This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Following her weekly yoga class, a young woman exits the gym. The sky is dark, the parking lot only illuminated by the dim glow of a few streetlamps. The woman glances around, zips up her stylish jacket, and makes her way to her car. Unseen by her, an attacker lurks in the shadows. He discreetly follows her to her car, watching her every move. The woman, sensing something, looks over her shoulder cautiously. Suddenly, the man attacks! He grabs the woman around the shoulders, his elbow tight around her neck. She struggles, but he’s quickly cutting off her air supply. The young woman inserts a strange-looking key into her sleeve, pushing down frantically on a hidden button in her jacket. The attacker is zapped with 80,000 volts of electricity! He falls to the ground, disoriented, as the woman makes her escape. She quickly calls the police, and the disabled attacker is apprehended.

Being the victim of an attack is every woman’s worst nightmare. The market for certain self defense products, such as pepper spray and tasers, is designed to give some people the edge in a defensive situation. An electric jacket that zaps an attacker sounds similar to something out of a James Bond movie. However, this product is real, and currently being tested by a company named “No-Contact LLC”.

How Does it Work?

The “No-Contact Jacket” (which is currently only available for women) is powered by a simple 9-volt battery. Underneath the surface of the jacket’s material is a network of wires, which emit an electrical charge when it is activated. However, there are safety measures that are designed to prevent an accidental discharge. In order for the jacket to be “armed”, a woman needs to insert a special key into a slot in the sleeve of the jacket. Once the jacket is armed, it can be “charged” by pressing a button located inside the sleeve of the jacket.

Is the Jacket Effective for Self Defense?

Since the No Contact Jacket has gotten a fair amount of media attention (even being voted one of the greatest inventions of the year 2003 by Time Magazine), a lot of people have questioned its effectiveness. Here are a few videos demonstrating how the jacket works, and what kind of defense it provides.

Information about the No Contact Jacket (by the creators)
This video gives a bit of background information about how the jacket was created, as well as the reason why the creators decided to put the charge button inside the sleeve.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Demonstration of the No Contact Jacket
This quick demonstration is of the effects of the jacket on a one and two-handed grab attack. Though it doesn’t seem to fully disable the attacker, it does seem to be a deterrent.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Close-Up View of Arcing Electrical Current
This video is simply a close-up of the part of the jacket where the arcing electrical current is displayed.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Coverage of the Jacket by KBTV
This video segment is from a program that covers self defense products for women.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

If you love Mexican food, you’re already familiar with what it feels like to eat spicy food. As soon as you bite into a hot pepper, you instantly feel a warm, tingling sensation inside your mouth. Within a few seconds, this feeling progresses until it feels like your tongue, throat and the inside of your mouth are all on fire. Drinking water doesn’t help the burning sensation fade – instead, it can actually prolong your discomfort. Some people can handle eating spicy peppers, though not many can stomach the hottest pepper in the world – the Bhut Jolokia Pepper.

This burning sensation that you feel when eating a spicy pepper is actaully caused by an active compound called Capsaicin. This compound is able to induce a burning sensation in any type of human or animal tissue that it comes into contact with. Capcaicin is produced as a secondary metabolite in many hot peppers, and when extracted is an odorless, colorless substance.

Active Ingredient in Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is often called Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray, which roughly translates to “pepper resin spray”. Within this resin is contained the active compound Capsaicin. Capsaicin is extracted from peppers by grinding them down to an extremely fine “dust”, and then using an organic solvent (such as ethanol) to draw out the compound. Once the solvent is evaporated, only the waxy Capsaicin remains. This compound is so powerful that as little as one milligram is enough to cause your skin to form painful blisters.

How Pepper Spray is Made

In order to ensure an even spray, the Capsaicin (or Oleoresin Capsicum, as it is often called at this stage) is suspended in water (or sometimes an oil-based solution) by using an emulsifier. It is also combined with a propellant, which allows the spray to be shot outward from a canister. Once the liquid is ready, it may then be pressurized to be used as an aerosol spray.

Rating for Pepper Spray

Pepper spray is often rated according to the Scoville scale, using Scoville heat units (SHU). This scale rates the amount of capsaicin that is present. This measures the heat, or the concentration of a pepper spray formula. Pepper sprays are also rated with the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method.

How Pepper Sprays Disable Criminals

Upon coming into contact with pepper spray, a criminal will experience several immediate symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Uncontrollable coughing
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the eyes
• Temporary blindness
• Burning sensation
• Body spasms

First Aid for Pepper Spray

If you have been accidentally exposed to pepper spray, there are a few things that you need to do immediately to help shorten the effects. Avoid touching any of the areas of your body which have been exposed to the spray, since this could cause the compound to spread to other areas of your body. Since capsaicin is not water-soluble, flushing your body and facial area with large amounts of water may not make a significant difference. Most emergency workers recommend using baby shampoo on the affected areas to remove the compound, which may also help decrease the pain.

Pepper Spray Alternatives

In the United kingdom, a synthetic compound (which imitates capsaicin) has been created. This compound is called pelargonic acid vanillylamide (desmethuldihydrocapsaicin). It is widely used in a different type of agent called PAVA spray.

In Russia, a compound called pelargonic acid morpholide was created as a pepper spray alternative. However, its actual effectiveness as compared to pepper spray containing Capsaicin is currently undetermined.

How to Use Pepper Spray

Click here to view the embedded video.

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When it comes to self defense, many people don’t view books as being a useful tool for practical application. However, reading a self defense book may actually help you refine novice self defense techniques, or form a strong foundation for more advanced techniques. Here are three of the bestselling self defense books, each of which also has a high rating among readers.

Attack Proof: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Protection

This guide is designed to emphasize the “real world” applications for self defense techniques. There are countless self defense books that claim to provide you with the most effective methods to defend yourself. However, many of these guides emphasize flashy finishing techniques, neat-looking combos and other things that aren’t essential for defending yourself. One of the unique features of this book is that it focuses on the importance of “awareness”, and how essential it is to be aware when defending yourself.

Customer reviews of “Attack Proof” were mixed on if it was suitable for beginner students of martial arts. Some readers seemed to think that the techniques were too complicated for people that didn’t have previoud experience in martial arts. However, many “beginners” made convincing arguments that since “Attack Proof” focuses on practical techniques, it is very easy to pick up.

Another positive feature (in reference to self defense) of this book is that it doesn’t suggest that you use your newly acquired martial arts skills as an offensive skill. Instead, the author of this book only suggests that you attack when you are left with no other options. As novice martial arts students may become badly injured due to overconfidence in their abilities, many readers saw this principle as positive.

• Amazon Product Page: Attack Proof: The Ultimate Guide to Personal Protection

Complete Krav Maga: The Ultimate Guide to over 230 Self-Defense and Combative Techniques

Krav Maga is a street-fighting skill-based style that was first developed by Imi Litchenfeld. Krav Maga was developed in the 1940′s, and has been refined into the unique fighting style that we know today. One of the main principles of Krav Maga is “Threat Neutralization”.

“Complete Krav Maga” isn’t simply a training manual, however. It also includes a special physical conditioning workout program, in order to ensure that students of this martial art are in top physical form. It also includes hand-to-hand combat techniques, maneuvers for weapon defense, fast escapes from holds, as well as how to counterattack.

This book is appropriate for both novice and experienced students of martial arts. The way the book’s layout is organized, a student will begin by learning the simpler techniques, and use them as a foundation for more advanced techniques later on. There are also many pictures in this book, illustrating the proper execution of certain moves.

Readers of “Complete Krav Maga” have mostly positive feedback. This book has a 4 (out of five) star rating on Amazon.com.

• Amazon Product Page: Complete Krav Maga

Fight Like a Girl… and Win: Defense Decisions for Women

It’s no secret that women deal with situations of violence with a different mindset than men. However, it’s rare to find a book that truly addresses these differences. “Fight Like a Girl” not only emphasizes practical defensive maneuvers for women – it also deals with the psychological process of dealing with a violent person. It’s natural to ask yourself “How far am I willing to go to protect myself?”, and this book addresses that issue with a very comprehensive approach.

The book “Fight Like a Girl” uses a list of 26 decisions that a woman can use to potentially save her own life. These include “Decide to Act on Your Instincts” and “Decide to Recognize the Threat of the Initial Attack”. The practical information in this book, combined with the psychological coaching and the victim success/failure stories, is very effectively targeted at women. This book currently has a 5 (out of 5) star rating on Amazon.com.

• Amazon Product Page: Fight Like a Girl… and Win: Defense Decisions for Women

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krav_maga

http://www.amazon.com/Fight-Like-Girl-Win-Decisions/dp/0312357729/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269635542&sr=1-29

http://www.amazon.com/Attack-Proof-Ultimate-Personal-Protection/dp/0736003517/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269634090&sr=1-15

http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Krav-Maga-Self-Defense-Techniques/dp/1569755736/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269633927&sr=1-3

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It’s late at night, and you’re walking back to your car after work. The parking area is lit only by the dim glow of the street lights. You reach in your pocket to grab your keys, and fumble to unlock your car doors. Suddenly, you’re attacked from behind! Your assailant pins your arms behind your back, rendering you nearly helpless! Are you prepared?

People generally tend to think of scenarios like the one described above as relatively rare. It’s common to see an assault, theft or other crime happen in a movie, and think, “Oh, that will never happen to me”. Every two minutes, a women in the United States is the victim of sexual assault. Every 34 seconds, a person in the USA is subject to aggravated assault. Every 22 seconds, a violent crime is committed.  No woman wants to be a part of these statistics, which is why attendance in women’s self defense classes is at an all-time high. However, there are three essential weapons that every woman should carry at all times.

Kubotan

A Kubotan (also called a Kobutan or Kubaton) is a small baton style self-defense weapon. It was first developed by Takayuki Kubota. A Kubotan is about the same size as a felt-tip marker, usually being 5.5 inches long and 1.5cm in diameter. It’s designed to be attached to a keychain, and looks relatively harmless to the untrained eye. However, it can be a very effective self defense weapon for women. It can be grasped in the fist for “hammerfist” strikes, or be used to hit your attacker’s pressure points (when held with a forward grip). It can also add strength to your punches when grasped behind the fingers. For Kubotans with a side-grip (such as the grip seen on police batons), the side grip can protrude between the fingers to further allow you to disable your assailant. A Kubotan usually includes a clip to attach to your keychain.

Pepper Spray

Pepper Spray is probably the number one most important self defense weapons for women. It contains Oleoresin Capsicum, which is a lachrymatory agent. When used against an attacker, it may cause temporary blindness, pain, throat irritation, runny nose, burning sensations and uncontrollable coughing. The effects are temporary, usually lasting from 30 – 45 minutes. However, this should give you more than enough time to escape a potential attacker. The range of a pepper spray product can vary, depending on the size of the pressurized canister containing the Oleoresin Capsicum. Different pepper spray products may be able to hit an attacker in a 4 – 15 foot range. For more information, you can check out our article – “Defensive Pepper Spray – A Buyer’s Guide“.

Stun Gun

A Stun Gun is a device that emits an electrical charge to disable or immobilize an attacker. Many people refer to stun guns as “Tasers”, since this is the brand name of one of the more popular types of stun guns. There are three different types of stun guns: Static Charge, Phase Induction and T-Wave. You can find more information about these types in our article, “Defensive Stun Guns – A Buyer’s Guide“.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ku2.JPG

http://www.firsthomesecurity.com/peppersprays/images/lipsticks.jpg

http://xavinet.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/stun-gun.jpg

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In 1996, a blind man named Courtney Beswick was minding his own business, when he was suddenly attacked. His attacker was Anthony Ervin, who no doubt believed that stealing money from a blind man would be simple. However, Beswick refused Ervin’s demands for money, so Ervin attacked him. Little did Ervin know, that Beswick was a trained martial artist. Beswick used a martial arts move to toss Ervin over his shoulder when he attacked. The fall broke Ervin’s neck, and he died.

After this occurred, the subject was brought up of civil and criminal charges being filed against Beswick for killing Ervin, even though Beswick acted in self-defense. However, the police eventually decided not to file charges. [1]

The Truth About Self Defense Laws

Oddly enough, Beswick’s avoidance of criminal charges isn’t as common as you may think. Though the law advocates self defense, the parameters are a bit strict. Technically, you are allowed to use necessary, non-deadly force in self-defense anytime you believe that unlawful force will be used against you. The important distinction there is “non-deadly force”. The only time that deadly force is permitted, is when the victim reasonably believes that their life is in immediate danger. The term “reasonable belief” is another important part of self defense law.

Self Defense By State

Many states have different definitions for “reasonable force“, “deadly force“, “non-deadly force” and “reasonable belief“. From 2005 – 2006, 15 states have modified their self-defense laws to allow victims to use deadly force when their lives are in danger. However, these expanded laws usually apply to victims that are within the boundaries of their own homes or vehicles.

“The Florida law, which served as a model for the others, gives people the right to use deadly force against intruders entering their homes. They no longer need to prove that they feared for their safety, only that the person they killed had intruded unlawfully and forcefully. The law also extends this principle to vehicles.” [2]

Essentially, this means that citizens are allowed to use “deadly force” to protect their property. Further exploration into these modified laws also addresses what people should do if attacked in a public place.

“…The law does away with an earlier requirement that a person attacked in a public place must retreat if possible. Now, that same person, in the law’s words, ‘has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force.’ The law also forbids the arrest, detention or prosecution of the people covered by the law, and it prohibits civil suits against them.” [2]

The states that expanded their self-defense laws from 2005-2006 include:

• Alaska
• Idaho
• Colorado
• Arizona
• North Dakota
• South Dakota
• Kansas
• Oklahoma
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Michigan
• Tennessee
• Kentuckey
• Indiana
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Virginia
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Florida

Each state’s self-defense laws are different, however. It’s always best to read your specific state’s self defense laws, in order to avoid a situation in where you could be prosecuted for defending yourself.

Castle Doctrine

A “Castle Doctrine” (also called “Defense of Habitation” ) is a law that focuses on giving individuals the right to defend their “castle”, or home. It also gives people the power to protect from illegal trespassing, violent entry, or other activities on their property that may cause them harm. A Castle Doctrine also gives people the ability to protect other innocent people in their home from harm when necessary. If an intruder or attacker is subjected to lethal force by a person defending their home, and the criminal dies, it could potentially be classified as “justifiable homicide”.

However, the Castle Doctrine is subject to a number of restrictions. The person on your property must be committing an illegal act in order for you to act in defense. In addition to this, the occupant of the home must reasonably believethat the intruder or trespasser intends to do them harm, or commit an illegal activity. [3]

Currently, the following states (listed in alphabetical order) have officially adopted the Castle Doctrine Law:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Florida
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• North Dakota
• Ohio, Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

States that are not listed here may have modified versions of the Castle Doctrine, may be in the process of adopting the Castle Doctrine, or may have special laws regarding self defense rights.

Sources:

[1]http://www.ittendojo.org/articles/general-4.htm

[2]http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/07/us/07shoot.html

[3]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Doctrine

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Once you have made the decision to learn how to defend yourself, the next step is choosing your method of instruction. Though many people choose to attend physical classes, another option is to purchase a self defense video. Though instructional self defense videos aren’t necessarily an equal replacement for attending classes, they can help you to learn some of the basic self defense techniques. Here are three of the currently listed bestselling self defense videos.

I Am Not A Target! (2006)

This unique bestselling self-defense DVD focuses on defensive techniques for young children. Teaching children how to defend themselves can be a wonderful way to instill discipline, physical fitness and personal safety procedures at a young age. This DVD is only 49 minutes long, and is on a single disc. What makes this program unique is that it not only teaches children how to defend themselves, it also helps them to recognize common tactics used by criminals. Child molesters, kidnappers and pedophiles all have specific psychological profiles, which usually manifests in the methods they try to use to convince children to leave with them. “I Am Not A Target!” also teaches children how to defend themselves and escape, if they ever become involved in a physical confrontation. Due to the short length of this DVD, it can be used as an effective starting point for teaching children how to be safe.

Amazon Product Page: I Am Not A Target!

Complete Taekwondo Kicking (2002)

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses primarily on kicking. Taekwondo is currently the world’s most popular martial art, having more students than any other fighting style. “Complete Taekwondo Kicking” is a 90 minute DVD that covers everything from basic kicks, to black-belt-level kicking techniques. There is a variety of footwork demonstrated in this program, which is used for over 40 different kicks taught on this DVD. Each kick is displayed several times, in slow motion in order to ensure correct form. According to the customer reviews, the kicks in “Complete Taekwondo Kicking” are best for novice students of Taekwondo, being too easy for people who have progressed to more advanced levels. As a self-defense technique, Taekwondo emphasizes powerful form and avoiding damage.

Amazon Product Page: Complete Taekwondo Kicking

Krav Maga Personal Protection (2006)

Krav Maga is a method of hand-to-hand combat that was first developed in Israel. It emphasizes close contact, and is also sometimes called “Israeli Jiu Jitsu”. This particular instructional program is actually a 6-DVD set, designed to cover six different “belt levels”. The program’s instructor is Alain Cohen, who is a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces. Upon completing the program, you will have progressed all the way to “black-belt” Krav Maga. The program focuses more on the combative aspects of Krav Maga, with a high-density inclusion of many different techniques. Since Krav Maga isn’t designed to have different programs for people of varying physical fitness levels, some people may find this DVD program very challenging. According to some customer reviews of “Krav Maga Personal Protection”, the series doesn’t focus on production quality, instead taking a more rough-cut approach to teaching Krav Maga.

Amazon Product Page: Krav Maga Personal Protection

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1. Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is one of the most popular self defense products. Most pepper spray products use an active ingredient called oleroresin capsicum, also called OC. This ingredient is derived from hot peppers, usually of the cayenne variety. Since pepper spray is a substance that causes an inflammatory response it is effective even against attackers that might be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Pepper spray causes inflammation of the mucous membranes, which restricts breathing, vision and may cause feelings of disorientation. You can find out more about pepper spray by reading our article on “Defensive Pepper Spray: A Buyer’s Guide“.

2. Pepper Gun
A pepper gun uses the same active ingredients as pepper spray, but with a different delivery method. The pepper gun is similar in appearance to a flare gun, with a plastic handle and a wide barrel. However, the cartridge loaded into the barrel produces a constant stream, reaching around 25 feet. Some pepper spray guns also have a trigger-activated LED light, which also helps to confuse potential attackers.

3. Telescopic Baton
Telescopic batons are also sometimes called “Expandable Batons”, or “Collapsable Batons”. When collapsed, the baton is usually about the length of a pencil, and about the diameter of a quarter. To extend the baton, you simply tap the end, and flick downward in a rapid motion. This extends the baton to roughly three times its length. This baton can be used in self-defense situations in which you need to quickly incapacitate your attacker.

4. Keys
If you find yourself unarmed in a dangerous situation, you can use your car or house keys as a small self defense weapon. Grasp your keys in your fist, so that the pointed ends of the keys extend out between your fingers. In a bad situation, they can potentially cause damage to your attacker, allowing you enough time to escape.

5. Personal Alarm
A personal alarm is a battery-powered device that emits a loud siren or alarm. These alarms are usually one-touch button operated, though may have a safety feature which prevents them from going off accidentally. A personal alarm can alert nearby people that you are in trouble, or can also momentarily distract your attacker, allowing you to escape. Most personal alarms are small enough to be kept in a pocket or purse.

6. Stun Gun
A stun gun is an electronic device that works to momentarily paralyze or incapacitate your attacker. Many people mistakenly call all stun guns “Tasers”, which is simply the name of a popular stun gun brand. There are several different types of stun guns, which have specialized delivery methods. For more information about stun guns, you can read our post on “Defensive Stun Guns: A Buyer’s Guide“.

7. Hairspray
If you’re caught in a bad situation without pepper spray, you can improvise with a small can of hairspray or perfume. While not nearly as effective as pepper spray, hairspray can be useful for distracting your attacker momentarily. Try to aim for your attacker’s eyes, as this is where hairspray will be most effective.

8. S.A.P. Gloves
S.A.P. gloves are a type of leather glove that has been enhanced with steel filling. These gloves can give you an edge in a self defense situation, due to the steel plating that is fixed to the outer edge of the glove’s fingers. However, it’s extremely important to remember that your primary focus in a self defense situation should be escaping to a safe location. The effectiveness of S.A.P. gloves can be enhanced if you already have some martial arts training.

9. Cell Phone
If you’re in danger, your chances of escaping are increased if you can alert authorities of your situation. However, sometimes attackers are deterred simply if you are speaking on your cell phone to someone else. Most criminals operate only when they believe that they won’t be caught or held accountable for their actions. Always keep a cell phone in your pocket or purse, just in case.

10. MAG Flashlight
MAG flashlights are a type of sturdy flashlight that are often carried by law enforcement officialls. They are constructed of a sturdy aluminum alloy, which allows them to be used as a defensive weapon in bad situations. However, even the smaller size MAG flashlights can be useful for blinding or distracting your attacker.

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Taking a self defense course is a great way to lose weight, meet new people and learn to be more disciplined. However, the most important benefit of taking a self defense class is that you will be better prepared to defend yourself in a compromising situation. Self defense classes are popular for people of all ages, and are available in virtually every US state. However, choosing a self defense class can be a bit difficult, especially if there are many options in your area. The following guide will help to familiarize you with self defense classes, as well as help you to choose the self defense class that is best for you.

Body Type
The first step that you may want to take before choosing a self defense class is to choose a martial arts style. Depending on your body type, you may need to make adjustments to the self defense techniques that you want to learn. You can read our article on “How to Choose a Martial Arts Style” to become more familiar with which martial arts styles are best for specific body types. However, there are also general self defense classes that may be offered in your area, which are usually suitable for all body types. If in doubt, it’s always best to contact the instructor or organization first, to make sure that you will be able to handle the techniques taught in the class.

Researching Self Defense Classes
The best way to go about your research is to make a list of all of the self-defense classes available in your area. Once you have your list, you can begin narrowing it down. Place a phone call to each organization or instructor, in order to gain information to help you decide. Here are some questions you should include in your phone call:

How Challenging is the Class?
If you aren’t in optimal physical shape, you want to make sure that you will be able to accomplish the techniques taught in the class. Ask about how difficult the class is, and if there are different classes for each skill level.

What are the Pricing Options?
Some self-defense courses can be a bit expensive, so it’s very important that you ask about price. Some classes may require you to purchase a uniform or additional equipment, especially if you are taking a formal martial arts class. Ask about the base prices, as well as any fees that may be involved. It’s also best if you ask about being refunded if you are unable to attend a class.

What Will I Learn?
If you want to focus only on practical self defense techniques, you will want a class that meets this criteria. Ask about the techniques that are taught in each class, as well as how they are applicable in real-world situations. You can also ask about what each student is expected to gain from taking the class.

Can I Observe a Class?
An extremely effective way to evaluate a self defense course is to sit in on one of the class sessions. Most organizations will allow you to observe a class, especially if you mention that you’re currently shopping around for a class that meets your needs. If your request is approved, be sure to bring a small notebook to record any details you notice about the structure of the class. This can help you to decide if the class will fit your specific self defense needs.

What are the Expectations?
Some classes have strict policies about missing classes, being late for classes, or forgetting your uniform. Ask about the expectations of the organization and instructors. If you have other obligations on the day of a scheduled class, ask about rescheduling policies.

How is the Class Taught?
Different self defense instructors have different methods, which may or may not fit your learning style. Ask about how strictly discipline is enforced in the class, as well as how harsh the teaching methods are. Some classes use heavy criticism in order to motivate students to do better, which may not be what you’re looking for. You can also gain a better understanding of the methods used by instructors by asking to observe a class.

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When many people think of self defense, they immediately associate it with martial arts. Becoming skilled in a martial art can be a great way to improve muscle tone, gain concentration and lose weight. However, taking a martial arts class can also help you to defend yourself in times of need. There are many different martial arts styles, each of which focus on a specific set of goals and concepts. However, how can you choose the best martial arts style that fits you?

Evaluate Your Goals
Before you begin to research martial arts styles, you first need to decide to outline a list of goals. Possible reasons for taking a martial art may include:

• Self Defense
• Weight Loss
• Enhanced Flexibility
• Meeting New People

Write down your reasons for taking a martial art, in the order of their priority. Decide how important each reason is to you, and what you would like to achieve from your classes. Once you have compiled this list, you can begin to research different styles, and evaluate how well they fit your goals.

Classify Your Body Type
Some martial art styles are very physically demanding, and are significantly easier for people in top physical shape. Other styles are suited to people that are exceptionally short, or have good leg strength. Other styles are designed to minimize damage to your limbs while effectively defending your core. Be honest if you’re overweight, and may not be able to participate in some of the more demanding martial art styles. At this time, you should also choose if you want your style to be focused primarily on disabling your opponent, self defense, or adopting an offensive stance.

Choose Your Style
Here is a brief overview of some of the more popular martial arts styles, as well as what body type they are best suited for. This is a general guide, and it’s recommended that you attend at least one “test” class before committing to a specific martial arts style.

Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do focuses primarily on kicking and using lower body strength. This style is best suited to someone who is flexible, with a long reach. Usually, Tae Kwon Do is best for people that are tall, with long limbs. However, if you have a significant amount of muscle or fat on your legs, you may not be able to execute some of the faster and more complicated kicks in this martial arts style.

Judo
The martial arts style of Judo focuses on unbalancing your opponent, usually through complicated throwing techniques. Because of this, Judo is best suited to someone who has a short, stocky body style. Since Judo focuses on staying off of the ground, it can also be possible for tall, slender body physiques as well. However, shorter people usually have more success with the Judo fighting style.

Kendo
Kendo is an ancient martial arts style that places a huge emphasis on formality and etiquette. Kendo can be a great martial arts style for someone looking to learn discipline and concentration. However, the uniforms and weapons in Kendo tend to be fairly expensive, so it’s important to keep this in mind.

Krav Maga
Krav Maga is an Israeli martial arts style that has recently become popular with the American Army. Krav Maga is very physically demanding, and focuses on dealing damage to your opponent. The style can be likened most with “street fighting”, due to the abundance of grappling, striking and wrestling techniques that are used with this style.

Karate
Recently, the term “Karate” has been generalized to include many different martial arts styles. There are martial arts schools that say they focus on “Karate”, but this can mean any number of things. Usually, a Karate class will focus on direct hitting with punches, kicks, open-handed strikes and elbow contact.

Jujitsu
The concept of Jujitsu focuses on disarming an armed opponent, or disabling an unarmed opponent. Jujitsu requires you to be fairly small, since it will involve moves in which you roll quickly away from your opponent, or sometimes even dart through their legs. Jujitsu will also require you to be on the ground constantly, so it’s important that you aren’t carrying a significant amount of weight.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Stun guns are a very popular defensive tool used by students, women and other people who require additional protection for their personal safety. There are many different types of tasers and stun guns on the market, which tend to vary greatly in price and features. If you’re currently looking to purchase a taser, you may be slightly intimidated at the number of choices. Here is some useful information that will help you to choose a stun gun that will best help you to stay safe.

A Word of Caution

Just like many other defensive products, tasers and/or stun guns are not legal in all states. In addition to this, some states have strict restrictions on stun guns and other self defense products. It’s important to be aware of these laws before purchasing a stun gun, especially if you’re traveling. If you are caught with a stun gun in a city or state that has an operational ban, you could face legal consequences as well as a hefty fine. Here are some states that currently have strict restrictions on stun guns.

States with Taser/Stun Gun Bans

• Wisconsin
• Rhode Island
• New York
• New Jersey
• Michigan**
• Massachusetts
• Hawaii
• District of Columbia

** Michigan only allows stun guns and/or tasers to be possessed by sworn police officers, aircraft pilots, bail agents and private investigators. In addition to this, each stun gun contains a tracking device that identifies its owner. Violation of this law is punishable as a serious offense.

States with Restrictions

Connecticut
In Connecticut, it is illegal to possess a taser or stun gun outside of your home. If caught with a taser in your vehicle or on your person, you may be punished by up to 3 years in prison, federal charges and a monetary fine. These restrictions exclude law enforcement officers.

Arizona
In Arizona, it is legal to carry a stun gun or taser for defensive purposes. However, every sale of a stun gun or taser is required to be documented by the seller, under penalty of legal consequences.

Indiana
In Indiana, there are specific restrictions pertaining to stun guns, tasers and electric stun weapons. If you wish to purchase a taser, you need to obtain a handgun licence.

New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, it’s illegal to sell a taser or stun gun to an individual that is under the age of 18. If used against a law enforcement officer, use of a taser is punishable by a potential felony charge.

North Dakota
In North Dakota, it’s prohibited to carry a stun gun or taser in a liquor establishment, or into a casino/gaming site. When carrying concealed, you must have a licence.

It’s also important to note that not all cities follow the same laws as their specific states. For example, it may be legal to carry a stun gun in a specific state, but it may be punishable by criminal charges in certain cities. When traveling, be sure to double-check the state and city laws in order to ensure that you can safely carry a stun gun or taser.

Types of Stun Guns/Tasers

In general, there are three different types of tasers, each of which uses a slightly different electrical impulse to provide a method of self defense. The three types are:

Static Charge
This type of stun gun operates as a defensive tool by utilizing a static charge, which powers the electrical current.  Range of voltage is usually from 80,000 and 625,000.

Phase Induction
This type of stun gun (often sold under the “Talon” brand name) is able to deliver an electric shock through using phase induction. This is a more efficient method of delivery, and is more powerful than the Static Charge type of stun gun.

T-Wave
The T-Wave stun gun is the type most commonly used by law enforcement officers. It uses two small barbed darts, which deliver an EMD (Electro Muscular Disruption) charge to an assailant. The darts are usually released by compressed nitrogen gas chambers, which need to be reloaded in between firings of the stun gun.

Close Contact or Ranged?

Some stun guns require direct contact between the device and a potential assailant in order to operate. Other tasers fire two pronged charges that can stun an assailant through clothing. In addition to this, some devices are able to stun both on direct contact, and from a distance. It’s important to remember that a ranged stun gun will require that you re-load the wires, as well as install a replacement air cartridge in between firings. This means that if you miss the first time, you won’t be able to fire again.

For most students, women and other individuals interested in personal safety, it’s best to stick with the direct contact tasers. They don’t require expensive refills, and are able to be used repeatedly until their battery charge is depleted. In addition to this, they are often small enough that they can be kept in a purse, laptop bag or backpack in case of an emergency.

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