Robert Dziekanski was in the process of immigrating to Canada from his native Poland. Dziekanski arrived in Canada speaking very little English, and was forced to wait in customs for over 10 hours. Apparently, no interpreter was available to help Dziekanski through this very confusing process. He became increasingly agitated over his treatment and his inability to communicate with airport officials. Police were eventually called to deal with the disgruntled traveler. Officers spoke with Mr. Dziekanski (again in English) for less than 30 seconds before subduing Mr. Dziekanski with a taser.
Tasers are lauded around North America as a more humane way to deal with threatening individuals than firearms. There have been, however, a number of fatalities from the use of these devices. Unfortunately, Dziekanski became one of those statistics when the shock delivered by a taser stopped his heart and led to his death.
This begs the question: should the general public have access to tasers for self-defense?
Almost every state in the U.S. (approximately 43 of 50) allows the sale and limited use of tasers for self-defense. Even as the controversy surrounding their use boiled, a new taser was introduced into the market in mid-2007. While tasers for personal use have been around for over a decade, this most recent release was a so-called "designer" version, marketed largely at women. The C2 Taser has been described as "eye-catching" and a little bit less "Dirty Harry" than the typical police-issue variety. It slightly resembles an electric razor and is small enough to carry easily in the palm of the hand or tucked carefully in a handbag.
Most experts agree that when used correctly and carefully, tasers are a very effective method for subduing a would-be attacker. Women tend to be more vulnerable targets for personal crimes than men. It makes sense for manufacturers to target female consumers. Many women who do not feel comfortable when carrying a gun for personal protection report feeling at ease with a taser close at hand. There are other difficulties associated with firearms as well. Guns are typically harder to access, more difficult to purchase and not necessarily carried legally on one's person. It's not a stretch to see why tasers are gaining popularity in the self-defense product market.
Many experts say that comparing the use of tasers by law enforcement to using one for self-defense is like comparing apples to oranges. While the weapon may be the same, the issues surrounding their use are completely different. Police are being criticized of reaching tasers too quickly rather than mediating or using other less violent tactics to subdue a criminal. A civilian facing the imminent threat of an attack doesn't have the option of "talking things out" with an attacker. In fact, many experts concede that tasers are a highly effective means of protecting oneself from an imminent attack. When used correctly, a taser delivers an electrical shock (50,000 volts in the case of the C2) that temporarily disables an attacker, allowing time to escape the situation.
While the controversy over the use of tasers by law enforcement won't end any time soon, tasers are growing in popularity amongst the general public as the self-defense product of choice. More convenient than a gun, and more effective than mace or pepper spray, tasers may emerge as the number one self-defense weapon in the next decade.
Think of the worst possible scenario. Chances are you will be attacked when your assailant feels he has a distinct advantage. That means you must assume he will be larger, determined, armed and has friends. Anything you do must account for these real possibilities. Until you are proven otherwise, chances are you won't know for sure until it's too late.
Next, you need to consider your environment. Asphalt, ice, snow, jungle, beach, the woods or your living room, each situation presents a unique set of circumstances. You need to react in a way that takes all of this into consideration. Simple foot work done in the correct manner will account for every possible scenario.
Then you have to consider yourself. Chances are you will appear to be a good mark. This means you're older, smaller, injured or otherwise distracted. Remember Murphy's law- what can go wrong will go wrong. You also have to consider what happens to your body when you are placed under hormone induced stress or fear. You get tunnel vision; you loose control of your fine motor skills. You experience auditory exclusion and as your hear rate increases your ability to perform even the most simple techniques.
Instinctive and Convulsive
Time is of the essence, you need to cause as much damage to your target and as little damage to yourself. If you're using protective gear in your training, this will cause a problem (unless you are constantly wearing hand wraps). Techniques that take a lot of time just don't cut it. Methods that cause you to wait just don't cut it. You have to inflict as much damage as fast as possible. Lead with speed, follow with power and take bits and pieces away from your assailant as you cause more damage and injury. The techniques you use should allow to hit anywhere on your targets body and cause little or no damage to you. You must react in a way that allows you to keep your assailant off balance and build momentum until he's no longer a threat.
Do Your Worst, Fast and First
According to close combat legend W.E. Fairbairn, you need attack with "vehemence and artifice". This simply means be as nasty and as sneaky as possible. Don't wait to escalate- just dominate. The quicker you can cause damage, the faster you can inflict even greater damage. Just don't wait. There is no room for second chances. Self defense is self preservation.
Plan for the Worst and Hope for the Best
When you train, it's for your worst nightmare. The guy who just got out of prison or the junkie who doesn't care what belt you have. Criminals just want what you have, plain and simple. You have to plan for the absolute worst case scenario. Also, you should have a little nasty surprise for your would be attacker. Empty hand techniques are nice but WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY beat empty hands time and time again. If empty hand techniques were all they were cracked up to be, there would be no need for firearms, knives or close quarter weapons. It's better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. Even old school martial artists always had an "ace up their sleeve" so to speak. The point is, empty hand is a strategic last resort. At its best, empty hand self defense is designed to allow you to fight with a weapon or at least create an opportunity to secure one. Because at the end of the day, it's not a matter of who's right, just who's left.
Both Steve Lane & Matthew Mckernan are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Steve Lane has sinced written about articles on various topics from Gadgets, Business Loans and Wireless Security Camera System. Steve Lane is an expert in the field of self defense, home security and crime prevention and operates an online business Self Defense Shop. Visit his store to learn some ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from crime at. Steve Lane's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Matthew Mckernan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Recreation and Sports, Martial Arts and Martial Arts. The Self Defense Company provides and using the. Matthew Mckernan's top article generates over 1600 views. to your Favourites.