Ask About Self Defense
1. What does the bad guy look for in a victim?
Most crimes are random acts of opportunity. When criminals set out to victimize someone, there are things they look for like people who are not paying attention to what is going on around them, appears to have a lot of money or expensive jewelry, or someone who looks easy to control. By carrying a kubotan on your key ring lets the bad guy know that you have a weapon, which means you have thought about how to defend yourself. It is an outward sign that you are not an easy mark and maybe they should keep looking. The WARRIOR in Every Woman TM discusses all these issues and more on how to avoid being the target of a violent crime.
2. How do I keep my kids safe from my self defense tools?
As with anything, you need to have a routine and rules. Establish the rule that no one goes into your purse, laptop bag or where ever you choose to store the gun, taser or pepper spray for the day, without asking your permission first. When you get home take out your gun, taser or pepper spray and properly secure it for the evening. You set a routine to wash your face and brush your teeth right? Well set the routine with your self defense tools as well.
3. How do I use a kubatan?
The most basic applications involve striking or poking vulnerable areas of the body with the Kubatan. Generally speaking, swinging strikes work better against bony surfaces while fleshy areas are more susceptible to pokes and jabs with the ends of the Kubatan. The Kubatan greatly intensifies the destructive power of any blow. There are many worthy targets on the body: the shin, hip bone, collarbone, ankle, and kneecap are all desirable targets. A sharp crack to a bony area will prompt an assailant to discontinue his attack. A harder, well placed blow can easily break bones--especially if the force of the blow is not diminished by clothing.
4. Should I carry a knife?
A knife comes in handy for all sorts of random tasks that involve separating matter. Like cutting a string, or making a sandwich, or opening a package. It can also come in handy in an emergency which by their nature are unforeseen, for example having a car accident where you need to cut yourself out of the seat belt. When used in self defense, a knife is a very useful tool of course with the proper training. So one should carry a knife all the time.
5. Pepper Spray really?… I am afraid I will spray myself!
There are many different ways that pepper spray is packaged from look-a-like perfume and lipstick to containers with safety levers in place. If you carry a look-a-like product make sure that take precautions for friends or children that might get into your purse. There is always a chance to have “back spray” get you if you use the pepper spray in the breeze. A foam product eliminates that problem, but tends to be packaged in a bigger container.
6. If I want a Gun, how do I carry the gun safely and legally?
To use the handgun appropriately takes training, and more importantly, confidence. You can learn to properly use a gun, clean a gun, even how to shop for a gun, and what makes all that happen is a positive mental attitude. To carry the gun legally you take the Texas Concealed Handgun License course and meet the requirements to apply for the license. There are many options for training, it is encouraged that you learn to shoot from a certified instructor.
7. What is the difference between a stun gun and a taser?
Both TASERs and stun guns are electronic control devises (ECDs). The TASER is capable of creating neuromuscular incapacitation (NMI) by shooting two needle like barbs connected by a wire to the handheld device into the skin, whereas stun guns only create pain and need to be held to body for 5-7 seconds to work.
Until next time...
Vicki-
