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.

https://ift.tt/rEkvWJ3

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...

https://ift.tt/vHW8gEx

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

https://ift.tt/VolPgFc

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

Weight classes exist for a reason...

So if you're short, the only way not to be inferior is to bulk and maximize your athletic frame. Me at 5'6 can get to a solid 180lbs and match at least average to slightly big dudes in combat ability.

Submitted November 2, 2026 at 01:15PM by Vegetable_Basis_4087 https://ift.tt/4cxKXD3

Self defense and prepping

/r/prepping/comments/1xie3nu/self_defence/

Submitted October 29, 2026 at 08:06AM by apokrif1 https://ift.tt/JopaIP8

HAVOC Self-Defense

Is the heavily advertised HAVOC system valid or BS?

https://centerlinetactical.com/products/havoc

Submitted October 28, 2026 at 06:25PM by Apprehensive_Key_798 https://ift.tt/T8UQ3vN

What is wrong with my Sabre launcher

https://ift.tt/EIeZjsW

Submitted October 28, 2026 at 03:03PM by pagedidntexist https://ift.tt/y3zvIfE

BJJ is useless for real self defense.

https://ift.tt/H3PdNV1

Submitted October 28, 2026 at 12:02PM by Ill_Improvement_8276 https://ift.tt/muaWTGk

Best self defense class for a girl wanting to solo travel?

Im planning to do a bit of solo travelling next year, but really want to be prepared for the worst, and capable of defending myself. What would be the best class to go to for a few months to then have the skills/knowledge needed to protect myself when I'm alone?

Submitted October 26, 2026 at 02:04PM by Ok-Replacement-1254 https://ift.tt/NQFSi5c

I’m scrawny and a weak target. Where should I even start???

For context, I am a 22 year old woman and have only been in a few mildly unsafe situations until recently. A new hire at work has made a point to tell our underage coworkers about how he finds me attractive, in somewhat explicit detail. I looked him up online and found out he has multiple charges from possession, resisting arrest, dwi’s, and a domestic battery charges (how my boss didn’t find any of this BEFORE hiring him I have no idea). A report has been made to hr, and I’m hoping it is dealt with swiftly. But my fear is the aftermath.

I have never had to fight in my life to save myself. Knowing a man with a violent criminal history is trying to pursue me has made me beyond afraid for my life. And I don’t know what to do or where I would even start to be sure I stay alive and safe. I have pepper spray and a stun gun. But if those fail? I wouldn’t know what else to turn to. Should I enroll in a martial arts course? Build basic strength to be able to land a hit if I’m in danger? I really don’t know where to start, and I get so overwhelmed trying to figure it all out all at once. Any advice from anybody who’s been in my situation or helped someone in a similar situation would be amazing.

edit: to clarify. i have no intention of harming this man or anybody else without reason to. this situation that i am in has scared me into wanting to learn how to keep myself and others safe.

Submitted October 26, 2026 at 01:53AM by elderscrolls-enjoyer https://ift.tt/IikxduO

Size vs skill in self defense?

We know that a smaller trained man beats a larger untrained man. But does this apply once the bigger guy trains too, assuming the smaller guy trains even more, harder, and smarter? Like, would a 6ft 200lbs dude who trains 2-3 times a week beat a 5'6 155lbs dude that trains 5-6 times a week and is trying to compete?

Submitted October 25, 2026 at 07:38PM by MysteriousMan194 https://ift.tt/8VBH0ui

What to use at a moment’s notice to make vambraces?

Hello! I’ve been carrying a knife for years due to a cultural tradition (my dad is from Finland), but thankfully have never had to use one to defend myself. However, I’m a woman that likes to hike alone, and while I like where I live, I’ve been told by enough people (including people that grew up in South Boston/Dorchester) that the city right next to mine is dangerous that I figured I should at least be cautious. I don’t personally feel unsafe walking around the city next to mine and I actually quite like it, but I figure knowing some basic knife defense would be helpful. I’ve unfortunately had something happen to me when I was younger when I didnt have a knife on me at the time, and so I just feel safer carrying one. My dad has taught me some basic knife defense and BJJ, and I plan on signing up for 1:1 self defense/knife defense lessons.

I also have a work friend that grew up in a rougher area, and he’s been giving me self-defense advice. Yesterday he told me that if I ever do have the misfortune of someone starting a knife fight with me, to immediately cut off some cloth to wrap around my wrists. I was wondering, to this end, if it might be smart to carry some cloth on me just for this purpose. How good are bandanas as makeshift vambraces?

Submitted October 24, 2026 at 12:07PM by Superb-Cell736 https://ift.tt/TmX5Zh2

5 trained fighters vs 1 knife guy

https://youtu.be/ipf1mROm6rg?is=Mj-6eBUxvDQJTtB5

Submitted October 24, 2026 at 10:05AM by Adventurous_Dig_7117 https://ift.tt/9LxQSKY

The importance of owning and carrying weapons.

https://ift.tt/AgBFYyI

Submitted October 23, 2026 at 09:59AM by PizzaHands https://ift.tt/oJWUkEM

Shaking fear despite 5 months of training

I was recently in a scary scenario at night, i didn't expect to be so scared despite 5 months of intensive training. I managed to turn to and shout at the guy when he came down from the car and came at me but he still followed me after. I felt pathetic that i didn't kick him or something to make him leave for good when he first came out the car. How do you manage such a thing?

Submitted October 23, 2026 at 07:18AM by CompetitiveKick7063 https://ift.tt/DJEZ9Sb

Question about Sabre Red.

Hi.

I tested a Sabre Red 22g pepper spray outdoors with a very short burst on a piece of paper.

It came out as an orange stream, which I assume is normal. However, when I got close to the paper right afterwards, I barely noticed any smell and felt practically no effects. No eye irritation or any other reaction.

Is this normal? I’d like to know if I might have been sold a fake or defective product, or if this is completely normal. I thought that after using the Sabre Red and getting close to where the spray landed, I should feel some irritation in my eyes or nose, but I felt almost nothing, even though the stream was orange.

Thanks.

Submitted October 22, 2026 at 04:05PM by Practical-Grocery-44 https://ift.tt/B3wWn67