Unique weapons to defend oneself?

I already carry pepper spray, an alarm, and a flashlight. But honestly I don't think it's enough. I've already been robbed twice in my area and it's forced me to consider how I'm going to protect myself. It's Europe so guns aren't a factor (or an option).

I carry non-gel pepper spray for broad area of effect (works better for multiple attackers than some realize) and gel version for the primary threat. I also have running shoes and I ran track / XC so movement and footwork isn't an issue. I already know that non-gel pepper spray can backfire which is why I move back while spraying.

I weigh 120 pounds and have wrists so small that I think they'd break if I punched someone. I'm also 5'7. So no, I can't just "beat my way out of it." For self defense, I need weapons and only weapons. The more unique and effective, the better. I don't think it matters if I know martial arts or techniques because of my size unless it's footwork related or something.

Any advice? I live in a dangerous neighborhood in Europe. I've been considering an umbrella and modifying it a bit.

Submitted November 10, 2026 at 12:07AM by LittleRoad049 https://ift.tt/TthMAsY

Self-defence techniques everyone should learn.

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Submitted November 9, 2026 at 01:48PM by Universal_Truth_Sage https://ift.tt/7u9loN1

Is it better to say "I have a taser" or to ignore a potential threat?

Some context: I'm a 5'3, 110lb 20 year old with a baby face. I often get mistaken for being 16-18. Because of my baby face, it's also hard for me to look scary or mean.

To keep myself safe, I hold pepper spray and a taser at all times. I keep one weapon visible and the other hidden in my sleeve. All other devices and accessories are put away. I do not engage with any man, no matter the time of day. I also walk fast, stay alert, and look straight ahead.

The problem is, I am very frequently stopped by men, especially at night. Most of the time, they're hitting on me. Sometimes, though, it's a supposedly harmless request, like "do you have directions to xyz?" or "do you have the time?"

This infuriates me. I'm a visibly young, small woman walking ALONE AT NIGHT. Why do men think it's ok to come up to me!? It's astonishing how frequently this happens. In a bus or train full of people, they always come to ME. It's almost like they know they are scaring me and enjoy it. It feels like I'm being picked on because I'm visibly defenseless.

When this happens, I either completely ignore them or say no to their request. In response, the men continue to be persistent before eventually giving up. However, they then become visibly irritated or annoyed. No physical assaults or threats have come from this (yet), but it terrifies me nonetheless.

My question is, should I be threatening them with one of the weapons to scare them off, or will this end badly? I feel like saying "no, get away from me or I'll tase you" could work.

Or, do I continue doing what I'm doing, which always results in them being pissed? I'm extremely scared of retaliation and it seems like both options could put me in harm's way.

Any advice is appreciated.

Submitted November 9, 2026 at 03:49AM by june1441 https://ift.tt/Cx9QAas

My advantages/disadvantages

I’m a dude with skinny legs but I have relatively bigger quads/flute and I have relatively smaller hands/forearms/arms in general but big chest/abs. Shoulder:hip ratio slight higher than 1:1.

Decent athlete but I don’t workout at all so these are “natural” measurements.

What would be my inherent advantages and disadvantages as a fighter? So I know what to work on wrt working out, practicing, etc.

Submitted November 8, 2026 at 03:44PM by manofwater3615 https://ift.tt/eTikv9I

I just want to walk my dog...

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Submitted November 8, 2026 at 01:28PM by breezydeez20 https://ift.tt/ow6JqGi

How can I avoid or get out harmed less in a school fight?

Kid says he's gonna kill me after I told on his friend(or him) after getting pushed somewhere where I could have probably been hurt badly in the head

I am bigger and probably stronger than him but still I'm worried as I can't really defend myself even though I'm somewhat athletic.

Anything will help!

Submitted November 5, 2026 at 03:18PM by radiatorradio https://ift.tt/EhyQfmj

Self defense against women's self defense

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Submitted November 3, 2026 at 10:45AM by Miao_Yin8964 https://ift.tt/ckXva0Y