Re: Self-defence for the older person

Are we allowed to use spray cans?

Probably get arrested because it wasn't a spray pump

Fumble in bag, find pump/spray, remove the top and try to find which direction to point it in .... assuming it's daylight.

hmmmmmmm .... possibly not

Re: Self-defence for the older person

Be prepared: hold it ready in your hand.

Then, of course, there's the other option: Llap Goch.

Re: Self-defence for the older person

Been there and yes we just do it some how. Failing that-run..........or the elbow,kidney punch etc.

Re: Self-defence for the older person

People who use Mace have no troubles. Best to keep it in your hand, hiding your hand inside a pocket, out of sight but nice and handy. It's not rocket science.

Re: Self-defence for the older person

Actually, sort of at a slight tangent to self defence but interesting... Part of my job involves training in restraint techniques and the courses to train people are just as unrealistic as standard civilian self-defence training. A colleague of mine, who thinks as I do, voiced this at one of the courses and was assured by the instructor that the techniques worked. My colleague told the instructor to have a go, but to have people on hand to help him because he wasn't going to just stand there - he was going to actually resist.

It finally took the instructor and FOUR other people to get him on the ground, much to the instructor's embarrassment. Rehearsing nice, slow techniques on someone who isn't in a rage and who isn't wanting to rip you up as much as possible is worse than useless. In reality, in a real situation the adrenalin-fuelled person attacking you will come at you unexpectedly from a direction you aren't looking in and will get in close, biting anything they can reach, scratching, head-butting and pulling out chunks of hair. They want to do maximum damage, and the training doesn't reflect this.

Re: Self-defence for the older person

In my previous career I was a LEO for 35 yrs. 35 yrs of self defense, training & relying on that training to stay alive. Towards the end I was fighting with people 38 yrs younger than me. (One of the reasons I packed it in)

To even the fight besides having our self defense (that I practised regularly in addition to a fitness program) we of course had pepper spray, metal batons, trasers (they came after I retired) and our service weapons. Even considering all of this there were times that even this didn't seem to be enough protection. So while the "average Joe" might get lucky in warding off an attacker, the majority of people won't even with some sort of training.

IMHO the best self defense is having situational awareness & common sense.

Situational awareness is being aware of your surroundings by paying attention to what is going on around you and paying attention to those spider senses that everyone has. If it doesn't feel right get the hell out of there or better yet think about things first, the common sense thing. Is this a good idea? Can I find someone else to walk with me? Is there an alternative that is safer?

Regardless, if you are out in a public setting that means staying off your cell phone, keeping your ear buds out and your head up. Save your calls and texting etc for when you are in a safe zone, a place that you are very familiar with, home, office. restaurant. This includes being in your car. Keep the doors locked, check your mirrors often, leave yourself an escape route so that you can avoid a potential collision or a car jacking attempt. Most importantly stay OFF your phone! Even if you have Bluetooth the phone is still a huge distraction that diverts you from paying attention to your surroundings.

Not letting yourself become a potential victim in the first place is better than having to try to remember some karate kid move that you learned a year ago and haven't practiced since. Even self defense experts worth their salt will agree that the best self defense is avoiding situations where you may become a victim.

Re: Self-defence for the older person

Good post most people are not expecting to be attacked and the shock factor would leave even strong people unprepared so being aware and dare I say cautious is the best bet .
Apart from never leaving home without a Rottweiler .

Re: Self-defence for the older person

A Rotty, a semi auto, pepper spray and body armour. Now you're ready for that evening stroll!

Re: Self-defence for the older person

I think a pair of running shoes too , I was wondering what's an LEO ?

Re: Self-defence for the older person

Glad you asked that too, summer.

Where do you get a pepper spray from as well?