Scott@home-cov.demon.co.ukUpdated - 10th January 1998
Many of us in our Martial Arts practice how to use traditional weapons such as the Staff, Sai etc., but how many of us think about what we would use as an improvised weapon if we were facing an armed attacker. It's all well and good saying that my empty hand skills are so good it won't be a problem, but a little prior knowledge can go a long way and you don't have time to think when you are on the firing line. The place for practice, research and to make mistakes is in the training hall.
I am not saying you should carry a weapon, far from it, it's illegal to start with; but what about those innocent little objects we carry all the time upon our person or are in our environment.
Over the rest of the article I shall list out some of the possible items which could be used to defend yourself with. Some may be available in more than one scenario but I am only listing them out once. The aim of this list is to provoke thought on your part not be a be list of every possibility. Remember the General wins the war with his mind not his Sword.
Warning
Use of some of the articles described below could result in Serious Injury or Death. You read below at your own risk. I will not accept responsibility for any issues which arise from the use of the techniques written below.
The very fact that you are in a social environment with alcohol means that people who would normally be placid may react differently than they normally would and you may also be engulfed by trouble that you had no part in. Some examples of items are :
1. Ash Tray
The heavy duty bar room ash tray makes an excellent clubbing weapon. Any contents, ash etc., can also be thrown into the face of an attacker giving you the chance to take the initiative or flee.
2. Coat
Usually draped over the back of a chair or hung up. Can be used in a variety of ways. These include :
a) Throwing the coat in the attackers face to buy yourself some time to escape or as a lead to your follow up.
b) The sleeve can be used for choking techniques.
c) Use it as a cloak to ward off attacks. This used to be a common application of cloaks in the 16th century.
3. Your Drink
Throw it into your attackers face. Aim for the eyes because you want a stinging reaction. The eyes being a vital point will cause your attackers body to try to defend itself.
4. Snooker / Pool Cues
Due to the lack of strength in these objects, these are best used for thrusting techniques at soft tissue targets and the stomach. Don't forget that the balls off the table can be used for clubbing techniques as well. I do not recommend trying to use the two halves as Eskrima sticks because they are not strong enough and you won't have time to unscrew them.
5. Serviette Holders
The heavy duty (normally metal) serviette holders can be used as a clubbing instrument.
6. Salt & Pepper Shakers and Sugar bowls
These can either be used as clubbing instruments or the contents put into the attackers face, specifically aiming for the eyes.
I have not listed the use of glasses and bottles here due to the possible legal ramifications of their use.
There are many different scenarios in which you can find yourself attacked whilst in your car. You could be stopped at a junction or have broken down. Use what is available at the time.
1. Wheel Brace
Use in place of the stick or a Tonfa.
2. Anti Theft Device, e.g. Krook Lock or Auto lock etc.
Use in place of a short stick.
3. Car Keys
Thrust or rake at soft tissue targets or pressure points.
4. Torch
Usable as an impact weapon, depends upon the quality of manufacture, e.g. A big 6 cell Maglite is hefty and good. A 2AA Maglite would be a substitute kubotan.
5. Jump Leads
Use to aid choking techniques.
6. Air Freshener / De-Icer / WD40 spray
Can be sprayed into an attackers face or the tin can be used as an impact weapon.
7. Hammers or Spanners
Use as Clubbing Weapons.
8. Cassette Cases
Use the sharp corners to hit the face or cheeks.
Remember to lock your doors when driving through a bad neighbourhood. If you have to stop at a Junction, leave sufficient space between you and the car in front so you can drive off if required.
1. Coins
Throw them as hard as you can into your attackers face.
2. Keys
As mentioned before.
3. Scarf
Can be used for choking.
4. Wallet
Raked across the eyes before escaping.
5. Pen
Can be used to thrust at soft tissue targets.
6. Comb
Can be used similar to a pen although not quite as effective.
7. Pocket Torches
The small Mag-lite torches are excellent as Kubotans and totally innocent looking. Use to attack pressure points or as a striking tool.
8. Umbrella
Golf umbrellas can be used for thrusting attacks or to assist with locks. The smaller telescopic umbrellas can be used in a similar way but are not as robust.
During your training sessions think about how your your weapons training could be improvised. Think about your house, there must be at least 50 separate items you could use. This type of training not only makes you think about your surroundings but what they have to offer you.
Scott Wiggins
If you have any queries or opinions please write to me. I do not however respond to flames.