Introduction
There is a rising need for women's self-defense skills to
secure their safety on the streets. Violent attacks, regardless of what you
hear on the news, are on a dramatic rise! Please make no mistake about that; it
is with children, too. The police are not the answer. Laws passed in cities
aren't the answer. Hiding in your house, cowering in the corner with a cup of
hot tea, isn't the answer. Empowerment, knowledge in practice, and tools that
work are the answer.
Let's take a look at just a few sad events that have
happened recently. Investing in self-defense and having tools that can secure
your safety is really worthwhile. It can give you a better chance than fighting
to save your life. I'll see you on the other side of the examples.
Examples
Example 1
Joplin Man Also
Convicted in Separate Case of Torture, Fatal Shooting of Another Kidnapping
Victim
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man who earlier pleaded
guilty in a separate kidnapping case has been convicted at trial by a federal
jury, along with his accomplice, of kidnapping a woman who was rescued from her
attacker at a Neosho, Mo., hotel room.
Freddie Lewis Tilton, 51, of Joplin, Mo., and Alvin Dale
Boyer, 39, of Rogers, Arkansas, were found guilty on Tuesday, September 17, of
one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of kidnapping.
Tilton was also convicted of one count of stalking. This is Tilton's second
conviction in a federal kidnapping case.
Evidence introduced during the trial demonstrated that
Tilton and Boyer conspired on July 18 and 19, 2020, to kidnap the victim,
identified in court documents as "S.T."
An employee at Boonslick Lodge in Neosho called the police
at approximately 11:46 p.m. on July 19, 2020, to report that a woman was being
choked and dragged into a room. A police officer knocked on the door of the
room, and S.T., bloody and injured, opened the door and ran out of the room.
Tilton had jumped out the back window and escaped.
Boyer rented a room at the motel and invited S.T. to the
motel to spend time with him. Unknown to S.T., Boyer had rented the motel
room for Tilton, and Tilton was waiting in the room for her. S.T. had
separated from Tilton and had an ex-parte order of protection against him. When
S.T. entered the room, she was assaulted by Tilton. S.T. was observed on
video surveillance struggling to get out of the room, but she was dragged back
in by Tilton. Tilton struck S.T. repeatedly with a firearm and his
fist. Tilton attempted to shoot S.T., but the gun jammed. S.T. was
assaulted inside the room by Tilton for over eight minutes before law
enforcement arrived.
Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/pr/jury-convicts-two-men-violent-kidnapping
Example 2
Assault on two women on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation sends
Fort Belknap man to prison for more than four years.
GREAT FALLS
— A Fort Belknap man who admitted to firing a pistol at two women in a housing
area on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced today to four years
and two months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release,
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Gilbert
Raymond Martinez, 33, of Fort Belknap and Parshall, North Dakota, pleaded
guilty in May to assault with a dangerous weapon.
Chief U.S.
District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.
In court
documents, the government alleged that on May 17, 2021, Martinez fired a 9mm
pistol at two women in the Newtown Housing area of the Fort Belknap Indian
Reservation. The second woman told the responding officer that if she had not
moved out of the way, the bullet would have hit her. After Martinez threw one
woman to the ground, kicked her in the ribs, and discharged a firearm at her,
he discharged the firearm at a second woman, who was attempting to help the
first assault victim.
The U.S.
Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Police Department,
and Blaine County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation.
Example 3
Pregnant San Mateo woman killed, boyfriend arrested after
fleeing to SoCal.
A San Mateo man was arrested by authorities in Southern California on suspicion of murder after his girlfriend and their unborn child were found dead in their home over the weekend.
Around 6 p.m. Sunday, San Mateo police officers were called
to a home on the 1300 block of South B Street on reports of a woman who was in
"full arrest." Paramedics told police that the 37-year-old woman, who
was about nine months pregnant, was pronounced deceased along with the unborn
child.
During a preliminary investigation, detectives determined
that the woman's live-in boyfriend was the likely suspect. The boyfriend had
left the home before police arrived.
Investigators began tracking the boyfriend's whereabouts and
determined that he was traveling by vehicle to Southern California. Police in
the city of West Covina, about 20 miles east of Los Angeles, found the
suspect's vehicle and made an arrest.
The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Andrew Coleman, was
booked into jail on suspicion of murder and other charges.
Overview of self-defense weapons designed for women
I know personally that I wish everyone would become a Ninja,
but that isn't going to happen. So, in looking at what is on the market, before
I start going off track with Ninja gear, etc., I wanted to examine things that
were commonly available. I might not use it, but I'll tell the reader after I
educate them on the pros/cons of the items. Hey, I know one story of a 14-year-old
girl who saved her life with one free twenty-minute martial arts lesson, no
batteries required.
1.
Types of Self-Defense Weapons for Women
The weapons available fall into two basic categories.
Non-lethal, and those that are Lethal. It's not an extensive
section to work with here, but as some would say, they personally can kill with
anything, and that is true. Regardless of whether the weapon is non-lethal or
not, most chances are that a person like me could turn it into a lethal device.
So, we can't take that approach, but rather, what the makers of the devices say
is one or the other.
Tactically, there are two more categories for each class of
weapon: lethal or non-lethal, concealed or not. Let's look at the non-concealed
viewpoint.
Regardless of whether it's a tactical flashlight, a defense
keychain, defense products, defense weapons, or even a singular defense weapon,
they all come down to a weapon for use by a woman. Heck, just think about the
power of a cell phone! Yep, call the police at the first sign of a problem,
then if possible, seek some refuge in a safe place like a restaurant or
department store. Using all things as an improvised weapon or a weapon of
opportunity, it all works well for the street. One must keep that in mind. Plus,
it would help if you learned to defend yourself.
Show them what you
have: the case for showing the attackers your weapon.
Sometimes, tactically, it is good to show off to your opponents
that you are armed, and perhaps it can be a scary thing you show them. Sometimes,
a stun gun arcing and sparking can set a scare into a would-be attacker.
I have several testimonies that my clients just held out the
defender 1's in those cases, and people ran from them—once in the UK and the
other in Missouri. I don't see anything scary about the looks of a Defender 1,
but that doesn't matter. The attackers did, and one said,
"Hi Peter… Just to let you know I was in London late the other evening and nearly got mugged by two
large chaps. I took my Defender out of my pocket and held it sort of as you would a gun… the conversation between the two bad guys went something like this "he has a thing in his hand what is it? Don't know… let's get out of here". End of story.
My Defender lives in my pocket just like a set of keys
even the police here have not commented on it and even a pocket torch is
considered to be an offensive weapon here.
Great little gadget! While I was learning to use it at the self defense /boxing club, it annoyed the hell out of those who were helping me. They were definitely pain compliant and just could not get a grip to hold on me… all simple moves nothing fancy
The other one was just that two youths approached his car in
a Walmart and were going to rob him while he waited for his wife, and he saw
them approaching the car, looking right at him. He pulled his keys out of the
ignition, as his Defender 1 was attached to the key ring, and placed it in his
lap. As the first young attacker got to the driver's side window, he saw the
strange black tool sitting in the older man's lap, ready to use. The kid jumped
back and started to run back to the other approaching attacker and said, "Run,
he has some type of weapon." That was all it took to stop that attack.
Showing your weapon to an opponent comes down to what Japan's
greatest swordsman wrote in his book, The Book of Five Rings, by Miyamoto
Musashi: "Paint the picture you want your opponent to see." It worked
then as it does today. Show your opponent what they are facing, and in our
case, it is a scared woman who can't defend themselves, or it is a determined
woman who can. Now, on the other side of the coin.
Now, let's
surprise them in case of concealment of your weapon.
This choice also raises its head when we talk about the
color of our Defenders—clear, black, or blood-red colors and why. But here, you
want the element of surprise. No greater a fall than to think you can rob or
rape a person; as you start your attack, you get your head handed to you into
your hands, and you never saw it coming. Well, that is a bit much, but you can
really take the upper hand in a fight when the opponent isn't expecting to
fight. It turns the tables for a few seconds, and you can surprise them with a
volley of attacks and do some real damage to an attacker.
After your surprise attack on them, you now paint the
picture of what else is in store for them if they continue to mess with you. Or,
if not, now you can focus solely on your savage attacks to stop the aggression
or intent to kill you. Never let up and keep pounding on the attacker until it's
obvious they are stopping. Now, let's look at what some people consider the Top
5 Self-Defense Weapons for Women.
Top 5 Self-Defense Weapons for Women
I have used sprays, and unless it's a huge bear spray
canister, I prefer a Gel spray as you can "Direct it to target" even
in the wind, and then it tends to "Stick" on them. They try to clear
it off by wiping it off, but that doesn't work very well at all. So, it has "Hanging"
power and is less affected by wind.
The next advantage it has is distance. It tends to reach
further than a spray. Most gels get 12 to 18 feet of flight distance, while
sprays are 8 to 12 feet only. Pepper Gel's standoff range is worth its weight
in gold. Keeping an attacker away from you is highly desirable when you are engaged
in a fight.
Pepper Gel is more challenging to wash off your body even though the literature indicates the same
removal method and time as pepper spray. In practice, it takes longer to remove a gel than non-encapsulated pepper molecules from a spray version of Pepper Spray.
Another issue is what is known as "Blowback." That
is, the wind carries the spray back into your face or body. This happens more
often than not and can reduce the spray's ability to get you out of a situation
because you are also affected by the burning pepper molecules. The only place
where this might be advantageous is if you are getting raped and you can't stop
it. Then, if you have the option, spray yourself with Pepper spray to make the
experience horrible for everyone around you.
Also, if you use Pepper spray in a closed space, like a car,
it goes everywhere in the car, too, so you or others might feel the effects of
the spray. Consider the case of a very smelly human or dog's "outgas."
It tends to be noticed everywhere except upwind. It's the same with Pepper
Spray.
In my experience, Pepper Gel is the only option when
considering a weapon like this.
I have never been much of a fan of personal alarms, but I'm
sure, like many other things, they have their place in the chain of safety. A screaming
alarm can attract unwanted attention in a personal attack, and to that end, it
would be good. However, many people hear it and don't want to get involved, so
they don't come to your aid, which one was hoping would occur. It doesn't
always have the desired effect.
It also leaves you hoping for others to help and not empowering you to help yourself, to take charge of
your self-defense rather than being a victim. Attitude is everything. If you are insistent on drawing help from sound, it is better to yell, at the top of your lungs, fire instead. Why? Well, people will hear you, but remember they don't want to get involved with a violent attack; however, if they think their house or apartment might burn down, well, now, that is an entirely different kettle of fish.
When someone is frustrated that their place might catch on
fire, they call the fire department. Who comes with the fire crews? The police are
who you have wanted all along. There is actual data to support this as it came
out of the suburbs of New York City.
People sat in their high-rise apartments with the windows
open and listened to a woman get not only raped but killed. Sometime later that
week, another such attack, but this time the woman yelled fire, and sure
enough, the police came with the fire crew and, in the end, arrested the bad
guys.
I'm sorry to say that this technique will not wholly work
today, as the bad guys get released from custody. At least the victim is saved.
I like stun guns for the effect they show when they arc and
spark. The shock value to a would-be attacker can be priceless, and I have seen
that with my own eyes.
Tasers are better as you can get both standoff ranges, nonlethal, and a stun gun built into the Taser, so you get both worlds. There are a few different Tasers on the market, and many have multiple shots. I have a patent on one of them, so I won't say which one; thus, I can remain unbiased with the reader. But
multiple shots are a lovely thing to have.
Why are multiple shots nice? If you miss the first shot or
the intended target, or the target person pulls the darts off in time so that
they don't get a total dose of electricity. There is one way you can move so that
at least one of the darts doesn't stick. So, if they know that, well, the standoff
range advantage might go to zero. But you usually get them on the second shot,
especially if they are closing the distance with you.
The next issue is that if they have a particular type of clothing, the darts won't work either. So, what you are left with is a touch stun gun that I'm sure you won't miss the intended target. It isn't always ideal, but you are in close quarters fighting distance, where you now have many choices of weapons.
4. The defender "Blur of Darkness": A very
aggressive close-quarters weapon that can, plus usually does, stop the attacker
from continuing his attack.
The Blur of Darkness is at the peak of personal protection
technology designed to empower women in self-defense scenarios. It is a compact
unit delivering a great deal of defensive power.
The Blur of Darkness looks as slick as any non-descript kitchen
tool, but there's more to it than meets the eye. This is a tool that delivers
the benefits of simplicity, disguise, and versatility. Its most prominent
feature is its chisel-cut top edge, which extends along the length of the tool
and has been ground to a sharp finish. This edge is not just superficial – it too
is a multifunctional modular component, suitable to be used as a decisive
cutting tool if needed, to make a quick escape creating cutting wounds onto an
attacker.
Flanking this edge are two really sharp points — the Blur of Darkness's primary striking surfaces,
which are aimed at sensitive areas of the attacker's anatomy. In close combat, where grabbing hands and outstretched arms are common, the points provide focused, disabling strikes that can be applied in rapid succession. The dual-point design also allows for the deflection of an attacker's punch or kick; thus, with the damage and pain caused to the fist or foot, they won't be trying to attack you again like that.
Low on the tool end, you'll find another key feature: a pair
of chisel-edged surfaces that come together into a severe stabbing point. For
serious self-defense scenarios, this part of the Blur of Darkness can be used
to jab at soft tissue, potentially neutralizing a threat in short order. If
things are terrible, that point can be aimed at more challenging targets, such
as the skull: it's designed to deliver impact and stopping power.
But the Blur of Darkness is not just about offensive power:
its design ethos is geared towards providing women with a holistic self-defense
solution. The tool's ergonomic design offers a secure grip, even in tension or
when hands are sweaty. That confidence in control is directly translated into
more confident, more effective defensive actions.
In addition, the Blur of Darkness is designed to be easily
and quickly deployed. In a self-defense situation, time counts, and this tool
can be readily accessed and brought into play with a minimum of preparation. It
is also small enough to carry discreetly so that women can have this powerful
defensive aid on hand at all times—and no one will even know it's there. Primarily
when you use one of our Kydex neck rig holsters or clip-on holsters that hold
the Blur ready for use. A quick pull, and the tool is free in your hand to use.
While they will certainly work as an offensive tool, The
Blur of Darkness is designed explicitly as a defensive tool. This means that
when held correctly, it is difficult to attack someone with it when they are
not already actively threatening you. For this reason, the Blur of Darkness is
both an excellent defensive tool and good at regular, everyday carry. You can
more easily fit it into your life and make it a part of your daily routine.
You will also be able to learn how to use it quickly enough
to fit it into your life (Free Online Training). The Blur of Darkness gives you
the option of responding to potential attackers. It can be used as a visual
deterrent to prevent altogether or, if the heck hits, used in active defense.
As a result, it is a tool that will give you more options when dealing with
potential attackers so that you feel more secure in more circumstances.
Remember, the Blur of Darkness is a self-defense tool. It is
most effective when combined with training and good situational awareness. In
the hands of a well-prepared defender, it becomes something more than a
technique – it is a crest of empowerment, a badge of war, and a powerful
deterrent to would-be assailants.
Some say the Ivan is the ultimate in personal protection, and
the Ivan Keychain Defender is a study of simplicity and effectiveness. It is a
simple, unassuming tool designed to blend into your Everyday Carry or EDC.
You could easily mistake the Ivan for an offbeat keychain attachment. It is about the size of a large key,
and its clear plastic body means it can easily slide in next to your keys, able to go wherever you go without attracting undue attention. This is, after all, the point, or in Ivan's case, two sharp points! It's meant to go everywhere you go. As long as you're carrying your keys, whether it's to work, running your errands, or out on the town, the Ivan goes with you, ready to spring into action whenever you decide the moment is right.
Small it may be, but don't be fooled into thinking that the
Ivan Keychain Defender won't make a powerful impact in the realm of personal
protection. It is shaped with two strategic points of sharp engagement and
designed to be your first line of defense when faced with any threatening
situation.
Picture yourself caught in the grip of an attacker. Your
Ivan's dual points can be used to break the hold, pressuring sensitive spots
and forcing your attacker to release you—the same instant it is your escape
tool. Enough pain, and you will make your attacker rethink his choice of
target.
The Ivan's utility doesn't end there. The very points that
can release you from a grab can also be used as a deterrent against incoming
strikes. If you see a punch or a kick coming your way, the Ivan becomes a part
of your defensive body language; by pointing its points at the incoming strike,
you create a psychological and physical guard that can stop those attacks dead
in their tracks.
Now, you might think that holding onto your Ivan during an
anti-punch or kick might cause you to lose it. This is not a great possibility
as it is designed with a thumb and finger hold, plus an industrial strength key
ring, and your keys are all safely held in your closed hand.
And so, the Ivan, though perhaps rightfully classified as a
defensive weapon, differs from most of the other items in this list because of
its ease of use. Master Brusso was wise to create a holder that feels natural
in your hand, with proper indentations for the thumb and forefinger that make
wielding it – even in all the adrenalized chaos of a dangerous confrontation –
intuitive and easy. There's no fumbling for the proper grip, and there is no
need to reorient yourself or the tool in order to use it.
It is also made of tough materials that will withstand daily
carry and fighting use without breaking or bending when you need them most. It's
also waterproof and environmentally safe to hold.
One of the most persuasive things about the Ivan is that it's
part of a multi-layered self-protection strategy. It goes hand-in-hand with
other tools and techniques – you've got a tool to use as a first line of defense,
Ivan, which might give you some breathing space to get away or deploy other
defensive tools like the Blur of Darkness, Defender 2, or other Defender Self
Defense Tools of your liking; the mere presence of a reliable tool that's on
your person and easily accessible can give you more confidence than when you
don't have it with you.
In essence, the Ivan Keychain Defender exemplifies the adage
that the best self-defense tool is the one you have on you when you need it. By
pairing with an object, you always carry with you – your keys – you always have
it with you. It's not just a tool; it's a constant companion in your voyage of
life that offers peace of mind and visceral reassurance.
Remember, the Ivan is a self-defense tool that works best
when combined with awareness, good sense, and, if possible, some basic
self-defense training. In the hands of a well-prepared person, the Ivan
Keychain Defender goes far beyond a simple accessory to become a powerful
protector of personal security.
Choosing the Right Self-Defense Tool (Blur of Darkness)
In other blogs of mine, you might have read how the "Owl
Defender" or the RP Defender was invented. I'm not alone in inventing
Defenders for more mission-specific requirements. Like the stealth Defender, it
is used to go into areas where you need other people not to see your weapons. Also,
the Spec Ops Two is much the same way.
Meanwhile, the Swan Defender was loved on the battlefield by
groups of the British Special Forces, and Defender Two was a favorite of the US
Marines and Army parachute divisions.
As for one's self-defense, things have changed. With groups
of people out to hurt or kill you during their robberies or highjacks, well,
being nice to them is now off the table. In the old days, it was about pain
compliance, and now it's about inflicting injury as quickly as possible.
Things have changed, Toto; we are not in Kansas anymore.
Thus, we now have a far more aggressive line of products to
choose from, but we still carry the pain-compliant ones as well. I like to take
a Defender 1 and a Blur on neck rigs. The Ivan goes with my keys now, and I
love the Ice Defender on either a Kydex holster neck rig or clip Kydex holster that
I can clip on almost anywhere in my environment. More to come out shortly, too.
So, besides deciding what level of damage you are OK with, which
tool or tools you purchase will also be determined. Size and ease of use are significant,
and with all the free online training, you will be able to make some choices. I
am always willing to help you with your options as well, so use the contact
form on PDWS.biz to contact me. The final
thing to consider is the legal aspect.
You need to check with your local laws to determine what you
can or cannot carry as a self-defense weapon. That would mean tasers versus
stun guns, Pepper spray types, and, as far as I know, the personal alarm isn't
banned anywhere. If you see that it is, I would love to hear from you.
The importance of training and familiarity
Once you understand how to use the Defenders, you must train
with them. Get a partner, someone you trust, perhaps a friend, and have them
practice attacking you slowly. The faster they move, the quicker you must move,
which means they are going to get hurt by the Defenders. The Defenders use
their speed against them, and that often draws blood. Have a first aid kit
always available, and be really careful in your one-on-one training.
If you have or know a woman's self-defense instructor, and
if they are open to helping you, that might be an excellent place to start
one-on-one training. Sometimes, you must be careful because your partner might
think the Defender is a joke and thus really grab you hard, and they might even
become violent. When you use the Defender in that situation, you most likely
will hurt them a lot, and it can get embarrassing for them. Be nice even though
they might be a jerk about helping you. Please don't take the bait and hurt
them. End the practice and find someone else to help.
We do have instructors all over the world, so send me an
email, and I'll see what we might have in your local area. You can also use the
contact form on PDWS.biz
to contact me.
Self-defense classes and resources for women
Check with the local police departments for classes or
information on martial arts schools in your area. You can also access online
courses and videos. Even on PDWS.biz, my
site, you can find many hours of free martial arts training, defender classes,
and a host of real-world scenario training.
Contact women support groups to learn if there are any
resources in your local area. You might even find a friend or family member
that you can train with who knows some self-defense. Regular gyms might have
some connections with some basic training either from word of mouth or even from
members of the gym. You must be careful about this one and keep it in a public
space while working with these strangers.
Remember to choose resources that resonate with you. Self-defense
is an ongoing process; it isn't a one-time class. You must be mentally ready to
protect yourself and to learn, plus develop your situational awareness. I have a book on
such an adventure, sold on Amazon.
Finally, with this topic, don't be afraid to ask for help. Many people will
turn the world upside down trying to find you help. Even ministers of churches
have done so.
Conclusion
From the versatile Pepper Gel Spray to the ingenious Blur of
Darkness and Ivan Key
Chain Defender, many women can find an off-the-shelf tool that gives them a
better sense of personal security. No single tool is a panacea, however. The
best defense against criminals is a combination of the right tools, the proper
training, situational awareness, and a confident mind.
It is a highly personal decision that relates to what you
feel comfortable with, what your lifestyle is, and what the local laws allow.
You can choose something more old school, such as a Taser, or something more customized
for this purpose, like the Blur of Darkness; the point is, practice with it and
carry it with you all the time.
But remember, self-defense is not just about what you carry;
it is about what you know. Go to self-defense classes, read up on personal
safety tips, and practice with your tools. Your journey to empowerment begins
here.
Finally, keep your eyes open, trust your gut, and never
forget that weaponry is not just a thing to carry around but a mindset. There
is no such thing as too much preparedness. The world is yours to face—and
survive.
Empower yourself, stay safe, and remember – you are your own
best Defender.
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