Reality Based Weapons Training

Do you train weapon defences, counters and use, realistically? What weapons do you use in training? Wooden swords? 6 foot staff? Swords, staffs and spears were used on battlefields many years ago and once, were the weapons mostly used in combat. Today, the weapons used on the streets and inside homes are much different, more compact and easily concealed.

On top of that, many of the weapons used today involve even closer combat than days gone by. Weapons used today are generally much shorter. Everyday items can readily be picked up and used to inflict serious damage onto and into the human body. Improvised weapons are a major threat and must be taken into account when training in weapon defence.


On the flip side to that coin, improvised weapons can be used by the defender as well. Improvised weapons can be used in the event of home invasion. Pick up whatever is handy and use it. Have a look around you right now! If someone were to attack you right now, what could you immediately pick up and use as a weapon? You can use improvised weapons to either cut, or damage by impact.

Everyday Items

What about the computer mouse in your hand? With a strong hold and with the appropriate amount of force, I think a computer mouse could cause some painful damage. It may not stop an attacker dead in his tracks, but it may. It will likely slow him down and may be enough for you to regain the initiative and force your counter attack onto him.

There are weapons everywhere. Everyday items can indeed become nasty weapons with the appropriate amount of lateral thinking. Below is a list of just 10 everyday items that are readily available and may be immediately used in the event of someone launching an attack on you:

1. Pen
2. A dogs food bowl (especially aluminium or steel)
3. TV remote control
4. Sturdy ash tray (such as marble or steel)
5. Various kitchen implements
   
6. Scissors
7. Hand tools such as screwdrivers or shifters
8. Car keys
9. A vehicle's steering wheel lock
10. Small bottle of soft drink, with some fluid left inside
    

These are just some items which are quite common and generally, at least one of these items are available to us at any particular time. They are generally not very dangerous looking, which is why attackers don't tend to use such items, but are quite useful for someone on the other end of an attack. They can level the playing field.

Weapons for Attack AND Defence

As well as using everyday items to strike at an attacker with, many of these items can be used as a shield. For example, if attacked in the back yard and you only have a poodle, the dog bowl may be held in both hands out in front and used to physically block the attacks thrown by the attacker, be they weapons based or punches and kicks. In the same many, the bowl can be used to strike at the attacker. Simple thrusting movements are all that is required.

For a predominantly shielding methodology, flexible items can be readily used such as a t-shirt or belt. These can be held tort with hands about one foot apart around the object and use that surface between the hands to shield and counter. This is especially effective against edged weapon attacks.

Less Conventional Weapons used by Attackers

One final area to be aware of is that some attackers will use improvised weapons in their activities. Such weapons include the following:

1. Hypodermic needle
2. Stick
3. Kitchen knife
4. Stanley knife (boxcutters)
5. Scissors
6. Sharpened screwdrivers
7. Home made stabbing devices
8. Beer bottle
9. Fish scaler
10. Pocket knife

Most of these weapons appear offensive and violent, and imagination can run wild which is an aid to attackers as they want to shock their victims and ensure co-operation. There are various grips and holds for various improvised weapons. Learn these too. Do not be shocked by these weapons. Be aware of the threat.

Use Improvised Weapons

Do your weapon defences prepare you for dealing with weapons such as those listed above? If you cannot avoid or escape a situation, can you use an everyday item nearby which can even the odds a little?

Weapons use should be a part of your training. Weapons use is on the rise by attackers. At the same time, weapons use can be your friend.

Special credit goes to my Instructor in these matters, Ray Floro.