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

Let’s face it – the chance of you actually needing to wear a kevlar vest (unless you’re in law enforcement) are very small. Though handgun crimes are common in certain areas, the average person has an extremely low chance of needing bullet protection. However, some people like the peace of mind offered by a bulletproof kevlar vest. If you’re in the market, here are a few tips for choosing the vest that’s right for you.

Protection Level
The main factor that you’ll probably want to consider is the level of protection that you want out of your kevlar vest.  Though a higher level offers better protection, it can also be much heavier and more difficult to conceal compared to some other types of vests. Also, you have to take into consideration what types of calibers you would like protection from. For example, the .22 rifle bullet is common, but most situations involving gunfire might be more likely to involve handguns than rifles. The protection levels are:

Level I
This type of vest is lightweight and easy to conceal. However, it also only has a low level of stopping power. It can stop .22 rifle bullets (with an impact velocity of less than 1,050), 38 special rounds, .25 handgun rounds and .32 handgun rounds.

Level IIA
This level of protection can take an impact from .45 automatic rounds, 38 special +P rounds, 9mm rounds and 357 Magnum rounds.

Level II
This vest is designed to withstand 357 Magnum rounds  and 9mm rounds with a higher velocity.

Level IIIA
The Level IIIA vest protection level can withstand 9mm rounds that have a full metal jackets, which have a high impact velocity. It can also withstand most handgun rounds, as well as .44 Magnum rounds.

Level III
This level of protection is designed mostly for protection against high-powered rifle rounds, such as 7.62mm round with full metal jackets. It can also protect against 30 Carbine FMJ bullets, and 12 gauge rifled slugs.

Level IV
You’ll only need this level of protection from a bulletproof vest if you are seeking protection from armor-piercing rounds. This vest will help take the impact of 30 caliber armor-piercing bullets, as long as they have a nominal mass of 10.8 grams.

Disclaimer – These protection levels are meant as a basic guideline only. Other factors, such as the distance between the vest and gun, or the angle of the bullet could affect how much protection each vest offers. 

Making Your Decision

If you’re simply purchasing a bulletproof vest for peace of mind, you’ll probably be safe with buying a vest that offers protection from the most common caliber bullets. If you want to be able to easily conceal your vest, you’ll probably be purchasing one of the lower-level protection vests, since they’re lighter and less bulky. Some kevlar bulletproof vests are specially designed so that they can be worn underneath clothing without being conspicuous.

In the end, it comes down to your specific reasons for purchasing a bulletproof vest, and which factors are important to you. As stated before, the chances of an average person needing protection from gunfire are extremely low. However, if you have the extra money, and would like some “peace of mind” insurance, a kevlar vest might be the best option for your personal security.

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The X-Men have been around in popular culture since 1963, when Stan Lee first published “The X-Men #1″. One of the most alluring features of the X-Men comic is the idea that mutated humans have developed different types of superpowers. For example, a girl called “Surge” absorbs electricity from air static, outlets, electrical appliances and other devices. She can discharge this absorbed electricity in powerful lighting-blasts, making her a formidable addition to the X-Men universe.

Who hasn’t wished that they could have a superpower? In regards to Surge, it would be nice to be able to use controlled electric blasts for self defense. Though humans with mutated superpowers are not yet a reality, technology has given us a device that allows us to have “electric punches”. This device is called the “Knuckle Blaster”.

How Does it Work?

The Knuckle Blaster (or “Blast Knuckles”, or “Zap Knuckles”) combines two very different self defense tools – the stun gun, and brass knuckles. This device is able to be gripped through finger-holes like brass knuckles, though can also deliver 950,000 volts of electricity through two contact points. These contact points can be activated by pressing a trigger within the device. For self defense, the Knuckle Blaster could possibly give you the benefit of two defensive tools, improving your chances of escaping.

Note – Some states have strict regulations about the purchase and use of stun guns. Because of this, it’s always highly recommended that you check your state’s specific laws before purchasing any type of stun gun, including the Knuckle Blaster.

News Coverage

As of July of 2009, New Hampshire police stated that they’d “never seen anything” similar to the Knuckle Blaster stun gun. This interesting video is taken from a local news piece about a cache of weapons that were seized from the house of a convicted felon. Aside from the Knuckle Blaster, police also recovered a samurai sword, several knives, a battle axe, “claw” type punching devices, explosives and a handgun.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video Demonstrations

The following are several video demonstrations of the features and functionality of the Knuckle Blaster/Blast Knuckles stun gun.

Features and Review
This video specifically focuses on the ZAP Blast Knuckles model.

Click here to view the embedded video.

950K Volts
In 30 seconds, this video shows exactly what 950,000 volts looks like on the Knuckle Blaster stun gun.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Short Visual Demo
This video may not have sound, but it does a good job of showing the different features of the Knuckle Blaster stun gun.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Knuckle Blaster Destroys CD
Have you ever wondered what would happen if 950,000 volts were applied to the data side of a CD? This short video shows exactly what kind of effect the Knuckle Blaster stun gun has on a compact disc.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Man Shocks Himself with Knuckle Blaster
This ambitious man decides to shock himself with a Knuckle Blaster, while having his friends capture it on camera. Note – Do not try this at home!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Top Photo Source: http://www.gadgettown.com/gt_images/Stun-Guns/E01907107069.320×320.jpg

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By now, most everyone has seen the famous video of the University of Florida student Andrew Meyer, after he was incapacitated by a TAZER stun gun. His words, “Don’t taze me, bro!” sparked an internet phenomenon that incited many remixes, spin-off videos and commentary on his situation.

Stun guns have recently been referenced by many self defense experts as being an important tool for personal protection (when used properly). However, due to the number of different products on the market, it can be difficult to discern between the features, specifications and usefulness of stun guns in certain situations. The following is a detailed explanation about the TASER M26C, which is one of TASER’s bestselling self defense products.

TASER M26C Overview

The TASER M26c is an evolution of one of TASER’s first models. Like many other stun guns, the TASER M26c works by using an electric pulse that overrides motor functions and sensory responses of a target’s nervous system. This type of technology is often called “Neuro Muscular Incapacitation” (NMI). One of the benefits of NMI is that it is even effective against attackers that are under the influence of controlled substances (drugs, alcohol, etc), which may make them immune to some other types of self defense measures.

How it Works

This TASER model operates by using cartridges that contain compressed nitrogen, which acts as a propulsion system to fire two metal probes at an attacker. These probes are attached to 15 feet of conductive, insulated wiring. The probes are able to penetrate through as much as two inches of clothing. Each time the trigger is depressed, a 5-10 second burst of energy is transmitted through the wires, providing full incapacitation of a potential attacker.

Included Features

Some of the main features included in the TASER M26c are:

Shaped Pulse
This feature allows the probes that are fired to penetrate though clothing. They use a “high voltage leading edge” in order to bypass barriers such as a large amount of clothing. Once the probes make contact, they deliver a lower voltage charge (using NMI technology).

Direct Contact
One of the main disadvantages of “air propelled” stun gun models is that they often need to be reloaded in order to be fired more than once. In a self defense situation, this can be dangerous. The TASER M26c is also able to transmit a NMI pulse through direct contact with an attacker.

Laser Integration
The TASER M26c is able to use a laser targeting system that provides enhanced precision when firing the device. It is also able to provide low-intensity illumination, which allows for proper utilization of the device’s controls.

Anti-Felon Identification
When the TASER M26c is fired, it releases confetti-like tags with unique identification numbers. Also, each cartridge has bar-coded serialization. This feature helps to prevent misuse of the M26c by providing accountability for the operator of the device.

Customer Reviews

So far, the TASER M26c has received mostly positive reviews. The included safety features were the most commonly cited positive feature, as well as the ability to download data from the M26c. The “heft” of the TASER M26c was also another feature that was well-received by consumers. However, the TASER M26c is expensive, with prices ranging from $350.00 to $550.00. Many people cite it as being one of the best quality air-propelled stun guns on the market.

Here’s a short video that details some of the features and operational directions for the TASER M26c. It includes a tutorial of how to use the safety features, replace batteries, test the device and load cartridges.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Top photo souce: http://www.defendthyself.com/product_images/u/taser_m18__13697.jpg

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In the “Tomb Raider” live action movies, celebrity Angelina Jolie underwent extensive martial arts training in order to play the role of Lara Croft. Tomb Raider sported exciting action scenes, daring getaways and a script that wasn’t well received by many critics. However, seeing Jolie as a powerful female heroine was inspiring for many women, since females are often portrayed as non-combative in many movie roles.

In regards to women’s self defense, there are hundreds of different products that are marketed as being the “best” choice for women. One of these products that has recently enjoyed a lot of popularity is the Kubotan.

What is a Kubotan?

A Kubotan is essentially a miniature baton-style self defense weapon. It is actually a derivation of the “yawara” Japanese self defense weapon, which is a hard baton-like device that is held in the hand while defending. The Kubotan is small in size, usually being about 5.5 inches long and 1.5cm in diameter. It is versatile enough to help provide an advantage for women that are unarmed in a self defense situation.

How Does it Work?

The Kubotan is usually attached to a keyring, which makes it appear as a harmless “key fob” (keyring decoration). For many women, it provides a sense of security, since many self defense situations occur while holding keys to unlock a parked car. The Kubotan can be used in a variety of self defense tactics, including:

Hammerfist Strike
This self defense move involves holding the Kubotan like an icepick. Grasp the Kubotan in your fist, with the point end of the Kubotan facing downwards (while holding your fist vertically). A hammerfist strike involves a downward force that allows the point of the Kubotan to hit an attacker in sensitive areas, which may disable them, and allow you enough time to make your escape.

Pressure Point Attack
In a self defense situation, it’s essential to be aware of your attacker’s pressure points. For most pressure point attacks, you will want to hold the Kubotan with a forward grip. Choose one (or several) pressure points, and jab with the tip of the Kubotan.

Fist Hardening
Like its counterpart the yawara, the Kubotan can be used in a grip to increase the power of your punches. While making a regular fist, grasp the Kubotan in the center of your fingers, which provides additional weight to your strikes.

Flailing
Since many Kubotans are attached to keychains, they can also be used a flail-type weapon. With a firm grip on the end of the Kubotan that’s not attached to your keychain, swipe out in an arc, focusing on the keys as the main defensive weapon.

Combination Attacks
The Kubotan can also be used in several different types of combination attacks, which may blend self defense moves and martial arts with the use of the Kubotan. For example, you can wrap your arms around an attacker’s neck from behind, and use the Kubotan to dig into the small of their back.

Is the Kubotan Effective?

The effectiveness of a Kubotan in a self defense situation is dependent on several different factors. These factors may include:

• Environment
• Your level of Kubotan training
• Methods used by your attacker
• Situational variables
• Element of surprise

That being said, a Kubotan can be very effective when combined with other self defense measures, such as carrying a stun gun or pepper spray. Also, taking a martial arts or self defense class can provide important training that you can use to help keep yourself safe.

Top Photo Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ku2.JPG

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Jackie Chan is one of the most famous theatrical martial arts movie stars of all time. In most all of his early movies, Jackie Chan performed his own unique stunts. One of the reasons that Chan’s movies are so entertaining, is due to their inventive and unique fight scenes. For example, in Jackie Chan’s First Strike, there is a memorable scene in which a ladder, a box of papers, long poles and other items are used as improvised self defense weapons.

Here’s a short clip that displays the famous ladder fighting scene:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Using unique self defense weapons may not always be practical in a sticky situation. However, many companies have released products in an attempt to make inconspicuous (and sometimes funny) self defense weapons that are also effective. Here are a few of our favorites.

Slap Hat
Beware of the striking power of this unique hat! This self defense tool is designed to look like an ordinary baseball cap. However, the secret lies in the weighted material that is sewed within the material of the hat. The product manufacturer states that it has “100% of the density of lead”, and can be converted into a useful self defense weapon in a pinch. By grasping the brim of the hat, theoretically the weighted material can be used as an impact weapon to subdue or incapacitate a potential attacker. The “Slap Hat” has received mostly positive reviews from customers, due to its ability to be an inconspicuous and effective self defense tool.

Sharkie
Who knew that you could defend yourself with a mighty marker? The Sharkie is a unique self defense tool that follows the same concept as a Kubotan. Though it can work like an ordinary felt-tip marker, it is also weighted to be used in a defensive situation. The Sharkie weighs about 4.6 ounces, and has a screw-on cap that won’t come off when used as a defensive tool. It’s constructed of sturdy material, and is able to withstand even high-impact situations. Though some customers seem to criticize its inferiority to the writing power of an actual sharpie, the Sharkie’s inexpensive price make it an affordable (and covert) tool for self defense.

Tactical Flashlight
Many people underestimate the defensive value of a high-powered flashlight. Since many attackers choose to strike at night, a high-intensity LED beam can be extremely disorienting when used correctly. Some tactical flashlights, such as the E2D Executive Defender, also include a serrated edge that can be used for self defense. Many tactical flashlights can also be used like a Kubotan, in order to strike pressure points or increase the weight of defensive strikes.

Dog Tag Knife
One of the interesting things about the “Dog Tag Knife” is that it can be used in a variety of situations! Aside from being able to be used for self defense, this tool can also be used for camping and survival situations. Due to the popularity of the Dog Tag Knife, it can now also be purchased with various attachments and add-on features that increase its versatility.

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

The Mace Pepper Spray Gun operates much in the same was as a regular pepper spray canister. However, the device can be reloaded with high-powered, compressed pepper spray cartridges. These cartridges contain Oleoresin Capsicum, which is a substance that causes inflammation of mucous membranes (as well as other symptoms).

Note – In some states, the percentage of Oleoresin Capsicum that can legally be used in Pepper Spray is limited. Also, some states prohibit or restrict the carrying of certain devices that use Oleoresin Capsicum. Be sure to always check your state’s specific laws to make sure that you are not in violation.

Product Features

Some of the features that are included in the Mace Pepper Spray Gun include:

Long Range
Many pepper spray products have a limited spray range, which may be as little as 6 feet. The Mace Pepper Spray Gun has a range of 25 feet, which allows you to keep a greater distance between you and your attacker.

LED Light
To improve accuracy of each shot, the Mace Pepper Spray Gun also includes a bright LED light. This light can be operated even if the gun is not being fired. According to the details of this product, the LED light allows you to see exactly where the stream of pepper spray is being directed, which helps to improve accuracy.

Refillable
Another feature of the Mace Pepper Spray Gun is its ability to be refilled. Special cartridges can be purchased, which can be easily placed into the chamber of the gun for additional shots.

Available Accessories

There are several different accessories that can be purchased for the Mace Pepper Spray Gun. For example, you may purchase compressed water cartridges, which can help you to practice aiming and directing your pepper spray. Other accessories include replacement pepper spray cartridges and a leather holster.

Customer Reviews

Most customer reviews of the Mace Pepper Spray Gun are positive. The long range of this device was a feature that was often highlighted, since it allows you to keep a safe distance away from your attacker while firing. The main criticism of the Mace Pepper Spray Gun was its lack of a laser sight, as well as its considerable size.

Here is one person’s review of the features and functionality of the Mace Pepper Spray Gun.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here’s another quick video review of the Mace Pepper Spray Gun.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Mace Pepper Spray Gun Dramatization
Here is a dramatized video displaying some of the features of the Mace Pepper Spray Gun, such as the LED lighting feature, and the ability of the gun to fire multiple times.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Mace Pepper Spray Gun Commercial
This video is a commercial by the manufacturing company for the Mace Pepper Spray Gun. The main benefits that are highlighted are its portability, non-lethal self defense, 25ft range and LED light.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Loading Cartridges
This very short video shows how to quickly load the cartridges into the Mace Pepper Spray Gun.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Modified Mace Pepper Spray Gun
This interesting video displays how one customer modified his Mace Pepper Spray Gun to include a laser sight.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Top Photo Source: http://www.securitystore.us/prodimages/Mace%20pepper%20gun.jpg

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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.

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

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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