“Found weapons” is a common class topic.  What do you have in your pocket, your purse, your backpack, that can be used to help fend off an attacker?  A common response is “keys.”  Yes, keys can serve as a self-defense weapon.  However, most students show me a very awkward way to hold them, poking out between fingers like brass knuckles or Wolverine (the superhero) claws.  A better way to hold keys is how you’d open a door — it’s more stable and easy to aim, more maneuverable, and less likely to injury yourself.

I’ve heard that, in the right hands, anything can be used as a weapon (good chance you’ve watched the same bad movie and heard that too).  So watch this video (from my Facebook Live of 10/14/2020).  I do use some technical terms, such as “pokey” and “thwacky.”  These, along with “projectile,” describe different types of weapons.  Look around you, and pick up an object.  Is it pointy and fairly rigid?  Maybe it can be used to poke someone in the eye or throat or other soft tissue.  Does it have heft?  Maybe it can be used to hit someone.  Can you throw it?   That would be a projectile.

Now pick up an object of your choice and try to use it on an inanimate object (such as pillow or box).  Does it slip out of your hand?  Maybe find a better example, or alter your grip.  While it’s great to have an idea and even an object for a weapon, trying it out a couple of times is even better.

This year is winding down, and I’m considering my class schedule for the beginning of 2021.  Anything you’d like to see?  Contact me.  Or check back to see what’s currently online.  Maybe we’ll have a short session on found weapons.

No, I am NOT advocating to my self-defense students that we consider this a viable self-defense weapon.

But self-defense does take on a different timbre in other locations.  Such as Libya.

Souad Soltan, a congresswoman in Libya, carried a hand grenade for self-defense.  It was found via metal detector as she entered Tripoli’s City Hall for a meeting.  It was confiscated.  On her way out she asked for it back, claiming she needed it for self-defense.  Her request was denied.  I don’t know if she’s since replaced it with another, or with some other weapon.

Check out this article on why she’s carrying that grenade.

There are several pros and cons for her choice.  First, she’s only got one chance to use it.  It’s blast is indiscriminate, so she or bystanders could also be injured.  And it will only go as far as she can throw it.  On the positive side, it seemed to fit well in her handbag, and it could take out a number of attackers at once (which probably was why this is her weapon of choice).

Your self-defense will look different in different places.  Since the fall of long-time ruler Col. Quaddafi two years ago, civil protection has weakened.  More people have access to weapons, and some are using those for harm.  Anyone involved in politics is someone else’s target.  Your precautions under those circumstances not be as carefree as most of us in Seattle (where it is common to cross a street while staring down at your phone).

And carrying a concealed grenade is probably illegal in Washington State.  So don’t do it — there are better options for you.

Here’s a great story of a 72 year old woman using her wits and a can of air freshener to fend off an assailant. Great instincts!

Since you’re reading this blog I’m taking a wild guess you’re at your computer. Or maybe you’re on the go reading this on your iPhone or other mobile device (and hopefully you’re not driving). Right now pause. Look around. What is within arm’s reach that can be used as a weapon?

Did you pause and look? Do it.

Next step: reach out and pick it up. How does it feel in your hand? What can you do with it? For example, I’m looking at my cordless landline phone. I can easily wrap my hand around it and use it as a hammer to the face (or side of the head or solar plexus or other soft target). Or the loose-leaf binder can be thrust into a throat.

Do this exercise every so often. You’ll be better prepared. Just in case.