While I have taken martial arts classes before (really looking forward to Krav Maga classes with the hubby), I have no illusions about my ability to fend on even moderately sized guys with half a brain.

Personally, I carry OC spray and a small handgun as many places as I can (the OC spray is my main weapon on campus, where guns are not allowed). I also have a folding knife that is mostly for utility, but I would not hesitate to use as a last-ditch sort of thing if my other weapons are not reachable.

No, I don’t carry weapons because I am scared or paranoid. I just like being prepared. My life is something I consider very precious and I am willing to make some sacrifices in order to carry a concealed weapon. I’d rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. Maybe it is because law enforcement runs in my family, but I know all to well what can happen to everyday people just living everyday lives.

I decided a long time ago that I will not be a victim.

Your best defense is to be proactive about potential problems. If a shady alley shortcut looks shady, it’s probably for the best to take the long way. If a group of potential trouble makers are at the end of the street, maybe it’s best to turn around.

Your second best defense is your legs. You can sprint away from trouble. A possible assailant simply can’t get in a running contest with you.

Pepper spray can be used in conjuction to the above. Use it, and run.

In regards to guns, I would not expect anyone who has never fired a gun to just randomly get a conceal carry. That is a huge step. Instead, take baby steps. Go to the gun range with friends and have them show you around. Instead of pretending to be in life or death situations, try shooting at targets for sport. See who shoots better, etc. It’s a relatively fun activity. I know several women that have never shot a gun and many were skeptical to even try, but they all ended up having pretty positive experiences. Some even bought guns (for fun target practice more than self defense) My point is: apprach it as a hobby/something to try and have fun; don’t apprach it as a self-defense strategy… at least not at this stage if you are not familiar with guns.

I usually just carry pepper spray with me everywhere. A conceal carry permit is a great thing, but it is a bit of pain to tote a handgun, even the smallest with you everywhere you go.

If you choose pepper spray – order two canisters, one to practice with and one to carry. Make sure when you practice the wind isn’t blowing back at you.

Tasers – I think they are great weapon for law enforcement to carry. I highly advise getting some training before going out and buying a cute pink taser.

FYI – pepper spray doesn’t work on all perps by the way – a guy I went to the academy with ate spicey food on a regular basis and when we had to get sprayed it didn’t affect him at all.

Great post as always

Its the training that’s important. You’re unlikely to get much out of a 3 day seminar.

The problem with carrying a weapon is that you tend to focus on that weapon and forget about all the other weapons you have (arms, legs, head, etc). Reliance on one thing is bad cuz each situation is different. Being prepared to react accordingly is most important.

I think that knowing how to use a gun is an important life skill, but that having one on you all the time is likely just asking for trouble. Ditto with the pepper spray. I also don’t personally like the idea of needing to rely on something else for protection, so if I can make my body a weapon- ie. take self defense classe- I’d feel the most comfortable and secure with that.

I’m also looking into self defense classes. Being a runner and a woman, you can never be too safe. I’ve heard too many horror stories and I don’t want to be a statistic. Some local police depts. offer free self defense classes for women.

In the end, I think it’s all about being aware of your surroundings.

In terms of a self-defense class, I encourage you to take one. I took one in college, and I learned some useful stuff. But even better than having recall is having some muscle memory and practice at what to do. We practiced scary situations like having someone on top of us or grabbing a wrist. I probably couldn’t tell you all the steps to get out of a choke hold, but I do know that I instinctively put my chin down toward my chest now when someone puts their arm around my shoulders (first step of escaping a choke hold, btw). Even if you don’t execute a move perfectly when you need it, you’ve still got that practice just in case it ever happens.

Personally, I live my life unafraid. I try not to be too paranoid about what could potentially happen, because the odds of something happening to me specifically are quite slim. But it’s always good to have thought about it and know what you might do in the worst-case scenario.