Black Medicine Volume IV: Equalizers [4, 4 ed.] 0873648153, 9780873648158

Citation preview

BI AGIS

Volume

IV

Equalizers N. Mashiro, Ph.D.

PALADIN

PRESS

¢ BOULDER,

COLORADO

Also by N. Mashiro: Black Medicine: The Dark Art of Death Black Medicine, Vol. II: Weapons at Hand

Black Medicine, Vol. lll: Low Blows

“God made all men, but Sam Colt made them equal.” —Traditional American saying “They eye of a man is the prince of deadly weapons.” —Owen Wister, The Virginian

Black Medicine, Volume IV:

Equalizers by N. Mashiro, Ph.D.

Copyright © 1995 by N. Mashiro ISBN 0-87364-815-3 Printed in the United States of America Published by Paladin Press, a division of Paladin Enterprises, Inc., P.O. Box 1307,

Boulder, Colorado 80306, USA. (303) 443-7250 Direct inquiries and/or orders to the above address. PALADIN,

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are trademarks belonging to Paladin Enterprises and registered in United States Patent and Trademark Office.

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Contents Introduction ………………………… 1 Introduction .............. cece eee e ee eee 1 When There Is No Weapon ……………… 7 1 When There Is No Weapon .................. 7 2 Pens and Small Sticks ………………… 11 2 Pens and Small Sticks ..................... 11 3 Spray Weapons …………………….. 17 3 Spray Weapons .............. eee eee ee eee 17 4 Electric Shock Weapons ………………. 21 4 Electric Shock Weapons ................66 21 5 Telephones ……………………….. 23 SD Telephones ..............eceeeeeeeeeeees 23 66 Clubs ……………………………. 25 CIUDS 20... ee eee eee cence ees 25

7 Flails and Chains ……………………. 31 7 Flails and Chains .....................000 31 8 Shields …………………………… 35 8 Shields .......... ccc eeee eee ee eee eens 35 9 Staffs and Spears ……………………. 39 9 Staffs and Spears ..............cc eee cena ee 39 10 Light Knives ………………………. 43 10 Light Knives ...............cc cece eee ees 43 11 Heavy Knives ……………………… 49 11 Heavy Knives ............... cece eee 49 12 Throwing Knives …………………… 53 12 Throwing Knives ................eeeeeees 53 13 Swords …………………………… 55 13 Swords ........... cece cece cc eeecceeeees 55 14 Hatchets ………………………….. 61 14 Hatchets ............ cece cece ee ee eee eee 61 15 Pistols …………………………… 65 15 Pistols .......... cece cece cece eee e eens 65 16 Shotguns …………………………. 71 16 Shotguns .......... eee eee eee eee e ees 71 17 Rifles ……………………………. 77 17 Rifles 0.0... e cece cece eee eee es 77 18 Tactics …………………………… 83 18 Tactics ....... cece cece eee ee eens 83

Warning The The self-defense self-defense techniques techniques described described in in this this book book can can be be extremely extremely dangerous. dangerous. These These techniques, techniques, particularly particularly the the use use of of weapons weapons and and firearms, firearms, inevitably inevitably reflect reflect the the author’s author’s individual beliefs and experiences that the reader cannot duplicate exactly. Therefore, they individual beliefs and experiences that the reader cannot duplicate exactly. Therefore, they are presented for academic study only. The author, publisher, and distributors of this book are presented for academic study only. The author, publisher, and distributors of this book disclaim disclaim any any liability liability from from any any damage damage or or injuries injuries of of any any type type that that a a reader reader or or user user of of information contained within this book may encounter from the use of said information. information contained within this book may encounter from the use of said information.

Introduction Hello been away business has Hello again. again. I I have have been away for for a a long long time, time, but but my my unfinished unfinished business has finally finally brought me back. Fifteen years ago I set out to write down my personal philosophy and brought me back. Fifteen years ago I set out to write down my personal philosophy and research books, the volumes. For research on on self-defense self-defense in in this this series series of of little little books, the Black Black Medicine Medicine volumes. For over over a a decade decade my my conscience conscience has has nagged nagged at at me me to to finish finish this this project project with with the the fourth fourth volume of the series: Equalizers. At last I have the opportunity to fulfill this ambition. volume of the series: Equalizers. At last I have the opportunity to fulfill this ambition. I proceed on the assumption that you are a responsible person, and that this information I proceed on the assumption that you are a responsible person, and that this information will not make its way into undisciplined hands. This volume, much more than the previous will not make its way into undisciplined hands. This volume, much more than the previous ones, whether for ones, contains contains information information that that can can be be quickly quickly and and easily easily put put to to use, use, whether for good good purposes purposes or or bad bad ones. ones. My My comfort comfort comes comes from from the the certainty certainty that that a a person person who who hurts hurts people for fun (or profit) is too busy prowling the streets to stay at home reading books. people for fun (or profit) is too busy prowling the streets to stay at home reading books. Most want to Most of of my my readers readers are are police police officers, officers, soldiers, soldiers, and and private private citizens citizens who who want to learn learn more about self-defense. It is those of us who will never draw blood except in a moment more about self-defense. It is those of us who will never draw blood except in a moment of desperation who need books and teachers. The criminals just experiment in the field on of desperation who need books and teachers. The criminals just experiment in the field on hapless victims. It is their chief advantage over us, and also their greatest weakness. They hapless victims. It is their chief advantage over us, and also their greatest weakness. They think we don’t know how to fight. think we don’t know how to fight. I I began began the the Black Black Medicine Medicine series series with with a a simple simple essay essay on on the the vital vital points points of of human human anatomy. vulnerable to anatomy. These These are are the the special special spots spots on on the the body body that that are are uniquely uniquely vulnerable to attack. attack. Everybody knows that a man can be taken out of a fight by kicking him in the groin, for Everybody knows that a man can be taken out of a fight by kicking him in the groin, for instance. instance. All All fathers fathers instruct instruct their their daughters daughters about about this this technique. technique. In In Black Black Medicine, Medicine, Volume I: The Dark Art of Death, I discussed about 150 other parts of the body that are Volume I: The Dark Art of Death, I discussed about 150 other parts of the body that are especially vulnerable to particular weapons and attacks. For example, there are nerves in especially vulnerable to particular weapons and attacks. For example, there are nerves in the neck below the angle of the jaw that control blood pressure to the brain. A light blow the neck below the angle of the jaw that control blood pressure to the brain. A light blow into this delicate spot can make a person faint, since it has the effect of slowing the heart into this delicate spot can make a person faint, since it has the effect of slowing the heart down for long seconds. I would be willing to bet that very few daughters leave home on a down for long seconds. I would be willing to bet that very few daughters leave home on a date button in date with with this this anatomic anatomic off off button in their their kit kit of of emergency emergency techniques! techniques! Since Since the the publication of The Dark Art of Death, at least some of them now do. publication of The Dark Art of Death, at least some of them now do. In volume of Weapons at In the the second second volume of the the series, series, Weapons at Hand, Hand, I I enjoyed enjoyed making making a a tour tour of of the the body’s natural weapons. How many natural weapons can you name? Fists? Feet? Knees? body’s natural weapons. How many natural weapons can you name? Fists? Feet? Knees? Keep going. There are about a hundred more. One of my favorites is the back of the wrist. Keep going. There are about a hundred more. One of my favorites is the back of the wrist. It It makes makes a a bony bony club club to to snap snap into into a a mugger’s mugger’s face. face. On On the the hand hand alone, alone, the the heel, heel, palm, palm, thumb tip, fingertips, first and second rows of knuckles, and outer and inner edges of the thumb tip, fingertips, first and second rows of knuckles, and outer and inner edges of the palm all have unique applications in self-defense. The soft palm, for instance, has stunning palm all have unique applications in self-defense. The soft palm, for instance, has stunning impact on an eardrum. impact on an eardrum. This This was was all all very very interesting, interesting, but but I I soon soon seduced seduced myself myself into into writing writing about about makeshift makeshift weapons, too. Why? Because I didn’t want any of my readers to lose a vital fight, and the weapons, too. Why? Because I didn’t want any of my readers to lose a vital fight, and the fact fact is is that that picking picking up up any any weapon weapon gives gives you you a a tenfold tenfold advantage advantage against against an an unarmed unarmed attacker. attacker. Could Could you you take take on on a a professional professional heavyweight heavyweight boxer boxer with with your your bare bare hands? hands? Probably bat in Probably not. not. What What if if you you walked walked into into the the ring ring with with a a baseball baseball bat in your your hand? hand? Feel Feel better already? Even a simple weapon gives you an enormous advantage. better already? Even a simple weapon gives you an enormous advantage. Now we must digress briefly. I promise to keep it interesting. Now we must digress briefly. I promise to keep it interesting.

As As I I have have explained explained in in the the earlier earlier volumes volumes of of the the series, series, I I have have great great admiration admiration for for the the Okinawan peasants who suffered under the rule of Japanese warlords about five centuries Okinawan peasants who suffered under the rule of Japanese warlords about five centuries ago. This was a culture and a time when weapons were of edged steel, and the warlords ago. This was a culture and a time when weapons were of edged steel, and the warlords confiscated every kind of blade, leaving only one knife per village for kitchen work. This confiscated every kind of blade, leaving only one knife per village for kitchen work. This knife by soldiers knife was was chained chained to to a a post post in in the the center center of of the the village village and and was was guarded guarded by soldiers in in armor. Most of this is legend, but it has the ring of truth. armor. Most of this is legend, but it has the ring of truth. Of course there were atrocities against the peasants. Of course there was resistance. And Of course there were atrocities against the peasants. Of course there was resistance. And in the fields at night, men practiced and perfected techniques that would permit them to in the fields at night, men practiced and perfected techniques that would permit them to crush samurai armor with their bare hands and feet. They called it te, to te, and later kara crush samurai armor with their bare hands and feet. They called it te, to te, and later kara te, all implying combat using the empty (weaponless) hands. They learned to concentrate te, all implying combat using the empty (weaponless) hands. They learned to concentrate enormous force in their blows and to move swiftly to deliver lethal attacks to two, four, or enormous force in their blows and to move swiftly to deliver lethal attacks to two, four, or even six attackers in rapid sequence. They devoted their lives to combat excellence, and even six attackers in rapid sequence. They devoted their lives to combat excellence, and no doubt many of them died perfecting the art. I have personally suffered broken bones in no doubt many of them died perfecting the art. I have personally suffered broken bones in practice, practice, and and my my need need is is not not as as great great as as theirs theirs was. was. (I (I was was not not practicing practicing in in the the dark, dark, either.) either.) My admiration for these men lies in their creative use of the few tools and implements that My admiration for these men lies in their creative use of the few tools and implements that the warlords had the conquerors conquerors let let them them keep. keep. The The warlords had to to let let the the farmers, farmers, carpenters, carpenters, cobblers, cobblers, smiths, bringing the smiths, and and other other tradesmen tradesmen keep keep their their tools tools or or risk risk bringing the economy economy to to a a halt. halt. It It should should not not surprise surprise us us that that a a man’s man’s tools tools became became his his weapons. weapons. This This period period saw saw the the evolution evolution of of the the sai sai (pitchfork), (pitchfork), tonfa tonfa (a (a millstone millstone handle), handle), kama kama (sickle), (sickle), eiku eiku (rowboat (rowboat paddle), bo (staff), and nunchaku (threshing flail) as deadly weapons. paddle), bo (staff), and nunchaku (threshing flail) as deadly weapons. The The ancient ancient Okinawans Okinawans deserve deserve our our respect respect and and admiration admiration for for their their courage courage and and resourcefulness. But what about today? When was the last time you got out your rice flail resourcefulness. But what about today? When was the last time you got out your rice flail and threshed a few bushels of grain for dinner? Never, I bet. Even so, there are people on and threshed a few bushels of grain for dinner? Never, I bet. Even so, there are people on the streets of major cities this very minute carrying nunchakus and sais hung inside their the streets of major cities this very minute carrying nunchakus and sais hung inside their jackets as weapons of personal defense. jackets as weapons of personal defense. They might as well carry stone axes and obsidian knives. They might as well carry stone axes and obsidian knives. In Weapons at Hand, I explained why it is stupid to carry ancient weapons in the street. In Weapons at Hand, I explained why it is stupid to carry ancient weapons in the street. Would you carry a broadsword on the subway at night? How about a lance, or mace and Would you carry a broadsword on the subway at night? How about a lance, or mace and flail? A tomahawk? A claymore sword? A bola? Maybe you should go all out and get a flail? A tomahawk? A claymore sword? A bola? Maybe you should go all out and get a crossbow! That will keep the bastards in line! crossbow! That will keep the bastards in line! The Okinawans were thinking clearly about their choice of weapons, but many of us today The Okinawans were thinking clearly about their choice of weapons, but many of us today are not. They knew that they could be attacked at any time. They knew that they would are not. They knew that they could be attacked at any time. They knew that they would probably be outnumbered and unarmed when it happened. They knew that their opponents probably be outnumbered and unarmed when it happened. They knew that their opponents would be armed, armored, and murderous. Their response was to learn how to reach out to would be armed, armored, and murderous. Their response was to learn how to reach out to nearby household objects and use them as deadly weapons. nearby household objects and use them as deadly weapons. Our course is plain then. On the day that you are attacked by muggers, rapists, bigots, or Our course is plain then. On the day that you are attacked by muggers, rapists, bigots, or gang gang members, members, what what objects objects will will be be within within reach reach of of your your hand? hand? Those Those objects objects are are your your weapons. Throw away the rice flail and pick up your fountain pen, your deodorant spray, weapons. Throw away the rice flail and pick up your fountain pen, your deodorant spray, your telephone handset, your rake, your cane, your flashlight, your tire iron, your curtain your telephone handset, your rake, your cane, your flashlight, your tire iron, your curtain rod, your newspaper, your broom … and learn to use them as weapons. rod, your newspaper, your broom ... and learn to use them as weapons. I weapons in I made made a a long long list list of of such such makeshift makeshift weapons in Weapons Weapons at at Hand, Hand, and and I I invite invite you you to to examine it for ideas. I listed about 200 common household objects that lend themselves to examine it for ideas. I listed about 200 common household objects that lend themselves to

deadly uses in a crisis. As I sit here at my desk I note that the desktop is littered with pens deadly uses in a crisis. As I sit here at my desk I note that the desktop is littered with pens useful useful as as yawara yawara sticks. sticks. There There is is an an X- X- Acto Acto knife knife only only inches inches from from my my right right hand. hand. At At arm’s arm’s length length on on the the right right is is a a fire fire extinguisher. extinguisher. On On the the left, left, where where I I have have to to lean lean only only aa little to reach, is a can of spray cleaner. Either would blind an attacker for crucial seconds. little to reach, is a can of spray cleaner. Either would blind an attacker for crucial seconds. There brass sculpture weight as There is is a a small small brass sculpture on on the the desk, desk, almost almost the the same same size size and and weight as brass brass knuckles. I could pick it up in my fist and hammer on someone’s skull with it. There is a knuckles. I could pick it up in my fist and hammer on someone’s skull with it. There is a telephone handset nearby (the proverbial blunt object), and the phone cord could be quite telephone handset nearby (the proverbial blunt object), and the phone cord could be quite useful as a garrote or for binding a prisoner. useful as a garrote or for binding a prisoner. Of course, because of my hobbies, there are more conventional weapons only a step away. Of course, because of my hobbies, there are more conventional weapons only a step away. Two swords and a tomahawk hang on the wall behind the desk, along with a Vietnam-era Two swords and a tomahawk hang on the wall behind the desk, along with a Vietnam-era Randall fighting knife. They are really just for display, but they might be useful in a crisis. Randall fighting knife. They are really just for display, but they might be useful in a crisis. The shotgun, loaded and ready in the rack on the other side of the office, is not there for The shotgun, loaded and ready in the rack on the other side of the office, is not there for display, but I may not be able to reach it when the time comes. In a crisis my weapon is display, but I may not be able to reach it when the time comes. In a crisis my weapon is likely to be some innocent object lying quite by chance within reach of my hand. likely to be some innocent object lying quite by chance within reach of my hand. In Black Medicine, Volume III: Low Blows, I described a wide selection of dirty fighting In Black Medicine, Volume III: Low Blows, I described a wide selection of dirty fighting techniques for those ugly situations where you must fight kara-te, “empty handed.” techniques for those ugly situations where you must fight kara-te, “empty handed.” In this volume I present the weapons course. I will teach you about the many classes of In this volume I present the weapons course. I will teach you about the many classes of hand hand weapons weapons and and will will present present the the basic, basic, elementary elementary techniques techniques for for bringing bringing them them into into play. It is not necessary to be a great weapons master in order to give a thug an agonizing play. It is not necessary to be a great weapons master in order to give a thug an agonizing surprise. Just a little sophistication goes a very long way in weaponcraft. surprise. Just a little sophistication goes a very long way in weaponcraft. In In fact, fact, confidence confidence is is such such a a factor factor that that simply simply picking picking up up anything anything and and facing facing your your attacker with it in your hands will in the majority of cases end the fight immediately. The attacker with it in your hands will in the majority of cases end the fight immediately. The bad guys don’t like getting hurt. They don’t like it one bit. bad guys don’t like getting hurt. They don’t like it one bit. There are always weapons at hand. The trick is to know just a few simple techniques that There are always weapons at hand. The trick is to know just a few simple techniques that transform these innocent household objects into deadly weapons. It is the knowledge that transform these innocent household objects into deadly weapons. It is the knowledge that makes all the difference. makes all the difference. Let’s get busy. It is good to be back. Let’s get busy. It is good to be back. N. Mashiro, June 1994 N. Mashiro, June 1994

The foot is powerful and relatively armored. Roll back on the ground and kick. The foot is powerful and relatively armored. Roll back on the ground and kick.

When

There Is

No Weapon This This is is a a book book about about how how to to use use the the families families of of expedient expedient weapons. weapons. An An organized organized approach demands that we begin with the fundamentals, that is, what to do when you are approach demands that we begin with the fundamentals, that is, what to do when you are caught when you caught off-guard off-guard and and knocked knocked down, down, or or when you have have to to fight fight in in the the locker-room locker-room showers when you are stark naked and there isn’t anything at all to use as a weapon. showers when you are stark naked and there isn’t anything at all to use as a weapon.

If what parts If all all you you have have is is your your own own body, body, what parts of of it it make make the the best best expedient expedient (emergency) (emergency) weapons? weapons? Use Your Feet Use Your Feet Here is a piece of advice you will not see just anywhere. For the untrained person, one of Here is a piece of advice you will not see just anywhere. For the untrained person, one of the most effective fistfighting techniques is to sit down on the ground, roll on your back, the most effective fistfighting techniques is to sit down on the ground, roll on your back, and stomp-kick the opponent’s shins and knees when he comes close. and stomp-kick the opponent’s shins and knees when he comes close. In In Black Black Medicine, Medicine, Volume Volume III: III: Low Low Blows, Blows, I I discussed discussed this this technique technique in in some some detail, detail, even to the extent of showing some very effective throws that can be applied using your even to the extent of showing some very effective throws that can be applied using your feet feet against against the the attacker’s attacker’s lower lower legs. legs. The The essence essence of of this this unique unique style style of of fighting, fighting, however, does not require even that level of sophistication. Simply drop on your back. Use however, does not require even that level of sophistication. Simply drop on your back. Use your your hands hands to to pivot pivot your your body body so so that that your your feet feet are are always always pointed pointed toward toward the the attacker. attacker. Kick anything that comes within reach. Don’t get up unless it is clear that you have hurt Kick anything that comes within reach. Don’t get up unless it is clear that you have hurt him. him. Here’s what bvill happen. The guy throws a punch at you and, hit or miss, you fall down. Here’s what bvill happen. The guy throws a punch at you and, hit or miss, you fall down. He laughs and sneers at you. Can’t you take a punch? You scuttle in toward him, scooting He laughs and sneers at you. Can’t you take a punch? You scuttle in toward him, scooting your butt along the ground and using your palms and heels for support. About the time he your butt along the ground and using your palms and heels for support. About the time he thinks “What the hell?” you lash out with the bottom of your right foot and really bruise thinks “What the hell?” you lash out with the bottom of your right foot and really bruise his nearest knee or shin. You scuttle back just a foot or two, keeping your feet toward him. his nearest knee or shin. You scuttle back just a foot or two, keeping your feet toward him. Usually at this point you will have one heel on the ground and the other foot raised and Usually at this point you will have one heel on the ground and the other foot raised and “cocked” want to very “cocked” to to kick kick again. again. If If you you want to hasten hasten his his undoing, undoing, you you can can say say something something very rude at this point. rude at this point. The The pain pain in in his his leg leg will will make make him him swear swear loudly. loudly. He He will will angrily angrily try try to to penetrate penetrate your your defense defense by by sidestepping sidestepping and and circling. circling. Just Just pivot pivot on on your your back back to to keep keep that that cocked cocked foot foot toward toward him. him. This This is is a a style style of of fighting fighting that that one one never never sees sees on on TV TV or or in in the the movies, movies, let let alone on the street, and the average person is just baffled by it. As the attacker, you can’t alone on the street, and the average person is just baffled by it. As the attacker, you can’t do anything with your hands because the defender is out of reach, and when you lean in do anything with your hands because the defender is out of reach, and when you lean in and try to grab a foot your hands get kicked. This hurts. After a few seconds the attacker and try to grab a foot your hands get kicked. This hurts. After a few seconds the attacker will get really angry (due to both pain and frustration) and will lose his composure. Since will get really angry (due to both pain and frustration) and will lose his composure. Since he can’t reach you with his hands he will try to kick you. Watch for it. Expect it. When he he can’t reach you with his hands he will try to kick you. Watch for it. Expect it. When he decides to kick, he will blunder. decides to kick, he will blunder. The blunder is easy to anticipate. Maddened, the attacker will step in toward you with his The blunder is easy to anticipate. Maddened, the attacker will step in toward you with his left foot, swinging the right leg back for the kick. This puts all his weight on the left leg, left foot, swinging the right leg back for the kick. This puts all his weight on the left leg, and it also puts the left leg within reach of your striking foot. Stomp as hard as you can and it also puts the left leg within reach of your striking foot. Stomp as hard as you can against against the the front front or or side side of of the the rigid rigid left left knee. knee. This This will will tear tear the the ligaments ligaments that that hold hold the the knee together, dropping the attacker on the ground and, perhaps permanently, crippling his knee together, dropping the attacker on the ground and, perhaps permanently, crippling his leg. leg. Next Steps Next Steps When fighting from the ground, the kick to the locked knee produces an anchoring injury, When fighting from the ground, the kick to the locked knee produces an anchoring injury, one one that that does does not not kill kill the the opponent opponent or or render render him him unconscious unconscious but but which which makes makes it it very very hard for him to walk. When he goes down, screaming and clutching his knee, you can get hard for him to walk. When he goes down, screaming and clutching his knee, you can get up up and and walk walk away. away. My My advice advice is is to to use use the the chance chance to to trade trade up up to to a a more more impressive impressive weapon as you seek to disengage. weapon as you seek to disengage.

A karate block is much more effective when you use a small flashlight or pen to drive your A karate block is much more effective when you use a small flashlight or pen to drive your point home. point home.

Pens and Small Sticks No No one one will will ever ever accuse accuse you you of of carrying carrying a a concealed concealed weapon weapon if if they they pat pat you you down down and and find a pen in your pocket. Yet you can kill a man with that pen. find a pen in your pocket. Yet you can kill a man with that pen. In this modern world, which of us does not habitually carry a pen on his or her person? We In this modern world, which of us does not habitually carry a pen on his or her person? We write checks, sign credit card slips, jot down phone numbers, sign receipts for packages, write checks, sign credit card slips, jot down phone numbers, sign receipts for packages,

make make lists, lists, and and leave leave hasty hasty messages messages for for our our spouses. spouses. We We would would be be lost lost without without our our writing implements. Usually it is a cheap ballpoint tucked in the checkbook or in the shirt writing implements. Usually it is a cheap ballpoint tucked in the checkbook or in the shirt pocket, but if you are well-to-do it may be a sturdy fountain pen with a screw-on top. If pocket, but if you are well-to-do it may be a sturdy fountain pen with a screw-on top. If you are like me, you may be able to pat your pockets and come up with multiple pens, a you are like me, you may be able to pat your pockets and come up with multiple pens, a highlighter, a six-inch aluminum pocket flashlight, and maybe even a penlike tire-pressure highlighter, a six-inch aluminum pocket flashlight, and maybe even a penlike tire-pressure gauge. There are at least ten such objects within reach of my right hand at this moment. gauge. There are at least ten such objects within reach of my right hand at this moment. This is fortunate because there are martial arts techniques based on the yawara stick, a 5This is fortunate because there are martial arts techniques based on the yawara stick, a 5inch inch rod rod about about 1/2 1/2 to to 1 1 inch inch in in diameter. diameter. There There is is nothing nothing special special about about “real” “real” yawara yawara sticks, so you can just use a fountain pen or any other similar object that happens to be at sticks, so you can just use a fountain pen or any other similar object that happens to be at hand. hand. How to Hold the Pen How to Hold the Pen Take Take the the pen pen and and grip grip it it in in your your strong strong hand hand so so that that about about an an inch inch of of the the rod rod protrudes protrudes from both the upper and lower sides of the fist. If you happen to have two pens, put one in from both the upper and lower sides of the fist. If you happen to have two pens, put one in each hand. Make fists and get ready to fight. each hand. Make fists and get ready to fight. The by your The beauty beauty of of the the yawara yawara stick stick is is that that it it takes takes all all the the force force delivered delivered by your fist fist and and concentrates it into a much smaller area. As it happens, the bottom of my fist makes an concentrates it into a much smaller area. As it happens, the bottom of my fist makes an imprint of about 5 square inches on whatever I strike. When I hold my pocket flashlight so imprint of about 5 square inches on whatever I strike. When I hold my pocket flashlight so that that about about an an inch inch of of the the aluminum aluminum barrel barrel sticks sticks out out below below my my fist, fist, the the force force normally normally spread spread out out over over 5 5 square square inches inches suddenly suddenly becomes becomes concentrated concentrated into into the the end end of of the the flashlight, which is about 1/4 square inch. In effect, this magnifies the power of the blow flashlight, which is about 1/4 square inch. In effect, this magnifies the power of the blow about about 20 20 times times (5 (5 - - 0.25 0.25 = = 20). 20). Driven Driven into into the the fleshy fleshy belly belly of of a a muscle muscle (the (the pectoralis pectoralis major in the chest, for example), this concentrated force tears and crushes tissue, leaving major in the chest, for example), this concentrated force tears and crushes tissue, leaving the the muscle muscle stunned stunned and and temporarily temporarily paralyzed. paralyzed. Directed Directed against against a a hard hard target target like like the the temporal bone of the skull, the spikelike yawara stick can shatter and penetrate. temporal bone of the skull, the spikelike yawara stick can shatter and penetrate. And it looks so innocent. And it looks so innocent. Blocking and Attacking with the Pen Blocking and Attacking with the Pen The The yawara yawara stick stick (or (or pen) pen) requires requires no no great great sophistication sophistication to to use. use. When When the the attacker attacker reaches just hit reaches out out to to grasp grasp you you or or tries tries to to punch punch or or kick kick you, you, just hit whatever whatever you you can can reach. reach. Hammer Hammer down down on on his his forearm, forearm, hand, hand, shoulder, shoulder, ribs, ribs, thigh, thigh, shin, shin, or or foot. foot. Drive Drive the the blunt blunt “point” of the stick deep into thick muscle or in between ribs, or use it to dent hard bone. “point” of the stick deep into thick muscle or in between ribs, or use it to dent hard bone. Any of these actions will cause serious pain to the attacker. Any of these actions will cause serious pain to the attacker. Suppose the attacker reaches out and grabs your left arm, then starts dragging you toward Suppose the attacker reaches out and grabs your left arm, then starts dragging you toward a waiting car. A martial artist would make short work of an assailant who did this, but we a waiting car. A martial artist would make short work of an assailant who did this, but we assume that you have not had the training. Instead, use your free hand to grab a pen from assume that you have not had the training. Instead, use your free hand to grab a pen from your shirt pocket, grasping it in the approved yawara style. Raise up the pen like a dagger your shirt pocket, grasping it in the approved yawara style. Raise up the pen like a dagger and drive it down very hard into the top of the assailant’s forearm. Aim at the muscular and drive it down very hard into the top of the assailant’s forearm. Aim at the muscular mound just in front of the elbow joint. There is a nerve plexus in this region. If you hit it, mound just in front of the elbow joint. There is a nerve plexus in this region. If you hit it, you will paralyze the arm for several minutes. If you don’t quite hit the nerve plexus, the you will paralyze the arm for several minutes. If you don’t quite hit the nerve plexus, the stick will still crush enough tissue to weaken his grip and let you break away. stick will still crush enough tissue to weaken his grip and let you break away. Suppose he punches at you instead. Just block the attack by hammering on the inside of Suppose he punches at you instead. Just block the attack by hammering on the inside of his wrist or forearm with the protruding end of the stick. I guarantee if you connect solidly his wrist or forearm with the protruding end of the stick. I guarantee if you connect solidly just once, he will not throw another punch at you. That little stick penetrates deeply, and it just once, he will not throw another punch at you. That little stick penetrates deeply, and it

really hurts. really hurts. Attacks to the Body Attacks to the Body How beat off How many many times times have have we we seen seen a a girl girl in in the the movies movies trying trying to to beat off an an attacker attacker by by pounding ineffectively on his chest with her little clenched fists? He just flexes his pecs pounding ineffectively on his chest with her little clenched fists? He just flexes his pecs and laughs. (That is when we all know he is going to die horribly in the final reel.) and laughs. (That is when we all know he is going to die horribly in the final reel.) If you take a pen, hold it like a yawara stick, and hammer it into somebody’s chest, he will If you take a pen, hold it like a yawara stick, and hammer it into somebody’s chest, he will not laugh. At the very least, the blow will crush muscle tissue and temporarily paralyze the not laugh. At the very least, the blow will crush muscle tissue and temporarily paralyze the muscle. muscle. Depending Depending on on circumstances, circumstances, a a yawara yawara blow blow to to the the chest chest can can easily easily crack crack a a rib rib since the force is all delivered against one rib alone. Every breath becomes agony. Even since the force is all delivered against one rib alone. Every breath becomes agony. Even worse, to my way of thinking, is the possibility that the stick will penetrate half an inch or worse, to my way of thinking, is the possibility that the stick will penetrate half an inch or so between two ribs, crushing an intercostal nerve and tearing a hole though the muscles so between two ribs, crushing an intercostal nerve and tearing a hole though the muscles that bind the ribs together. that bind the ribs together. It won’t kill him, but he isn’t going to laugh. Not without pain. It won’t kill him, but he isn’t going to laugh. Not without pain. Attacks to the Face and Head Attacks to the Face and Head In the martial arts, the normal progression is to break an opponent down by neutralizing In the martial arts, the normal progression is to break an opponent down by neutralizing his before driving his long-range long-range weapons weapons (hands) (hands) and and his his short-range short-range weapons weapons (elbows) (elbows) before driving in in the breath, and the ultimate ultimate attacks attacks on on brain, brain, breath, and blood. blood. Blocking Blocking a a punch punch may may leave leave you you momentarily inside the opponent’s guard, literally between his arms and only inches from momentarily inside the opponent’s guard, literally between his arms and only inches from his face. Now it is time to do something serious with that little stick. his face. Now it is time to do something serious with that little stick. By By now now you you understand understand that that you you can can hammer hammer down down with with the the yawara yawara stick stick (pen) (pen) and and do do substantial damage. You can also punch at the opponent’s face and let the protruding end substantial damage. You can also punch at the opponent’s face and let the protruding end of the stick rake across his mouth, nose, and eye. This is not a killing blow, but you can of the stick rake across his mouth, nose, and eye. This is not a killing blow, but you can imagine imagine the the pain pain and and disorientation disorientation it it causes. causes. Once Once you you have have raked raked up, up, you you can can quickly quickly rake back down again. Or you may “brush his teeth” with it, raking the end of the stick rake back down again. Or you may “brush his teeth” with it, raking the end of the stick quickly quickly back back and and forth forth across across his his mouth, mouth, ripping ripping his his lips lips against against his his teeth, teeth, maybe maybe even even breaking will help breaking some some teeth. teeth. Got Got the the picture? picture? Try Try to to see see it it in in your your mind. mind. It It will help you you remember the technique in a crisis. remember the technique in a crisis. The killing blow with the pen is the hammer blow to the side or top of the cranial vault. The killing blow with the pen is the hammer blow to the side or top of the cranial vault. By “killing blow” I don’t mean that the opponent is actually likely to die from the injury, By “killing blow” I don’t mean that the opponent is actually likely to die from the injury, but will put but a a good good solid solid concussion concussion or or skull skull fracture fracture will put him him right right out out of of the the fight, fight, and and in in martial arts terms this is a “kill.” The implication is that you could have gone ahead and martial arts terms this is a “kill.” The implication is that you could have gone ahead and killed him if you had wanted to. killed him if you had wanted to. To set up the blow to the side of the skull, rake his face as described above. If you do a To set up the blow to the side of the skull, rake his face as described above. If you do a good job he will cry out and grab his face with his hands. That’s your cue to kick him in good job he will cry out and grab his face with his hands. That’s your cue to kick him in the groin while he is distracted by the loose teeth in his mouth. The groin kick will bend the groin while he is distracted by the loose teeth in his mouth. The groin kick will bend him over and pull his hands down low. That is the instant when the stick can be hammered him over and pull his hands down low. That is the instant when the stick can be hammered against the cranium with one swift blow. Put your whole body behind it. against the cranium with one swift blow. Put your whole body behind it. Next Steps Next Steps Unless you can get in the skull attack, your opponent will not be incapacitated by the pen Unless you can get in the skull attack, your opponent will not be incapacitated by the pen attacks. bones may attacks. He He may may be be neutralized neutralized in in that that the the deep deep bruises bruises or or cracked cracked bones may make make it it impossible but he impossible for for him him to to fight, fight, but he might might still still have have a a surprise surprise or or two two left. left. You You have have to

watch him as you disengage, trading up to a more effective weapon if you can, and trying watch him as you disengage, trading up to a more effective weapon if you can, and trying to attract help or reach it on your own. to attract help or reach it on your own.

Leave Leave your your pepper pepper gas gas at at home? home? How How about about using using that that fire fire extinguisher extinguisher in in your your car car instead? instead?

Spray Weapons What is a “spray” weapon? If you take your cue from television, a spray weapon would be What is a “spray” weapon? If you take your cue from television, a spray weapon would be some some kind kind of of fully fully automatic automatic firearm firearm fired fired by by an an ignoramus ignoramus from from the the “spray “spray and and pray” pray” school of marksmanship. I had the opportunity to try out a fully automatic shotgun once. school of marksmanship. I had the opportunity to try out a fully automatic shotgun once.

That one “sprayed” with a vengeance. It took about one second to turn a 2 x 3 foot target That one “sprayed” with a vengeance. It took about one second to turn a 2 x 3 foot target into a huge doily. into a huge doily. People who learn about violence from television know nothing. People who learn about violence from television know nothing. A spray weapon is simply some kind of pressurized container that shoots out a stream of A spray weapon is simply some kind of pressurized container that shoots out a stream of liquid or powder that you can aim at the attacker’s face. Did you immediately think of the liquid or powder that you can aim at the attacker’s face. Did you immediately think of the little little tear tear gas gas or or pepper pepper gas gas canisters canisters that that people people carry carry in in their their pocket pocket or or purse? purse? That That is is correct, but the just the correct, but the little little tear tear gas gas bottles bottles are are just the beginning, beginning, and and they they are are not not especially especially effective. Their major claim to fame is not the incapacitation they cause, but the fact that effective. Their major claim to fame is not the incapacitation they cause, but the fact that they cause no actual eye damage. There are plenty of things you can spray in a man’s face they cause no actual eye damage. There are plenty of things you can spray in a man’s face to disorient and blind him. Unfortunately, quite a few of them cause permanent eye injury. to disorient and blind him. Unfortunately, quite a few of them cause permanent eye injury. If If you you are are fighting fighting off off a a rapist rapist in in your your own own bedroom, bedroom, of of course, course, you you may may not not care care how how permanent the injury is. permanent the injury is. Have you ever accidentally gotten a face full of hair spray or spray deodorant? The effects Have you ever accidentally gotten a face full of hair spray or spray deodorant? The effects are similar to tear gas, and the container is good for a couple of minutes of spraying, not are similar to tear gas, and the container is good for a couple of minutes of spraying, not just the 10 seconds available in a typical purse tear gas canister. Better yet, have you ever just the 10 seconds available in a typical purse tear gas canister. Better yet, have you ever discharged a dry-chemical fire extinguisher? I assume that there is one in your kitchen. It discharged a dry-chemical fire extinguisher? I assume that there is one in your kitchen. It ejects billowing cloud ejects a a flowing, flowing, billowing cloud of of sticky sticky yellow yellow powder. powder. Imagine Imagine discharging discharging it it in in the the face of an intruder. Do you think it would blind and disorient him, at least temporarily? face of an intruder. Do you think it would blind and disorient him, at least temporarily? You can bet your life it will. I don’t say that lightly. You can bet your life it will. I don’t say that lightly. How to Use a Spray Weapon How to Use a Spray Weapon A certain school of knife fighting insists on extending the open left hand out in front of the A certain school of knife fighting insists on extending the open left hand out in front of the body to ward off the opponent while the knife is held in the right hand near the right hip. body to ward off the opponent while the knife is held in the right hand near the right hip. The with the The idea idea is is to to block, block, punch, punch, grab, grab, and and otherwise otherwise fence fence with the opponent opponent with with the the left left hand, then lunge forward with the knife when an opening appears. hand, then lunge forward with the knife when an opening appears. The whole idea is to keep the knife out of reach of the opponent so that he cannot grab it The whole idea is to keep the knife out of reach of the opponent so that he cannot grab it and and disarm disarm you. you. The The same same principle principle applies applies to to tear-gas tear-gas pens pens and and other other small small spray spray weapons. weapons. Don’t hold the canister out in front of you like a fencing foil. If you were to hold it out Don’t hold the canister out in front of you like a fencing foil. If you were to hold it out toward toward me, me, I I would would take take it it away away from from you you faster faster than than you you would would believe. believe. Instead, Instead, I’d I’d suggest holding it above and behind you. Tear-gas devices usually project a stream (like a suggest holding it above and behind you. Tear-gas devices usually project a stream (like a child’s squirt gun) instead of a spray, and you can easily direct it into the assailant’s face child’s squirt gun) instead of a spray, and you can easily direct it into the assailant’s face without without actually actually looking looking at at the the canister. canister. Fend Fend him him off off with with your your left left hand, hand, or or better better yet yet hold him so he can’t break away, and paint his face with the tear-gas liquid. It will run into hold him so he can’t break away, and paint his face with the tear-gas liquid. It will run into his eyes, never fear. his eyes, never fear. If your weapon is a can of hair spray, you need to be a little more careful about how you If your weapon is a can of hair spray, you need to be a little more careful about how you spray spray it. it. A A spray spray can can projects projects a a billowing billowing cloud cloud of of droplets droplets and and propellant propellant instead instead of of aa stream, and this gives it shorter range as well as an alarm ing tendency to blow back in stream, and this gives it shorter range as well as an alarm ing tendency to blow back in your face if the wind is in the wrong quarter. your face if the wind is in the wrong quarter. I’d before, to I’d suggest suggest holding holding the the can can above above and and behind behind you, you, as as before, to prevent prevent having having it it taken taken away. When the opening appears, bring the can forward suddenly, spraying the opponent’s away. When the opening appears, bring the can forward suddenly, spraying the opponent’s face from about 24 inches away. If you connect with the spray he will close his eyes, gasp face from about 24 inches away. If you connect with the spray he will close his eyes, gasp for air, and turn away. If he blocks the spray instead, his attention will be 100 percent on for air, and turn away. If he blocks the spray instead, his attention will be 100 percent on

that can, which is your signal to knee him in the groin while he is looking up. In essence I that can, which is your signal to knee him in the groin while he is looking up. In essence I am suggesting that you use the spray to distract him so you can deliver a low kick. am suggesting that you use the spray to distract him so you can deliver a low kick. A fire extinguisher has more robust possibilities. As a rule, the little ones you can hold in A fire extinguisher has more robust possibilities. As a rule, the little ones you can hold in one one hand hand only only shoot shoot for for 4 4 or or 5 5 seconds seconds before before they they are are exhausted. exhausted. Two-handed Two-handed extinguishers will fire with an extinguishers will fire for for 15 15 seconds seconds or or so so and and can can literally literally fill fill a a room room with an opaque opaque yellow yellow cloud. cloud. Both Both kinds kinds project project a a thick thick stream stream of of powder powder 8 8 or or 10 10 feet. feet. This This gives gives you you some bear in way out some range range to to play play with. with. Just Just bear in mind mind that that you you need need a a way out of of the the room room or or the the billowing cloud will engulf you too. billowing cloud will engulf you too. One interesting possibility offered by a large fire extinguisher is the ability to lay down a One interesting possibility offered by a large fire extinguisher is the ability to lay down a smoke screen behind you as you retreat. For instance, if someone breaks into your kitchen smoke screen behind you as you retreat. For instance, if someone breaks into your kitchen and and attacks attacks you, you, it it might might be be possible possible to to grab grab a a small small extinguisher extinguisher and and flee flee down down the the hallway toward the bedrooms. Discharging the extinguisher in the confined hallway will hallway toward the bedrooms. Discharging the extinguisher in the confined hallway will simply plug it with a yellow cloud. The intruder may bull his way through, but he won’t simply plug it with a yellow cloud. The intruder may bull his way through, but he won’t be be be quite quite the the same same man man coming coming out out as as he he was was going going in. in. For For one one thing, thing, he he will will be completely painted yellow, and the powder does not brush off easily. If he gets a breath of completely painted yellow, and the powder does not brush off easily. If he gets a breath of it he will be coughing. If he wears glasses they will be coated yellow and he will have to it he will be coughing. If he wears glasses they will be coated yellow and he will have to take will slow take them them off. off. Altogether, Altogether, the the experience experience will slow him him down, down, giving giving you you a a few few extra extra seconds to trade up to a better weapon or to bolt out the back door. seconds to trade up to a better weapon or to bolt out the back door. Next Steps Next Steps The purpose of all spray weapons is to blind and disorient the attacker. Usually your next The purpose of all spray weapons is to blind and disorient the attacker. Usually your next move should be to disengage, flee to a safer location, and call for help. move should be to disengage, flee to a safer location, and call for help. There where fleeing There are are circumstances, circumstances, however, however, where fleeing is is out out of of the the question. question. There There might might be be other people in the house (a sleeping baby, for instance), or there might be more than one other people in the house (a sleeping baby, for instance), or there might be more than one attacker. This puts a premium on taking the man completely out of the fight, rendering him attacker. This puts a premium on taking the man completely out of the fight, rendering him unconscious if possible. How would you do that? unconscious if possible. How would you do that? If you are using a tear-gas pen, use the pen like a yawara stick and hammer his skull with If you are using a tear-gas pen, use the pen like a yawara stick and hammer his skull with it. with it, be better it. If If it it is is a a hair hair spray spray canister, canister, you you can can hit hit him him with it, but but it it might might be better to to take take aa second and trade up to a cast-iron frying pan. Use the edge of the pan, not the flat bottom, second and trade up to a cast-iron frying pan. Use the edge of the pan, not the flat bottom, to dent his skull. If you are using a fire extinguisher, simply hit him over the head with the to dent his skull. If you are using a fire extinguisher, simply hit him over the head with the canister itself. They are hard and heavy, and results are guaranteed. canister itself. They are hard and heavy, and results are guaranteed. The key is to be ready to step in and deliver the blow during the first couple of seconds The key is to be ready to step in and deliver the blow during the first couple of seconds after the spray hits his eyes. The window of opportunity is brief, and it does not stay open after the spray hits his eyes. The window of opportunity is brief, and it does not stay open forever.

Electric Shock

Weapons So So far, far, no no one one has has invented invented a a working working “light “light saber” saber” that that will will sizzle sizzle an an intruder intruder into into smoking pieces at one blow. In the meantime, we have to be satisfied with the so-called smoking pieces at one blow. In the meantime, we have to be satisfied with the so-called “stun “stun guns.” guns.” These These are are hand-held hand-held devices devices that that take take the the electric electric current current from from a a 9-volt 9-volt battery volts. Pressed body (even battery and and transform transform it it up up to to 100,000 100,000 volts. Pressed against against an an attacker’s attacker’s body (even through thick clothing), the electricity is very painful and disorienting, but the current is so through thick clothing), the electricity is very painful and disorienting, but the current is so low that it is not actually dangerous. Many women carry these devices in their purses. low that it is not actually dangerous. Many women carry these devices in their purses. There is a problem with stun guns that you should be aware of. They have been designed There is a problem with stun guns that you should be aware of. They have been designed to brightly, making to arc arc brightly, making a a miniature miniature lightning lightning storm storm between between the the electrodes electrodes when when the the salesman salesman presses presses the the button. button. “All “All that that power power in in the the palm palm of of your your hand,” hand,” he he says. says. “A “A mugger takes one look at that and runs for his life!” This line of patter sells a lot of stun mugger takes one look at that and runs for his life!” This line of patter sells a lot of stun guns. guns. All All you you have have to to do do is is scare scare the the guy guy off, off, you you see. see. You You don’t don’t actually actually have have to to fight fight him. him. This leads to a very poor mind-set in a crisis. Confronted by the mugger, the victim pulls This leads to a very poor mind-set in a crisis. Confronted by the mugger, the victim pulls out the stun gun, holds it out like the salesman did, and pushes the button. The little sparks out the stun gun, holds it out like the salesman did, and pushes the button. The little sparks zap across the electrodes. The mugger smiles, slaps the unit out of the victim’s hand, and zap across the electrodes. The mugger smiles, slaps the unit out of the victim’s hand, and proceeds with the mugging. proceeds with the mugging. How to Use a Stun Weapon How to Use a Stun Weapon Never hold your weapon out for the enemy to admire. He may decide he likes it. Never hold your weapon out for the enemy to admire. He may decide he likes it. My My advice advice is is to to fend fend off off the the attacker attacker with with your your left left hand hand while while keeping keeping the the stun stun gun gun hidden hidden behind behind your your right right hip. hip. Don’t Don’t let let him him see see it. it. Don’t Don’t let let him him hear hear it. it. Just Just keep keep it it aa secret until the moment when you grab his jacket with your left hand, step in nose-to-nose secret until the moment when you grab his jacket with your left hand, step in nose-to-nose with him, and ram the stun gun into his groin. Grind the electrodes into his genitals and with him, and ram the stun gun into his groin. Grind the electrodes into his genitals and hold the button down. Don’t let him get away. Ride him down to the ground. Don’t just hold the button down. Don’t let him get away. Ride him down to the ground. Don’t just zap once and stop. zap once and stop. If he throws his hips back to avoid the groin attack, just swing the stun gun up and ram it If he throws his hips back to avoid the groin attack, just swing the stun gun up and ram it into his throat. Again, hold the button down and ride him until he falls. into his throat. Again, hold the button down and ride him until he falls. Next Steps Next Steps If you get in a good, solid shock, there should be no need for a “next step.” One-hundred If you get in a good, solid shock, there should be no need for a “next step.” One-hundred thousand volts is fairly convincing. Just walk away. thousand volts is fairly convincing. Just walk away. If you carry a stun gun, you should be prepared for the possibility that the battery will be If you carry a stun gun, you should be prepared for the possibility that the battery will be dead the night you need it. If you push the button and nothing happens, what do you do? dead the night you need it. If you push the button and nothing happens, what do you do?

A stun gun is a lot like a yawara stick. You can hammer with it against face, arms, shins, A stun gun is a lot like a yawara stick. You can hammer with it against face, arms, shins, and so forth. Pound him with it. Sometimes trading up to a different weapon simply means and so forth. Pound him with it. Sometimes trading up to a different weapon simply means using the weapon in your hand a different way. using the weapon in your hand a different way.

Telephones Cellular telephones. Cellular telephones. There you are, walking down the sidewalk late at night on your way home from a hard day There you are, walking down the sidewalk late at night on your way home from a hard day at the office. You notice a couple of hoods following you and getting closer. What do you at the office. You notice a couple of hoods following you and getting closer. What do you do? do? At the next street light or lighted doorway, you stop and pull out your cellular phone. Dial At the next street light or lighted doorway, you stop and pull out your cellular phone. Dial 911. Put the phone to your ear and look right at the thugs. Start to talk. “Yes, officer. There 911. Put the phone to your ear and look right at the thugs. Start to talk. “Yes, officer. There are two of them …” are two of them ...” Watch the goblins run for cover. Watch the goblins run for cover. If you can call the police for help, do it. If you can call the police for help, do it.

To To use use the the five-cell five-cell flashlight flashlight as as a a club, club, first first shine shine it it in in his his eyes eyes and and then then smash smash aa collarbone with it. collarbone with it.

Clubs

What by a What exactly exactly do do I I mean mean by a “club”? “club”? A A club club is is an an object object that that is is about about the the same same length, length, thickness, thickness, and and weight weight as as a a police police nightstick. nightstick. A A 5-cell 5-cell flashlight flashlight qualifies, qualifies, and and so so does does aa rolling pin. You might also think of a fireplace poker or a large crescent wrench. A club is rolling pin. You might also think of a fireplace poker or a large crescent wrench. A club is

any any object object that that will will produce produce a a satisfying satisfying impact impact against against an an attacker’s attacker’s body body when when swung swung with one hand. with one hand. A A baseball baseball bat, bat, alas, alas, does does not not qualify. qualify. Neither Neither does does a a golf golf club. club. Neither Neither lends lends itself itself to to aa heavy we really heavy one-handed one-handed impact. impact. A A hammer hammer or or hatchet hatchet comes comes close, close, but but we really need need something that will strike and slide off rather than dig in. something that will strike and slide off rather than dig in. How to Hold the Club How to Hold the Club This is going to surprise you. The “club” I favor for casual nighttime strolls in the “hood” This is going to surprise you. The “club” I favor for casual nighttime strolls in the “hood” is is a a 5-cell 5-cell aluminum aluminum flashlight. flashlight. You You can can get get them them in in any any hardware hardware store store these these days. days. Sometimes Sometimes they they come come with with a a little little sticker sticker on on the the side side that that says, says, “NOT “NOT to to be be used used as as aa nightstick.” It violates the warranty, I suppose! nightstick.” It violates the warranty, I suppose! Hold Hold the the flashlight flashlight (club) (club) in in your your strong strong hand. hand. The The lens lens of of the the light light protrudes protrudes from from the the little-finger side of the hand, and the length of the barrel sticks up out of the thumb side of little-finger side of the hand, and the length of the barrel sticks up out of the thumb side of the hand. Turn the flashlight so that you can work the switch with one of your fingers. On the hand. Turn the flashlight so that you can work the switch with one of your fingers. On my flashlight the switch is a rubber push-button I can work with my middle finger. Now my flashlight the switch is a rubber push-button I can work with my middle finger. Now casually swing the flashlight up so the barrel rests on your shoulder, lens pointed forward. casually swing the flashlight up so the barrel rests on your shoulder, lens pointed forward. Click the light on. Click the light on. These when you These lights lights are are bright, bright, and and when you point point it it in in an an intruder’s intruder’s face face you you will will destroy destroy his his night vision immediately. One good flash in the face, followed by darkness, and he will night vision immediately. One good flash in the face, followed by darkness, and he will have a very hard time seeing your attacks in time to parry them. have a very hard time seeing your attacks in time to parry them. Attacks Against Hands and Arms Attacks Against Hands and Arms Again we presume a basically defensive situation. You heard a noise at night and went to Again we presume a basically defensive situation. You heard a noise at night and went to investigate. by an investigate. You You have have your your 5-cell 5-cell flashlight flashlight in in hand. hand. Suddenly Suddenly you you are are confronted confronted by an intruder who attacks you. What do you do with the flashlight to fend off the attack? intruder who attacks you. What do you do with the flashlight to fend off the attack? When the assailant reaches for you or throws a punch, try to crack the flashlight against When the assailant reaches for you or throws a punch, try to crack the flashlight against his hand or wrist. Aim for bony structures rather than meaty ones. It is not that difficult to his hand or wrist. Aim for bony structures rather than meaty ones. It is not that difficult to fracture his wrist with a sharp, solid blow. Rapping the flashlight hard against his hand can fracture his wrist with a sharp, solid blow. Rapping the flashlight hard against his hand can easily break or dislocate fingers. easily break or dislocate fingers. Try by doing Try to to hurt hurt him. him. If If you you can can stop stop the the attack attack by doing no no more more damage damage than than breaking breaking aa finger, finger, you you have have won won with with moral moral bonus bonus points. points. A A half-hearted half-hearted effort, effort, however, however, will will not not win, and there are no moral bonus points for losing. win, and there are no moral bonus points for losing. Attacks Against Legs and Feet Attacks Against Legs and Feet Most people have a very limited idea of how to use a club. When they see you holding a Most people have a very limited idea of how to use a club. When they see you holding a club they assume that you will swing at the head. Don’t do it. You can take advantage of club they assume that you will swing at the head. Don’t do it. You can take advantage of their expectations, however, by raising the club for an attack and then swinging it down their expectations, however, by raising the club for an attack and then swinging it down into the side of the thigh or the knee. In a fighting stance the attacker usually has one leg into the side of the thigh or the knee. In a fighting stance the attacker usually has one leg or the other forward, within easy range of your club. A solid blow will bruise and cramp or the other forward, within easy range of your club. A solid blow will bruise and cramp his thigh muscles, giving you a chance to disengage and escape. his thigh muscles, giving you a chance to disengage and escape. If If the the attacker attacker kicks kicks at at you you (in (in imitation imitation of of popular popular karate karate movies), movies), you you can can give give him him aa very very nasty nasty surprise. surprise. Strike Strike his his foot, foot, shin, shin, or or calf calf with with the the club-hard. club-hard. The The club club can can break break toes easily, and a fractured ankle or shin is possible. Either will make it easy for you to run toes easily, and a fractured ankle or shin is possible. Either will make it easy for you to run away. away.

Suppose the incoming kick is more like a football kick than a karate kick. Smacking the Suppose the incoming kick is more like a football kick than a karate kick. Smacking the club downward against the front of the attacker’s shinbone bruises the nerves that control club downward against the front of the attacker’s shinbone bruises the nerves that control the position and motion of the foot. The foot just goes limp. There is a great deal of pain, the position and motion of the foot. The foot just goes limp. There is a great deal of pain, too. Trust me, I’ve been there. It was 10 minutes before I could walk again, and then only too. Trust me, I’ve been there. It was 10 minutes before I could walk again, and then only painfully. painfully. For both foot and hand attacks against you, simply use the club to “punish” whatever hand For both foot and hand attacks against you, simply use the club to “punish” whatever hand or foot, arm or leg comes within reach. This very quickly saps his will to continue as well or foot, arm or leg comes within reach. This very quickly saps his will to continue as well as reduces his ability to fight. Bad guys don’t like to get hurt. Nobody does. as reduces his ability to fight. Bad guys don’t like to get hurt. Nobody does. Attacks Against the Torso Attacks Against the Torso The club offers four effective attacks to the torso. The problem is that you have to get past The club offers four effective attacks to the torso. The problem is that you have to get past the the attacker’s attacker’s punches punches and and kicks kicks first. first. These These techniques techniques are are best best thought thought of of as as counterattacks you can shift to after landing a good, solid block. counterattacks you can shift to after landing a good, solid block. Here’s Here’s a a simple simple example example borrowed borrowed from from saber saber play. play. The The attacker attacker throws throws a a right-hand right-hand punch at your face. You block it with the club, hitting the inside of his wrist and knocking punch at your face. You block it with the club, hitting the inside of his wrist and knocking his his arm arm off off to to the the side side (to (to your your left, left, his his right). right). This This “opens” “opens” him him up up for for a a moment, moment, exposing just above exposing the the right right side side of of his his body body to to attack. attack. Raise Raise the the club club up up slightly slightly just above head head level will do-and snap it down sharply on his right collar bone. The bone is about the size level will do-and snap it down sharply on his right collar bone. The bone is about the size of a chicken drumstick bone, and a solid blow will break it. You may actually hear it snap. of a chicken drumstick bone, and a solid blow will break it. You may actually hear it snap. If bone breaks, breaks, the will definitely If the the bone the attacker attacker will definitely be be out out of of the the fight, fight, since since the the fracture fracture effectively paralyzes both arms. effectively paralyzes both arms. Here’s Here’s a a more more aggressive aggressive move move for for those those situations situations where where you you cannot cannot afford afford to to take take aa purely were about purely defensive defensive role. role. Raise Raise the the club club up up over over your your head head as as if if you you were about to to swing swing down at his skull. Fake him out. Make him fling his arms upward to ward off the blow. down at his skull. Fake him out. Make him fling his arms upward to ward off the blow. Then make a fast semicircular swing that brings the club in sideways at about waist level. Then make a fast semicircular swing that brings the club in sideways at about waist level. Hit Hit the the last last few few ribs ribs on on the the opponent’s opponent’s left left side. side. Alternately, Alternately, strike strike sharply sharply at at the the opponent’s hip bone. Just aim for the belt where it crosses the side of the body and swing opponent’s hip bone. Just aim for the belt where it crosses the side of the body and swing as hard as you can. as hard as you can. One One of of my my favorite favorite techniques techniques is is to to hold hold the the club club down down by by your your leg leg loosely loosely during during the the initial initial confrontation confrontation with with the the opponent. opponent. Let Let it it dangle dangle a a little. little. When When the the action action starts, starts, simply snap the club directly forward and up between his legs. This move is every bit as simply snap the club directly forward and up between his legs. This move is every bit as sudden but it be delivered sudden and and painful painful as as it it sounds, sounds, but it has has to to be delivered very very suddenly suddenly and and with with absolutely no warning. absolutely no warning. Attacks to the Head and Neck Attacks to the Head and Neck I said before that the opponent will expect you to swing at his head with the club. I think I said before that the opponent will expect you to swing at his head with the club. I think this is an actual human instinct springing directly from our genes. Modern anthropology this is an actual human instinct springing directly from our genes. Modern anthropology has shown that our ancestors had a merry time killing baboons using bone clubs. The piles has shown that our ancestors had a merry time killing baboons using bone clubs. The piles of bear mute of fractured fractured baboon baboon skulls skulls in in ancient ancient South South African African caves caves bear mute testimony testimony to to the the effectiveness of the club in prehuman hands. effectiveness of the club in prehuman hands. I hesitate to recommend club attacks to the head simply because it is too easy to kill the I hesitate to recommend club attacks to the head simply because it is too easy to kill the opponent or to do permanent brain damage. Part of my reluctance is due to police baton, opponent or to do permanent brain damage. Part of my reluctance is due to police baton, nightstick, or tonfa training, in which swinging at the head is discouraged. Too brutal, you nightstick, or tonfa training, in which swinging at the head is discouraged. Too brutal, you see. Damage to the suspect’s head is considered evidence that the officer lost control. Let’s see. Damage to the suspect’s head is considered evidence that the officer lost control. Let’s

face it, if you can whack him on the head you can choose to break his collarbone instead face it, if you can whack him on the head you can choose to break his collarbone instead with less risk of permanent damage. And the damage is not nearly as photogenic, in case with less risk of permanent damage. And the damage is not nearly as photogenic, in case the spectators are filming you. the spectators are filming you. On where you but to On the the other other hand, hand, I I have have alluded alluded to to situations situations where you have have no no choice choice but to do do something immediate, decisive, and potentially lethal to put an opponent completely out something immediate, decisive, and potentially lethal to put an opponent completely out of the fight. If I were attacked by a gang, for instance, I would not hesitate to fracture a of the fight. If I were attacked by a gang, for instance, I would not hesitate to fracture a skull or two in the first moments of the melee. In that kind of situation you have to reduce skull or two in the first moments of the melee. In that kind of situation you have to reduce the odds quickly and permanently. Snapping that heavy flashlight straight forward into the the odds quickly and permanently. Snapping that heavy flashlight straight forward into the attacker’s forehead will do that, and it will free you to turn your attention to the next guy. attacker’s forehead will do that, and it will free you to turn your attention to the next guy. There is nothing more merciless than a mob attack on a lone individual. You have to be There is nothing more merciless than a mob attack on a lone individual. You have to be just as ruthless to survive it. just as ruthless to survive it. Next Steps Next Steps If you are using a club for self-defense, the “next steps” are pretty obvious. You block the If you are using a club for self-defense, the “next steps” are pretty obvious. You block the attack, counterattack against the collarbone or the thigh, and stand back. Put the flashlight attack, counterattack against the collarbone or the thigh, and stand back. Put the flashlight back on your shoulder and turn it on again. Stay out of reach, but stay close enough so you back on your shoulder and turn it on again. Stay out of reach, but stay close enough so you can step in suddenly with that skullcracking blow to the forehead if necessary. can step in suddenly with that skullcracking blow to the forehead if necessary. Why? back, Why? Because Because the the sucker sucker may may reach reach in in his his pocket pocket and and pull pull out out a a pistol. pistol. So So step step back, watch jacket pocket, watch his his hands, hands, and and if if a a hand hand dives dives into into a a jacket pocket, step step in in and and send send him him to to dreamland. dreamland. Then Then check check the the pocket pocket and and see see what’s what’s in in it. it. Under Under the the circumstances, circumstances, you you might be better off swapping him the flashlight for the pistol. might be better off swapping him the flashlight for the pistol.

Flails and Chains A weapon like A flail flail is is a a flexible flexible weapon like a a chain chain or or an an extremely extremely lightweight lightweight stick stick like like a a metal metal curtain rod or automobile radio antenna. You use it to “whip” or “cut” at the opponent’s curtain rod or automobile radio antenna. You use it to “whip” or “cut” at the opponent’s face and hands. The actual damage depends on the weight of the makeshift flail itself. A face and hands. The actual damage depends on the weight of the makeshift flail itself. A heavy break bones, heavy chain chain can can break bones, afterall. afterall. The The amount amount of of pain pain inflicted inflicted can can be be large large even even when the weapon is very light and insubstantial. Even a piece of clothesline raises painful when the weapon is very light and insubstantial. Even a piece of clothesline raises painful welts when whipped across the face or hands. Imagine what a fishing rod can do! welts when whipped across the face or hands. Imagine what a fishing rod can do! The The essential essential characteristic characteristic of of a a flail flail is is that that stabbing stabbing with with it it is is out out of of the the question. question. You You can’t flail. can’t stab stab at at someone someone with with a a bicycle bicycle chain. chain. Also, Also, you you cannot cannot club club someone someone with with a a flail. Clubbing break any Clubbing a a person person with with a a length length of of extension extension cord cord isn’t isn’t going going to to break any bones. bones. The The only way to do damage with a flail is to swing it so it cuts exposed flesh. only way to do damage with a flail is to swing it so it cuts exposed flesh. Attacking the Face and Hands Attacking the Face and Hands

It is very hard to incapacitate an opponent with a light flail, so the goal is to intimidate him It is very hard to incapacitate an opponent with a light flail, so the goal is to intimidate him and/or set him up for an unexpected counterattack instead. and/or set him up for an unexpected counterattack instead. The basic technique for a flail is to swing it in a horizontal figure-eight in front of you. The basic technique for a flail is to swing it in a horizontal figure-eight in front of you. Start up high on your right side. Cut diagonally down and across in front of your body. Start up high on your right side. Cut diagonally down and across in front of your body. Let the flail swing up again on your left, then cut back handed down and across in front of Let the flail swing up again on your left, then cut back handed down and across in front of you again. Let it swing up on the right side and start over again. you again. Let it swing up on the right side and start over again. Just swing the flail in this figure-eight pattern. Both the left and right downward cuts can Just swing the flail in this figure-eight pattern. Both the left and right downward cuts can be be used used as as attacks. attacks. Aim Aim at at the the face, face, the the side side of of the the neck, neck, the the upper upper shoulder, shoulder, and and the the exposed hands. If you get a chance, slash hard at extended fingers. They are easy to break exposed hands. If you get a chance, slash hard at extended fingers. They are easy to break and are very sensitive to pain. and are very sensitive to pain. Defending Against Multiple Attackers Defending Against Multiple Attackers One One of of the the really really nice nice things things about about the the light light flail flail is is the the sound sound it it makes makes as as you you swing swing it it through the air. It “hums.” People who hear that sound usually back off. Make it sing for through the air. It “hums.” People who hear that sound usually back off. Make it sing for you. It will sap their determination even before the first blow is struck. you. It will sap their determination even before the first blow is struck. From From the the basic basic figure-eight figure-eight pattern pattern you you can can easily easily shift shift to to a a round-and-round round-and-round pattern pattern where you swing the flail horizontally above your head. This makes the striking end of the where you swing the flail horizontally above your head. This makes the striking end of the flail whistle by at eye level in a complete circle around you. Speed up and slow down a flail whistle by at eye level in a complete circle around you. Speed up and slow down a little little to to keep keep the the attackers attackers off off balance. balance. Turn Turn to to face face this this one, one, then then that that one. one. Take Take every every opportunity to cut down on an exposed face or hand. opportunity to cut down on an exposed face or hand. Next Steps Next Steps The flail is very intimidating, and this intimidation can be used to your advantage. If you The flail is very intimidating, and this intimidation can be used to your advantage. If you cut suddenly at a man’s face, he will react in one of two ways. If he is brave, he will throw cut suddenly at a man’s face, he will react in one of two ways. If he is brave, he will throw up his arms to protect his face and try to catch the flail. If his nerve is not as strong, he will up his arms to protect his face and try to catch the flail. If his nerve is not as strong, he will turn his back, flinching away from the flail. turn his back, flinching away from the flail. The swinging flail is not the real attack. It is only the distraction. Whip him across the face The swinging flail is not the real attack. It is only the distraction. Whip him across the face and when his and when his hands hands fly fly up, up, kick kick him him in in the the groin groin or or knee. knee. If If he he flinches flinches away, away, ducking ducking down and turning his back, kick him in the testicles from behind. It will surprise down and turning his back, kick him in the testicles from behind. It will surprise him him severely.

Makeshift Makeshift shields, shields, such such as as this this notebook, notebook, are are remarkably remarkably effective effective against against an an angry angry attacker. attacker.

Shields

Shields? Have I lost my mind? Well, not entirely. Shields? Have I lost my mind? Well, not entirely. Have been beaten Have you you ever ever read read the the medical medical examiner’s examiner’s report report on on someone someone who who has has been beaten or or knifed knifed to to death? death? One One of of the the first first things things the the pathologist pathologist looks looks for for is is the the presence presence of of “defensive wounds” on the forearms. These are bruises, cuts, scrapes or even broken “defensive wounds” on the forearms. These are bruises, cuts, scrapes or even

bones caused by raising the arms to shield the head and torso during an attack. bones caused by raising the arms to shield the head and torso during an attack. These bodies These people people desperately desperately needed needed the the information information in in this this chapter. chapter. Their Their battered battered bodies bear mute testimony to the fact that throwing up your arms to ward off an attack doesn’t bear mute testimony to the fact that throwing up your arms to ward off an attack doesn’t really work very well. really work very well. What could they have done instead? What could you do? What could they have done instead? What could you do? Using a Shield in Self-Defense Using a Shield in Self-Defense A shield is any object you can hold out in front of you to ward off a punch, kick, or stab. A shield is any object you can hold out in front of you to ward off a punch, kick, or stab. There are hard shields, like notebooks and briefcases, and soft shields, like sweaters and There are hard shields, like notebooks and briefcases, and soft shields, like sweaters and pillows. My favorite shield is a straight-backed wooden chair used lion-tamer fashion. pillows. My favorite shield is a straight-backed wooden chair used lion-tamer fashion. Imagine yourself holding a three-ring binder, a large book, or a wooden cutting board as a Imagine yourself holding a three-ring binder, a large book, or a wooden cutting board as a shield. Grab it in both hands and hold it out in front of you. As the opponent attacks, just shield. Grab it in both hands and hold it out in front of you. As the opponent attacks, just follow your instincts and use the shield to meet the blows and deflect them away. Try to follow your instincts and use the shield to meet the blows and deflect them away. Try to use the edge of the shield rather than the flat side, because this digs into his arms and hurts use the edge of the shield rather than the flat side, because this digs into his arms and hurts quite a bit. If he kicks, bring the board down and let the edge chop his shin. You get the quite a bit. If he kicks, bring the board down and let the edge chop his shin. You get the idea. These are very natural motions. idea. These are very natural motions. The soft shield is more difficult to use than the hard shield. You have to grasp the sweater The soft shield is more difficult to use than the hard shield. You have to grasp the sweater or towel (or chain or extension cord or belt) and pull it tight between your two fists. Use or towel (or chain or extension cord or belt) and pull it tight between your two fists. Use this band of tight material to deflect or block incoming blows. You can see the use of this this band of tight material to deflect or block incoming blows. You can see the use of this technique technique more more clearly clearly if if you you have have a a friend friend take take a a rubber rubber knife knife and and stab stab down down at at your your chest. The tight band of material stretched between your two hands really does help you chest. The tight band of material stretched between your two hands really does help you intercept this attack and hold it off. intercept this attack and hold it off. By the way, only an idiot practices with a real knife. If you don’t have a rubber knife, use By the way, only an idiot practices with a real knife. If you don’t have a rubber knife, use a wooden spoon. Use a ruler. Use a rolled-up magazine. If you use a real knife in practice, a wooden spoon. Use a ruler. Use a rolled-up magazine. If you use a real knife in practice, you will be explaining yourself to a doctor and probably a law officer, and you will look you will be explaining yourself to a doctor and probably a law officer, and you will look like a damned fool. Use some common sense and avoid this situation. like a damned fool. Use some common sense and avoid this situation. Using the Chair as a Shield Using the Chair as a Shield I said that my favorite shield is the straight-backed chair. I love it. Bad guys don’t usually I said that my favorite shield is the straight-backed chair. I love it. Bad guys don’t usually practice by surprise. practice fencing fencing with with chairs, chairs, and and it it takes takes them them quite quite by surprise. The The seat seat of of the the chair chair forms forms the the shield shield against against their their attacks, attacks, and and the the four four legs legs become become formidable formidable secondary secondary weapons. This technique is especially useful when someone pulls a knife on you. weapons. This technique is especially useful when someone pulls a knife on you. When I pick up a chair to use as a shield, I put my right hand on the back. Then I grasp the When I pick up a chair to use as a shield, I put my right hand on the back. Then I grasp the seat of the chair in the front with my left hand and lift it up with the legs pointing directly seat of the chair in the front with my left hand and lift it up with the legs pointing directly at at the the opponent. opponent. Turn Turn the the chair chair slightly slightly so so that that one one leg leg lines lines up up on on his his face face and and the the diagonally opposite leg lines up on his groin. Now drive the chair forward sharply and see diagonally opposite leg lines up on his groin. Now drive the chair forward sharply and see whether whether you you catch catch him him in in the the testicles testicles or or in in the the teeth. teeth. Either Either will will put put him him off off his his stride. stride. Keep Keep up up the the pressure pressure until until he he is is stumbling stumbling backward, backward, frantically frantically avoiding avoiding your your repeated repeated thrusts. thrusts. Next Steps Next Steps Here is where I have to alert you to a fighting maxim that dates back thousands of years. Here is where I have to alert you to a fighting maxim that dates back thousands of years. You cannot win a battle by fighting defensively. No matter how good your defense is, the You cannot win a battle by fighting defensively. No matter how good your defense is, the opponent will eventually get lucky and break through if you don’t go on the offense and opponent will eventually get lucky and break through if you don’t go on the offense and

press your advantage. press your advantage. Shields work really well in Shields work really well in fist-fight fist-fight situations… situations... for for about about six six seconds. seconds. The The attacker attacker seems to try about three attacks before he realizes that he has to find another solution. It seems to try about three attacks before he realizes that he has to find another solution. It only takes another second before he reaches out and grabs the shield. Then he forces the only takes another second before he reaches out and grabs the shield. Then he forces the shield down and uses it to pull you into the next blow. shield down and uses it to pull you into the next blow. There are two things to say about this. First, when the attacker grabs the shield you must There are two things to say about this. First, when the attacker grabs the shield you must let go of it immediately. You are better off without it. Step back and try something else. let go of it immediately. You are better off without it. Step back and try something else. Second, you should not let the situation get this far. Use the shield to block the first blow Second, you should not let the situation get this far. Use the shield to block the first blow (and maybe the second), and then shove it right in his face. If you get a clear shot you can (and maybe the second), and then shove it right in his face. If you get a clear shot you can use your notebook or cutting board to break his nose, but that is not the real purpose of the use your notebook or cutting board to break his nose, but that is not the real purpose of the move. All you really want to do is to cover his eyes for a second so he can’t see your legs. move. All you really want to do is to cover his eyes for a second so he can’t see your legs. Shove the board in his face and, without hesitation, kick his testicles into orbit. It works Shove the board in his face and, without hesitation, kick his testicles into orbit. It works every When he bends over with the every time. time. When he bends over in in agony, agony, crack crack him him on on the the back back of of the the head head with the shield. Then turn and run. shield. Then turn and run. The shield buys you time to make a counterattack. Don’t waste the time. Use it. Fight for The shield buys you time to make a counterattack. Don’t waste the time. Use it. Fight for your life. your life.

A A broom broom in in the the face face is is unexpected, unexpected, dusty, dusty, and and painful. painful. The The straws straws lance lance into into the the eyes, eyes, mouth, and nose. mouth, and nose.

Staffs and

Spears Spear. Pike. Halberd. Bayonet. Quarter staff. Bojutsu staff. Pilum. Hastatum. Tales of the Spear. Pike. Halberd. Bayonet. Quarter staff. Bojutsu staff. Pilum. Hastatum. Tales of the Bengal jousting on Bengal Lancers. Lancers. Knights Knights jousting on horseback. horseback. The The romance romance of of metaltipped metaltipped hickory hickory slicing through your opponent’s vitals! slicing through your opponent’s vitals! Nonsense. Go get your kitchen broom and we’ll get started. Nonsense. Go get your kitchen broom and we’|I get started. This weapons that little This chapter chapter is is about about the the “pole” “pole” weapons that might might be be at at hand hand when when you you need need a a little help. Brooms, mops, shovels, rakes … any light polelike object 5 feet long and about as help. Brooms, mops, shovels, rakes ... any light polelike object 5 feet long and about as heavy as a broomstick or shovel handle will do. heavy as a broomstick or shovel handle will do. The great virtue of the staff as a weapon is that you can attack with either end. This is very The great virtue of the staff as a weapon is that you can attack with either end. This is very bewildering to an opponent who has never experienced a quarterstaff assault. bewildering to an opponent who has never experienced a quarterstaff assault. How to Hold the Staff How to Hold the Staff For our purposes, hold the staff the way you would hold a rifle with a fixed bayonet. Let’s For our purposes, hold the staff the way you would hold a rifle with a fixed bayonet. Let’s say your weapon is a broom from the kitchen. Step forward a few inches with your left say your weapon is a broom from the kitchen. Step forward a few inches with your left foot. Hold the broom horizontally about waist level. Point the handle toward the attacker’s foot. Hold the broom horizontally about waist level. Point the handle toward the attacker’s face and let the straw end hang behind you. face and let the straw end hang behind you. Same thing with a shovel or rake. Point the handle at the opponent and keep the awkward Same thing with a shovel or rake. Point the handle at the opponent and keep the awkward tines or blade behind you. For now, anyway. tines or blade behind you. For now, anyway. Blocldng with the Staff Blocldng with the Staff Imagine an opponent who attacks you with his fists and feet. You grab your handy broom Imagine an opponent who attacks you with his fists and feet. You grab your handy broom and get into your fighting stance. He throws a right punch at your head. What do you do? and get into your fighting stance. He throws a right punch at your head. What do you do? You have the handle of the broom pointing at his face. If you want to block the punch, just You have the handle of the broom pointing at his face. If you want to block the punch, just snap snap the the broomstick broomstick to to your your left, left, meeting meeting the the attack attack and and deflecting deflecting it it to to the the side. side. Then, Then, instantly, jab the end of the broomstick into his face, throat, or belly. Drive it in there and instantly, jab the end of the broomstick into his face, throat, or belly. Drive it in there and then yank it back so he can’t grab it. then yank it back so he can’t grab it. The same thing works on the other side, of course. Just use the broom handle to rap his The same thing works on the other side, of course. Just use the broom handle to rap his wrist or fist off to the side. It is an effective block, and it hurts. wrist or fist off to the side. It is an effective block, and it hurts. Now Now the the attacker attacker tries tries to to kick kick you you in in the the groin. groin. Imagine Imagine a a typical typical cowboy cowboy kick, kick, like

kicking a football. To block it, simply hold the broomstick horizontally in front of you and kicking a football. To block it, simply hold the broomstick horizontally in front of you and thrust it down so it catches him across the shin as he kicks. Most people won’t kick a staff thrust it down so it catches him across the shin as he kicks. Most people won’t kick a staff twice. twice. Basic Bayonet Drill Basic Bayonet Drill Staff fighting is an ancient and honorable art known to both eastern and western cultures. Staff fighting is an ancient and honorable art known to both eastern and western cultures. It takes years to learn properly, but you don’t have the time. For you, basic bayonet drill It takes years to learn properly, but you don’t have the time. For you, basic bayonet drill can be adapted to the broom, shovel, or rake, and you can learn it in seconds. can be adapted to the broom, shovel, or rake, and you can learn it in seconds. Pick up that broom and get into your fighting stance. Your left foot is forward. Hold the Pick up that broom and get into your fighting stance. Your left foot is forward. Hold the broom as described before, with the tip of the handle pointing toward the attacker and the broom as described before, with the tip of the handle pointing toward the attacker and the bushy brush behind you. bushy brush behind you. One! Jab the tip of the broomstick into his face or throat. Make it snappy! One! Jab the tip of the broomstick into his face or throat. Make it snappy! Two! Two! Whip Whip the the “butt” “butt” end end of of the the weapon weapon (the (the straw straw brush) brush) around around at at head head level level and and hit hit him right in the ear with it. This doesn’t sound like much of an attack in terms of a broom, him right in the ear with it. This doesn’t sound like much of an attack in terms of a broom, but suppose you were holding a shovel? Bonk! but suppose you were holding a shovel? Bonk! Three! Keep the butt end of the broom pointing at his face as you pull back a foot or two Three! Keep the butt end of the broom pointing at his face as you pull back a foot or two to set up the next attack. Now lunge at him again, driving the butt directly in his face. A to set up the next attack. Now lunge at him again, driving the butt directly in his face. A typical typical broom broom used used in in this this manner manner drives drives splinterlike splinterlike straws straws into into the the attacker’s attacker’s mouth, mouth, nostrils, and eyes simultaneously. The dust alone is choking and blinding. nostrils, and eyes simultaneously. The dust alone is choking and blinding. Four! Return to your starting position with the tip pointing at his face and the brush behind Four! Return to your starting position with the tip pointing at his face and the brush behind you. On the way, be sure to “cut” the tip across his face. Rake it across an eye if you can. you. On the way, be sure to “cut” the tip across his face. Rake it across an eye if you can. Raking across the lips is painful, too. Raking across the lips is painful, too. Next Steps Next Steps Next? If he still wants to fight, do it again. Next? If he still wants to fight, do it again. The weapon that The staff staff is is a a weapon that lets lets you you stand stand out out of of range range of of his his fists fists and and deliver deliver really really punishing jabs to broomstick does punishing jabs to his his face face and and body. body. The The end end of of a a broomstick does damage damage no no matter matter where it digs in. That trick of ramming the broom bristles into the attacker’s face is very where it digs in. That trick of ramming the broom bristles into the attacker’s face is very effective and stands a good chance of blinding him, at least temporarily. If his hands fly up effective and stands a good chance of blinding him, at least temporarily. If his hands fly up to his eyes, step in immediately, kick the groin, and run. to his eyes, step in immediately, kick the groin, and run.

The “light” knife is best hidden, then used suddenly to block an incoming blow. The “light” knife is best hidden, then used suddenly to block an incoming blow.

Light Knives Here is a tip that might save your life someday. Think about it, memorize it, act it out, and Here is a tip that might save your life someday. Think about it, memorize it, act it out, and remember it. remember it. You are staying at a friend’s house and are home alone one evening. Suddenly you hear a You are staying at a friend’s house and are home alone one evening. Suddenly you hear a sound and realize that an intruder is inside the house! You peek into the bedroom and see a sound and realize that an intruder is inside the house! You peek into the bedroom and see a

burglar searching the drawers. He looks up and sees you. What do you do? burglar searching the drawers. He looks up and sees you. What do you do? Most people in this situation will turn and run. On impulse they simply race away. With Most people in this situation will turn and run. On impulse they simply race away. With just just a a little little more more presence presence of of mind mind they they dart dart into into the the bathroom bathroom and and lock lock the the door. door. Now Now there are some interesting weapons in a typical bathroom, but it is a mistake to hide there. there are some interesting weapons in a typical bathroom, but it is a mistake to hide there. The door is flimsy, the lock is easily broken, and usually there is no second way out. You The door is flimsy, the lock is easily broken, and usually there is no second way out. You have trapped yourself. have trapped yourself. Instead Instead of of the the bathroom, bathroom, run run for for the the kitchen. kitchen. The The kitchen kitchen is is the the natural natural armory armory of of the the house. walls and house. In In most most kitchens kitchens you you can can cast cast an an eye eye around around the the counters counters and and walls and immediately big knives. immediately see see a a knife knife caddie caddie full full of of big knives. Grab Grab a a nice nice big big chef’s chef’s knife, knife, carving carving knife, or bread knife. Turn and face the intruder. Now if he comes after you, all you have knife, or bread knife. Turn and face the intruder. Now if he comes after you, all you have to do is … what? to do is ... what? How do you use a kitchen knife to ward off an attacker? Most people know nothing about How do you use a kitchen knife to ward off an attacker? Most people know nothing about knife fighting. Let’s start learning. knife fighting. Let’s start learning. The Invisible Knife The Invisible Knife This This chapter chapter is is about about light light knives knives used used for for self-defense. self-defense. By By “light” “light” knives knives I I mean mean any any knife whose blade is thin enough that it is likely to bend or snap off if you try to stab with knife whose blade is thin enough that it is likely to bend or snap off if you try to stab with it. would include it. This This would include most most kitchen kitchen knives, knives, steak steak knives, knives, small small pocket pocket knives, knives, folding folding razors, razors, filleting filleting knives, knives, and and similar similar blades. blades. They They are are great great for for slashing slashing but but poor poor for for stabbing. stabbing. The light knife can be used to jab at the face and eyes, and if you connect with an eye you The light knife can be used to jab at the face and eyes, and if you connect with an eye you can pretty much do whatever you want afterward. Even so, it is mainly useful for slashing, can pretty much do whatever you want afterward. Even so, it is mainly useful for slashing, and and this this means means it it has has the the disadvantage disadvantage of of all all edge edge weapons-it weapons-it is is slow, slow, and and the the opponent opponent can see it coming and block or dodge it. Worse, a skillful opponent can beat you can see it coming and block or dodge it. Worse, a skillful opponent can beat you to to the the punch, stabbing or punching directly at you while you slash in return. punch, stabbing or punching directly at you while you slash in return. Therefore Therefore I I advocate advocate a a sneaky sneaky style style of of light-knife light-knife technique. technique. The The principle principle is is that that the the opponent should not see the knife at all until it is coming out of him. This robs him of his opponent should not see the knife at all until it is coming out of him. This robs him of his advantage and permits the edge to carry the day. This is a good trick. How do you make it advantage and permits the edge to carry the day. This is a good trick. How do you make it happen? happen? How to Hold the Light Knife How to Hold the Light Knife Take the knife in your strong hand. Hold it with the blade pointing down, like an ice pick. Take the knife in your strong hand. Hold it with the blade pointing down, like an ice pick. Turn the knife so that the sharp edge of the blade faces forward, away from you. Turn the knife so that the sharp edge of the blade faces forward, away from you. Any way will will immediately Any trained trained fighter fighter who who sees sees you you hold hold the the knife knife this this way immediately tell tell you you that that you are doing it wrong. Ignore him. The world is full of people who know half the story. you are doing it wrong. Ignore him. The world is full of people who know half the story. A person who holds a knife point-down is almost certainly an ignoramus who intends to A person who holds a knife point-down is almost certainly an ignoramus who intends to stab downward into the opponent’s chest. This move is not particularly sound since it is stab downward into the opponent’s chest. This move is not particularly sound since it is easy to block the descending hand, and the point of the knife has trouble penetrating the easy to block the descending hand, and the point of the knife has trouble penetrating the ribs from this upward angle. And the attack is slow, very slow. ribs from this upward angle. And the attack is slow, very slow. But we know that the light knife is not really useful for stabbing anyway, so we must have But we know that the light knife is not really useful for stabbing anyway, so we must have something else in mind. Here it comes. something else in mind. Here it comes. Drop your knife hand to your side in a relaxed manner. Twist your wrist slightly to place Drop your knife hand to your side in a relaxed manner. Twist your wrist slightly to place

the the blade blade up up against against the the back back of of your your forearm. forearm. Cover Cover the the pommel pommel with with your your thumb thumb and and fingers. This makes the knife almost invisible from the front, and it isn’t any too easy to fingers. This makes the knife almost invisible from the front, and it isn’t any too easy to see from any other angle, either. If the situation is dark or lit by strong lights that cast deep see from any other angle, either. If the situation is dark or lit by strong lights that cast deep shadows, shadows, you you can can rest rest assured assured that that the the knife knife will will simply simply disappear disappear from from the the attacker’s attacker’s point of view. point of view. That’s That’s how how you you set set up up the the magical magical knife knife trick. trick. You You keep keep the the knife knife hidden hidden until until the the opponent is within reach. opponent is within reach. Then what do you do? Then what do you do? Attacking the Forearms Attacking the Forearms The opponent may reach out to grab you or to punch at your face. Block the move with The opponent may reach out to grab you or to punch at your face. Block the move with your your forearm. forearm. This This is is pretty pretty simple simple if if he he is is trying trying to to grab grab you, you, or or you you might might get get hit hit aa couple of times before you manage to block a punch. It all depends on how much karate couple of times before you manage to block a punch. It all depends on how much karate background you have (and maybe on how drunk the attacker is). background you have (and maybe on how drunk the attacker is). The The trick, trick, of of course, course, is is to to block block with with your your knife knife hand. hand. You You can can throw throw up up your your arm arm in in aa natural blade natural defensive defensive gesture gesture to to ward ward off off the the attack, attack, and and this this motion motion puts puts the the knife knife blade solidly solidly between between your your forearm forearm and and the the attacker’s attacker’s forearm. forearm. If If you you have have been been following following directions, the edge of the blade will be facing out and will slice through the skin, muscles, directions, the edge of the blade will be facing out and will slice through the skin, muscles, and tendons of the inside of his wrist. and tendons of the inside of his wrist. The muscles of the forearm operate the fingers the way a puppeteer operates a marionette. The muscles of the forearm operate the fingers the way a puppeteer operates a marionette. Muscles in the forearm contract, and the fingers dance due to tendons that run down the Muscles in the forearm contract, and the fingers dance due to tendons that run down the forearm, through the palm of the hand, and out into the fingers. Just hold out your right forearm, through the palm of the hand, and out into the fingers. Just hold out your right hand wrist. Now hand and and press press the the fingers fingers of of your your left left hand hand against against the the inside inside of of your your right right wrist. Now wiggle your right fingers. You will feel the tendons wiggling around under the skin. wiggle your right fingers. You will feel the tendons wiggling around under the skin. This attack severs these tendons and renders the hand useless. It also causes a lot of pain This attack severs these tendons and renders the hand useless. It also causes a lot of pain and a spray of blood, and it comes as a total surprise. Best of all, the attacker will probably and a spray of blood, and it comes as a total surprise. Best of all, the attacker will probably use his uninjured hand to put pressure on the injury, effectively putting both hands out of use his uninjured hand to put pressure on the injury, effectively putting both hands out of action. action. But it has to be a surprise! Keep the knife out of sight until the last possible second. Then But it has to be a surprise! Keep the knife out of sight until the last possible second. Then slash hard, and make it count. Make the edge scrape against the bone. After all, you didn’t slash hard, and make it count. Make the edge scrape against the bone. After all, you didn’t start this. start this. Attacking the Face and Neck Attacking the Face and Neck There There are are two two other other obvious obvious applications applications for for this this hidden hidden knife. knife. Assuming Assuming that that you you have have the the knife knife in in your your right right hand, hand, you you might might block block his his punch punch as as described described above above and and then then immediately counterattack by punching him in the face with your right fist. immediately counterattack by punching him in the face with your right fist. If If you you deliberately deliberately miss miss his his head head so so that that your your fist fist sails sails forcefully forcefully past past his his right right ear, ear, you you will note that the blade of the knife slashes the side of the neck or the face (lips, nose, or will note that the blade of the knife slashes the side of the neck or the face (lips, nose, or eyes). The slice to the neck can be fatal if you cut the carotid artery just under the angle of eyes). The slice to the neck can be fatal if you cut the carotid artery just under the angle of the jaw. The with it the jaw. The face face attack attack is is very very painful, painful, carries carries with it the the fear fear of of scarring, scarring, and and causes causes vision problems if you cut an eyebrow or eyelid (blood gets in the eye). vision problems if you cut an eyebrow or eyelid (blood gets in the eye). Freeing the Knife Hand Freeing the Knife Hand

Suppose the attacker grabs your knife hand (your right wrist) before you can get the knife Suppose the attacker grabs your knife hand (your right wrist) before you can get the knife into play. What do you do then? into play. What do you do then? Experiment with a friend using a rubber knife, ruler, or some other harmless object instead Experiment with a friend using a rubber knife, ruler, or some other harmless object instead of a real knife. You will find that it is fairly easy to bring the edge of the knife into play of a real knife. You will find that it is fairly easy to bring the edge of the knife into play against the attacker’s forearm. Just twist your right fist up and to the side (either side) of against the attacker’s forearm. Just twist your right fist up and to the side (either side) of the attacker’s arm and grind the knife edge into his skin. He’ll let go. the attacker’s arm and grind the knife edge into his skin. He’I] let go. If he uses both hands to immobilize your knife hand, you can easily escape no matter what If he uses both hands to immobilize your knife hand, you can easily escape no matter what the just kick the difference difference in in size size and and strength. strength. Most Most karate karate students students would would just kick the the guy guy in in aa tender spot, since he has obliged by pinning down both of his own hands to hold one of tender spot, since he has obliged by pinning down both of his own hands to hold one of yours. Or you could just take your free hand and stick a finger in his eye. This works well. yours. Or you could just take your free hand and stick a finger in his eye. This works well. Best Best of of all, all, though, though, is is to to reach reach over over with with your your free free hand hand and and take take the the knife knife out out of of your your trapped hand. Then slash his face with it. It amazes me how many people simply do not trapped hand. Then slash his face with it. It amazes me how many people simply do not think of this obvious move. think of this obvious move. Next Steps Next Steps These slashes are not killing moves. It is true that the attacker might bleed to death from These slashes are not killing moves. It is true that the attacker might bleed to death from the neck cut or from a slashed wrist, but it won’t happen very fast. You should be prepared the neck cut or from a slashed wrist, but it won’t happen very fast. You should be prepared to to seize seize your your initial initial advantage advantage and and follow follow up up decisively decisively either either to to defeat defeat him him or or to to run run away. away. For instance, if you slash his forearm, the attacker will experience two or three horrified For instance, if you slash his forearm, the attacker will experience two or three horrified seconds as his mind adjusts to the knowledge that you have a knife and that he is badly seconds as his mind adjusts to the knowledge that you have a knife and that he is badly cut. In this “shock window,” you have ample time to turn and run. If this is not possible, it cut. In this “shock window,” you have ample time to turn and run. If this is not possible, it is a great moment for a kick to the groin or a stomping attack to the side of his knee. is a great moment for a kick to the groin or a stomping attack to the side of his knee. If he attacks you again, remember to let him feel the edge of the knife every time he sticks If he attacks you again, remember to let him feel the edge of the knife every time he sticks out a hand or foot. He will soon stop hitting and start shouting. At that point you know out a hand or foot. He will soon stop hitting and start shouting. At that point you know you have won. you have won.

A A “heavy” “heavy” knife knife can can sever sever a a frozen frozen chicken chicken in in one one clean clean blow. blow. If If you you use use it it for for selfselfdefense, aim at fingers. defense, aim at fingers.

Heavy Knives

Heavy Heavy knifes knifes are are a a special special class class of of weapons weapons that that don’t don’t come come to to hand hand that that often. often. The The original, original, full-size full-size Bowie Bowie knife knife is is a a “heavy” “heavy” knife. knife. A A kitchen kitchen cleaver cleaver comes comes close. close. A A machete machete is is a a little little long long for for our our purposes, purposes, but but it it has has the the same same sense sense of of chopping chopping power. power. During World War During World War II II the the British British issued issued a a short short machete machete they they called called a a “smatchet” “smatchet” that that is is exactly what I have in mind. A large, heavy chef’s knife will do in a pinch. exactly what I have in mind. A large, heavy chef’s knife will do in a pinch. Suppose we offer this criterion for a heavy knife: if the knife can chop a chicken in half Suppose we offer this criterion for a heavy knife: if the knife can chop a chicken in half with one blow, it’s a heavy knife. (For the anal-retentive, I mean a 2-pound supermarket with one blow, it’s a heavy knife. (For the anal-retentive, I mean a 2-pound supermarket

fryer, fryer, unwrapped unwrapped and and thawed, thawed, on on a a wooden wooden chopping chopping block, block, cut cut crosswise crosswise through through the the back between the wings and the legs.) back between the wings and the legs.) How to Use a Heavy Knife How to Use a Heavy Knife A heavy knife is a club with a sharp edge. You chop with it. The feeling is like chopping at A heavy knife is a club with a sharp edge. You chop with it. The feeling is like chopping at a piece of firewood with a hatchet. The heavy knife can cut or break bone where the light a piece of firewood with a hatchet. The heavy knife can cut or break bone where the light knife can only slice soft tissue. knife can only slice soft tissue. Defending Against Punches and Kicks Defending Against Punches and Kicks If the attacker tries to kick you, step back away from the kick and chop down hard at his If the attacker tries to kick you, step back away from the kick and chop down hard at his shin bone. Be prepared to yank the knife back out of the wound. It may sink into the bone shin bone. Be prepared to yank the knife back out of the wound. It may sink into the bone and get stuck. and get stuck. Punches by chopping Punches are are deflected deflected by chopping at at the the wrists wrists and and forearms. forearms. Don’t Don’t expect expect to to cut cut off off aa hand like they do in the movies. According to legend, Jim Bowie could literally “disarm” hand like they do in the movies. According to legend, Jim Bowie could literally “disarm” a man with his knife, but most people should not expect the same results. a man with his knife, but most people should not expect the same results. Attacks to the Hands, Shoulders, Neck, and Head Attacks to the Hands, Shoulders, Neck, and Head You You probably probably can’t can’t cut cut off off an an arm arm with with this this knife, knife, but but fingers fingers are are another another matter. matter. If If the the opponent sticks out a hand toward you (holding a weapon, for instance), you can chop at it opponent sticks out a hand toward you (holding a weapon, for instance), you can chop at it with a good chance of cutting, breaking, or even severing one or more fingers. This tends with a good chance of cutting, breaking, or even severing one or more fingers. This tends to be very distracting to the severee. to be very distracting to the severee. The chop to the hand (or forearm) usually opens up an opportunity to attack the shoulders, The chop to the hand (or forearm) usually opens up an opportunity to attack the shoulders, neck, neck, or or head. head. The The heavy heavy knife knife is is capable capable of of severing severing the the collarbone, collarbone, and and this this is is my my preferred target. A broken collarbone ends the fight, and for self-defense purposes that is preferred target. A broken collarbone ends the fight, and for self-defense purposes that is enough. enough. For more serious situations, the heavy knife can be used against the neck or skull. A solid For more serious situations, the heavy knife can be used against the neck or skull. A solid blow against the side of the neck just below the angle of the jaw can cut deep and sever blow against the side of the neck just below the angle of the jaw can cut deep and sever the carotid artery. (Remember, this is a knife that can divide a chicken with one stroke.) the carotid artery. (Remember, this is a knife that can divide a chicken with one stroke.) Make no mistake, this is a lethal wound. A man with an open carotid artery drops to the Make no mistake, this is a lethal wound. A man with an open carotid artery drops to the ground ground within within seconds seconds and and unless unless someone someone gives gives him him immediate immediate first first aid, aid, he he passes passes the the point of no return (exsanguination) in about a minute. point of no return (exsanguination) in about a minute. The heavy knife is a club with an edge. A traditional Bowie is heavy enough that either the The heavy knife is a club with an edge. A traditional Bowie is heavy enough that either the blade or the pommel can crack a skull. I would aim at the center of the forehead and try to blade or the pommel can crack a skull. I would aim at the center of the forehead and try to split the frontal bone. Even if the blade just bounces off, the opponent will be stunned by split the frontal bone. Even if the blade just bounces off, the opponent will be stunned by the blow. Again, this is a technique reserved for times when it is justified to kill. the blow. Again, this is a technique reserved for times when it is justified to kill. Next Steps Next Steps Wipe off the blood. It rusts the blade. Wipe off the blood. It rusts the blade.

Throwing Knives I put in a chapter about throwing knifes because people are dreadfully misinformed about I put in a chapter about throwing knifes because people are dreadfully misinformed about them. Bear in mind that my remarks are addressed to beginner self-defense students who them. Bear in mind that my remarks are addressed to beginner self-defense students who need practical advice about expedient weapons. For this audience, the undisputed policy is need practical advice about expedient weapons. For this audience, the undisputed policy is never, never, never throw away your knife. never, never, never throw away your knife. There are people who can take a very heavy knife, throw it powerfully, and stick the point There are people who can take a very heavy knife, throw it powerfully, and stick the point deeply deeply into into a a wooden wooden target target at at 16 16 or or 20 20 feet. feet. It It is is impressive impressive to to watch. watch. I I have have done done it it myself from time to time. Maybe you have, too. If you happened to have your knife at myself from time to time. Maybe you have, too. If you happened to have your knife at hand in a crisis, and if there happened to be an attacker at just the right distance, and if the hand in a crisis, and if there happened to be an attacker at just the right distance, and if the attacker didn’t flinch or dodge the knife, and if the point of the knife was not deflected by attacker didn’t flinch or dodge the knife, and if the point of the knife was not deflected by heavy clothing or an inconvenient bone, then the knife might drive home between two ribs heavy clothing or an inconvenient bone, then the knife might drive home between two ribs and create one of those chest-sucking wounds so popular with the ancient Romans. Before and create one of those chest-sucking wounds so popular with the ancient Romans. Before keeling over, however, the wounded enemy would be very likely to pull it out and make keeling over, however, the wounded enemy would be very likely to pull it out and make you eat it. you eat it. Of course if the knife does not wound him but only bangs him in the mouth and knocks Of course if the knife does not wound him but only bangs him in the mouth and knocks out one of his teeth, your situation is even worse. You’ve thrown away your weapon, made out one of his teeth, your situation is even worse. You’ve thrown away your weapon, made the opponent angry, and armed him all at the same time. Try to think of something that is the opponent angry, and armed him all at the same time. Try to think of something that is more self-evidently stupid. more self-evidently stupid. This situation does not have the makings of a good selfdefense technique. Knife throwing This situation does not have the makings of a good selfdefense technique. Knife throwing is fun (if you take precautions against the knives that bounce back in your face), but it is is fun (if you take precautions against the knives that bounce back in your face), but it is unwise to try it in a fight. unwise to try it in a fight.

She isn’t Errol Flynn, but she knows how to handle her weapon. Stab, don’t swing. She isn’t Errol Flynn, but she knows how to handle her weapon. Stab, don’t swing.

Swords

Let’s clarify a point. If you are afraid that someone will attack you with a sword and you Let’s clarify a point. If you are afraid that someone will attack you with a sword and you want to know how to fight back, the answer is simple. Use a shotgun. want to know how to fight back, the answer is simple. Use a shotgun. In In recent recent years, years, most most of of the the swordplay swordplay we we have have seen seen in in the the movies movies has has been been utterly utterly incompetent. incompetent. I I concede concede that that it it was was dramatic, dramatic, but but it it was was not not effective. effective. As As an an example,

consider the “light saber” fight in the Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back. There was consider the “light saber” fight in the Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back. There was some excuse for the callow Luke Skywalker to swing his saber wildly from side to side some excuse for the callow Luke Skywalker to swing his saber wildly from side to side like that, but the more seasoned Darth Vader should have been able to drive the point of like that, but the more seasoned Darth Vader should have been able to drive the point of his weapon through Luke’s throat about two seconds into the fight. Unfortunately, George his weapon through Luke’s throat about two seconds into the fight. Unfortunately, George Lucas intended to make a third Star Wars movie, so the fight could not end like that. Lucas intended to make a third Star Wars movie, so the fight could not end like that. The point beats the edge. Never forget it. Stabbing into your enemy’s face, throat, chest, The point beats the edge. Never forget it. Stabbing into your enemy’s face, throat, chest, abdomen, abdomen, or or thighs thighs is is much much faster faster and and far far more more damaging damaging than than slicing slicing at at him him with with the the edge with edged weapons. edge of of the the sword. sword. This This is is a a classic classic principle principle of of personal personal combat combat with edged weapons. Using the point of the weapon is faster than using the edge. Using the point of the weapon is faster than using the edge. This This principle principle was was drilled drilled into into Roman Roman soldiers soldiers more more than than 2,000 2,000 years years ago. ago. They They carried carried the the gladius, gladius, one one of of the the most most ruthlessly ruthlessly efficient efficient man-killing man-killing devices devices ever ever invented. invented. The The gladius was a short sword hardly more than 2 feet in length. The blade was as much as 2 gladius was a short sword hardly more than 2 feet in length. The blade was as much as 2 inches wide, and inches wide, and the the edges edges of of the the blade blade were were straight. straight. The The last last 5 5 inches inches of of the the blade blade tapered into a wicked triangular spike. It had all the grace and beauty of a tent peg or a tapered into a wicked triangular spike. It had all the grace and beauty of a tent peg or a hoe. It was just a stout, sharp, deadly tool for killing soldiers. hoe. It was just a stout, sharp, deadly tool for killing soldiers. Roman recruits were trained never to swing the sword. The gladius was for stabbing only. Roman recruits were trained never to swing the sword. The gladius was for stabbing only. Soldiers jab into Soldiers were were taught taught that that a a single single jab into the the chest, chest, penetrating penetrating no no more more than than 2 2 inches, inches, would kill an enemy. Just jab the point in lightly anywhere in the chest. Then deflect the would kill an enemy. Just jab the point in lightly anywhere in the chest. Then deflect the enemy’s attacks for half a minute while his lungs fill with blood. Wait for him to collapse. enemy’s attacks for half a minute while his lungs fill with blood. Wait for him to collapse. Finish him off with a thrust to the throat, then step over him and jab at the next guy. The Finish him off with a thrust to the throat, then step over him and jab at the next guy. The Romans were very cold-blooded about combat. They were also very good at it. Romans were very cold-blooded about combat. They were also very good at it. For our purposes, though, there is a problem with this philosophy. It takes too long. For For our purposes, though, there is a problem with this philosophy. It takes too long. For personal defense we need techniques that work immediately, that put the opponent out of personal defense we need techniques that work immediately, that put the opponent out of the the fight fight suddenly suddenly and and definitely. definitely. We We can’t can’t afford afford to to wait wait for for him him to to drown drown in in his his own own blood. blood. For our purposes, a “sword” is any object that is roughly 2 feet long and sharp on the end. For our purposes, a “sword” is any object that is roughly 2 feet long and sharp on the end. “Sharp” be a a relative “Sharp” may may be relative term. term. The The basic basic idea idea is is that that this this object object is is more more effective effective as as aa thrusting, stabbing weapon than as a swinging, clubbing, or cutting weapon. For instance, thrusting, stabbing weapon than as a swinging, clubbing, or cutting weapon. For instance, a stout umbrella with a steel ferrule is much more effective used as a stabbing tool than a stout umbrella with a steel ferrule is much more effective used as a stabbing tool than used as a club. The same might be said of a large screwdriver, a skewer, or a long kitchen used as a club. The same might be said of a large screwdriver, a skewer, or a long kitchen knife such as a boning knife. An arrow qualifies, of course. Or you might have real swords knife such as a boning knife. An arrow qualifies, of course. Or you might have real swords hanging hanging on on your your walls walls as as decorations. decorations. I I have have two two hanging hanging over over my my desk. desk. (One (One is is aa gladius!) gladius!) Once you have armed yourself with a sword for selfdefense, what do you do next? Once you have armed yourself with a sword for selfdefense, what do you do next? Attacking the Face and Throat Attacking the Face and Throat With the sword, you have a weapon that gives you longer reach than you normally have With the sword, you have a weapon that gives you longer reach than you normally have and which must be stabbed solidly into a vital spot in order to incapacitate this felon who and which must be stabbed solidly into a vital spot in order to incapacitate this felon who is is trying trying to to rape rape or or murder murder you. you. To To obtain obtain immediate immediate results, results, there there are are really really only only two two useful targets: the eyes and the throat. useful targets: the eyes and the throat. Here you are facing an “urban gorilla” (sic) on a dark sidewalk. He may be alone or he Here you are facing an “urban gorilla” (sic) on a dark sidewalk. He may be alone or he may have a couple of buddies who are circling around trying to get behind you. It rained may have a couple of buddies who are circling around trying to get behind you. It rained earlier and you have your umbrella with you. He’s closing in. earlier and you have your umbrella with you. He’s closing in.

You You swing swing the the umbrella umbrella overhead overhead as as if if to to club club at at his his head, head, yelling yelling defiantly defiantly to to get get his his attention. His hands will go up to ward off the ineffective blow. Instead of clubbing him, attention. His hands will go up to ward off the ineffective blow. Instead of clubbing him, however, you kick him in the crotch, knee, or thigh. Now his hands snap down to protect however, you kick him in the crotch, knee, or thigh. Now his hands snap down to protect his privates and to try to catch your foot. That’s okay. Let him catch your foot. That will his privates and to try to catch your foot. That’s okay. Let him catch your foot. That will keep his hands firmly down out of the way as you ram the steel spike on the end of the keep his hands firmly down out of the way as you ram the steel spike on the end of the umbrella deep into his left eye socket. Try to sink all 4 inches of the ferrule into his eye. umbrella deep into his left eye socket. Try to sink all 4 inches of the ferrule into his eye. This is no time to be squeamish. This is no time to be squeamish. Will he let go of your foot? You can count on it. Will he fall to the ground unconscious? Will he let go of your foot? You can count on it. Will he fall to the ground unconscious? Very likely. Will he continue the fight? Hardly a person on Earth could continue to fight Very likely. Will he continue the fight? Hardly a person on Earth could continue to fight after receiving this blow, but if he does you can always take aim at the other eye. Will he after receiving this blow, but if he does you can always take aim at the other eye. Will he die? just might. who are just fooling die? Yes, Yes, he he just might. This This is is not not a a technique technique you you use use on on friends friends who are just fooling around. around. The just The alternate alternate target target is is the the throat. throat. You You want want to to hit hit the the Adam’s Adam’s apple apple or or the the soft soft area area just below below it. it. If If you you can can ram ram the the umbrella umbrella into into this this area, area, or or better better yet yet impale impale this this area area with with something sharp, you will give the attacker far more immediate things to think about than something sharp, you will give the attacker far more immediate things to think about than the windpipe the momentary momentary pleasure pleasure of of plundering plundering your your wallet. wallet. If If you you crush crush the the larynx larynx or or windpipe with the ferrule, his pain will be intense and he will begin to gag and choke. If you impale with the ferrule, his pain will be intense and he will begin to gag and choke. If you impale him here (as with the point of a big screwdriver), he will be choking on blood. Either way, him here (as with the point of a big screwdriver), he will be choking on blood. Either way, his hands will go to his throat and his mind will focus on his own survival. Throat injuries his hands will go to his throat and his mind will focus on his own survival. Throat injuries are life-threatening. are life-threatening. Attacking the Thighs Attacking the Thighs The idea is to use the sword for personal defense. One strategy for self-defense is to injure The idea is to use the sword for personal defense. One strategy for self-defense is to injure the attacker’s leg(s) and then run. It is a good strategy, being both tactically and morally the attacker’s leg(s) and then run. It is a good strategy, being both tactically and morally sound. It is usually fairly easy to accomplish, too. sound. It is usually fairly easy to accomplish, too. I would not go after an opponent’s thighs with a blunt spike like an umbrella ferrule, but a I would not go after an opponent’s thighs with a blunt spike like an umbrella ferrule, but a sharp screwdriver, wood chisel, icepick, or long knife might work pretty well. A wound in sharp screwdriver, wood chisel, icepick, or long knife might work pretty well. A wound in the the belly belly of of a a muscle muscle tends tends to to paralyze paralyze (weaken) (weaken) it, it, and and it it seems seems to to paralyze paralyze the the same same muscle muscle on on the the opposite opposite leg leg for for good good measure. measure. You You can can thrust thrust the the point point of of the the weapon weapon pretty much anywhere in the top of the attacker’s thigh, but the really sensitive spot is on pretty much anywhere in the top of the attacker’s thigh, but the really sensitive spot is on the inside of the thigh up near the genitals. There are important muscles, large nerves and the inside of the thigh up near the genitals. There are important muscles, large nerves and blood vessels there. Cut or bruise that nerve bundle and you can just walk away without a blood vessels there. Cut or bruise that nerve bundle and you can just walk away without a further concern. Your enemy may not walk normally again … ever. If you cut the femoral further concern. Your enemy may not walk normally again ... ever. If you cut the femoral artery, he may die right there on the sidewalk in a matter of minutes. These are not games artery, he may die right there on the sidewalk in a matter of minutes. These are not games for kids. for kids. Blocking Attacks with the Sword Blocking Attacks with the Sword The point beats the edge. It is a subtle distinction, but most untrained punches are “edge” The point beats the edge. It is a subtle distinction, but most untrained punches are “edge” attacks. wind up, attacks. They They wind up, swing swing out out in in an an arc, arc, and and strike strike at at the the face face with with a a distinctly distinctly sideways, slashing motion. Think of any movie fight you ever saw John Wayne in. Those sideways, slashing motion. Think of any movie fight you ever saw John Wayne in. Those swinging punches are pow erful, but they take almost a full second to deliver. What should swinging punches are pow erful, but they take almost a full second to deliver. What should you be doing during that endless second? you be doing during that endless second? Stab at something. Anything. Dig that umbrella ferrule into his chest muscles. It will hurt Stab at something. Anything. Dig that umbrella ferrule into his chest muscles. It will hurt him. Jab at his face or throat. Jab the point into his groin or belly. Just poke him good and him. Jab at his face or throat. Jab the point into his groin or belly. Just poke him good and hard every time he cocks his elbow back and starts to punch. He will quickly decide that hard every time he cocks his elbow back and starts to punch. He will quickly decide that

he doesn’t want to do that anymore. He will try to grab the umbrella (or whatever you are he doesn’t want to do that anymore. He will try to grab the umbrella (or whatever you are using). That’s okay. If he grabs the umbrella, just hold on to it tightly with both hands and using). That’s okay. If he grabs the umbrella, just hold on to it tightly with both hands and kick him in the groin. He’ll let go and grab his crotch. That’s when you get your shot at his kick him in the groin. He’II let go and grab his crotch. That’s when you get your shot at his face or throat. face or throat. Next Steps Next Steps I assume that you have scored a telling blow with your sword or with a kick to the groin. I assume that you have scored a telling blow with your sword or with a kick to the groin. If the bad guy has fallen to the pavement, you should just run away (or turn to fight the If the bad guy has fallen to the pavement, you should just run away (or turn to fight the next guy). next guy). If he is still on his feet, however, you may need to cripple him so you can run away. You If he is still on his feet, however, you may need to cripple him so you can run away. You have judgment call. with his have to to make make a a judgment call. There There he he is, is, preoccupied preoccupied for for the the moment moment with his new new adventure adventure in in pain, pain, but but you you may may have have only only seconds seconds before before he he lunges lunges at at you you again. again. What What should you do? should you do? Step quickly to his side and stomp as hard as you can on the side of his knee. Try to break Step quickly to his side and stomp as hard as you can on the side of his knee. Try to break the knee by making it bend sideways. Even a poorly executed kick will cause enough pain the knee by making it bend sideways. Even a poorly executed kick will cause enough pain to when you job is to put put him him on on the the ground. ground. That’s That’s when you take take off off running. running. Your Your job is to to protect protect yourself, yourself, not not to to “finish “finish him him off” off” with with your your sword. sword. You You can’t can’t mount mount his his head head on on the the den den wall anyway. Just clear out. wall anyway. Just clear out.

The “hook” of a hatchetlike weapon is used to deflect and control incoming blows. The The “hook” of a hatchetlike weapon is used to deflect and control incoming blows. The next move is a backhand that removes teeth. next move is a backhand that removes teeth.

Hatchets

I very interesting. I suppose suppose it it is is apparent apparent to to you you that that I I find find personal personal combat combat very interesting. This This is is no no secret. On the subject of hatchets, however, I have to make a confession. Hatchets horrify secret. On the subject of hatchets, however, I have to make a confession. Hatchets horrify me. weapon is brains. I me. The The main main purpose purpose of of a a hatchet hatchet as as a a weapon is to to spill spill a a man’s man’s brains. I prefer prefer my my brains left where they are, thank you. brains left where they are, thank you.

For our purposes, a hatchet is an axelike object heavy enough to crack or split a skull but For our purposes, a hatchet is an axelike object heavy enough to crack or split a skull but small enough to wield with one hand. Also, a hatchet has a head that protrudes to one side small enough to wield with one hand. Also, a hatchet has a head that protrudes to one side (or both sides) of the handle. This gives it added penetration as well as a “hook” you can (or both sides) of the handle. This gives it added penetration as well as a “hook” you can use to catch the opponent’s arm or weapon and yank on it. A claw hammer fills the bill. A use to catch the opponent’s arm or weapon and yank on it. A claw hammer fills the bill. A one-handed weeding the one-handed pick pick or or mattock mattock (for (for weeding the garden) garden) will will serve, serve, too. too. Of Of course, course, this this category category includes includes classic classic battleaxes battleaxes and and tomahawks, tomahawks, if if you you happen happen to to have have one one lying lying around. (Yes, there is a tomahawk on the wall above my desk.) around. (Yes, there is a tomahawk on the wall above my desk.) How to Hold the Hatchet How to Hold the Hatchet Hold the hatchet just like you normally would. The intuitive grip is exactly appropriate. Hold the hatchet just like you normally would. The intuitive grip is exactly appropriate. Defending Against Kicks and Punches Defending Against Kicks and Punches By By this this point, point, it it should should be be apparent apparent how how to to deal deal with with kicks kicks and and punches. punches. Just Just use use the the hatchet to punish any limb the attacker presents to you. It doesn’t matter whether you hit hatchet to punish any limb the attacker presents to you. It doesn’t matter whether you hit him back, side, him with with the the edge, edge, back, side, or or handle-it handle-it will will hurt. hurt. The The main main difference difference is is that that if if you you swing a hatchet or hammer at his shin, you stand a decent chance of breaking his leg. If swing a hatchet or hammer at his shin, you stand a decent chance of breaking his leg. If you do, you won’t have to run very hard to get away. you do, you won’t have to run very hard to get away. Attacks to the Face Attacks to the Face Everyone thinks of using the edge of a hatchetlike weapon to chop and cut. That’s OK, but Everyone thinks of using the edge of a hatchetlike weapon to chop and cut. That’s OK, but why be obvious? Is it to your advantage to do what the attacker expects? why be obvious? Is it to your advantage to do what the attacker expects? The hatchet is another weapon that gives you that golden opportunity to wave it overhead The hatchet is another weapon that gives you that golden opportunity to wave it overhead and, and, when when the the attacker attacker throws throws up up his his hands, hands, to to kick kick him him in in the the groin. groin. This This technique technique is is simple and really works well. Don’t underestimate it. simple and really works well. Don’t underestimate it. Remember the lesson about “the point beats the edge”? Try this. Instead of swinging the Remember the lesson about “the point beats the edge’? Try this. Instead of swinging the hatchet at him, jab it straight in under his nose. Punch him in the face with the top of the hatchet at him, jab it straight in under his nose. Punch him in the face with the top of the hatchet head. The weight of that steel head makes a serious statement to a person’s front hatchet head. The weight of that steel head makes a serious statement to a person’s front teeth. This is an attack people simply do not expect. teeth. This is an attack people simply do not expect. Using the “Hook” Using the “Hook” Unlike between the Unlike a a club, club, the the hatchet hatchet has has a a head head on on it, it, and and there there is is an an L-shaped L-shaped angle angle between the bottom of the head and the handle. This angle, or “hook,” has utility. bottom of the head and the handle. This angle, or “hook,” has utility. There are two things a beginner can do with the hook of a hatchetlike weapon. One is to There are two things a beginner can do with the hook of a hatchetlike weapon. One is to catch a kick and hold it. As the kick comes in, you deflect it by chopping at the ankle with catch a kick and hold it. As the kick comes in, you deflect it by chopping at the ankle with the hatchet. The critical difference is that you let the head of the hatchet pass beneath the the hatchet. The critical difference is that you let the head of the hatchet pass beneath the ankle. Then you yank on the handle to hook the ankle and pull it toward you. Make the ankle. Then you yank on the handle to hook the ankle and pull it toward you. Make the attacker do the splits as you pull him forward, off bal ance, with his kicking foot held up attacker do the splits as you pull him forward, off bal ance, with his kicking foot held up high. Most people are not equal to this challenge. They go down hard. high. Most people are not equal to this challenge. They go down hard. The The second second hook hook technique technique is is very very good good for for knocking knocking a a weapon weapon out out of of the the opponent’s opponent’s hand. hand. Chop Chop down down at at his his forearm, forearm, hooking hooking the the arm arm between between the the head head and and handle handle of of the the hatchet. Without losing momentum, let the hatchet rake down the length of his arm. The hatchet. Without losing momentum, let the hatchet rake down the length of his arm. The hook hook will will track track right right down down the the arm arm to to the the hand. hand. Do Do this this with with vigor vigor and and it it is is almost almost guaranteed to injure the hand and/or dislodge any weapon he may be holding. guaranteed to injure the hand and/or dislodge any weapon he may be holding. Next Steps Next Steps

Are you disappointed that I didn’t suggest cleaving his skull down to his teeth? You can Are you disappointed that I didn’t suggest cleaving his skull down to his teeth? You can do that, of course, but our context is self-defense, and it is morally repugnant to kill a man do that, of course, but our context is self-defense, and it is morally repugnant to kill a man when you don’t have to. A hatchet or hammer is such an effective weapon that you really when you don’t have to. A hatchet or hammer is such an effective weapon that you really ought to be able to incapacitate an attacker without splitting his braincase. If you do more, ought to be able to incapacitate an attacker without splitting his braincase. If you do more, your local district attorney is likely to regard it as murder. your local district attorney is likely to regard it as murder. Show some restraint here. Show some restraint here.

Pistols

For the purposes of this book, we must now discuss the pistol as an expedient weapon. I For the purposes of this book, we must now discuss the pistol as an expedient weapon. I have to assume that you don’t know a lot about pistols but may get lucky in the fracas and have to assume that you don’t know a lot about pistols but may get lucky in the fracas and scoop up your assailant’s pistol off the sidewalk. We can’t know ahead of time what kind scoop up your assailant’s pistol off the sidewalk. We can’t know ahead of time what kind of pistol it is, how it works, what caliber it is, or even whether or not it is loaded. of pistol it is, how it works, what caliber it is, or even whether or not it is loaded. What do you need to know to scoop up a strange pistol and use it to defend your life? What do you need to know to scoop up a strange pistol and use it to defend your life? Revolver or Automatic? Revolver or Automatic? A revolver has an obvious rotating cylinder that holds five to nine (usually six) cartridges. A revolver has an obvious rotating cylinder that holds five to nine (usually six) cartridges. Most of the revolvers you will find in general circulation are double-action weapons. This Most of the revolvers you will find in general circulation are double-action weapons. This means means that that the the weapon weapon is is carried carried with with the the hammer hammer down, down, and and you you can can fire fire it it simply simply by by pulling weapon by by pulling the the trigger trigger very very hard. hard. You You can can also also cock cock the the hammer hammer and and fire fire the the weapon pulling the trigger very lightly. A few revolvers have a safety lever that must be pressed pulling the trigger very lightly. A few revolvers have a safety lever that must be pressed downward with the just a black lever downward with the thumb thumb before before firing. firing. It’s It’s just a little little black lever to to the the left left of of the the hammer. Snap it down, then shoot. hammer. Snap it down, then shoot. Automatics have no cylinder, but you’ll see a squarish “slide” that runs along the top of Automatics have no cylinder, but you’ll see a squarish “slide” that runs along the top of the pistol. Cartridges feed up out of a magazine inside the pistol grip. The magazine holds the pistol. Cartridges feed up out of a magazine inside the pistol grip. The magazine holds 5 to 14 cartridges, depending on the model of pistol. The slide snaps back during the recoil 5 to 14 cartridges, depending on the model of pistol. The slide snaps back during the recoil of of each each shot, shot, ejecting ejecting the the spent spent brass, brass, stripping stripping a a new new round round from from the the magazine, magazine, and and placing it into the chamber for firing. An automatic is usually carried with a round in the placing it into the chamber for firing. An automatic is usually carried with a round in the chamber, chamber, the the hammer hammer cocked, cocked, and and the the safety safety lever lever on. on. To To fire fire it, it, you you depress depress the the safety safety lever with your thumb, aim, and pull the trigger lightly. lever with your thumb, aim, and pull the trigger lightly. If you pick up an automatic in the street, the smart thing to do is to grasp the slide firmly If you pick up an automatic in the street, the smart thing to do is to grasp the slide firmly with the left hand and rack it all the way back, then let go of it so it snaps forward. This with the left hand and rack it all the way back, then let go of it so it snaps forward. This ensures that there is a round in the chamber (assuming a loaded magazine is seated in the ensures that there is a round in the chamber (assuming a loaded magazine is seated in the pistol), that the hammer is cocked, and that the safety is off. pistol), that the hammer is cocked, and that the safety is off.

How to Hold the Pistol How to Hold the Pistol These days anybody who is serious about pistol combat uses the Weaver stance. For the These days anybody who is serious about pistol combat uses the Weaver stance. For the novice, both hands novice, this this means means use use both hands to to hold hold the the pistol. pistol. This This will will make make a a tremendous tremendous difference in your accuracy. Firing with one hand is for actors in Civil War epics. difference in your accuracy. Firing with one hand is for actors in Civil War epics. How to Aim the Pistol How to Aim the Pistol It is really simple. The sights are on top of the pistol. The one in front is a single blade. It is really simple. The sights are on top of the pistol. The one in front is a single blade. The one in back is a crosspiece with a notch cut in it. Look through the notch at the front The one in back is a crosspiece with a notch cut in it. Look through the notch at the front sight. sight. Line Line up up the the pistol pistol to to put put the the front front sight sight on on the the target. target. If If you you hope hope to to actually actually hit hit anything, anything, keep keep your your eye eye focused focused on on the the front front sight. sight. If If you you focus focus on on the the target target you you may may miss it. It is not intuitive but it is true. Front sight! miss it. It is not intuitive but it is true. Front sight! What to Aim For What to Aim For It is really easy to miss with a pistol. Even people who are very good shots can lose their It is really easy to miss with a pistol. Even people who are very good shots can lose their cool in a fight and shoot badly. Therefore the universal rule of thumb is to fire at the center cool in a fight and shoot badly. Therefore the universal rule of thumb is to fire at the center of of the the enemy’s enemy’s chest. chest. This This gives gives you you a a chance chance of of hitting hitting something something no no matter matter how how you you screw up. screw up. When to Shoot When to Shoot There have been a lot of people who died holding a pistol because they could not make up There have been a lot of people who died holding a pistol because they could not make up their was necessary. their minds minds to to shoot shoot when when it it was necessary. They They apparently apparently got got into into paralyzing paralyzing mental mental debates with themselves, hesitating on the brink of decisive action. While hesitating, they debates with themselves, hesitating on the brink of decisive action. While hesitating, they let let the the other other guy guy get get off off the the first first shot. shot. These These people people are are looking looking at at the the beautiful beautiful spring spring wildflowers from the wrong side now. wildflowers from the wrong side now. Tell him, “Don’t move!” If he moves, shoot. It’s that simple. Tell him, “Don’t move!” If he moves, shoot. It’s that simple. How Many Shots? How Many Shots? Fire twice in rapid succession. Pistol bullets are not reliable fight stoppers, no matter what Fire twice in rapid succession. Pistol bullets are not reliable fight stoppers, no matter what you see on TV or in the movies. Put two rounds into the bad guy’s chest and pause. If two you see on TV or in the movies. Put two rounds into the bad guy’s chest and pause. If two in the chest did not stop him, most pistol experts advocate a followup shot to the head. Just in the chest did not stop him, most pistol experts advocate a followup shot to the head. Just don’t empty the pistol wildly in the felon’s general direction and disarm yourself. There don’t empty the pistol wildly in the felon’s general direction and disarm yourself. There may be a second bad guy in the shadows, and you may have only five or six shots total. may be a second bad guy in the shadows, and you may have only five or six shots total. Use two, then pause and evaluate. Use two, then pause and evaluate. What to Expect What to Expect I love the scene in Sudden Impact (a Clint Eastwood “Dirty Harry” film) where two cops I love the scene in Sudden Impact (a Clint Eastwood “Dirty Harry” film) where two cops spit out the following macho bullstuff: spit out the following macho bullstuff: “[With this shotgun] they’ll have to strain the body to find the fingerprints.” “[With this shotgun] they’IIl have to strain the body to find the fingerprints.” “[With this .44 magnum pistol] there ain’t gonna be no fingerprints!” “[With this .44 magnum pistol] there ain’t gonna be no fingerprints!” This This is is the the “pink “pink mist” mist” myth. myth. If If your your gun gun is is powerful powerful enough, enough, one one shot shot will will turn turn the the attacker into bloody froth. Like hell. attacker into bloody froth. Like hell. The effect of pistol bullets on the human body is studied scientifically as wound ballistics. The effect of pistol bullets on the human body is studied scientifically as wound ballistics. This is not the place to discuss the relative merits of various calibers and bullet designs, This is not the place to discuss the relative merits of various calibers and bullet designs, but as a novice you should be aware of a few simple facts: but as a novice you should be aware of a few simple facts:

• A little bullet that hits does more damage than a big bullet that misses. Watch that front * A little bullet that hits does more damage than a big bullet that misses. Watch that front sight. sight. • who, when ¢ There There are are documented documented instances instances of of people people who, when fired fired at, at, collapsed collapsed unconscious unconscious even though they had not been hit. even though they had not been hit. • There are documented instances of people who, shot seven times in the chest with a .45 ¢ There are documented instances of people who, shot seven times in the chest with a .45 automatic, continued to fight until beaten over the head with the gun and knocked out. automatic, continued to fight until beaten over the head with the gun and knocked out. • There is no such thing as a pistol bullet that knocks a man down. He may fall down or ¢ There is no such thing as a pistol bullet that knocks a man down. He may fall down or collapse when shot, but there is not enough energy in a pistol bullet to push a man off his collapse when shot, but there is not enough energy in a pistol bullet to push a man off his feet. Simple physics. feet. Simple physics. • bullet creates ¢ A A pistol pistol bullet creates a a wound wound channel channel that that is is about about the the same same diameter diameter as as the the bullet. bullet. Even bullets, when Even the the hollowpoint hollowpoint “expanding” “expanding” bullets, when they they actually actually do do expand, expand, don’t don’t make make aa channel channel much much bigger bigger around around than than your your finger. finger. The The bullet bullet actually actually has has to to hit hit some some vital vital organ in order to take the enemy out of the fight. You fire twice to increase the odds of organ in order to take the enemy out of the fight. You fire twice to increase the odds of hitting something important. hitting something important. • A pistol shot in the brain or spinal cord will put an enemy out of the fight instantly. A ¢ A pistol shot in the brain or spinal cord will put an enemy out of the fight instantly. A shot that breaks a femur (thighbone) will put a man on the ground instantly. A pistol bullet shot that breaks a femur (thighbone) will put a man on the ground instantly. A pistol bullet through the lungs, guts, or even the heart is not guaranteed to be a fight stopper. He may through the lungs, guts, or even the heart is not guaranteed to be a fight stopper. He may accept the wound and still fight on for several seconds or minutes before collapsing. accept the wound and still fight on for several seconds or minutes before collapsing. Fire twice into the chest. Pause and evaluate. If the fight is not over, aim carefully for the Fire twice into the chest. Pause and evaluate. If the fight is not over, aim carefully for the brain and fire single shots until you hit it. That’s all you really need to know. brain and fire single shots until you hit it. That’s all you really need to know. If the Pistol Doesn’t Fire If the Pistol Doesn’t Fire So there you are, clutching the felon’s pistol in your hands. He lunges at you and you pull So there you are, clutching the felon’s pistol in your hands. He lunges at you and you pull the trigger. Nothing happens. Now what do you do? the trigger. Nothing happens. Now what do you do? If you throw the gun at him I will track you down and kill you myself. A person who is If you throw the gun at him I will track you down and kill you myself. A person who is that stupid does not deserve to live. Just because you could not get the pistol to fire does that stupid does not deserve to live. Just because you could not get the pistol to fire does not mean that he cannot get it to fire! It’s his gun. Don’t give it back to him! not mean that he cannot get it to fire! It’s his gun. Don’t give it back to him! If he reaches for you, strike his hands and forearms with the pistol. If he kicks, crack it If he reaches for you, strike his hands and forearms with the pistol. If he kicks, crack it down on his shinbone. Jam the end of the barrel, very hard, into the pit of his stomach or down on his shinbone. Jam the end of the barrel, very hard, into the pit of his stomach or into bear in into his his throat. throat. Keep Keep your your finger finger off off the the trigger, trigger, and and bear in mind mind that that the the pistol pistol might might discharge unexpectantly at any time. discharge unexpectantly at any time. Next Steps Next Steps I assume that you are a law-abiding citizen in extraordinary circumstances. Bear in mind I assume that you are a law-abiding citizen in extraordinary circumstances. Bear in mind that if you have to shoot somebody in the street, the police will not be far behind. If the that if you have to shoot somebody in the street, the police will not be far behind. If the patrol be a patrol car car pulls pulls up up and and you you still still have have the the pistol pistol in in your your hand, hand, there there could could be a fatal fatal misunderstanding with the officer. When you see the patrol car arrive, put the pistol on the misunderstanding with the officer. When you see the patrol car arrive, put the pistol on the ground, raise your hands, and do what the nice officer tells you to do. ground, raise your hands, and do what the nice officer tells you to do. Then hire a lawyer before questioning. It’s just common sense. Then hire a lawyer before questioning. It’s just common sense.

Nobody argues with a shotgun. It is easy to see why. Nobody argues with a shotgun. It is easy to see why.

Shotguns

In weapon for In what what situation situation would would you you need need to to use use a a shotgun shotgun as as an an expedient expedient weapon for selfselfdefense? defense? You You don’t don’t usually usually see see shotguns shotguns lying lying around around like like paperweights paperweights and and kitchen kitchen knives.

Well, I could imagine a supermarket holdup gone sour. Two felons are holding the police Well, I could imagine a supermarket holdup gone sour. Two felons are holding the police at bay while while keeping at bay keeping you you and and several several other other people people as as hostages hostages in in the the meat meat locker locker at at the the back back of of the the market. market. You You take take up up a a frozen frozen chicken chicken and and coldcock coldcock the the dumb dumb one one with with the the buck buck teeth. teeth. His His 12-gauge 12-gauge shotgun shotgun clatters clatters to to the the floor. floor. You You snatch snatch it it up. up. The The smart smart one one with the skull tattoos whirls around to see what the noise was. Now what do you do? with the skull tattoos whirls around to see what the noise was. Now what do you do? What do you need to know to scoop up a strange shotgun and use it to defend your life? What do you need to know to scoop up a strange shotgun and use it to defend your life? What Kind of Shotgun? What Kind of Shotgun? There are a lot of different kinds of shotguns. For our purposes let’s limit ourselves to the There are a lot of different kinds of shotguns. For our purposes let’s limit ourselves to the three most common designs: pump action, semiautomatic, and double-barrel. three most common designs: pump action, semiautomatic, and double-barrel. Any fool can recognize a double-barrel shotgun, either side-by-side or over-under. There Any fool can recognize a double-barrel shotgun, either side-by-side or over-under. There are two big holes in the business end. It means you have, at most, two shots. (Use them are two big holes in the business end. It means you have, at most, two shots. (Use them wisely, unless you just happen to have extra shells in your pocket or purse.) wisely, unless you just happen to have extra shells in your pocket or purse.) Semiautomatic and pump-action shotguns feed shells from a magazine tube lying parallel Semiautomatic and pump-action shotguns feed shells from a magazine tube lying parallel to beneath the to and and beneath the barrel. barrel. Depending Depending on on the the gun, gun, they they fire fire three three to to eight eight times. times. Bet Bet on on three. just pull three. The The semiautomatic semiautomatic chambers chambers a a new new round round following following each each shot. shot. You You just pull the the trigger bangs. The trigger three three times times to to get get three three big big bangs. The pump-action pump-action requires requires you you to to pump pump the the sliding fore-end all the way back and then all the way forward to chamber a new round. sliding fore-end all the way back and then all the way forward to chamber a new round. There is such a thing as a single-shot shotgun, too. It is hard to picture it being used in a There is such a thing as a single-shot shotgun, too. It is hard to picture it being used in a holdup, but nobody said robbers were bright. Well, just release the safety button and pull holdup, but nobody said robbers were bright. Well, just release the safety button and pull the trigger. Make it count. the trigger. Make it count. Where is the Safety Button? Where is the Safety Button? This is a critical piece of information, isn’t it? You just picked up somebody else’s shotgun This is a critical piece of information, isn’t it? You just picked up somebody else’s shotgun and you need to fire it. You yank on the trigger and nothing happens. Where is the safety and you need to fire it. You yank on the trigger and nothing happens. Where is the safety button? button? Hold the shotgun in the natural way, with the right hand around the neck of the weapon Hold the shotgun in the natural way, with the right hand around the neck of the weapon (so your right forefinger can reach the trigger) and the left hand grasping the fore-end (the (so your right forefinger can reach the trigger) and the left hand grasping the fore-end (the wooden piece under the barrel). wooden piece under the barrel). The safety is most likely a transverse button mounted in the trigger guard. Typically you The safety is most likely a transverse button mounted in the trigger guard. Typically you push it to the left (i.e., push it with the trigger finger) to release it and make the weapon push it to the left (i.e., push it with the trigger finger) to release it and make the weapon ready to fire. You have to reach around to the left side of the trigger guard and push it back ready to fire. You have to reach around to the left side of the trigger guard and push it back (to the right) to lock the mechanism again. (to the right) to lock the mechanism again. Some shotguns have the safety on top of the receiver about where your right thumb rests. Some shotguns have the safety on top of the receiver about where your right thumb rests. Push it forward to shoot. Push it forward to shoot. How to Hold the Shotgun How to Hold the Shotgun The recoil of a pistol is overrated, in my opinion. Anybody who holds on with both hands The recoil of a pistol is overrated, in my opinion. Anybody who holds on with both hands and and is is more more than than 12 12 years years old old can can fire fire most most pistols pistols without without discomfort. discomfort. A A shotgun, shotgun, however, however, really really kicks. kicks. You You have have to to hold hold on on tight tight with with both both hands hands and and press press the the stock stock tightly into your shoulder for best results. If you hold it loosely, you may lose it when it tightly into your shoulder for best results. If you hold it loosely, you may lose it when it fires. If you don’t really pack it into your shoulder, it will slam back and hit your shoulder, fires. If you don’t really pack it into your shoulder, it will slam back and hit your shoulder, and that hurts. and that hurts.

It is not going to tear itself out of your hands if you do your part. Just hang on tightly. It is not going to tear itself out of your hands if you do your part. Just hang on tightly. How to Aim the Shotgun How to Aim the Shotgun Bring barrel. If Bring the the shotgun shotgun to to your your shoulder shoulder and and look look along along the the top top of of the the barrel. If you you see see iron iron sights (notch in back, post in front), use them. Most shotguns just have a brass bead out at sights (notch in back, post in front), use them. Most shotguns just have a brass bead out at the end of the barrel. Look down the length of the barrel and put the brass bead on your the end of the barrel. Look down the length of the barrel and put the brass bead on your target. target. It is not essential, but I should warn you about checking the position of your right thumb. It is not essential, but I should warn you about checking the position of your right thumb. It is very easy to lay the thumb on top of the shotgun, and then position your aiming eye It is very easy to lay the thumb on top of the shotgun, and then position your aiming eye about an inch behind it. Can you imagine what will happen when the shotgun slams back about an inch behind it. Can you imagine what will happen when the shotgun slams back in recoil? This is the old thumbnail-in-the-eye trick. Consider yourself warned. in recoil? This is the old thumbnail-in-the-eye trick. Consider yourself warned. What to Aim For What to Aim For Aim very short Aim for for the the center center of of the the chest. chest. We We are are picturing picturing using using the the shotgun shotgun at at very short range range (across a room). At this distance the individual pellets have not yet spread out into a wide (across a room). At this distance the individual pellets have not yet spread out into a wide pattern. They all arrive at once in a mass about the size of a C-cell battery. You have to pattern. They all arrive at once in a mass about the size of a C-cell battery. You have to aim or you may miss the guy entirely. aim or you may miss the guy entirely. When to Shoot When to Shoot “Don’t move!” If he moves, shoot. “Don’t move!” If he moves, shoot. How Many Shots? How Many Shots? Assuming that the weapon is fully loaded when you pick it up, you may have as few as Assuming that the weapon is fully loaded when you pick it up, you may have as few as two shots or as many as eight. Under the circumstances, and because a shotgun wound is two shots or as many as eight. Under the circumstances, and because a shotgun wound is very convincing, you should fire only once. Shoot, then stop and reevaluate. If necessary, very convincing, you should fire only once. Shoot, then stop and reevaluate. If necessary, shoot again. shoot again. What to Expect What to Expect Suppose Suppose this this shotgun shotgun is is loaded loaded with with 00 00 (“double-ought”) (“double-ought”) buckshot. buckshot. When When you you pull pull the the trigger, it launches twelve .38caliber lead balls. The effect is like shooting the guy twelve trigger, it launches twelve .38caliber lead balls. The effect is like shooting the guy twelve times in the chest with a .38 pistol. Shotgun wounds have a reputation for ending fights. times in the chest with a .38 pistol. Shotgun wounds have a reputation for ending fights. You can see why. You can see why. If the bad guy is 50 feet away, you may hit him with only a few of the pellets, possibly If the bad guy is 50 feet away, you may hit him with only a few of the pellets, possibly only only one one or or two. two. This This is is not not likely likely to to take take him him out out of of the the fight fight immediately, immediately, although although it it might. might. If If he he is is standing standing across across the the kitchen kitchen from from you, you, 6 6 feet feet away away when when you you fire, fire, the the shot shot mass mass will make one big hole through the center of his chest. It is very difficult to imagine a man will make one big hole through the center of his chest. It is very difficult to imagine a man staying on his feet after receiving this wound. staying on his feet after receiving this wound. What if the shotgun is not loaded with buckshot? It might be loaded with #8 birdshot. At What if the shotgun is not loaded with buckshot? It might be loaded with #8 birdshot. At ranges of several yards this load is not going to be a man stopper, but remember that the ranges of several yards this load is not going to be a man stopper, but remember that the size size of of the the pellets pellets is is irrelevant irrelevant at at short short ranges. ranges. Six Six feet feet from from the the end end of of the the muzzle, muzzle, the the birdshot all hits in one lump and makes that same ragged hole. Count on it. birdshot all hits in one lump and makes that same ragged hole. Count on it. Oh, one more thing. If you fire a 12-gauge shotgun inside a small room, it is going to be Oh, one more thing. If you fire a 12-gauge shotgun inside a small room, it is going to be loud. Your ears will ring for a long time. loud. Your ears will ring for a long time.

If the Shotgun Doesn’t Fire If the Shotgun Doesn’t Fire You might not be able to get the gun to fire at all, or you might quickly use up your supply You might not be able to get the gun to fire at all, or you might quickly use up your supply of shells (there might be only two). Then what do you do? of shells (there might be only two). Then what do you do? That’s That’s an an awfully awfully heavy heavy hunk hunk of of walnut walnut and and steel steel there there in in your your hands. hands. I I suggest suggest you you review the section on basic bayonet drill. The butt stroke (step number 2) is very effective review the section on basic bayonet drill. The butt stroke (step number 2) is very effective when applied with the stock of a shotgun. when applied with the stock of a shotgun. Jab into the face or abdomen with the end of the barrel. One particularly nice technique is Jab into the face or abdomen with the end of the barrel. One particularly nice technique is to slam the butt forward into the opponent’s groin. to slam the butt forward into the opponent’s groin. I’d recommend against the untutored approach of grabbing the weapon by the barrel and I’d recommend against the untutored approach of grabbing the weapon by the barrel and swinging baseball bat. but II swinging it it like like a a baseball bat. If If you you hit hit the the guy guy you you will will hurt hurt him, him, true true enough, enough, but distrust a technique that begins by pointing the muzzle of the weapon at me. What if you distrust a technique that begins by pointing the muzzle of the weapon at me. What if you crack him over the head and the gun discharges? Ouch. crack him over the head and the gun discharges? Ouch. Next Steps Next Steps Hire that lawyer. If you shoot a man through the chest with a shotgun, you will have a lot Hire that lawyer. If you shoot a man through the chest with a shotgun, you will have a lot of explaining to do. of explaining to do.

Rifles

I I had had a a little little difficulty difficulty picturing picturing a a situation situation involving involving a a rifle rifle as as an an expedient expedient weapon. weapon. In In what kind of situation would an inexperienced person have to pick up an unfamiliar rifle what kind of situation would an inexperienced person have to pick up an unfamiliar rifle and use it for self-defense? and use it for self-defense? The first thought that came to mind was defense of a ranch house or hunting lodge where The first thought that came to mind was defense of a ranch house or hunting lodge where rifles are normally expected, though you might not normally be the one who uses them. A rifles are normally expected, though you might not normally be the one who uses them. A woman home alone might get into that situation. woman home alone might get into that situation. Or Or you you might might stumble stumble on on marijuana marijuana growers growers while while hiking hiking in in a a national national forest forest and and get get lucky enough to grab one of their rifles. They tend to be very touchy about intruders. lucky enough to grab one of their rifles. They tend to be very touchy about intruders. How How about about this this one. one. Your Your date date gets gets amorous amorous and and won’t won’t take take no no for for an an answer. answer. In In desperation you grab a deer rifle from behind the seat of her pickup truck. desperation you grab a deer rifle from behind the seat of her pickup truck. Well, this is the 90s, you know. Get with it. Well, this is the 90s, you know. Get with it. I should restate my premise that you are engaged in a short-range personal confrontation. I should restate my premise that you are engaged in a short-range personal confrontation. The enemy is only a few feet away. You have a rifle in your hands and you need to use it. The enemy is only a few feet away. You have a rifle in your hands and you need to use it.

What do you do? What do you do? What Kind of Rifle? What Kind of Rifle? There bolt-action single-shot There are are many many kinds kinds of of rifles. rifles. There There are are bolt-action single-shot rifles, rifles, bolt-action bolt-action magazine-fed magazine-fed rifles, rifles, lever-action lever-action magazine-fed magazine-fed rifles, rifles, pump-action pump-action magazine-fed magazine-fed rifles, rifles, and semiautomatic magazine-fed rifles. Also, there are centerfire rifles and rimfire rifles. and semiautomatic magazine-fed rifles. Also, there are centerfire rifles and rimfire rifles. What did you grab from the rifle rack? What did you grab from the rifle rack? Basically, Basically, if if the the rifle rifle is is not not semiautomatic, semiautomatic, there there will will be be some some kind kind of of handle handle or or lever lever present which opens the action and simultaneously cocks the hammer. You have to cycle present which opens the action and simultaneously cocks the hammer. You have to cycle this lever between shots to eject spent cartridges and to chamber new ones. this lever between shots to eject spent cartridges and to chamber new ones. Semiautos chamber a new round after each shot. Usually there is a relatively small handle Semiautos chamber a new round after each shot. Usually there is a relatively small handle on the bolt, about big enough to get one finger around, that is used to cycle the bolt to load on the bolt, about big enough to get one finger around, that is used to cycle the bolt to load the first cartridge from the magazine. Just yank it all the way back and let go. You’ve seen the first cartridge from the magazine. Just yank it all the way back and let go. You’ve seen them do it a thousand times on TV. them do it a thousand times on TV. What What is is the the distinction distinction between between centerfire centerfire and and rimfire rimfire rifles? rifles? I I have have to to assume assume that that you you don’t weapon. It don’t know, know, so so here here it it is. is. A A rimfire rimfire rifle rifle is is a a .22-caliber .22-caliber weapon. It is is terribly terribly underpowered for fighting. A centerfire rifle is likely to be a rifle for big-game hunting or underpowered for fighting. A centerfire rifle is likely to be a rifle for big-game hunting or for military use, firing large, heavy bullets with a lot of energy behind them. One of these for military use, firing large, heavy bullets with a lot of energy behind them. One of these can tear off a man’s head or arm as it passes through. can tear off a man’s head or arm as it passes through. Where is the Safety Button? Where is the Safety Button? All the rifles I have handled have had safety levers, buttons, or other safety devices. Some All the rifles I have handled have had safety levers, buttons, or other safety devices. Some engage the safety automatically each time you cycle the bolt. It pays to know where it is. engage the safety automatically each time you cycle the bolt. It pays to know where it is. Just button built built into Just like like with with the the shotgun, shotgun, first first look look for for a a transverse transverse button into the the trigger trigger guard. guard. Push it to the left to unlock the safety. Push it to the left to unlock the safety. Look where your Look for for a a sliding sliding switch switch on on top top of of the the receiver receiver where your right right thumb thumb rests. rests. Push Push it it forward to release it. forward to release it. If it is an “assault” rifle (one with a pistol grip in addition to a shoulder stock), look for a If it is an “assault” rifle (one with a pistol grip in addition to a shoulder stock), look for a lever on the left side of the receiver, where the right thumb rests. Push it down. lever on the left side of the receiver, where the right thumb rests. Push it down. I have one rifle where the safety is a lever that intrudes into the forward part of the trigger I have one rifle where the safety is a lever that intrudes into the forward part of the trigger guard. guard. You You push push it it forward, forward, out out of of the the trigger trigger guard guard loop, loop, to to release release the the mechanism mechanism for for firing. firing. Safeties tend to be well-marked, easy to work, and within reach of the right forefinger or Safeties tend to be well-marked, easy to work, and within reach of the right forefinger or thumb when the piece is grasped naturally. Just keep your wits about you and you will find thumb when the piece is grasped naturally. Just keep your wits about you and you will find it. it. How to Hold the Rifle How to Hold the Rifle As with the shotgun, seat the rifle butt firmly against your shoulder before firing it. The As with the shotgun, seat the rifle butt firmly against your shoulder before firing it. The big big centerfire centerfire rifles rifles kick kick quite quite sharply. sharply. Pressing Pressing the the stock stock hard hard against against your your shoulder shoulder before firing helps avoid bruises. before firing helps avoid bruises. Remember to keep your thumb away from your eye, too. Remember to keep your thumb away from your eye, too. How to Aim the Rifle How to Aim the Rifle

Just what you Just line line up up the the sights sights on on what you want want to to hit. hit. If If the the rifle rifle has has a a telescopic telescopic sight, sight, look look through it and put the crosshairs on the target. through it and put the crosshairs on the target. Compared to a pistol, a rifle is easy to shoot accurately. Even a novice can pick up a rifle Compared to a pistol, a rifle is easy to shoot accurately. Even a novice can pick up a rifle and hit a man-sized target 20 or 30 meters away. I dare say that you will be able to strike and hit a man-sized target 20 or 30 meters away. I dare say that you will be able to strike your target all the way across the bedroom if you apply yourself. your target all the way across the bedroom if you apply yourself. Be advised that most centerfire rifle bullets will pass completely through a human body at Be advised that most centerfire rifle bullets will pass completely through a human body at short range and will still have enough power left to penetrate walls and injure people at short range and will still have enough power left to penetrate walls and injure people at some distance from where the shot was fired. It is hard to keep this in mind when your life some distance from where the shot was fired. It is hard to keep this in mind when your life is on the line, but it must be a part of your thinking any time you handle a firearm. is on the line, but it must be a part of your thinking any time you handle a firearm. What to Aim For What to Aim For With just isn’t With a a heavy, heavy, centerfire centerfire rifle, rifle, aim aim for for the the center center of of the the chest. chest. There There just isn’t any any better better advice. advice. If it is a .22 rimfire rifle, aim at the chest first and be ready to switch to the head if that If it is a .22 rimfire rifle, aim at the chest first and be ready to switch to the head if that doesn’t get results. doesn’t get results. When to Shoot When to Shoot “Don’t move!” If he moves, shoot. “Don’t move!” If he moves, shoot. How Many Shots? How Many Shots? For For a a centerfire centerfire military military or or hunting hunting rifle, rifle, one one shot shot in in the the chest chest is is all all it it takes. takes. Pause Pause and and reevaluate. reevaluate. Use Use a a second second shot shot if if necessary. necessary. Hunting Hunting weapons weapons contain contain one one to to five five cartridges, depending on the model, so use them wisely. Military weapons use 5- to cartridges, depending on the model, so use them wisely. Military weapons use 5- to 3030round boltaction rifles round magazines. magazines. Some Some boltaction rifles contain contain one one shot shot and and that’s that’s all. all. Make Make that that one one shot do the job. Fortunately, a single chest wound from a heavy rifle bullet is devastating. shot do the job. Fortunately, a single chest wound from a heavy rifle bullet is devastating. If weapon is If your your expedient expedient weapon is a a .22-caliber .22-caliber rimfire, rimfire, it it probably probably fires fires from from a a 10-round 10-round magazine. magazine. Treat Treat it it like like a a pistol. pistol. Put Put two two shots shots in in the the chest chest and and pause. pause. The The next next shot, shot, if if necessary, goes to the head. A.22 may bounce off his skull, so aim for an eye. necessary, goes to the head. A.22 may bounce off his skull, so aim for an eye. If it is a single-shot .22, do I have to tell you where to aim? If it is a single-shot .22, do I have to tell you where to aim? What to Expect What to Expect A which is A .22 .22 rifle rifle has has about about the the same same wounding wounding potential potential as as a a .22 .22 pistol, pistol, which is to to say, say, not not much. Put a bullet in his brain and he will go down unconscious. Put a bullet in his lung or much. Put a bullet in his brain and he will go down unconscious. Put a bullet in his lung or even his heart and he might not notice it for awhile. even his heart and he might not notice it for awhile. The bullets The large large centerfire centerfire rifles rifles are are a a different different matter matter entirely. entirely. They They fire fire big, big, heavy heavy bullets traveling traveling a a two two to to three three times times the the speed speed of of sound. sound. They They produce produce an an effect effect called called “hydrostatic shock” in living tissue. This simply means that the flesh splashes away from “hydrostatic shock” in living tissue. This simply means that the flesh splashes away from the bullet so hard that it makes a temporary wound channel that is inches wide. A highthe bullet so hard that it makes a temporary wound channel that is inches wide. A highvelocity rifle bullet passing through a man’s thigh makes an instantaneous channel wide velocity rifle bullet passing through a man’s thigh makes an instantaneous channel wide enough to put your fist through. The flesh is very elastic and snaps back to form a narrow enough to put your fist through. The flesh is very elastic and snaps back to form a narrow permanent but organs permanent wound wound channel, channel, but organs and and tissues tissues nearby nearby are are pulped pulped and and ruptured. ruptured. The The impact can break nearby bones even though they were untouched by the actual bullet. If impact can break nearby bones even though they were untouched by the actual bullet. If this braincase, it this high-velocity high-velocity bullet bullet hits hits a a fluid-filled fluid-filled cavity, cavity, like like the the heart heart or or braincase, it simply simply blows it apart. blows it apart.

From From two two steps steps away, away, one one high-velocity high-velocity rifle rifle shot shot through through the the center center of of the the chest chest really really ought to end the contest. ought to end the contest. And And be be advised advised that that the the muzzle muzzle blast blast from from a a full-size full-size hunting hunting rifle rifle or or military military rifle rifle is is awesome. In a small room it could literally be stunning. awesome. In a small room it could literally be stunning. If the Rifle Doesn’t Fire If the Rifle Doesn’t Fire You know what to do by now. You know what to do by now. Next Steps Next Steps Lawyer. Also, you may want to see an ear specialist if you fired that shot inside a closed Lawyer. Also, you may want to see an ear specialist if you fired that shot inside a closed room. room.

Tactics

There by aa There is is a a story story told told of of a a karate karate master master in in Japan Japan who who was was challenged challenged to to fight fight by belligerent belligerent sailor sailor in in a a bar. bar. The The karate karate master master reluctantly reluctantly agreed agreed to to the the contest, contest, but but first first walked over to a nearby table and picked up a large bread knife. He dropped it on the floor walked over to a nearby table and picked up a large bread knife. He dropped it on the floor and kicked it across the room to the astonished sailor. “Pick it up,” said the martial artist and kicked it across the room to the astonished sailor. “Pick it up,” said the martial artist quietly. “You are going to need it.” quietly. “You are going to need it.” The sailor looked at the karate master for several seconds and then abruptly turned tail and The sailor looked at the karate master for several seconds and then abruptly turned tail and ran out the door. Psychology prevailed. You might think that this is the moral of the story. ran out the door. Psychology prevailed. You might think that this is the moral of the story. You might also note that a karate master can cross a room and break your neck a lot faster You might also note that a karate master can cross a room and break your neck a lot faster than you can bend over and pick up a knife from the floor. If the sailor had been stupid than you can bend over and pick up a knife from the floor. If the sailor had been stupid enough to go for the knife, he never would have reached it. The master altered the tactical enough to go for the knife, he never would have reached it. The master altered the tactical situation situation to to create create a a game game he he could could control. control. That’s That’s the the idea idea we we want want to to explore explore in in this this chapter. chapter. When your person is under assault, it is hard to keep your cool and use your brain. It pays When your person is under assault, it is hard to keep your cool and use your brain. It pays to have thought about it a lot ahead of time. “Tactics” are tricks and techniques you can to have thought about it a lot ahead of time. “Tactics” are tricks and techniques you can apply to manipulate a violent situation in your favor. apply to manipulate a violent situation in your favor. Aggression and Confidence Aggression and Confidence Let me tell you about a purely psychological tactic that works extremely well. Thugs are Let me tell you about a purely psychological tactic that works extremely well. Thugs are greatly greatly unsettled unsettled by by confident confident opponents. opponents. The The mugger mugger threatens threatens you you and and you you don’t don’t look look scared. scared. In In fact, fact, you you start start to to grin grin and and circle circle closer closer to to him. him. He He decides decides he he has has made made a

mistake. Sometimes this will end the situation with no further action. mistake. Sometimes this will end the situation with no further action. If they were brave they’d be holding down jobs like the rest of us. If they were brave they’d be holding down jobs like the rest of us. Use of Lighting Use of Lighting Most street crime occurs after dark. One usually pictures a scene where a few bright lights Most street crime occurs after dark. One usually pictures a scene where a few bright lights cast deep shadows. Think of a lonely sidewalk illuminated by an occasional street light. If cast deep shadows. Think of a lonely sidewalk illuminated by an occasional street light. If traffic bright headlights traffic is is heavy heavy on on this this street, street, there there will will be be a a continuous continuous stream stream of of bright headlights coming down the street. Here come the bad guys. They move to cut you off. coming down the street. Here come the bad guys. They move to cut you off. If If you you have have your your wits wits about about you, you, it it is is a a very very simple simple trick trick to to shift shift position position so so that that the the brightest brightest nearby nearby light light is is behind behind you. you. For For instance, instance, you you can can back back up up against against the the flow flow of of traffic so they have to look into the passing headlights to see you. This illuminates them traffic so they have to look into the passing headlights to see you. This illuminates them but turns you into a black silhouette. The light in their eyes contracts their pupils, making but turns you into a black silhouette. The light in their eyes contracts their pupils, making you even harder to see. you even harder to see. Why is this helpful? You can see their faces and hands, but they can’t see yours, at least Why is this helpful? You can see their faces and hands, but they can’t see yours, at least not clearly. They can’t see the expedient weapon in your hand. It is much harder for them not clearly. They can’t see the expedient weapon in your hand. It is much harder for them to see your fist or foot attacks, so they can’t dodge or block very well. Untrained fighters to see your fist or foot attacks, so they can’t dodge or block very well. Untrained fighters (you) (you) tend tend to to telegraph telegraph attacks attacks through through heroic heroic facial facial expressions. expressions. They They won’t won’t see see those those either. either. Another variation on this theme is to carry a pocket flashlight. When somebody confronts Another variation on this theme is to carry a pocket flashlight. When somebody confronts you late at night in the street, shine it in his eyes deliberately. Shove it right in his face and you late at night in the street, shine it in his eyes deliberately. Shove it right in his face and he’ll never see the low-level kick coming. he’ll never see the low-level kick coming. Shouting Shouting Everybody who studies Everybody who studies self-defense self-defense recommends recommends shouting shouting loudly loudly for for help. help. They They also also recommend screaming loudly whenever you get punched or kicked. The whole idea is to recommend screaming loudly whenever you get punched or kicked. The whole idea is to attract attention, and criminals just don’t like attention. attract attention, and criminals just don’t like attention. Karate students shout when they attack. This has morale effects on both the shouter and Karate students shout when they attack. This has morale effects on both the shouter and the shoutee and would be valuable for that reason alone. In addition, however, the karate the shoutee and would be valuable for that reason alone. In addition, however, the karate yell, or kiai, contracts the fighter’s abdominal muscles at the instant of impact. This makes yell, or kiai, contracts the fighter’s abdominal muscles at the instant of impact. This makes a very solid connection between your shoulders and your hips, passing a measure of your a very solid connection between your shoulders and your hips, passing a measure of your leg strength into your hand blows. leg strength into your hand blows. Shout when you fight. Shout something very loud and, if possible, very obscene. Shout when you fight. Shout something very loud and, if possible, very obscene. Using Cars as Barriers Using Cars as Barriers Look around when you are on the street. What do you see that is almost always present by Look around when you are on the street. What do you see that is almost always present by the side of the road or in nearby parking lots? the side of the road or in nearby parking lots? Cars. Parked cars. Cars. Parked cars. There are five tactical possibilities offered by parked cars. Think them through so you will There are five tactical possibilities offered by parked cars. Think them through so you will remember them. remember them. • If you can get a car between yourself and a lone attacker, he will have a hard time getting ¢ If you can get a car between yourself and a lone attacker, he will have a hard time getting at big, ungainly at you. you. It It is is very very hard hard for for a a big, ungainly guy guy to to play play ring-around-therosy ring-around-therosy like like this this and and catch the quick young lady on the other side of the coupe. catch the quick young lady on the other side of the coupe.

• Many cars these days, particularly in upper-class neighborhoods, have sensitive burglar ¢ Many cars these days, particularly in upper-class neighborhoods, have sensitive burglar alarms. Rocking the car, or even touching it, can set off the alarm. As you run from the alarms. Rocking the car, or even touching it, can set off the alarm. As you run from the attacker, kick a few cars. Find one that honks, wails a siren, and flashes its lights. Use that attacker, kick a few cars. Find one that honks, wails a siren, and flashes its lights. Use that one for your ring-around-the-rosy game. The owner will either show up on the sidewalk one for your ring-around-the-rosy game. The owner will either show up on the sidewalk with a gun or will call the cops. with a gun or will call the cops. • ¢ Many Many cars cars still still have have those those convenient convenient tubular tubular metal metal radio radio antennas antennas that that are are so so easy easy to to snap off at the base. Pull it out to maximum length, break it off, and then use it as a flail to snap off at the base. Pull it out to maximum length, break it off, and then use it as a flail to cut the attacker’s face and hands. cut the attacker’s face and hands. • between two ¢ If If there there are are multiple multiple attackers, attackers, get get into into the the narrow narrow lane lane between two parked parked cars. cars. This This channels the attackers into single file as they come after you. At worst, only two can reach channels the attackers into single file as they come after you. At worst, only two can reach you at a time (one from each direction). This is a lot better situation than simply standing you at a time (one from each direction). This is a lot better situation than simply standing on the sidewalk with six people punching and kicking you. on the sidewalk with six people punching and kicking you. In the chapter on shields, I warned you that the shield is effective only until the attacker In the chapter on shields, I warned you that the shield is effective only until the attacker realizes that he can grab it, at which point you must let go of it. Making a stand between realizes that he can grab it, at which point you must let go of it. Making a stand between two cars works only until the attackers realize that they can climb on top of the cars and two cars works only until the attackers realize that they can climb on top of the cars and jump you from the side. At the first sign of this attack, you must break out or your fortress jump you from the side. At the first sign of this attack, you must break out or your fortress may become a trap. may become a trap. Keep in mind, however, that you can get up on top of the cars, too. If you are adroit and Keep in mind, however, that you can get up on top of the cars, too. If you are adroit and are wearing rubber-soled shoes, you can run across a crowded parking lot by leaping from are wearing rubber-soled shoes, you can run across a crowded parking lot by leaping from the top or hood of one car to the next, probably setting off many burglar alarms in passing. the top or hood of one car to the next, probably setting off many burglar alarms in passing. • jump inside, ¢ A A lot lot of of people people don’t don’t lock lock their their cars. cars. Find Find an an unlocked unlocked car, car, jump inside, and and lock lock the the doors. Then turn on the emergency flashers and the headlights. Lean on the horn. Look in doors. Then turn on the emergency flashers and the headlights. Lean on the horn. Look in the glove compartment and under the seat for expedient weapons. For that matter, look for the glove compartment and under the seat for expedient weapons. For that matter, look for a cellular phone! Dial 911. a cellular phone! Dial 911. Fight One, Dodge One Fight One, Dodge One One One of of the the essential essential principles principles of of tactics tactics is is to to concentrate concentrate your your strength strength against against the the enemy’s weakness. Suppose you are beset by two attackers. Would you be smarter to fight enemy’s weakness. Suppose you are beset by two attackers. Would you be smarter to fight them both at once or one at a time? them both at once or one at a time? When two men try to fist fight you at the same time, it is relatively easy to swing around When two men try to fist fight you at the same time, it is relatively easy to swing around to the side and get one of the opponents between you and the other opponent. Then you to the side and get one of the opponents between you and the other opponent. Then you play ring around the rosy again, keeping the second bad guy always on the far side of the play ring around the rosy again, keeping the second bad guy always on the far side of the first one. first one. Run your best tricks against the man in the middle, and try to hurt him so badly that he Run your best tricks against the man in the middle, and try to hurt him so badly that he folds up and falls on the floor. I’ll leave the details to you. folds up and falls on the floor. I’ll leave the details to you. Now dance left and right to keep the second opponent on the far side of his crippled (or Now dance left and right to keep the second opponent on the far side of his crippled (or unconscious) partner. Most people will not step over the body of a fallen comrade to press unconscious) partner. Most people will not step over the body of a fallen comrade to press the attack, but if they do, they look down to avoid stepping on him as they cross. Expect the attack, but if they do, they look down to avoid stepping on him as they cross. Expect this downward glance. That’s when you launch your attack at his head. this downward glance. That’s when you launch your attack at his head. Using “Coward Psychology” Using “Coward Psychology” When you contend with a mob or gang of attackers, their group psychology can be used When you contend with a mob or gang of attackers, their group psychology can be used against them in a fight. It is not uncommon for the big scary guy to face you and threaten against them in a fight. It is not uncommon for the big scary guy to face you and threaten

while some sneaky weasel darts in from the side or the rear to cut you down. Once you are while some sneaky weasel darts in from the side or the rear to cut you down. Once you are hurt, everybody joins in. hurt, everybody joins in. It is a good principle of tactics to expect an attack from behind. Karate students practice It is a good principle of tactics to expect an attack from behind. Karate students practice endlessly at knocking out an opponent and turning immediately to the rear. endlessly at knocking out an opponent and turning immediately to the rear. So So here here you you are are in in the the tight tight space space between between two two parked parked cars. cars. Thug Thug #1 #1 is is closing closing in in from from your left. Thug #2 is coming in from your right. You are getting dizzy looking back and your left. Thug #2 is coming in from your right. You are getting dizzy looking back and forth, wondering which one will attack first. forth, wondering which one will attack first. Here’s how to take control of the situation. Take a big step to the left, jumping right in the Here’s how to take control of the situation. Take a big step to the left, jumping right in the face of Thug #1 with a big, angry yell. Make this so sudden and loud that he hitches back face of Thug #1 with a big, angry yell. Make this so sudden and loud that he hitches back half a step in surprise. half a step in surprise. You can bet that Thug #2 will leap in toward your back. Cowards are irresistibly drawn to You can bet that Thug #2 will leap in toward your back. Cowards are irresistibly drawn to backs. After spooking Thug #1 you immediately turn around and attack #2, catching him backs. After spooking Thug #1 you immediately turn around and attack #2, catching him by surprise in the middle of his step. A high attack followed by a near-simultaneous low by surprise in the middle of his step. A high attack followed by a near-simultaneous low attack best. If be through attack are are best. If you you get get in in his his face face fast fast enough, enough, you you can can be through his his defenses defenses and and doing damage while he is still in mid-gasp. You have about two seconds before you have doing damage while he is still in mid-gasp. You have about two seconds before you have to turn away from #2 and leap back at #1 again. Make the most of it. to turn away from #2 and leap back at #1 again. Make the most of it. Somebody is going to jump in at your back. The trick is to draw him in on cue and catch Somebody is going to jump in at your back. The trick is to draw him in on cue and catch him unprepared. him unprepared. Coordinated Defense Coordinated Defense What if you are not alone when the fight starts? Maybe your best friend is with you, or What if you are not alone when the fight starts? Maybe your best friend is with you, or your your brother, brother, or or best best of of all all a a friend friend from from your your self-defense self-defense or or martial martial arts arts class. class. Martial Martial artists artists inevitably inevitably learn learn to to fight fight alone. alone. There There is is much much to to be be said said for for fighting fighting as as a a team team instead. instead. It It doesn’t doesn’t take take much much practice. practice. The The trick trick is is for for at at least least one one of of you you to to understand understand how to do it. how to do it. Here you are walking to high school with your brother. Four members of the local gang, Here you are walking to high school with your brother. Four members of the local gang, the block the just your the Smelly Smelly Frijoles, Frijoles, block the sidewalk. sidewalk. It It is is not not just your lunch lunch money money they they want want this this time. The big Frijole doubles up his fist and punches your brother in the mouth. time. The big Frijole doubles up his fist and punches your brother in the mouth. It It doesn’t doesn’t matter matter how how many many bad bad guys guys there there are. are. The The only only ones ones that that count count are are the the ones ones within reach. You and your buddy need to stay close together and fight the same guy at the within reach. You and your buddy need to stay close together and fight the same guy at the same time. Double-team the opponents one at a time in rapid succession. same time. Double-team the opponents one at a time in rapid succession. Your brother is trading punches with Numero Uno. Instead of grimly taking on the other Your brother is trading punches with Numero Uno. Instead of grimly taking on the other three three Frijoles, Frijoles, you you should should step step up up to to the the side side of of Numero Numero Uno Uno and and stomp stomp the the side side of of his his knee. be able knee. You You will will probably probably be able to to grab grab one one of of his his arms arms at at the the same same time. time. Uno Uno will will be be severely severely handicapped handicapped for for the the one one long long second second it it takes takes your your brother brother to to kick kick him him into into submission. submission. You will only have a second, but that is all it takes. One or the other of you will suddenly You will only have a second, but that is all it takes. One or the other of you will suddenly have your hands full of Mr. Dos. Even if you both have an opponent now, you can dodge have your hands full of Mr. Dos. Even if you both have an opponent now, you can dodge and dance, looking for a chance to step in and double-team your buddy’s attacker. Break and dance, looking for a chance to step in and double-team your buddy’s attacker. Break the the knee knee first. first. Then Then use use the the knee knee or or foot foot to to the the face, face, or or even even the the ungracious ungracious groin groin kick kick from behind. from behind. The key is to put two attackers on the pavement, screaming and moaning. The odds are The key is to put two attackers on the pavement, screaming and moaning. The odds are

that want any that the the other other two two will will suddenly suddenly start start shouting shouting “OK! “OK! OK! OK! We We don’t don’t want any trouble!” trouble!” Back were you Back off off and and get get out out of of there. there. If If I I were you I’d I’d find find a a new new route route to to school. school. Or Or a a new new school. school. Running Away … At First Running Away ... At First Let’s say you are alone and are confronted by several bad guys. If you are in pretty good Let’s say you are alone and are confronted by several bad guys. If you are in pretty good shape, my advice is to turn and run. shape, my advice is to turn and run. Why? backs. They Why? Aren’t Aren’t they they likely likely to to catch catch you? you? Sure Sure they they are. are. Cowards Cowards can’t can’t resist resist backs. They will chase after you, but they will not all run at exactly the same speed. They will string will chase after you, but they will not all run at exactly the same speed. They will string out be alone, out along along the the sidewalk. sidewalk. Each Each one one will will be alone, and and not not at at his his best, best, when when you you suddenly suddenly scoop up an expedient weapon, turn around, and attack the man in the lead. scoop up an expedient weapon, turn around, and attack the man in the lead. This This is is another another technique technique for for changing changing a a many-againstone many-againstone fight fight into into a a series series of of oneoneagainst-one fights. Put the first guy down, then turn and run another block. Some of the against-one fights. Put the first guy down, then turn and run another block. Some of the attackers will stop to “help” the guy on the pavement. Make another stand and take out the attackers will stop to “help” the guy on the pavement. Make another stand and take out the new leader. If you can put him down and then take off again, the odds are that the chase new leader. If you can put him down and then take off again, the odds are that the chase will be over. will be over. In just run. weapons. You In any any case, case, you you don’t don’t just run. You You run run and and look look for for weapons. You look look for for tactical tactical advantages. You look for any way to seize control of the situation and turn it around. advantages. You look for any way to seize control of the situation and turn it around. How to Win a Footrace How to Win a Footrace So here you are again, looking for your car in the company parking lot. It is late at night. So here you are again, looking for your car in the company parking lot. It is late at night. Shadows Shadows are are deep. deep. The The parking parking lot lot seems seems deserted deserted until until Mongo Mongo steps steps out out from from between between two parked cars and waves a big knife in your face. two parked cars and waves a big knife in your face. “Gimme your wallet, motherfucker, or I’ll cut your gizzard out.” He looks like he means “Gimme your wallet, motherfucker, or I’ll cut your gizzard out.” He looks like he means it, too. it, too. Well, Well, it’s it’s only only a a knife. knife. Maybe Maybe you you can can outrun outrun him. him. Maybe Maybe not. not. He He looks looks in in pretty pretty good good shape. You hesitate. shape. You hesitate. How with somebody How do do you you win win a a footrace footrace with somebody who who is is more more athletic athletic than than you you are? are? Simple. Simple. You break his leg and then run. You break his leg and then run. Take one long step to the side away from the knife. Usually this means you step forward Take one long step to the side away from the knife. Usually this means you step forward and to your right. You raise up your left knee and stomp down viciously on Mongo’s left and to your right. You raise up your left knee and stomp down viciously on Mongo’s left knee. It doesn’t matter exactly how much damage you do. A kick in the leg hurts, and the knee. It doesn’t matter exactly how much damage you do. A kick in the leg hurts, and the pain saps strength and coordination from the leg. pain saps strength and coordination from the leg. Now run. Don’t just stand there and admire your handiwork. Now run. Don’t just stand there and admire your handiwork. Places to Visit While Being Stalked Places to Visit While Being Stalked One frequently hears stories about the lone woman who is walking down the street at night One frequently hears stories about the lone woman who is walking down the street at night when walks a a little when she she suddenly suddenly realizes realizes that that shadowy shadowy figures figures are are following following her. her. She She walks little faster. So do they. They are gaining on her. She sees an inviting dark alley and tries to run faster. So do they. They are gaining on her. She sees an inviting dark alley and tries to run down it and escape. down it and escape. This is a mistake. You already knew that. This is a mistake. You already knew that. The first thing on your mind should be, “How am I going to get to a phone and call for The first thing on your mind should be, “How am I going to get to a phone and call for

help?” help?” While you are working on that one, you should also be thinking, “How can I arm myself?” While you are working on that one, you should also be thinking, “How can I arm myself?” At this point all kinds of ideas should present themselves to you. What is normally in your At this point all kinds of ideas should present themselves to you. What is normally in your pockets, purse, briefcase, or backpack that could be used as a weapon? You should be an pockets, purse, briefcase, or backpack that could be used as a weapon? You should be an expert at this by now. expert at this by now. In your pockets, right now! What do you have? Take a look! In your pockets, right now! What do you have? Take a look! So far, so good. I want to suggest a further possibility for those situations where you think So far, so good. I want to suggest a further possibility for those situations where you think you you are are being being followed. followed. If If you you have have the the opportunity, opportunity, you you should should stop stop for for a a minute minute and and explore the friendly neighborhood arsenal on the cornerthe convenience store. explore the friendly neighborhood arsenal on the cornerthe convenience store. One Weapons at One of of the the best best photos photos in in Black Black Medicine, Medicine, Volume Volume II: II: Weapons at Hand Hand shows shows aa flamethrower made by squirting WD40 spray lubricant through the flame of a Bic lighter. flamethrower made by squirting WD40 spray lubricant through the flame of a Bic lighter. The buy aerosol The flames flames shoot shoot out out 4 4 or or 5 5 feet. feet. You You can can buy aerosol spray spray cans cans and and lighters lighters at at aa convenience store. convenience store. Liquor stores stay open all night, too. You can buy ice in liquor stores. You can buy ice Liquor stores stay open all night, too. You can buy ice in liquor stores. You can buy ice picks, too. Carry the ice pick out of the store in a brown paper bag. Wrap the bag around picks, too. Carry the ice pick out of the store in a brown paper bag. Wrap the bag around the handle and let the point hang down inside the bag. Try to give the impression that you the handle and let the point hang down inside the bag. Try to give the impression that you have a bottle of liquor in the bag. Then if you have to fight, ignore the bag and stab right have a bottle of liquor in the bag. Then if you have to fight, ignore the bag and stab right through it. The same trick works with knives and screwdrivers. through it. The same trick works with knives and screwdrivers. Many supermarkets are open all night. There are knives in the housewares aisle. There are Many supermarkets are open all night. There are knives in the housewares aisle. There are flashlights. flashlights. Sometimes Sometimes there there is is a a tool tool section section with with hammers hammers and and screwdrivers. screwdrivers. There There is is spray oven cleaner. There may be cans of spray paint. There is pepper by the pound. There spray oven cleaner. There may be cans of spray paint. There is pepper by the pound. There is change for the phone. is change for the phone. To weapon-rich To someone someone who who understands understands expedient expedient weaponry, weaponry, a a supermarket supermarket is is a a weapon-rich environment. So is a hardware store, automobile parts store, or even a corner gas station. environment. So is a hardware store, automobile parts store, or even a corner gas Station. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit if the situation calls for it. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit if the situation calls for it.