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Johnny Knoxville said during his AMA that getting sprayed with sabre red pepper spray was the most painful experience of his life. Amazon sells a "home and away" kit containing two different sized canisters for like $15. I work late nights in a bad area and I keep the larger can in the cellphone pouch of my backpacks shoulder strap. I've used it twice and it's remarkably effective. A face full of that stuff will take someone out of a fight instantly.
Try this from Michael Janich. Covers a lot of areas, and has modern and up to date info.
The original comprehensive book was The Truth About Self Protection by Mas Ayoob. Now its pretty dated (it was written before pepper spray was a thing, for example) but it's still a good read for mindset and lifestyle.
Hi thanks for the suggestion
https://www.amazon.de/Safe-dangerous-Survival-techniques-everyday/dp/1473664365
You are talking about his? Price is good. I like it that someone else as an us citizen wrote that book - dont get me wrong - I like the us and my friends there but a lot of books or people are suggesting guns or weapons witch are banned for private persons in my country... guns are not practicable in my city. Atleast not with a huge amount of time (years in "shooting societies" ) and even if I would get one you can only use them in these societies - carrying around is illegal.
I think I will get it used or just for kindle. Thanks and you too :)
> Did you actually go through the whole training program? Do you think that it's worth it?
I believe the training has changed over the years, but what I did was apparently called eMETT 3.0 Expert Level (I had to go and find my cert to remember). It's hard to say how useful it was for self-defense, but it was definitely very interesting. I find myself catching emotions like disgust and contempt which I'm sure I never would have before that training.
> I'm surprised that you're unsure about the validity of the research.
Not all of it. And it's just that it's more of an art than a science. Someone crosses their arms: it might be because they want a barrier between you and them, or they might just be cold. They might be cold because they are scared (blood pools away from extremities), or they might just have low body fat. Some aspects (not all) of reading body language just aren't for sure.
By the way, somewhat related to this, absolutely check out the book Spy the Lie. It's not about body language at all, but more about the words people choose. Combined with body language you can get a much more complete picture of what people are thinking. I've started to pay much more attention to words since reading that. Things like, an advertisement says "Made with real chicken!" So..."with" real chicken, but not necessarily real chicken exclusively. Got it. "Packaged in America!", so almost certainly not built in America or you'd have said that. It's interesting the words people will use to try and hide the truth without technically lying. The book will absolutely change the way you watch an interview with a politician.
Wasp or bug spray can be used as an alternative, and it stings as well. In the UK we are allowed a kind of spray dye to identify the criminal which is hard to wash out.
Yes, good idea. Similar to that, I found this flashlight holder that holds the chili-pepper spray snug.
Funny story because I spoke to some alibaba.com suppliers and they suggested a flashlight holder. Then I found one an Amazon.
Haha amazing. Amazon remembers me buying this back in 2013. To be exact, it's this one. I have no personal experience with any other brands, including Uzi.
That's such great news, which one did you get? The $45 one from Amazon? Mine should be getting here tomorrow. I'll update and let y'all know what I think. I doubt I'll ever use it for self defense, but I sure do like the idea of carrying an umbrella that can also break glass or jam into the top of someone's foot if need be. Some of those product photos are goofy as hell, though. The one with the dude dressed as a samurai, armed with his trusty umbrella. This is the one I'm getting. https://www.amazon.com/Fiberglass-Tactical-Automatic-Windproof-Resistant/dp/B09KDTJ3HS/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=7QAN24JGFMFF&keywords=umbrella+tactical&qid=1658939077&sprefix=umbrella+tac%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-4
definitely pepper spray, I usually recommend the mk3 "stream" size not a keychain, and not gel,foam, cone or a fogger. I like and have used fox labs 5.3 pepper spray for years. https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Labs-5-3-mm-Stream-Pepper/dp/B008VOS3C4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3GCR6FGLV6SYG&keywords=fox+5.3&qid=1658943973&sprefix=fox+5.3%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-3
I dont recommend stun guns or tasers because they require contact, require you to remain there and only work for 30 seconds.
TL;DR: Buy this.
I haven't seen this mentioned yet, so to add, I highly recommend sprays that work from any angle. I am personally only aware of two sprays that are like this, which is First Defense's 360, and Sabre Red Crossfire, although they may be more by now. They are fundamentally different in design from regular aerosol cans, which is essentially what conventional pepper sprays are.
Instead of using a straw to the nozzle, 360 designs use an enclosed baggie to the nozzle. What that means is that your spray will work no matter what angle you find yourself in. This is an extremely important feature, because the last thing you want is if you are under attack, you get knocked down, you pull out your pepper spray, but instead of delivering a solid blast to the bad guy, it instead sputters on you with hardly any effect.
A 360 spray solves all that. I have been certified and carried both before, so I know they are both good, so I can vouch both are good. However, Reddit just seems to be more comfortable with the the Sabre brand, and more important, it has that important plastic clip to help you secure the spray on you, as well as help you index the spray, which is a big deal when you start training with these, you'll see what a big deal indexing is. Just makes sure the can says 360 or CrossFire, or something to that effect.
Zebra Pen F-402 Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Stainless Steel Barrel, Fine Point, 0.7mm, Black Ink, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WOAJP6 ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_MNG2QGM38H1G5PJVY3TN
Sabre and Pom are both highly reputable brands. You don't strictly have to use your dominant hand; I actually carry mine in my left pocket. Do hold the canister in a hammer grip and push the button with your thumb. Don't hold it like a spray can and push with your index finger.
My own every day carry is this: https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Pepper-Keychain-Release-Access/dp/B08MV25FVL
You can attach it to your keychain easily.
Longer answer, I recommend a thumb activated canister with a flip top. Please try not to attach it on a keychain, but instead, perhaps consider some kind of minimalist belly band carry, because the good sprays tend to be quite bulky otherwise.
The most important feature in a spray is actually the fact that they are a 360 design, meaning the spray will work effectively regardless of what angle or position you find yourself in. Otherwise, spray or gel is fine, but I would avoid cone sprays.
Buy the book, join a gym, and follow the program. If you can afford it, book a few sessions with a personal trainer to learn the four basic exercises (squat, deadlift, press, bench). Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training, 3rd edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/0982522738/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PTP1FNDZ7QMAR2DFN22D
That’s what I did 18 months ago. I have gained 10 pounds of muscle but I am in my late 40’s. You are in your 20’s and will likely see faster gains.
You can get practice canisters: https://www.amazon.com/Sabre-Pepper-Practice-Canister-0-54-Ounce/dp/B00AEKFOVG
They aren't dangerous to use as long the area is well-ventilated. The water just smells a little weird because the contents are under pressure with aerosol chemicals. Draw a face on a piece of paper or use a BoB. Swipe across the eyes, and then up and down the nose and mouth.
The Father, the Son, and the Holy Hot Sauce.
>I wouldn't trust the self defense gadgets on Amazon personally.
Some of the self defense items on Amazon I wouldn't trust either. That doesn't mean I don't trust any of them.
>And I think you mean stun guns made to look like phones.
Those as well. However, there are some stun guns that are phone cases. From what I see on Amazon, it seems that it's only available for iPhones not Android yet.
(Example: Check this out on Amazon Yellow Jacket High-Powered Stun Gun + Protects, Recharges Your iPhone 6,6s + Concealed Inside a Durable Water Resistant Case + Flexibility to Attach or Detach + Maximum Self Defense https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07528K7KD/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_GCP891BRJ9KYZ6819FRJ)
>At this point, a familiar feeling starts to creep up on me, a feeling that rarely shows its ugly face, one that I find very hard to control once it starts to set in, that diminishes me, and that I loathe: fear.
>
>the fear growing with every moment
>
>I try to quell the fear
You should read The Gift of Fear
WW2 S.O.E. combatives is the best, most efficient self-defense form.
Kill or Get Killed by Rex Applegate is outlining it nicely.
Jim Grover aka Kelly McCann is modernized version.
The best you'll find is probably Sentinel by Pat Mac. It covers security and defense from all sorts of threats.
https://www.amazon.com/Sentinel-Become-Charge-Protection-Detail/dp/1475960492
Here, have at it. Keychain stuff is most of the time useless / straight up garbage : https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Red-Pepper-Gel-Strength/dp/B004NKSPR8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PRL3CSMN291S&dchild=1&keywords=sabre+gel+pepper+spray&qid=1613907613&sprefix=sabre+gel%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1.
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This allows to basically throw what feels like burning jelly into your attacker's eyes.
I’m a fan of this book, I studied it and used it as the basis of a self defense class I taught the last few years: Self-Defense for Peaceable People: Defend Yourself Regardless of Size, Gender, Age, or Strength https://www.amazon.com/dp/1583941568/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_AXCPFb99CQ8PY
I have a curriculum that I typed out based on this, feel free to use it if it helps you: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1L5Hdrc-_LESLr9qQoUNXYPco5DyF6gsHFr7KeDx_mrU/edit
Overall, a major understanding that only emerged after I taught the class a few times is that a lot of people have no idea what to do with their bodies and are truly starting from zero in terms of balance, coordination, knowing left from right, etc. it’s very different from a “regular” martial arts class in that regard. So step one is orienting them to their own bodies and gravity, step two is giving a basic understanding of how other people will attempt to control or injure their body and a few movements to practice defending, and step three is being aware of danger before it gets to you.
In response to what I’m seeing from others-
Please don’t believe that guns are effective unless you combine it with knowing how to fight (weapon retention, draw, etc.). Check out the arguments made here: https://youtu.be/NMl3bxrf984
The Same rule applies to knives- learn to fight with one or don’t carry it.
PS: I personally carry the HR-1 knife. Fast draw from a holster, fits my training, supplements my strikes/grappling, and the kit comes with a training knife. Find it online but here’s the listing from amazon (not the kit): https://www.amazon.com/FEK4050-BRK-HR-1-Fighter-Backup-Knife/dp/B074MG7BLY
Muay Thai and BJJ, or MMA are both exceptional choices, and I'd take either over Krav Maga any day.
The one issue with those arts over Krav is they'll pay little mind to specific self-defense issues other than martial arts. They won't talk about deescalation, weapons, multiple attackers, legal issues, situational awareness, etc. Honestly a lot of that stuff is more important than the hand to hand. Fortunately, a lot of that can be learned from books.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned a personal alarm. These can be extremely loud. If you are in public, this would call attention to your location. Something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DMT8SLQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_khOEFbVE04RDX
If I were in your shoes, I would also assess my home security. If this guy knows where you live, he could break into your home or wait until you are entering/exiting to get inside with you.
Some others have mentioned filing a police report, which is also a good idea.
I highly recommend not using a stun gun and buying some mace instead. The stun gun may seem cooler and scarier but it will only hurt someone while you're touching them with it, which also means you'll have to be very close to them, and it could also just piss them off. Mace will shoot a jet stream quite a good distance (like a water gun) and if you spray their eyes, nose, and mouth you will be able to run away and they won't be very capable at all of following you.
Here's a link to a good one that only costs 10 bucks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KFPM619/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mE0wFbRQ110S0
Now that it is practically impossible to buy a gun (I am in California), some of my friends recommend getting tomahawk hatchet. Something like this one. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00U1IBGOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8q0gFbM5CJ3E1 What is your opinion about it?
No problem. Also this is the kind of thing I had in mind. It's long, heavy, let's you see them, let's you blind them, and is a perfectly reasonable thing to have in your home/car/etc.
Read The Gift of Fear and The Truth of Self Protection. Excellent reads.
As you know, you are doing yourself a massive disservice by not taking a class. However, what you want to do is not impossible.
1) Buy self-defense books from authors like Lawrence Kane, Marc MacYoung, Kris Wilder, and Rory Miller. Read them. You aren't looking to learn technique from these books. Understand that things like situational awareness, deescalation, and running away ought to make up 99% of your defense. If you find yourself using martial arts, you've made several massive mistakes already.
2) Buy 2, 8'x4' martial arts mats. Something like this might work. That's the cheapest I've ever seen.
3) Buy the Gracie Combatives DVDs, practice them until you can do them in your sleep. Once you've made it though the DVDs completely at least once, add free rolling in to your practice (meaning start competing with each other to win by submission). After a year of this, you'll still likely lose to someone who had been in class for a couple months, but might stand a chance against people who are big, but have no grappling experience.
Sorry for what happened to you.
Situational awareness is your friend. Read this book. This is the system USMC developed to teach situational awareness and spot the signs of impending violence.
Six bucks on kindle/kindle app. I'm not a Marine, I'm not even American but this is the best primer on situational awareness I've seen.
First off you need to understand that anywhere you mix young men, young women and intoxicants of any kind the likelihood of violence increases. It sounds like you go to the places for network for your job so the increased risk is going to go with the territory.
Even a grown man with some training is going to have his work cut out if three other guys go for him. Even if it's one guy who is the same height as you he's probably going to have 20-30lbs on you at least which gives him a big advantage, even if you have some training.
Reading your other posts, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's good that you stood up for your GF but some POS characters won't let that go.
That these guys were willing to gang up on a single smaller woman is disgusting. If it's any consolation, I used to know some characters who were like that and one day it came back on them in the worst (best?) way. I hear one of them still limps.
I'd be wary of carrying the knife though as a means to protect yourself. I don't know you so I'm basing this on other people I know who have taken similar measures. They couldn't handle the idea of doing a martial arts class and getting hit but for some reason they thought they'd be able to stab someone if necessary. The last thing you want is to start waving a knife around that you aren't mentally prepared to use when there's a possibility the other person is.
I remember reading an old poorly translated kung-fu manual with lots of line drawings of impressive kicking combos. However, at the front, the philosophy of the school was outlined like this: guts first, then technique.
What I take from this is that you need to develop the mindset where you are ready and willing to protect yourself by using violence. Without this, skills are irrelevant - like a car with no ignition key.
I know guys with lots of mat and dojo time who couldn't 'flip the switch' and got into trouble (I nearly learned a very hard lesson like this myself and it made me rethink my training). Conversely I know of people with no training who protected themselves with instinctive savagery.
I am in a country where civilian gun ownership is rarer than hen's teeth but hopefully the good concealed carry schools in the US cover the mindset in their curriculum along with drawing and firing under pressure, weapon retention etc.
It sounds like avoiding bad areas might be easier said than done so I am going to recommend a primer in situational awareness (which is 99.9% of self protection anyway). This book was written by former members of the USMC and outlines the methods they developed to spot the signs of impending danger while patrolling in Iraq and Afghanistan. Simple enough for anyone to pick up and acquire with a bit of effort.
BTW - I saw u/BradliusMaximus gave you a Sage Dynamics link. I don't know them myself but Matt Powell is their go to Hand to Hand guy and I have nothing but good things to say about him.
Alright, I suggest something like this. It's has 900 lumens, it's IP65, it has a rechargeable battery, it has a head that appears to be capable of delivering impacts, and at $25 USD, it is easily replaceable.
It is an US link though, so you may want to find the Canadian equivalent of it.
I use these on windows in my house downstairs. Just having a loud alarm sound will scare intruders, because it draws attention. They’re really inexpensive, and pretty darn loud.
These are also effective, and inexpensive as well.
You can also hang little bells, or wind chimes in the window that serve a dual purpose of relaxing sounds during the day when the windows are open, as well as an effective noise maker in case someone tries to go through the window.
Given that guns are not a choice for you, there are still plenty of options. Professional security focuses on Layers. You should too: -Driveway sensor or doorbell with video capabilities -Door alarm and interior/exterior cameras -Reinforced bedroom door
None of these options are permanent and all could be taken with you when you move.
Next, weapons- If you choose not to train with a specific weapon you should focus on something that can't be taken away and used against you. Pepper spray can have an effective spray pattern of up to 30 feet ( https://www.amazon.com/SABRE-Red-Pepper-Gel-Strength/dp/B002368VJ6/ref=sr_1_18?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1485379693&sr=1-18&keywords=pepper+spray+self+defense).
A taser gun (http://www.defenseproducts101.com/tasers_introduction.html) can also be a good choice especially when combined with pepper spray.
-Next, an escape plan. Can you get out of the house from your bedroom (access to the roof, rope ladder, etc.). Do you have quick and easy access to your cell phone? Can you call a neighbor or someone who may be closer than the police?
-Practice! Practice answering the door under a threatening situation. Practice deploying your pepper spray. Know when you'd resort to your next tools. Practice locking and securing your safe room door (One of those wooden triangle used to keep doors open will also keep them closed!).
-Finally, commit to your plan. If your plan is to fight, then practice that. If your plan is to escape, resist, or give in, know in advance what you want to do.
Security doesn't have to be expensive and a gun is only a good tool for those who educate themselves and train regularly. Being prepared and making yourself look like less of a victim is much more important.
You'll find renewed confidence in doing all of this. Best of luck!
I'm a paramedic in the ghetto, and my flashlight has saved me (and the nasty folks the cops would tune up for jumping me) more times than I can count.
A flashlight is "street language" for "I am a legitimate citizen who is supposed to be here, is hiding nothing, and I might be a government employee..."
In a sketchy area at night, if I had to choose only one (for whatever dumb reason) between my pistol and a bright flashlight, I'd pick the flashlight.
Some advice about your wife's friend -
Strike while the iron's hot. Buy her this book and one other from the "other readers bought" list and y'all have a little book club talk about it. This is a great opportunity to get your wife on board with this stuff, too.
And everybody sign up for some Krav classes from a legit gym! Even if you folks only go for 3 months, you'll be better off than before (especially the gals). I teach a lot of women from "Intro to Krav" on up through their Level 2 certification, and they almost all "freeze up" when it comes to actually striking another human being. Seriously, we'll work out, practice some techniques, then I'll put on a Red Man suit and "attack"....and they can't bring themselves to strike me. It's a barrier that needs to be broken through for them to be safe from the two-legged predators that sometimes show up. My guess is it takes on average 5-20 hours of instruction to undo this societal conditioning.
> There is no reason to buy one. It's a gimmick to get your cash, they are shit..
Just buy a Zebra F-701 with a Fisher Space Pen refill. Total cost: around $11 plus shipping if you don't have Prime. It's a solid steel tube and will write anywhere, plus it doesn't scream "tactical pen!" so you can fly with it.
If you care about that sort of thing. I'd rather carry a pistol, and do.