The vast majority of weapons that Americans today carry on their body, whether concealed or in plain view, are pistols and knives. While carrying these weapons is an important part of a personal defense strategy, there are a number of circumstances where you may not have a gun or knife available to use. These could include places where you are prohibited (by law) from carrying them, such as at an airport or a school, or are unable to conceal them under your clothes. It’s also possible that you simply forget them when you left home in the morning. The lack of a handgun or knife, however, does not mean that you are defenseless when a dangerous conflict comes your way. With a little knowledge, some basic training and an open mind you can use the objects you encounter in the course of day-to-day life to help protect you and your loved ones from an unexpected attack.
Walking Stick
The walking stick, or even trekking poles, are an everyday accessory in many rural parts of the United States, especially in locations with mountainous or uneven terrain. It provides stability when an individual traverses rocky or icy terrain as well as areas covered in dense vegetation. Most people that see someone using a walking stick will not give them a second glance, and it’s this very fact that makes it one of the most versatile defensive weapons that you can use. There is no designated handle or tip; both ends can be used for striking as well as gripping, providing options for long-range attack. Meanwhile, a wide two-handed grip allows the combination of power and precision to obtain the best results. Once the attacker is dazed from the initial strike, a follow up “butt-end” hit can be rammed into the assailant’s belly or facial area, causing instant blunt trauma. Constant alternating hits from both ends of the walking stick can create a non-stop assault, which is very difficult to escape from and counter. It’s this type of barrage that makes this “common stick” a dizzying weapon to face, and most attackers are not prepared to deal with such an onslaught.
Belts
There are actually three ways to use the belt during an attack. First, wrap the non-buckle end around your hand a few times and, with large overhead strikes, swing the buckle toward your attacker’s head or weapon hand (naturally, if your attacker has a gun, just give him what he wants, unless you feel he will pull the trigger no matter what he demands) and create a figure-eight motion. This keeps the weighted buckle always moving and increases the chances of getting a solid hit. Second, bend the belt in half and with the folded end deliver a series of short whipping strikes that will stun your assailant and possibly allow you the time to escape. Finally, with some advanced training, hold the belt from each end and use the length to deflect oncoming strikes as you wrap the belt around your attacker’s arm or neck to gain control and ultimately subdue him.
Canes
An elderly person’s walking aid is a weapon that would be attacks are the least likely to expect, and it can be carried virtually anywhere. Take off the rubber end cap and hold the cane just below the curved handle. Direct your strikes to the attacker’s head and face, using the corner of the cane tip to deliver a precise hit. This will cause pinpoint damage to your target, as opposed to hitting them with the shaft of the cane, which could disperse the impact and decrease its effectiveness. Then move quickly down your opponent’s body and hit key areas, such as the groin and knees. This will disrupt his balance and stability. Rotate the cane in your hands and, with the curved end facing outward, hook your attacker’s leg and pull up and outward. This movement should bring him down hard to the ground.
Pens
They say the pen is mightier than the sword. Given the choice, I would choose the sword as my first line of defense, but the pen can also become a powerful yet discreet weapon few attackers would notice in your hand. Hold the pen in your closed fist with one end of the pen exposed. Place your thumb for support on the opposite end. This will enable you to punch while still utilizing the pen as a secondary weapon. The tip of the pen can be used to strike vital areas of your attacker, such as his eyes, throat and groin. Also, with some additional training, you can use the pen to inflict shocking pain at the sensitive pressure points in his neck, ribs and upper arm muscles. Once he is momentarily stunned by the pressure-point application, you can then follow up with additional strikes, execute a takedown or joint lock to overcome him.
Keys
Nearly everyone carries a set of keys with them, but few people take the time to consider what a potent and deadly weapon they can be when used properly. Holding your keys in your hand not only appears normal, but also belies the fact that you possess a devastating weapon—ready in an instant if you are ever caught by surprise and attacked. For personal defense, let a few of the keys on the ring protrude through your fingers and press them against your knuckles for a solid hold. Allow only an inch or so to protrude in order to leave enough of the key in your hand for stability. This weapon is best used in extreme close-contact defense. Use slashing motions towards your attacker’s face as well as straight jabs into his vital areas, including his eyes, throat and groin, to create stinging and intense pain. Damage to his eyes may temporarily blind him, giving you the opening to escape.
