Practical, Non-Lethal Self-Defense

[Hank_Z]

My wife and I live in a third-world country (Costa Rica) in which the rate of robberies/thefts is very high. The government does little or nothing to punish robbers. For example, if the theft is of items whose total value is less than $500, all the robber needs to do is pay back what he stole.

The murder rate is much lower than in many countries, and most of them occur in areas that we never visit. The murder rate is extremely low in the area where we live, but theft is far too common. And the possibility of rape is always a consideration.

Also, if the victim of an attempted or actual theft kills or severely injures the perpetrator, the victim can easily end up in prison. A high percentage of the robberies/thefts are carried out by more than one person. Often two or three perpetrators.

I'm almost 60 years of age, out of shape (but improving through Transformetrics), and have never received self-defense or fighting training of any kind. The only "fight" I've ever been in my whole life in was a little wrestling event with another kind when I was about 10 years old. I've never owned a gun...even before moving here about a year ago.

I talked to an attorney about this. She said that all she can say is...if I were to shoot someone, I'd need to make sure the police find the body inside my house. And even then, I'd be running a high risk of being prosecuted, imprisoned, and then deported.

If I needed to kill or seriously injure an assailant to protect my life or my wife's life, I would take the risk of being imprisoned, etc. I've read enough to know that robberies/thefts can turn into murderous attacks very quickly.

This weekend I did a little web research on non-lethal weapons for self-defense. I read about tasers, stun-guns, mace, pepper sprays, etc. The taser looks like a good option if there is only one assailant. If there are more than one assailants, I'm not sure how I'd handle the rest of them. And also, I presently wouldn't know what to do even if I were to incapacitate one assailant for 30 seconds or so.

One option, of course, would be to live in another country. That's not a viable option for us. Overall, the people here are the warmest and friendliest that I've met anywhere in the world. And we love living here. There are trade-offs in many serious decisions that we make in life. An acquaintance of mine who extremely fit and playing for an international soccer team was shot and killed during a robbery in the U.S. earlier this year. As we know, there is risk in living anywhere.

Assuming that all weapons are legal to own and use in Costa Rica...I'm still checking that out...what practical suggestions self-defense options do you think make the most sense? I have no expertise whatsoever in this subject.

Thanks!

Hank

[kong2]

Hank z,If you are looking for a self defense weapon that is legal to carry check out Dr. Ted Gambordellas website "seven second self defense" He features a weapon he developed called the "Gambretta" which is legal to carry and the many ways you can use it to defend yourself have to be seen to be believed!! Talk about causing pain to your attacker!! There are so many different ways the gambretta can be used against just about any kind of attack. Its fast,painfull,easy to use even for children and it does the job. I wouldnt want to be on the receiving end of one!!! This is a great tool for women also.I hope this is of some help to you. Take care and be safe,Lou,(Kong2).

[conan701]

Hank,
I would recomend you get the following book by Jim Grover"street smarts,firearms,And personal security" Jim Grovers' guide to staying alive and avoiding crime in the real world. I got it from amazon. It covers all topics, securing your home, street smarts, travel, modern crime, kids, alternative weapons, combatives, shooting, etc. It will show you how to build your security in layers both at home and out.
Do a search on him and you will find a ton of good stuff.
God bless and good luck.

[Hank_Z]

Hey Lou and Conan701 -

Thanks for the excellent recommendations. The Gambretta and Grover's book look excellent. I'm buying both.

Question: My wife is older than I and not able to run away from someone if she had to use the Gambretta. Do you guys recommend combining something else...like mace or pepper spray...with the Gambretta? Use the Gambretta first and then use something else to incapacitate the person longer?

This is the first time I've ever looked for information like this. I very much appreciate the immediate recommendations that this forum provided. Thanks!:beer:

Hank

[kong2]

hankz, Im not able to run away from an attack either thats why I like the idea of the gambretta. If someone grabs you you can either break their finger or hand using the gambretta. Also, it can damage the collarbone,eyes,ribs,etc,etc. An attacker with a broken hand or gouged eyes isnt as dangerous as when the attack began. Mr. Gambordella also shows you how to use your car keys in very devastating ways. You wont regret getting Mr.Gambordellas information. I like the fact that its useable for women and children too. We have a sexual predator in our neighborhood and I was concerned for my daughters safety. I told her about the gambretta and feel confident that she could defend herself with it. One concern with mace is if its a windy day you could get it in your eyes also,not so with the gambretta.Once you see it in action you will see what Im talking about as far as the pain it can inflict on an attacker.Hope this helps,Lou,(Kong2).

[conan701]

Hank,
I would refer you to www.guardian-self-defense.com I hope thats right. It is the place to buy pepper spray.
I just placed an order yesterday. I never considered pepper spray before getting into Jim Grovers'(Kelly McCanns') instructionals. I think pepper spray is a superior first choice for non-lethal weapons as it works at distance, and is legal , and defensible in court. I would recommend the 3pack with a keychain model, a model that clips to your car visor, and a larger can for home use.
I don't mean to sound like a commercial for Kelly McCann but he is the only one I know who covers all the different aspects of self protection(non-lethal, lethal, unarmed) completely and shows how to transition from one to the other. Probably most important he has done it for real.
Good Luck
check out www.kellymccanncombatives.com

[Hank_Z]

Again, thanks for the information, guys.

The pepper spray sounds great. But I just found that mace, pepper spray, tear gas, and similar things cannot be carried by an airline passenger. Can't be carried either by hand or in checked luggage. So that eliminates pepper spray. [Later Note: I wasn't thinking clearly in this post. I was confusing two different things: (i) having a company ship pepper spray, mace, etc. to me and (ii) bringing taking those items with me on a plane.]

I watched several of Kelly McCann's online videos. The guy really knows his stuff and how to communicate it.

Hank

[Grant Douglass]

g'day hank Z , you sound like you are caught between a rock & a hardlplace;
mate the lads are coming up with a few really good options, but there are a few areas that you & your wife need to address. what are the likey forms of attack?
do we have an escape plan? if wqe get caught in the house what options are on the table & seriously , if you plan to go up againstmultiple attacker they must think you a total psychopath & not worth the pain.
You need to either run or fight.

eg , if someone is breaking in, & they are with mates & you think that you can get an escape route out of the house then take it.


bottom line if you go up against 2 0r more , then you will be in a world of crap.
disscuss with your wife a few seriuos stratedgies.
How can we escape?
Get out theback door as they come in the front door. plant a few strategically placed weapons thet you Feel comfortable with around the house.
Plant them were thy are easily accessible to you &still not obvious to anyone else.

Pick a weapon that you can weild easily, that wil l have a very visible effect on your attackers.

The worse they look the better the odds of there accomplices not wanting the same .

If you go down the phycical path & violence is in the equation then guess what! you need to be more viscious & committed then the people you are facing.

Buy yourself a book by Robert Redenback called (Perform with confidence) possibly the honest best book out there onwha we all kneed to know about how to deal with these situations & violence in general.

You need to alsolook at some SIMPLE BASIC STUFF THAT WORKS! lose the matrial arts! we are tlking very easy single movements that you won't forgret in a crisis & that will stop your attacker or a least stuff up their mindset.
spend the money & go with Larry's SSS.

I teach my team in The Shed alot of Larry's stuff & you will be happy .
Digger

[MikeNY]

Hank there are a number of candidates for ease of use. The gambretta looks like a yawara stick, slightly differnt. Hank if you fear a group attack or home invasion (sounds like that is not the problem) then the answer is a shotgun, still work for the police and was a success in the Jungles of Malayia. Shots 00 and 000 buckshot, and slugs that can drop a bear. Old fashioned boxing works and hign on the list is the books of Champ thomas "How to be a Ass-whiping Boxer" and Boxing's Dirty tricks and Outlaw Killer Punches". Boxing is simple and has four real weapons so is easy to learn, changing it to bare knuckle old fashioned strickes is simple. The plam heel is one of the main weapons used with boxing strikes.

SSS and John McSweeney's book "Battle Axe: A Warriors tale" details his system of simple effective strikes called Tiger Moves. McSweeney has a video Total Self defence with the tioger Moves and the use of a revolver.

Hope this helps Hank.

[MikeNY]

Hank forgot one thing, a walking stick, stout, hard wood, easy to use and you carry a club with you that way. Stick Fighting for Self Defense: The Basics by george B. Wallace immediatly comes to mind.

[Hank_Z]

Wow...this information is so helpful and is absolutely new to me. Even though I'm almost 60, I've never thought seriously about this subject before. I thought that getting sufficient training in martial arts would not fit my schedule and would probably be inadequate in many situations. You've already shown me that there are some excellent options.

Here's some additional info I've found about pepper spray and mace (info from http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#1)

I have found that the TSA does allow transporting of mace and pepper spray (in checked luggage). Here's the main info: "One 118 ml or 4 Fl. oz. container of mace or pepper spray is permitted in checked baggage

I could bring several containers by putting one container in each of three suitcases each time my wife or I travels to Costa Rica from the U.S.

Question: Are several containers of 4 fluid ounces of pepper spray enough to be effective?

Thank you.

Hank

[conan701]

Hank,
I must have missed something. Why are you concerned with taking pepper spray on a plane?
If it is legal to get in Costa Rica just have it shipped to you. Having a non-lethal weapon is just part of the equation. I recommend firearms if they are legal, carry if possible, or at least for home defense. If not I would carry a knife along with the pepper spray again see what is legal for your location.
Awareness is most important so feel good that you are addressing your personal security issues.
I would recommend Larry Wicks' SSS program for unarmed defense and improvised weapons. Especially for women. If escape is not an option and you find yourself unarmed I like McCanns' combatives or get the Shredder package from Senshido( their forum is awesome and is a great source of free advice). I am also a huge fan of Lee Morrisons' Urban Combatives ( again a lot of good free articles at his website). Lee Morrison has an excellant improvised weapons program because in England they are severely restricted.
Obviously you have become concerned for you and your wifes' safety so you should arm yourselves within legal limits and seek out instruction in whatever options you chose to go with.
The Jim Grover book goes into great detail on how to protect your home and the suggestions are suprisingly inexpensive. Remember you don't have to do everything at once. I am still working on fortifying my castle.
Figure out where you are most vulnerable and start there.
Good Luck

[Hank_Z]

Thanks for the additional suggestions. I'll look at all of them. I was looking for something that's practical and doesn't require a lot of training. And you've provided exactly that. Thanks!

Conan, my concern about whether certain items can be transported by plane is because U.S. airplanes bring our mail to Costa Rica. During my research the past few days I'd read that Customs Agents are extremely good at detecting illegal weapons, including chemical agents. (Note: I confused two different things in this thread: (i) have a company ship items to me by airmail and (ii) transporting items on a plane trip in my checked luggage or as carry-on items. Conan, thanks for asking the question that pointed out my poor thinking.

Hank

[kong2]

hank z , Using a cane has been mentioned and its a good idea. Ted Gambordellas site that I mentioned," 7 second self defense" also includes 2 e-books on using a cane for self defense, "basic cane training" and "cane-jitsu". My daughter and her friend were being followed by some guy the other night who kept bothering them. They ran to their car and he ran to his and followed them. They managed to lose him but it scares me to think of what could have happened. This is where I feel the "gambretta" would come in handy. If he were to grab her she could break his hand and get away.She is small and having a "gambretta" would be an equalizer. I wish the world we live in wasnt like this but unfortunately it is. Take care,Lou,(Kong2).

[Hank_Z]

I'm following through on the recommendations that all of you have made.

I've searched the Internet and have not been able to find how to buy any of the following books that this thread recommended:

"Battle Axe: A Warriors tale", by John McSweeney

"Stick Fighting for Self Defense: The Basics", by George B. Wallace

"Perform with Confidence", by Robert Redenbach. I just emailed Rob and asked him how I can buy a copy of the book. It's not available on his website.

I'll appreciate any help you can provide.

Hank

[Hank_Z]

I just noticed that Robert Redenbach's newer book (2007) is "Self-Defence in 30 Seconds". It's available from Rob's website. Just google his name and and the book title and you'll find the site.

Here's a 5-minute video of Rob discussing and showing some of the material from this book: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZieC3ysyk.

Hank

[Hank_Z]

Jim Pete wrote:

I’ve posted this info before but I cannot over-emphasize the value of familiarizing yourself with common objects that are all around you which can be effective weapons.
TV remotes, cell phones, pencils, books, dishes… the list is endless. Use your imagination. The key is use a quick endwise jab from whatever position you happen to be in. Don’t raise anything up as if to slug with it, that will telegraph your intention and will be blocked. A sudden endwise or edgewise thrust and then move in for the finisher or get out of there. Don’t stand around mulling over your options.

Jim Pete, thanks for posting this information. When I first saw it, it made sense but I didn't truly comprehend how effective this can be. As I've looked at things we already have in the house, I realize that we have weapons almost everywhere. We can place a few things more strategically.

This morning my neighbor showed me an item that was painted to look like a cat's head. What was the item? A rock that people here use as a doorstop or a couple of other purposes. It fits perfectly into my hand and weighs a couple of pounds or so. Because I had been thinking about what you posted, when I saw it, I immediately saw...not a doorstop...but a very effective weapon.

Have a great weekend!:act-up:

Hank

[MikeNY]

Hank here is a book that has everything you want in one book! The Art of Shen Ku by Zeek. It has a two page section for each of the following, combat stick (aka baton) walking stick and staff. Now these two pages on each topic is distilled and concise but accurate knowledge into a very short workable format!

You practice and sweat the two pages on the walking stick and you will be a dangerous man with a cane! This book has sections on kung fu, monk exercises, breathing, Isometrics it is as differnt a book as a man could find. This guy did a great job!! it is $13.57 at Amazon plus shipping. The writer has a gift, read at amazon what this book is about, the table of contents, read the pages on the inside of the book section so you know what your getting if you buy this; it is amazing. He is obviously into the martial arts and a gifted writer, using almost a comic book type format to distill knowledge into workable bits. read the reviews, it is rated five stars. Click on inside the book (on the left hand side of the page under the picture of the book cover) to access the table of contents, index and read an except and then there is a second except in the surprise me section.

[Grant Douglass]

g'day hank i got your message & i went & checked out Robert's new book , he is right it IS BETTER & more suited to self defence.
'm only just getting into it, it is BASIC! EASY TO READ!
but don't mistake these 2 points as it is more navel fluff or another book to look at the pictures & file with the rest.

Robert in this simple litte book is opening up NEW ground, shedding a light on a subgect most people & instrusctors no zip about.
In the first few pages we are honetly woken by reality, not some martial arts BS or super sale hype.
This little book in its pages, GIVES US WHAT WE REALLY NEED TO KNOW OR HAVE OVERLOOKED>
We can train in technices till weve got them coming out the freckle, have more weapons then toys at a kids Xmass.
Have the worlds most ferociuos dog chained up in the backyard & the tallest fence ever.

But if you don't have the smarts or the understanding of whats going on in your mind & there's ,then all this stuff isn't worth a fart in a hurricane.

Most clubs, teachers aviod this place, why because they know bugger all about it, & insted of reading up on it & sifting thru it with their own BS detecter, only to realise this area is a MAGOR CORNERSTONE on how they will react & why.

If we train in skills & develope a strongbody , we may be l remotely lucky at best ,

LETS not forget our mind! digger

[Hank_Z]

I encourage everyone to take a look at the book that Mike recommended: "The Art of Shen Ku," by Zeek. It's one of the most unusual books I've ever seen. The scope of the content might leave some thinking that the author couldn't cover the various topics adequately. But...the 64 reviews by Amazon readers indicate just the opposite. Simple can be great.

Mike, I just ordered the book and am looking forward to practicing the walking stick techniques. Thank you for the recommendation, my friend.

Digger, you don't waste time, do you? :) I ordered Robert Redenbach's "Self-Defence in 30 Seconds" (just google the author's name and the book title to find his home page) two days ago, and you already found it and gave us excellent feedback about it. It sure helps to have friends like Digger around the world. Both he and the author live in Australia. The book sounds like a winner!

[Grant Douglass]

g'day Hank, yeah i was suprsed too, I just found it in a local bookshop.
what suprised me more was that when i actually emailed rob redenback , he emailed me back overnight with all my questions answered,
Rob also asked me to let him know what i thaught about he book .
the good thing is that it has the knowledge from his previous book " perform with confidence in it along with his new finds on self defence after kicking around the world & training people who have to work in some pretty harsh dangerous places.
He & Larry stand apart from the rest this way.

Larry also is a man of integrity who will go out of his ay to help, & share his knowledge with us. In the past in the self defence part of the site , Larry has given me & the rest alot of really handy tips.

update on training ; if you do eye stikes get some big industrial eye goggles & where them;
i have just beeen diagnosed with a eye condition, & am seeking help from a specialist.
At the moment nothing has come loose in the eye but it is touch & go!

If i don't get it sorted out there is a High chance i will be blind.
no more art work, seeing my kids faces, or training t same as it used to be.
I'm lucky i can see this specialist in a months time.

the only advice they gave me as i left was this
If i see blinding flashes or parts of my vision go black " Get in here fast".
hopefully it will be a non eventfull month . & i get to keep my vision.
So please anyone who trains using eye strikes & ouges PLESE WEAR THE BST EYE SAFETY GEAR:
You only have one set of eyes as I'm about to find out.

The eye specialist couldn't say wether my training caused the condition or it was genetic, but he squirmed on the chair when i told him what we do in training.
He was horified as to what we do to the attackers eyes in a real life situation, I think he was left there hinking WOW!
He also had a Doctor (young muslim woman who was getting some experience ) she was most interested in what i was saying about teaching women stuff that works.
i could see her mind going over the things i was saying " that even small petite women can kick arse & survive against bigger stronger attackers if you have the right mindset & use it to maim, blind , stun ,cause a brain blink & get your freckle out of there.
She was a very small petite , quet young woman, my mother is also a very small petite old woman , who i have taught to rip out your ees or bite a peice out of an attacker, or punch to the throat to escape.

Hank work with your wfe on a few basic moves wih a few basic things, most of all get your mind in the right place . Robs book will put it there.
Please if any of you do eye work where you cotact or gouge (good stuff) USE EYE PROTECTION.
doesn't akemuch to %^&* somoene up , with a good eye strike.
i've seen my mate Ian 120kgs get creamed he's 6ft 3' & solid, he got caught by a small woman who was 50kg's at best.
she hit him in the eyes with a eye strike, she was ment to kick him in the balls, but he came in on her perifheries we were doing multiple moving artackers, anyway she got him with a lightning fast eye flick, he was totally rooted.
HIS BIG HULKING 6ft 3' frame hit the floor STOPPED & sat on his coight & held his eyes bawling like a baby, he was in extruating pain.
There wasn't much anyone could do except, watch as i tried to help him.
He was cactus for about40 minutes.
Be carefull! Train safe & b smart.
digger

[MikeNY]

Hank here is where I bought the John McSweeney DVD. http://www.ihffilm.com/22427.html may not be modern but this works.

[Hank_Z]

Digger, I'm glad to hear such praise for Redenbach's book. After I emailed him, Rob asked me where I heard of him and his first book. I told him that it was from a member of Transformetrics. He seems genuinely interested in helping. Not just selling books.

Mate, I'm glad you're taking care of your eyes. And that they still seem in good shape. My wife can see out of only one eye, so I understand the importance of wearing the best eye protection.

I look forward to receiving Rob's new book.

Thanks, my friend.

Hank

[Hank_Z]

Hank here is where I bought the John McSweeney DVD. http://www.ihffilm.com/22427.html may not be modern but this works.

Thanks a bunch for the additional info/recommendation, Mike. The DVD looks excellent and is relatively inexpensive.

In the opinion of the guys who are participating in this forum, at what point do I need to be concerned about getting "information overload"? All the information might be great. I'm thinking that too much of it could tend to paralyze me in a dangerous situation...rather than help me think and act clearly.

Thanks!

Hank

[Hank_Z]

Mike,

Do the several pages in the book "The Art of Shen Ku" provide instructions for a vigorous workout with the walking stick? If so, that would be great to add to my Transformetrics work.

[Hank_Z]

"Larry also is a man of integrity who will go out of his ay to help, & share his knowledge with us. In the past in the self defence part of the site , Larry has given me & the rest alot of really handy tips."

digger

Digger...and others...do you know how I might access any of the information that Larry has previously shared on this forum? His experience and skills...including teaching...look impeccable.

I've googled and looked for his posts that are still available by clicking "cache." I've not been able to find any.

Hank

[Grant Douglass]

g'dsay Hank Z, digger here , all you need to do is ask Larry his opion or when he gets chance he;ll usually drop in & add his 2 bobs worth to the conversation.

we lost a lot of great stuff from the site but i happens, in time some of it may surface again.
mate you are right about infomation overload.
You need to cut alot of what you want down into eadible pieces & stuff you can use.

Robs book will certainly take care of the mind area, NY Mikes recomendation on Mc sweeneys DVD & his reading material & fitness stuff on the Tiger moves, M7's area great place to cover a multitude of sins

Hank z , mate sit down & work out with a list exactly what you want to learn & obtain;

Simplicity is the key, anything else is pissing in the wind, if it's not natural or you have doudts then you won't do it in a real jam.
If you have to think what did they teach me in class for this situation then you may as well adopt the position.( Dogmeat)
A handfull of simple natural moves that will cause them to brain blink or totally think twice, IT'S not about who's got the biggest muscles or who's got the biggest gun.

It s about either seeing crap coming & avioding it or knowing what's going on & getting the first shot in then going from there.
mate i can remember the day as a junior grade the day i planted my 2nd dan on his coight, I wasn't a superstar, guess what he wasn't bullet proof & i caught him with something out of the ordinary.
he had no idea that i could think o it let alone plant one on him.

everyone is open to attack & everyone bleeds the same, he later hicked my feckle; but that was cool it helped save his ego. either way it was him lying on he ground gasping for air earlier. ' he said to me later, on our own, " nice one you caught me totally off gaurd".
that was the day i realised with all his skills & training he was still just a man like me.
He was good at fighting people in our own style , but when he copped something from a junior grade ouside the square . He learnt something so did i .

no-one is invincible! we all have weaknesses .
Digger

[Larry Wick]

Hi Hank and gang,


First of all I want to wiah all of you a safe and Merry Christmas and may all your hopes wishes and dreams come true.

Digger you take it easy, and get those eyes checked out!!!!!! Be careful. Thanks,

As usual, the advice on this forum is excellent!!!! Thanks everyone.

Hank, when it comes to self-defense it really comes down in a large part to personality, dedication, and the ability to face reality with a proper mindset to increase the odds of survival. I am now 54 years old and I have been training over forty years. I work with many types of weapons from the bo, sword, cane, chucks, sai, knife, and firearms. And the most truthful thought that I have that I am getting older and the skills that I used to have may be starting to become not as good as years passed. In saying that, the reality of self-defense practice is important, but what kind of practice. I know of so many people that have great ideas when it comes to surviving but the survive you must take everything to the lowest factor. to use any type of weapon you must practice how to deploy it quickly and effectivvely. I know so many people that carry a concelled weapon that is totally worthless becaues they have never spent the time to be able to get it out. If you have any type of firearm you must practice how to load, draw, discharge the weapon in the most difficult situations. The same goes for a knife, mace, any type of cutting or striking weapon. You must train safely and effectively. Most people I know will never put in the time and effort. I think eye strikes can be very effective, IF YOU CAN HIT THE EYES!!!!! Try this take a hocky goaly mask. Tape to paper eyes on it, strap it to your heavy bag, and then try to poke the eyes with a pencil, your finger as quickly as possible If you have not trained for this type of techniques extensively you will most likely miss or will be so slow you will never hit your attacker because he will block it or turn his head. For those that teach any type of punching to the older generation that has not punched before as effective skills is not dealing in reality. I find these things being taught all the time. They are not bad things to learn, but you have to be honest with yourself in your training. What do you do then? Keep things simple, give him the money, a cup of coffee, a drink thown directly in the face, without warning, a pencil to the throat a larger target, because you carry one in your front pocket tthat is sharp and you have practiced drawing it and stabbing a melon as you are moving. A firearm that is the right caliber for you, one with a quick draw holster, as you practice will falling to the ground, running, and being able to hit at close rang. Practice, then practice some more. Keep the most simple things, never swing anything at anyone, swinging anything is a loosing propostion to anyone with street skills, as it is easy to see, time, or disarm. Hank, my sister is in Costa Rica as I write this. My response to her is to use common sense, don't keep your self in trouble for a stupid reason, Have Fun!!!!
One final note, if you pick up this months issue of Black Belt you can see what I look like in real life instead of just reading my words/


Be Safe, and Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!


Your friend, Larry

[akelly]

I encourage everyone to take a look at the book that Mike recommended: "The Art of Shen Ku," by Zeek. It's one of the most unusual books I've ever seen. The scope of the content might leave some thinking that the author couldn't cover the various topics adequately. But...the 64 reviews by Amazon readers indicate just the opposite. Simple can be great.

I have that book, Hank, and I would have to agree. It's a great reference book for someone who is interested in a variety of things, not just the martial arts. It does a decent job at covering some of the absolute basics and the forms look like they would at least be good exercise. :)

Arnold

[Hank_Z]

Larry, thanks for all the excellent advice.

I've never been in a fight in my life and don't want to start now. Overall, the people of Costa Rica are pretty non-violent. And we are definitely having FUN!

But there are always those who will attack someone for drug money. And some "bad people" have come here from Columbia and aren't the least bit hesitant to kill. I stay totally away from the areas where those guys are known to be.

The problems we're most likely to have are these:

A. Me being robbed while I'm out walking. I stay on paved roads, but there are a lot of places where someone could assault me without anyone else seeing it.

B. Someone could break into our home intending to steal valuables. We have computers that we need for work. No one will insure home contents like these, since they're stolen so frequently. If someone did break into our home to steal, one or both of us might be in the house. That could lead to an even more serious problem.

Larry, here are the main things I'm planning to do. I'll appreciate your letting me know if something doesn't make sense for this 59-year-old guy (me) or if there is something much easier:

1. I've ordered Rob Redenbach's book "30-Second Self-Defence." It focuses a lot on what you emphasized...keeping my head, acting reasonably, and doing everything I can to avoid problems.

2. I've ordered a book by Jim Grove on ways to better secure our home. I plan to follow his advice that is relevant.

3. When I go out walking for an hour or two, I take the equivalent of $20 with me. If someone chooses to rob me, I'll give him/them the money. I was told by friends to keep that much money on me. If I were robbed and had only one or two dollars, the bad guy might want to "take it out on me" physically.

4. I've ordered a Gambretta and am planning to practice with it.

5. I'll carry a sharpened pencil or similar sharp object in my pocket and practice deploying and using it. (My wife is not comfortable with a firearm in the house, so that's not part of the plan.)

6. I've ordered a book with very basic instructions on using a "walking stick" to jab and thrust. (As you recommended, I have no intention of swinging it.) And this will require practice. Just a few basic moves.

Larry, does this make sense to you?

Also, roughly how much practice do you recommend for those who will carry a Grambretta, sharpened object, and a walking stick. You said that most people will never practice enough, so I want to know roughly how much to reasonably expect to practice.

Thanks,

Hank

[MikeNY]

Columbian's are bad; there is a NY trick, might not work with a Columbian; show the wallet with the money, then throw the wallet with money inside and run the other way. The pencil trick is an old and nasty trick! Be careful with Columbians some are paramilitary gang members.

The Art of Shen Ku has jabbing and stabbing with the cane as well as using it to strike with with the shaft and defensive manuvers for someone trying to grab it. The Book are articles on exercise, body building and various Karate and Kung fu exercises as well as Monk exercise forms and information on surviving an attack, muggers.

[Hank_Z]

Yes, Mike, the Columbian thugs here are very dangerous. Fortunately, they're mainly in one area that I can almost always avoid. And I do!

I'm looking forward to receiving The Art of Shen Ku and the other books I've ordered.

By the way, I just saw an article in an online Costa Rica paper about a murder. The author of the article said that he and his 13-year-old daughter witnessed two guys on a motorcycle shooting a woman in cold blood because they wanted her packages.

I emailed him and asked if the woman readily gave up the packages or whether she resisted. He wrote back and said "That's a weird question." But he did give me the info...and it's exactly what most of us would have guessed. She resisted giving up her packages, they "got into a tussle," and they shot her.

Seems like many people who have not thought through this scenario instinctively try to hold onto what's "theirs"...even if it costs them their life.

I very much want to practice the very basic behaviors that I can foresee using. This includes mentally rehearsing giving a robber my money, quickly drawing and striking the neck with a sharpened pencil, using the Gambretta, and make a few effective jabs and thrusts with a walking stick.

Planning and practicing must be sufficient to overcome what would otherwise be less effective and more dangerous behaviors.

Hank

[Hank_Z]

[Deleted because I found answer to question.]

[Grant Douglass]

G'day Digger here i got a copy of Robs, " self defence in 30 sexconds "
Mate it is a wolf in sheeps clothing, to say the least, in all fairness it isn't a big thick glossy hard cover.
There are no hundreds of figthing forms all shot in crap black & white in angles you can't work out.

This little plain unpresuming book is like the human achilles heel, Robert overs an area which is always neglected in most clubs & vitually every book.
It is not an earea that s all flash & pizzazz! there are NO arse kicking moves or killer ancient secret techniques.

So why would you obther to read it or even pick it up of the shelf.?

Because rarely has anyone actually UNLOCKED the secret to voilence & HOW WE WORK in it's unpleasent company.

Better funtion in an extreme ,we need to HONESTLY take it apart & SEE how we work under these harsh or confusing situations.
VIOLENCE, CONFRONTATION, OUR BODY & IT"S REACTIONS> the mind & a honest look at the mental process's at play.
Robert takes the reader into a deeper & CLEARER UNDERSTANDING of this area of the human race, he does it on a very personl level , no big words or bullshit.
Sometimes to win & survive, techqniues are not enough, if you start with a greater ubnderstanding of ourselves & the problem .
Half the battle is over already.
ifyou dont adress this area you are fighting with both arms tied behind your back.
digger

[Grant Douglass]

G'day HankZ , mate when you get Robs book read i at least 2 or 3 times it is well worth it.
it is only small & easy reading ut still it is worth reading it afew times, it's like pandora's box or an onion.
The more you look at it the more you see.
mate Hank why don't you get a thro away wallet from a $2.oo dollar shop & stack it with about $10.00or $15 .Oo
then what you do is take the money length wise & fold it in half to double the appearence of the amount in the wallett.
Put it in the wallet ^& staple it in. now your contents looks alot beter then just $5.00 bucks.
This is your " THROW AWAY WALLET"
It is the one that if you get bailed up you hand over,

Don't actually hand it to the person throw it to them & make it hit the ground a fare way away from you, give yourself as much room between them & you as possible.

As for packing weapons I'm a huge fan of the Spanish "Inoxocrom "stainless steel pen, use a full metal jacket parker refill in itPARKER REFILL ALL METAL , this refill will take ALOT of punishment & till keep on writing .

MAKE SURE the stainless stell pen is a single metal one piece barrel no a screw together join in the middle type.
This a serious type of pen that will go thru layers of clothing & when going into skin & muscle will get right in there & WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.
i've looked high & low NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO IT! cost $ 20.00 Australian.
Hank if you have anyproblems finding one let me know & i'll line one up for you .

Mate the team in "The Shed have road tested it on a chicken carcass & four layers of heavy duty towel. IT goes thru the chicken meat & bones like butter & will get thru 3 layers or towel with to much problem ,possibly 4 if your lucky & one powerfull bugger.
as Royce , Ned & other Shed members can tell you there's alot you can do with a pen from slicing & dicing to directing an atacker into the ground, it also can easily depatch someone( kill) that is why there are certain areas & places & things you shouldnt do or go there with.

I won't publish these areas or ways to do it for the reason that you never know who may read this infomation or how they will use it.
i tend to think as the en as a shock tactic weapon , maiming , ripping & in some cases more brutal work with it.
It is primarliy a stabbing weapon it can be uset slash but is generally better suited to stabbing or maimimng. when using the pen it is great to deploy in a multiple of strikes in a frenzy attack.
note also when usig an object i is imperitive that it helps your arenal along with knees or what ever. Never soley put your faith or trust in only 1 object or strike.

Hank z this is possibly one of the best legal options you can carry & get out with out people noticing.
it can be held in the and loosly or looking like you are going to write with it & itdoesn't get a second gance .

Yet you could then use it from wherever your hand i s. & easily launch a wicked attack.
Psychologically it would have the same emotional effect as a vicious knifeattack
you can als carry it on a plane . ANYWHERE & not cause yourself any problems.

Larry's favourite is the comb & i also is a force to be recoginised with.
i'v seen my twin destroy a big mouth skinhead with a tiny black comb to the eyes & a couple of wicked right hooks.
He used Robs mind awareness & short curcited the wankers attack sequence by taking it to him & heading off. Dougy used Roberts awerness & understanding of how violence works & got the drop on the prick.

He cleaned him up , & dropped him like a turd on his seated mates, none of them got up to fight Dougy , they were scared they might ge the same.
Dougy went from " THE ERROR ""''' THE BUBBLE OF CONFUSSION"""""" THE RESULT in less then 6 .seconds at most.
Problem solved ! We all came out unhurt .

dougy saw the ERROR( Problem)

Realised very quickly the Bubble of confussion & worked thru it in a split second, came out with a plan

the RESULT , herealisedwhat was happening & stole the enishetive, belted the wanker & got the RESULT,,,
cotroll over 5 guys & the situation & gave us the psychological edge. till we could get out othere in one peice.
digger

[Hank_Z]

mate Hank why don't you get a thro away wallet from a $2.oo dollar shop & stack it with about $10.00or $15 .Oo
then what you do is take the money length wise & fold it in half to double the appearence of the amount in the wallett.
Put it in the wallet ^& staple it in. now your contents looks alot beter then just $5.00 bucks.
This is your " THROW AWAY WALLET"
It is the one that if you get bailed up you hand over,

Don't actually hand it to the person throw it to them & make it hit the ground a fare way away from you, give yourself as much room between them & you as possible.

As for packing weapons I'm a huge fan of the Spanish "Inoxocrom "stainless steel pen, use a full metal jacket parker refill in itPARKER REFILL ALL METAL , this refill will take ALOT of punishment & till keep on writing .

MAKE SURE the stainless stell pen is a single metal one piece barrel no a screw together join in the middle type.

G'day mate Digger,

The wallet idea is excellent. That's exactly what I'll do. Very easy.

I like the idea of the Inoxocrom stainless steel pen. I was already thinking about using a pen, and your info is very timely. A pencil lead can break even in a pocket. But a one-piece stainless steel pen will not.

Another friend sent me information about using a pen. The author suggests developing the habit of carrying the pen everywhere. Keep it in the hand a lot to become accustomed to the feel. And since the pen is so functional, use it during the day at stores, etc.

Mate, do you have a model number or model name of the Inoxocrom pen that you like? I'm traveling to a small town in the U.S. in about two weeks and can order the pen and have it mailed to my friends so it will be waiting for me.

Thanks to all for your help. And Merry Christmas!:beer::highfive:

Hank

[Hank_Z]

G'day Digger here i got a copy of Robs, " self defence in 30 sexconds "
Mate it is a wolf in sheeps clothing, to say the least, in all fairness it isn't a big thick glossy hard cover.
There are no hundreds of figthing forms all shot in crap black & white in angles you can't work out.

This little plain unpresuming book is like the human achilles heel, Robert overs an area which is always neglected in most clubs & vitually every book.
It is not an earea that s all flash & pizzazz! there are NO arse kicking moves or killer ancient secret techniques.

So why would you obther to read it or even pick it up of the shelf.?

Because rarely has anyone actually UNLOCKED the secret to voilence & HOW WE WORK in it's unpleasent company.

Better funtion in an extreme ,we need to HONESTLY take it apart & SEE how we work under these harsh or confusing situations.
VIOLENCE, CONFRONTATION, OUR BODY & IT"S REACTIONS> the mind & a honest look at the mental process's at play.
Robert takes the reader into a deeper & CLEARER UNDERSTANDING of this area of the human race, he does it on a very personl level , no big words or bullshit.
Sometimes to win & survive, techqniues are not enough, if you start with a greater ubnderstanding of ourselves & the problem .
Half the battle is over already.
ifyou dont adress this area you are fighting with both arms tied behind your back.
digger

Thanks, mate. I'm really looking forward to reading (and re-reading) Rob's book. This information is so important. Especially since I've never even been in a fight in my life.

It's the same thing that Larry emphasized in his post on this thread. Larry said, "self-defense really comes down in a large part to personality, dedication, and the ability to face reality with a proper mindset to increase the odds of survival."

Since I live in a very small town and have no one to practice with, what would be a reasonable way to practice using the pen and the Gambretta? Like Digger everyone has emphasized, I have to keep it simple. But I also must develop the skills to use the weapons I know that I'd rely on?

Hank

[Grant Douglass]

g'day Hank Z, digger here mate about that pen
it's called " Inoxcrom" made in spain. takes a parker refill.
they have a variety of pens, if you like & you aren't in a screaming hury .
I'd be happy o get you one & post it 2 you it might take me a couple of weeks, but this way you will get the right one.
don't worry about the cost, it'd be my pleasure to help a decent bloke.
Just email me your address if you like.
I'm heading away with the kids for a week , then i'm back & more then happy to line one up for you.

I've still got to send ARROW his. ( it's here but burried after the move.)
yes Arrow i've been slack with moving & all the rest of things BUT I haven't forgotten.
i'm on holidays so now is the time to get it for you & post them off.
Hank Z it's up to you mate , no skin off my nose to do it.
digger
Arnold( NED) & (Pierce )Royce both have one & they can vouch for the workmanship in them.
So mate buy on if ou want to or if you can wait i'd be happy to send you one from Aussie. (Australia)

The systema as some geat work with pens, combs, canes, books , wallets, glasses , caps & alot more.
Vladimir Vassiliev from canada , has outstanding DVD's especially on improvised weapons.

Worth looking into , SYSTEMA russian martial arts.
google Vladimir & the systema
when you get to talk to him or email him , tell him Grant Douglass from Australia say's G'day & high to him & his lovley wife Valerie.
i hope they are both well.
let me know either way
Digger

[Hank_Z]

Hank,
I would refer you to www.guardian-self-defense.com I hope thats right. It is the place to buy pepper spray.
I just placed an order yesterday. I never considered pepper spray before getting into Jim Grovers'(Kelly McCanns') instructionals. I think pepper spray is a superior first choice for non-lethal weapons as it works at distance, and is legal , and defensible in court. I would recommend the 3pack with a keychain model, a model that clips to your car visor, and a larger can for home use.
I don't mean to sound like a commercial for Kelly McCann but he is the only one I know who covers all the different aspects of self protection(non-lethal, lethal, unarmed) completely and shows how to transition from one to the other. Probably most important he has done it for real.
Good Luck
check out www.kellymccanncombatives.com

Conan, do you recommend the pepper spray "stream" or "fogger"? I'm getting ready to place my order.

Hank

[Hank_Z]

Hey Conan,

After I posted my question, I found a section on the website that says the "fogger" is more effective for the purposes I'd use it for. Thought some others might want to know.

Hank

[Grant Douglass]

g'day hank Z & conan, nice to see you boys are building an arms race in costa rica! one pepper spray at a time.
i must admit If i could legally buy it here & carry It i would, but i can't.
Hank here's a little test to do whenyou get it.
At this point I'm adding my mandatory safety clause.
DON"T ACTUALLY SPRAY YOUR TRAINING PARTENER!
practice putting the spray on your person where you will be carring it & trey this, as a person walks towards you get them to pull out a training knife ( rubber toy knife)& rush you! or attack you empty handed.

With NO WARNING!
You will get a suprise how much distance they can cover & gut you in a few seconds.
do this drill fronm various distances.

What you will probably learn very quickly that if your pepper spray isn't in your hands before you get a suprise attack you will get turned into sushie!
this is where Robert & Larry both talk about a higher level of awareness to your surroundings & what's going on.
THE ERROR!....
Train for a way to subtley draw your mace as soon as you have the slightest inkling that things are a little suss.
If in the slightes dobdt learn how to palm it, your mace &conceal it as you walk.
i once punched out a drug dealer, who later I found out had murderderd someone & he was carring a pistol.
HOW did i do this stupid feat,
1 I didn't know he was a drug dealer
2 I didn't know he was packing
3 I didn't know he had killed before

if i had known any of these factors prior I would have left him alone like the plague.
I only knew at the time he was a smart arsed, low life bully who was annouying my friends wife.
So i walked up & ambushed him with a beautifull KO! dropped him like a maggot!

He was packing a weapon on him at the time when I dropped him.( but it wasn't out for action & he had no idea he was about to get punched out.)

Unless you have it drawn & either beat the threat , ACTION IS FASTER THEN REACTION, you will get dropped everytime.
remember if it;s not drawn then its as good as not in the game, at that VERY instant.

doesn't mean it can't come into play later tho.
See how fast you can draw your spray from a pocket to a bag whatever, work from vearious distances & states of warning from total awareness to no awareness.
work from them walking in at you from 360 degrees. also attacking you from a stationary places & positions, sitting , knealing doing up a shoe, get them to cammoflague their actions by turning their weapon sideaway from you & using their body to conceal it.
try things like leaning angainst a fence with the knife concealed, in your arms folded or tucked up behind the length of your wrist & arm hidden by your palm.
walking towards you with the knife hidden under a concealed news paper.
if you don't have a higher level of awareness & threat, then work on practicing these things.

carrying mace in your pocket is a good start, but if you can't identify your threat then you atre rooted!
digger
Trust your gut instincts first, then act on them.
digger

[Grant Douglass]

g'day today i was coming home from work about midday, in the train , i unfortunalety got sa carriage with 4 wankers in it.
It didn't take long & it was apparent to the other pasenger ( a islander women that these guys were trouble)
they were talking aboutbashing someone, then all the bullshit started about earings!
That's right earings, at this point i had 3 sitting directly across from me.
The biggesrt one & the ring leader was sittig faierly close next to me.

Now the conversation was for my benifit , it was aimed at drawing me into an argument .
it went a little like this' "mate only poofters have earings, why would you want an earing, what do they say about c***&* that wear earings.?
& what's the go with these C%^&* that wear 2 earings , one in each ear."
i could se the woman opposite thinking WHOA! that older guys got 2 earings , here's trouble"
i'd been called a C&*(, had my sexuality doubdted, insulted & provoked into a responce .

So i did just that , I sat there with my legs apart , feeling very realaxed, i breathed evenly & felt totally in controll , i knew exactly where these pricks were taking the situatuion.
I gave of stare of cool confidence it was like out of dirty harry or a spagetti western.
i turned to the wanker who was the ring leader & asked him a question.

" Mate do you know why i have 2 earings?" i said with my at one with the universe confidence, & mega relaxed arse kicking half smile.

" He answered " Nu Why?
then i replied, "mate because I've got 2 ears''

He didn't know what to say, then he went quiet.

Now the youngest one called fo the ring leader to chuck him over a knife.
Then the ring leader threw ocver a double ended pen knife, this kid then dicked about the window with it.
Then he sat infront of me & decied to put on a show 4 me waving it about backwards & forwards , trying to ellicit some reraction.
By now i was very comfortable with myself, there was no fear, no hypervigillence.
i sat back & watched this little prick put on his show.

By now i must of given off the " well is it that it look" & he stopped & folded the blades back in & threw the knife back to the ring leader.
slowly i opened my pocket & pulled out he chicken killer ( pen)& got it into the ready mode.
then these wankers got up & moved the show else where.
i had bit of a chat with the young lady & reasured her.

Then she hit me with the news.
she told e that her nephew had been stabbed to death on a sydney train last week. She was out here for the funeral.

3minutes later 2 train police got in the carriage, i told them of the situation & the 4 wankers. gave them a description &a direction.
i got off the next stop to be greeted with the site of the 4 wankers yp against the wall getting searched.

I didn't have balls of steel, i didn't take uneccesery risks, but what i did do was apply Robert Redenbacks principles , from his book to a tea.
THE ERROR... THE BUBBLE...... THE RESULT.....

Possible bad spot, eased into my controlled confidence, realised i needed to ride it al l thru, didn't take he bait, showd i had nothing to proove to them or me.... then armed up ..... , then when possible dropped them right in it, no one got hurt , & they got busted.

I also said to the woman as i got off the train, "i'm so sorry about your nephew,"
It was very surreal, when it was going on i had no problems at all, i was calm & at peace , comfortable in myself.
it was the 4 wankers who had the issues about themselves& there penis size. i had nothing to proove.
It was only after itall went down & they where gone & i was off the train did the adrenalin dump hit.

it was nice that noone got hurt1
digger

[Alan_OldStudent]

..... it was nice that noone got hurt1
digger

Well Digger,

I don't know who Robert Redenback is or what his principles are. I also don't know what "THE ERROR... THE BUBBLE...... THE RESULT...." refer to.

But you certainly did something right. I'm glad you avoided a physical confrontation and were able to offer some comfort to that very distressed and traumatized young woman.

Congratulations on keeping your wits, your cool, your dignity, your composure, and on being a gentleman.

Regards,

Alan

[Grant Douglass]

G'day thanks Alan, i was talking to one of theguys from " The Shed' he said to me , "digger why didn't you give them a hiding, you could of hammered them,. "
i reminded him that, that i felt comfortable in my self & the situatuion , if i got the drop on them , i'm not going to kid myself, 4 guys & one armed with a knfe = power of 5 magnifcation.( thaty i know of, the rest may be amed aswell.?
i'm not supid!
i know you might beat 2 ;
but if you get tangled up with one or more then someone gets in behind you with a knife ,, i'm dogmeat!

i don't pretend to kid my self , i''m that good, i may be good but you need to ask yourelf this question.

i maybe good BUT AM I LUCKY?
If you think you are that lucky & you chance it,BUT you guess wrong! ICU here we come.

These dogs gave off a feeling of sniffing around looking for a reaction to feed off.
the ring leader realised with my ?
"do you know why I've got 2 earings, ?"
his answer "Nu why"?
my answer
Because i've got 2 ears. totally thru him off his game plan.
sometimes you just need to take stock ,roll with it, & have a plan" B '
if your adlibbbing goes wrong.

Instincts where in play for most of it! & I followed some good stratedgies.
thanks Larry & Rob.
nice to see you again Alan
digger

[Kathleen]

Way to go Digger!! You had a survival mindset instead of a fighting mindset. All that training in the shed paid off. Hope it NEVER happens again. I will have to order Rob's book soon after all my classes are done.

Stay cool:glasses-cool:

Kottie :cat:

[Grant Douglass]

g'day kottie thanks for the support, send me your email address i would like to talk to you & try& organise a signed copy for you.
i emailed robert redenbach & gave him the good news, he appreciatd the feedback, i want to order a few things off him , So get back to my via private messag.
digger , stay safe darl.

[Kathleen]

That would be awesome Digger!

By the way. I did not mean to send you" bad luck "with the black cat. I was thinking about my daughter and how she loved her real "halloween" cat. She loved to dress up as a cat when she was little and pretend she was one. It is a "mom" thing.