How to be Prepared for Self-Defense Physically & Mentally

Many criminals and attackers are less willing to face someone fighting back – particularly if they recognize a determined mindset to survive and overcome – and may instead opt to end the incident in pursuit of easier targets or to avoid apprehension.

Allowing yourself to be a victim is as much a mental choice as it is the result of an unfortunate or dangerous situation.

Giving up, submitting and being intimidated by an attacker’s weapon can be a consequential mistake that can open you up to further criminal acts by the assailant.

Just as important as the type of tool or weapon you depend upon for self-defense, is the mindset you have when facing an attack or potentially life-threatening situation.

Situational & Mental Preparedness

In a crisis situation, denial can be deadly. The psychological reaction to a potentially deadly situation cycles through phases of denial, delay, diagnosis, acceptance, consideration and (finally) action.

Your job is cut to the chase as quickly as possible, size up the situation and apply previous training (or quick thinking) while taking swift action.

Creative and spontaneous answers are perfectly fine; the elements of surprise and distraction can aid basic fight or flight response.

Know that there are definitely other legal alternatives to firearms if needed to be used as a secondary or more discreet option.

Some, but not all, of these choices would be acceptable to carry in gun free zones. Please check your local laws and use common sense and sound judgment.

Alternative Self Defense Tools

If guns are forbidden by law, it may not be wise or practical to break that law. But you may still be able to carry (depending on the location and its applicable regulations) other forms of self defense, including:

• Pepper Spray, stun guns, or tasers

• Knives

● Baseball bat or pipe

• Tactical Handcuffs (if an assailant can be confined or detained by surprise, the killing will stop)

• Tactical Flashlights

• Tactical Pen (Easily Concealed)

• Self-Defense Keychain

Most of these require (or would benefit from) some serious training to be effective, and many of these may still fall short of the threat of a trained gunman.

However, if flight is not an option, you may have little alternative but to try anything at your disposal. Use your best judgement in any situation.

Using random items at hand may be your best choice in a bad spot for taking back control of a situation when other means fail.

Here are quick tips on how to transform ordinary household items into weapons that could deter or stop a would-be assailant in a pinch, and allows enough distraction to escape to a safer location:

● A long sock stuffed with something hard (coins, rocks, marbles…) packs a powerful punch. The trick is to swing it and then get away.

● An umbrella can be used to hold off an attacker or deliver a blow in preparation of trying to get away.

● A coat hanger, combined with a simple saw blade (or the like) glued onto its broadside, could be imposing as well.

● Even a magazine, rolled up, contains enough force and concentrated mass to poke an eye, groin, etc. if used with direct intent.

● Even a water bottle or a belt can be a good, quick option.

That said, there is also wisdom in choosing your battles and living to fight another day. As many have pointed out, if a criminal is more interested in your wallet than your life, it is often better to give it up and recover financially with your life and well-being intact.

Preparation, training, research and situational awareness can help you make these decisions with confidence and good judgment.

You can’t always choose your situation, but you can influence and determine the outcome with quick thinking, solid preparation, and the right mentality.