Self Defense: Do You Really Need That Weapon?

Many people turn to weapons of various stripes, including lethal and non-lethal options such as guns, knives, pepper spray, and TASERs when faced with the need for increased self defense or personal protection. But do these items truly make you safer?

Unless you invest the time in becoming comfortable with your weapon the answer is no. It is often quite obvious when a person isn’t confident with their weapon, which makes you more vulnerable to attack.

Rather than being a deterrent, a gun in this situation increases the likelihood of a bad outcome because unarmed attackers could soon become armed attackers when they easily disarm you.

Non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray can also be a liability if you do not use it quickly and decisively. Pepper spray can just as easily be turned on the victim.

Also, dependence upon weapons often leads a person to neglect other forms of self defense, such as personal awareness or hand-to-hand combat skills. Overconfidence can be as dangerous as lack of confidence since no one weapon is 100% effective in preventing or shortening attacks.

Clearly, being able to defend yourself without weapons is preferable because you will always have your weapon with you (as it is your own body) and it is not going to be taken and used against you.

Self defense combat training is part workout (to strengthen your body) and part hand-to-hand combat skills, making it a healthy way to increase your sense of security. Knowing that you are always ready to defend yourself is what makes this form of self defense highly attractive.