In this issue of our self defense newsletter I'm going to explain how to use five of the most common items which most people have access to.



Before I start explaining how to use each of these improvised weapons, I want to emphasize a few important points.

-Always keep your head up and look around so you'll be more alert.

-If possible avoid people who seem suspicious and also avoid dangerous places.

-Learn to recognize how to use any object as a weapon

-You must be sly when using these weapons so the attacker (bad guy) won't realize what you're doing.

-All items should be held tightly in your hand down at your side so that you appear relaxed and unprepared.

-Dont' wind up. (Reaching backwards first to gain momentum) We have provided an alternate way for you to gain momentum. A way that won't alert the attacker.

-Get away as soon as possible.

Here's how to practice:

KEYS

Hold your largest, strongest key (or just any key if you suddenly need to act) in your hand the way you would hold the key to open a door. Your hand should be relaxed down at your side so your key won't be recognized as a weapon.

When someone tries to harm you, step towards them with your leg that is on the same side of your body as your hand that holds your key.

As you step toward your attacker, stomp your foot at the same time you quickly throw your hand out to poke with your key. Aim for the area between the attacker's chin and his upper chest. This is the 'Target Zone.'

You might need to strike 2 or 3 times in case your first strike misses.

Your hand should go quickly out and back in a path as close as possible to a straight line. This will give you more speed.

Another thing that will give you more speed is to explosively bring your other hand in towards the center of your chest.

Perform all of these steps as one move, striking, stomping and bringing your other hand into your chest. This movement is called the 'Dynamic Delivery' and we'll use this same move for every improvised weapon we apply to defend ourselves.

PEN

A pen should be held tightly just the way you use it to write with.

An alternative would be to place the end not used for writing into hand touching your palm with the writing end sticking out between your ring and middle finger. Your hand should be closed tightly.

You would place your pen in this position only if you have a few seconds advance notice that you're about to be attacked, otherwise just hold the pen tightly the way you would write with it.)

When someone attacks use the 'Dynamic Delivery'.

Your hand should be in a relaxed starting place and go in a straight line quickly out into the attacker's 'Target Zone' and then quickly return.

Remember that since you're applying this defense with the 'Dynamic Delivery' you'll stomp your foot as you step toward the attacker to strike him.

The stomp and strike occur at the same time.

Also quickly bring your other hand in to the center of your chest. This part must be performed slightly before your stomp and strike.

Review the details in these first two improvised weapons to gain an advantage using the 'Dynamic Delivery.'

TWIG

Twigs can often be found near trees, on grassy lawns or even in open fields.

A twig should be held tightly in the palm of your hand just the way you would hold the handle of a suitcase or briefcase, relaxed down at your side. (repeated for emphasis)

To apply this weapon, move your hand forward in the same manner that you swing your arms when walking. Focus on the movement being smooth and comfortable, raising the twig up into the 'Target Zone.'

For the sake of practice just imagine that there is an attacker coming at you, as you perform all of these moves.

Use the 'Dynamic Delivery' to have greater speed and power.

BOOK

Using a book as a weapon is simple. Just clamp your hand tightly on it however you are holding it and use the 'Dynamic Delivery' to apply it into the attacker's 'Target Zone.'

Its okay to strike the attacker's face when you have a book. Normally you should avoid the face, specifically the nose and mouth which bleed easily and could transmit a disease to you.

If you do end up getting the attacker's blood on your body, wash with soap and water as soon as possible, and seek medical attention if appropriate.

However, the book should extend far enough from your hand that your hand won't contact the attacker's face.

Another thing to consider with a book or any improvised weapon is that it could be tossed into the attacker's face using the 'Dynamic Deliver' (repeated for emphasis) following up with a very quick kick to his shin.

Normally, you wouldn't throw an object because you'll want to use it more than once since there are usually more than one attacker.

CELL PHONE

This could be a cell phone, PDA, pager iPod or anything similar shaped.

Like a book you'll clamp these items tight in your hand, however you happen to be holding them when you're attacked. Again, try to have a relaxed starting place, hand down at your side to be sly, or you can just start from wherever your hands happen to be.

Apply these items like the twig swinging your arm up in the same manner as when you swing your arms when you're walking, and of course use the 'Dynamic Delivery' which will give you the element of surprise, total force and incredible quickness.

If you benefited from this article and would like to learn more, please contact me at AL@hikuta.com. Also please forward this email onto your friends.

Can you think of a subject you'd like to see featured in our newsletters? Please let us know.

Do you have no self defense training or are you unsure of your skills? If so make a habit of always carrying a pen in your hand. You'll always have something to write with and you'll always have a weapon.

Remember to use the 'Dynamic Delivery' and to always assume there is more than one attacker!

To find out more go to http://www.hikuta.com/index.html.

Sincerely,

Al Abidin