Many styles of martial arts are practiced for self-defense or include self-defense techniques….as some styles train primarily for self-defense….while other martial or combat sports can be effectively applied for self-defense. Some martial arts train how to escape from a knife or gun situation….or how to break away from a punch….while others train how to attack. To provide more practical self-defense, many modern day martial arts schools now use a combination of martial arts styles and techniques….and will often customize self-defense training to suit the participants’ lifestyles, occupations, age groups and gender….along with their physical and mental capabilities.
A wide variety of weapons can be used for self-defense. The most suitable depends on the threat presented….the victim or victims….and the experience of the defender….as legal restrictions also greatly influence self-defence options.
In many cases there are also legal restrictions….whereas in some jurisdictions firearms may be carried openly or concealed expressly for this purpose….as there are also jurisdictions with tight restrictions on who can own firearms….along with what types they can own. Knives, especially those categorized as switchblades may also be controlled….as may batons, pepper spray and personal stun guns and Tasers….although some may be legal to carry with a licence or for certain professions.
Everyday objects, such as flashlights, baseball bats, newspapers, key-rings with keys, kitchen utensils and other tools….plus hair spray aerosol cans in combination with a lighter can also be used as improvised weapons for self-defense….as tie-wraps double as an effective restraint. Weapons such as the Kubotan (pocket stick) have been built for ease of carry and to resemble everyday objects.
This is a subject near and dear to Bone Daddy….as his son is a 3rd-level black belt martial arts instructor…. who has been teaching for 12 years.
