Using everyday objects as weapons!

There are many objects around us that can be used as an improvised weapon if we make use of our awareness and creativity. A little preparation and quick thinking can quickly turn you from a victim into a hero! Turning everyday objects into weapons is not as easy as it looks cause without the basic knowledge one might end up picking a nearby object, hitting it aimlessly and missing the assailant completely!

Improvised weapons are generally used for self defense or whenever a person is unarmed. Commonly used by attackers in mugging, street fights riots etc. Many martial arts throughout the world employ the use of common objects as weapons like:

• Okinawan karate features items which are mainly used as farming equipment.

• Filipino martial arts make use of objects like ropes and bamboo sticks.

• Chinese martial arts make use of hammers and knifes

And similarly various other traditional as well as modern martial arts have been employing the use of such daily easily accessible objects in its techniques. Krav maga is one such defense tactic that you can use to potentially defend yourself from your attacker and get away unscathed!

Different classes of improvised weapons include:

• Stick-like - Attack with swings or stabs. Examples: umbrella, fireplace poker, baseball bat, rolling pin

• Stone-like- Throw or hold in hand for delivering punches. Examples: ashtray, tumbler, statuette, bottle, plate, can.

• Small objects- Distract the attacker’s attention. Examples: coins, wristwatch, keys.

• Shield-like objects- Stop or deflect a strike, can be rigid or soft. Examples: wood board, chair, trash can lid, large saucepan, shoulder bag, briefcase.

• Knife like objects.-Stab or slash. Examples: broken bottle, scissors, sharp piece of metal, knitting needle, and screwdriver.

• Rope-like objects.-Lash, entwines, strike, or tie up. Examples: rope, bicycle chain with lock, chain, belt.

• Liquids and sprays- Throw or spray into face. Examples: beverage, hot coffee, soup, handful of sand, fire extinguisher.

It’s an unfortunate fact of life that most of us will be involved in a violent altercation at some point or another. You can’t change but what you can change is your preparation. Think of weapons as extensions of your body, and use them to enhance your self-defense skills. Instead of just sitting there waiting for an attack to happen, study the everyday objects that surround you and visualize how each could serve a defensive purpose against an attacker.