it because its winter now and I have slacked off from the gym, dojo and shooting range for a bit because I'm cold, have a cold, or just warming up in front of the TV with a bag of crisps.

["There are enough couch-warriors in the world, willing to dish out their crisps of wisdom. We need REAL warriors!]

5. I already "know it all"

I have been to one 3-hour self defence course, a week-long of hardcore training course, and even used to train in the martial arts when I was younger! I have done it all before! As a matter of fact, I have done so much, I have the belts, certificates and photos to prove how much I have done in the past. I forgot to mention that I am a not as fit, young or handsome as I used to be. I even forgot to realise that criminals are getting smarter and more violent by the day and devising new ways to separate me from my hard-earned material possessions or my life!

["The fool laughed so loudly, that all the town-folk could not help but laugh at the fool who laughed so loudly!"]

6. I have an excuse (or two)

I don’t have the time to train. I can't even spare 30 mins a day to training in proper self defence training because it does not fit into my schedule. I am a busy person! Time is one of those things I have to reserve for my job, my family and my many social activities and hobbies! Furthermore, the venue is never ideal! It's too far and it takes time to travel to and from training several times a week. I don't have the money either because I spent in on physio fees from injuring myself the last time. Oh yes, and the injuries! I am not as young as I used to be and it just hurts opening up a tin of Pringles, which by the way, hurts my index finger. And now because I hurt my finger, I won't be able to make training for the next month or three. Also, did I mention it is winter? Winter is cold! I am sure the criminals will be keeping warm rather than attack me!

["There are excuses and there are results - It's mutually exclusive and can be applied in in all areas of life. Set your priorities, commit to them and stop making excuses!"]

7. I train incorrectly

I train, but my mind and heart isn't in it. I am still thinking of that last report I submitted to the manager and why the friggin project manager just can't cut through the bullshyt and get my project delivered on time! My body is doing the routine but really, I can multi-task and let my mind focus on something else. When I need to, I will switch on and train in some "activity" when I need to. 

["When you train, train like you mean it!"]

8.I forgot to enjoy life

I complain, worry, fear and get frustrated with all this crime around me. I take up training, not one or two various martial arts, combative arts, military warfare training and now I have become hyper-vigilant and extremely stressed out! I started off with the people around me, but have become so immersed in all the training I have actually become a fanatic and paranoid! I forgot what it feels like to relax and just spend time enjoying being with loved ones or doing the things that relax me. I spend so much time preparing for the worse in the future; I forgot to see the best that's happening right now in the present.

["Prepare for the worse, but not at the expense of your loved ones. After all, isn't that what we were prepared to protect in the first place?"]

These are my 8 reasons. What are yours? 

Till next time,  get EDUCATED, become EMPOWERED, and ultimately, live a positive and ENGAGED life...

WH

In self defence, the only question you should ask is…

“What am I willing to fight, die and kill for, and why?"

This is the one question I ask all every participant who has ever been on my “Introduction to Self Defence Workshop”. I further ask them to write the question down, and answer it when they have a few moments to spare at home. It's the one thing, above everything else I teach in my workshops that I emphasis they are to do, and consider very carefully what they decide is the answer. The reason for this importance is because all subsequent self defence tactics and techniques thereafter, will depend on what they are willing to fight, die and kill for.

Let’s explore this question a bit deeper:

What are you willing to fight for? Humans only fight for two reasons: Firstly, for the survival/protection of ourselves or our loved one(s). This survival mechanism stems back to prehistoric times, where we had to fight to survive the elements and the wilderness to which we inhabited. From a scientific perspective, this refers to the brain stem (old brain) that controls the survival mechanisms of flight or fight. For some, the reaction is to flee a potential hazard (flight), for other, the response is to fight (reason number 1). It is instinctual, and is connected to the way we react to danger. However, this instinct also gets triggered in another way - we have a perceived danger/threat confront us. Sometimes, the threat may be the passing of a sarcastic comment;  or a sudden lane-change into our lane by another car, or even by a snobbish glance or smirk in our direction by a ruffian at a bar. Whatever the perceived threat is, it is more the fight-reaction we get, not because it threatens our survival, but rather because it threatens our personal ego – this is reason number 2. In my opinion, the decision to fight in either of these circumstances is your choice to make, but you need to ask if it is a fight that you would really want to get involved in.

What are you willing to die for? This refers to self-sacrifice and the people and things that you would be willing to put your life at risk for. For some, when I said "things” in my previous sentence, it might have made you feel a bit unconformable, and you may even have shook your head in disagreement. Is there possibly any "thing" (in terms of material possession) that you would be willing to put your life on the line for? As horrific as this might sound, there are indeed some things that you may decide is worth sacrificing your life for. An example? How about an extreme one?  You are at home and there is a life support machine that sustains the life of your sick spouse. Would you be willing to lay your life down for that machine if something were to threaten it? Makes you think doesn’t it?  The point here is that there is no right or wrong answer. We all have the greatest gift that is often overlooked- the right to choose. With that said though, hospitals and cemeteries are filled with people that made bad choices, but the fact remains, it is/was within their right to choose what was right or wrong for them.

What are you willing to kill for?  This is the most consequential and controversial question to answer. Back in prehistoric times again, the cave man would kill their fellow kind for food, shelter and mates. Oh wait, that happens now too! However, with the advancement of human civilization, we have also begun to dictate that some pervious prehistoric methods are no longer favourable or even legal (although that does not stop the many criminal out there). What we are willing to kill for is again something that we have to decide upon, which has no right or wrong answer to the individual, but has more sever consequence to it. For instance, should you find yourself in a situation where you have to take another human being's life, there is what I call "surviving the SLY", as a reference to surviving the Situation, surviving the Law and surviving Yourself. Surviving the situation implies you need to survive the immediate treat that has come your way in the most effective and efficient manner you can, even if this means taking another’s life. Surviving the law pertains to the legal repercussions you will have to face after taking someone life. You will need to answer to the laws of your land for your actions and let them be the decider as to whether you had acted lawfully or not. Lastly, surviving yourself - you will have to live with the knowledge that you had killed someone. For good-fearing Christian, this might be seen as devastating since they would have to had had broken one the Ten Commandments as dictated by the Bible. For others, being labelled a killer may not be the most appealing, but it is something that will stick to you like a fly on a sticky-trap-rolls.

Then there is the WHY? For a long time this question eluded me. Then it dawned upon me through a flash-back session with one of my past coaches. "The quality of your answers lies in the quality of the questions you ask", he reminded me. The “why”, therefore,  is probably the biggest and most elusive one that many self defence courses have failed to ask. Why would you be willing to fight, die and kill for X (x being what you have just answered in the 3 questions above)? Why is it so important to you? Why would NOT fighingt for, or dying for or killing for X be so tragic for you?  It is a question that, if answered truthfully, will surprise or even shock you. The key here is to be absolutely truthful when answering this question. What you might conclude (as I had) is that the real reason why you are willing to do all these things for X, is because of how the loss of X will make YOU feel, and how it would affect YOUR life!

I stress again that there is no right or wrong to these questions.  It is more important that you make these the decision while you are in a rational and logical state of mind. Unfortunately, it is often those times that we let our emotional state at the heat-of-the-moment that makes us do irrational and possible life-debilitating choices.

So, take the time now, while you are sitting comfortably at your desk, in a secure and safe environment to answer these 4 questions. Decide what is it EXACTLY is it that you would be willing to fight, die and kill for, and why. Once done, make multiple copies of it and hang it around the areas that you will see it each and every day. Be constantly reminded as to what you had decided, and only get involved if something threatens the people and/or things you have put on this list.

Till next time. I hope this message educates and empowers you, allowing you to live a positive and engaged life!

Warren Ho

Founder of Defence Unlimited

www.defence-unlimited.com

"I know everything about you and you are my target..."

An interesting article by Rake Jeeves in December 2013 that illustrate the safety concern of these cute, family stickers that are placed on the rear of a car's window. It's the latest fad, but at what cost? Take a read below and you decide:

“

I have never met you and don't know your name and up until today I didn't know where you live

You passed me on the road and suddenly I knew everything about you:

You are a single mother with teenage daughter, no men in the house.

You are relatively well off and like playing tennis.

You don't have any big dogs, just one small dog that is no threat to me.

Judging by the car you drive you will have flat screen T.V's and because you have a teenage daughter there will be things like computers, tablets and smart phones in your house.

I decided to follow you home because you have shown me that you are a soft target.

When I invade your home with my gang I know there will be very little resistance, no men and no big dogs but plenty of expensive stuff for us to take.

How did I know all this information about you without having ever met you, spoken to you or seen your house?

By the little pictures of your family set up that you put on the back window of your car…

These pictures have made my job so much easier because they tell me nearly everything I need to know without having to drive around the neighbourhood spying on houses and sitting watching and gathering all this information.

It used to take me days of surveillance to get this information.

Thank you very much; I will be visiting you one of the evenings whilst you are watching TV.

I'm not a violent person but I can't say the same for my gang members.

Fortunately I'm not a violent criminal but because of my job I have to think like one and driving around checking out the little pictures on the back window of cars made me realize just how much information they give out about you, your family and to a large extent your wealth.

“

Take your personal safety seriously!

BE VIGILANT. BE SAFE.

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

Strike Where It Hurts - 10 Best Target Areas For Self Defence

Over the years, by doing the various martial arts, I have encountered many opinions as to what the best targets are on the human body, and how effective they would be in self defence. Well, I can say without a doubt, the 10 areas that I am presenting here, have all been personally tried and tested! They are, in my opinion, the 10 best areas that I feel would be most effective when having to defend myself!  I have had both had the pleasure of being able to hit, rub, grab, pull, push, bite, scratch, squash and poke these target areas on my training partners; but I have also had the unfortunate “pleasure” returned back to me too (with more zest and gusto by my training partners)! Needless to say, each of these targets have been tried and tested and have passed with flying colours in terms of their effectiveness! 

What makes these areas effective is that they cause a lot of damage to the attacker. In some instances, they can cause bones or cartilage to break, blood vessels to burst, nausea, dizziness, suffocation or just induce extreme physical pain.  Furthermore, the areas are reasonable easy to access with relatively easy-to-apply techniques. With the correct training and practice, anyone will be able to use these targets effectively in a self defence situation. 

The 10 Best Target Areas for Self Defence, in no particular order, are:

1. Eyes - A slight jab in the eyes causes uncontrollable watering and blurred vision. A forceful jab or poke can cause temporary blindness, or the eyes can be gouged out. If you want to get lethal, death can result if the fingers penetrate through the thin bone behind the eyes and into the brain.  

2. Ears - A strike to the ear with cupped hands can rupture the eardrum and may cause a brain concussion. You can also attack the area directly behind the ears which can cause unconsciousness. Again, if you want to get lethal, a powerful blow to this areas can cause a concussion or a brain hemorrhage and/or death.

3. Nose - Any blows to the nose can easily break the thin bones of the nose, causing extreme pain and eye watering. Striking or rubbing under the nose can also cause great pain and watery eyes.

4. Neck - A strike to the front of the neck (the throat) can cause extreme pain, gagging, vomiting and/or even death. The side of neck is also a great target. A sharp blow to this area causes unconsciousness.

5. Biceps - Striking the biceps can render the arm useless, cause extreme pain, dizziness and even nausea! 

6. Groin – A groin strike can incapacitate an opponent by causing intense pain and/or unconsciousness. 

7. Fingers – The fingers are one of the most sensitive areas of the body. In a situation, if you can get of a finger or 2, bend them back as far away from the palm as possible to either break them, or cause the attacker immense pain. If you get hold of two fingers, you can also "separate" the fingers from each other to have the same effect. 

8. Knees - The knees are easily dislocated when struck at an opposing angle to the joint’s normal range of motion. With correct training, the knee can be dislocated or hyper-extended by strikes.

9. Shins – Strikes to the shins causes immense pain. A powerful blow can possibly fracture the bone that supports most of the body weight . Strikes to the inside-leg of the shin area cause also cause immense pain, nausea, dizziness and even unconsciousness!  

10. Feet – Strikes to the toes, instep and ankle can cause immense pain to the attacker.

I hope that with the knowledge of my 10 best target areas, you will keep them in mind when you practice (with a proper instructor supervising) and apply them, should you ever need to, in a self defence situation. 

The key to effective self defence training is that it must be effective; easy to remember, learn and execute; and be accessible to anyone (regardless of age, gender or athletic ability); and ultimately, leave you feeling empowered with knowledge, self confidence and skills!

Get EDUCATED. Become EMPOWERED. Live and ENGAGE life positively! 

Till next time...

WH

NOTE:

It should be noted that there are a number of various OTHER targets that one could go for. The human body is a complex and intricate system of bone, muscles, organs, nerves and veins, and in each of these categories, there are more viable and effective target areas one could use effectively in self defence.

Kyusho, a martial art that I practice,  is a study of the weaker areas of the human body and how, in particular, the nervous system, or the pressure points of the human body, can be used against itself! Remember those old kung fu movies where, using very quick finger –motion, the kung fu master pokes an opponent in the torso several times, causing him to become paralyzed? Or alternatively, ever seen a video of a fight where a gentle clip to the chin by one fighter renders the opponent unconscious?  Kyusho is the study of how one can induce all that. By touching, rubbing or striking certain areas of the human body, one can cause some rather nasty effects on the unfortunate person receiving it! It is particularly effective for people who are physically smaller and/or weaker than an attacker (women, children, senior citizens). 

Take a look at this demo video I put together to show a bit of what Kyusho can do!