How to protect yourself using everyday items

Krav Maga, which means “contact combat,” is a self-defense system that originated from Israel. It mixes different techniques and tactics from boxing, Muay Thai, Judo, wrestling, and grappling, and aims to train aggressiveness, fighting spirit, and situational awareness in its subjects.

The most practical self-defense concept of Krav Maga is that you can protect yourself using everyday objects found in your home, on your desk, and inside your bag.

In this article, “Sports Pilipinas” shares how you can easily utilize everyday items to defend yourself.
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Improvised self-defense weapons: Protect yourself using everyday items!

The scenario: You find yourself in trouble, with someone trying to inflict harm on your person. Unless you’re a black belter, or an armed person, chances are you’ll panic in this kind of situation.

But you do not need actual weapons to defend yourself from sticky situations. Use these ordinary items found in your pocket, your bag, or in your home to protect yourself!

Ballpoint pen
 

 

Use this writing tool to help you escape an assailant! Quickly thrust the item into the soft tissue of the attacker’s throat, under the jawline, or the eyes, giving you time to create distance and run.
 
Heavy vase or pots
 

 

Objects with weight can be slammed into the face or torso, inflicting painful damage to the attacker. However, don’t just throw these objects. Remember to keep it close to your body, then charge into and through your attacker.

Backpack
 

While it can serve as a shield against an attack, heavy and durable backpacks can also be used as a weapon by swinging it to an attacker so you could keep him at bay.

Helmet
 

Helmets can be an effective self-defense tool when used in either of these ways: wear the helmet and headbutt the attacker, or hold it in your hand and swing it.

Perfume or sanitizer spray
 

A quick spray into the attacker’s eyes can blind and distract him, buying you time to escape and call for help.

Stick-like implements like broomsticks
 

Broomsticks, golf clubs and other stick-like objects can serve you well as defense weapons by thrusting them into vulnerable areas of the attacker or by striking their knees, hands or head.

Hot cup of liquid
 

An extremely hot cup of liquid like your morning coffee or soup can cause burns which may overload your attacker’s central nervous system. It naturally causes the person to focus on their injury instead of what is happening around them.

Stapler
 

If you’re working on a counter, this tool may help you deter an attacker if used as a bashing weapon, if thrown at the face or if used as stabbing tool in parts like the hands or arms.

Heeled shoe
 

During an attack, slip a heeled shoe over your hand and use it to punch your target.

Metal jar or ceramic mug
 

These objects can be thrust into the face or swung into the groin of your attacker.—CM, GMA News

Illustrations by Isabelle Laureta

Sources:
Krav Maga Philippines website
Black Belt website
Riverwalker’s Stealth Survival blog