Verbal self-defense

Illustration image - From Flickr.com

At least sort of... Probably more like bi-lingual self-defense.

In any case, this story about a very resourceful bi-lingual young woman is a solid proof as to why language skills can come in handy and save the day when someone attempts to rob you.

The 23-year-old woman managed to keep her wits. She definitely outsmarted and outmaneuvered the attempted robber - that's for sure.

So next time you may begin wondering if spending time to learn more than one language can be beneficial to you - just remember this case... Bi-lingual self-defense :-)

Lame excuses #12

Arizona -- A 76-year-old man who was accused of forcing a maid to put her hand on his penis four times while the woman was cleaning his trailer home in Glendale, claimed 'Satan made him do it'. Yeah, right...

The victim reportedly said the old man made repeated sexual comments towards her while she was cleaning the trailer.

She said he tried to give her a hug, but then grabbed hold of her hand - forcing it on to his crotch instead.

And sure, why not blame Satan, or your penis, or alcohol, or "sex drive", or drugs, or your childhood, or your parents ... or the government. It can't be your own fault, now can it?

Lame excuses #11

Connecticut -- As a result of injuries he sustained from an assault in Stamford, a 78-year-old man died on February 22, 2009.

The incident which led to the tragedy occurred in a downtown parking lot, according to stamfordadvocate.com.

During the recent (June 2011) manslaughter trial, the defendant accused of punching and knocking out - a 6'2" and 200 pound, 49-year-old man - is claiming he acted in self-defense.

Yeah, right...

One tough old man!

China -- An 81-year-old man fought back in self-defense was reportedly able to send eight young would-be robbers fleeing in Hong Kong, according to monstersandcritics.com.

The man, identified as Mak, had finished his morning exercise when he was pushed to the ground in an underpass.

This has got to be one tough old guy... After all, three of the teenage attackers - between the ages of 15 and 19 - is said to have been given treatment at a hospital for cuts and bruises after the Sunday incident.

I sincerely hope these young punks have learned a lesson. In any case, I salute you, Mr "Mak Attack".

A pen for self-defense

Arizona -- As we all know, a number of everyday items - and things you regularly carry on your person in particular - can come in handy in a self-defense situation. The unassuming pen is definitely on that short list of things you could potentially grab for if you ever found yourself in a tight spot.

So far, so good. Only problem is that most pens really don't stand much of anything before they break. Heck, a lot of them don't even function properly purely as writing tools...

Enter the Tactical Pens and similar special designed self-defense pens. These tools are - in addition to being pens (duh) - made to withstand serious abuse without splitting, bending or breaking.

The end to all your troubles? Well of course not. Like everything else they have their advantages and disadvantages, and you will of course be at least somewhat trained in the application. And also, keeping it in your purse or briefcase - you know the usual hiding place for your pepper spray canister - won't do you any good at all.

Unruly students

Georgia -- So, you're a teacher for special needs children and you're having a couple of unruly students in your class.

Two disruptive, teenage students refuse to return to their seats - what do you do? That's simple, you just pepper spray them.

At least that ways the solution one female Bibb County teacher used recently in her classroom, according to 41nbc.com.

This really makes me wonder if she was only having a permanent brain meltdown or simply had lost it temporarily.

At least it goes to show that a lot of teachers unfortunately don't have the skills or training needed to control potential violent conflicts and other similar problems at school.

Lame excuses #10

Australia -- A 18-year-old amateur boxer from Samoa reportedly tried to convince authorities he acted in "self-defense" when he savagely beat a 41-year-old blind man and knocked down his carer, before robbing the 30-year-old carer while he lay unconscious.

The victims had rushed to the aid a distressed woman in a Brisbane inner-city public toilet block on July 28, 2009, according to couriermail.com.au.

I guess his mother must be really proud of this good-for-nothing P.O.S...

Paramedics safety

South Africa -- Female paramedics in Durban Deep and Johannesburg are scared for their own safety - and it appears more than rightfully so after reading this news article by timeslive.co.za.

The work force has been promised the female paramedics self-defense training for more than a year and some has gone through that. But do they send the ones being out there doing the job...? Oh no - these knuckleheads send the managers. Yeah, you read that right. Smart move... Not.

One female paramedic said the panic buttons that the paramedics carry have never been used because they do not work. Her shift commander said the batteries are flat. Brilliant excuse, playing with people lives like that...

Spendid self-defense

Words are really not necessary - rather than this: "You suddenly don't look quite so tough with your pants around your ankles." :-)

A common set-up

California -- Sfgate.com has a very informative article about a very common tactic or set-up used by robbers, thieves or criminals alike. It goes something like this:

- You are being approached by someone face to face
- The person distracts you or even attacks you (as in the above story)
- You are being attacked from behind by the persons accomplices
- This can also be a set-up for theft (pickpocket)

The people behind you are there either as a back up for the person in front or as the ones doing the actual hit.

In either case it is always recommended you walk, move (or if needed push) past the person confronting you. This goes even if you are stopped for directions, time, a dime or what ever. You are in a far better situation to evaluate and act when you're able to turn and face the person - and consequently any other persons - confronting you!

Read the above story and judge for yourself how bad it is to fight someone with your back to someone you don't know is there...

"That'll teach you!"

How about teaching someone self-defense moves ... whether they want it or not :-)

In Louisiana, a university student was arrested for simple battery of another student, according to lsureveille.com.

The alleged victim complained to police that an 18-year-old fellow student, of Metairie, subjecting him to a "series of submission holds without his permission".

The suspect aggressor reportedly told police he was trying to teach the young man self-defense and had no intention of hurting him.

Improvising talent

All right, I'll admit it ... I like banjo. I even play one when ever the mood hits me. And now there seems to be more more reason for picking one. Self-defense. Yes, you heard that right.

A 21-year-old Overland Park man was able to swing his banjo. in self-defense when he was attacked recently with a knife and a frying pan by another young male, according to blogs.kansascity.com. Police said the banjo blow to the head stopped the "pan-handler", who was treated for a cut and later arrested.

Banjolly good... Obviously great improvising :-)

Coffee to go

Hot liquid can be a great self-defense solution. Hope McDonald's won't be sued this time around for serving their coffee too hot...

Maine -- Portland police said a 25-year-old man's craving for drugs lead to a crime spree that included an attempt to drive of with an ambulance, three armed robberies and attempted theft of a cash register.

The suspect was arrested after he was doused with hot coffee by a McDonald's restaurant employee as he allegedly attempted to steal a cash register, according to wbztv.com.

Brass knuckle umbrella?

Here's a combined umbrella and brass knuckle, from what I can see called an Umbuster (umbrella and knuckle buster - geddit?).

Although it may potentially be a handy protection gadget (perhaps something for the James Bond wannabe?), I would definitely check my local laws first.

I do suspect this would be classified as an illegal weapon many places.

Hit like a girl

"You hit like a girl!" Yeah, right....

Lame excuses #9

UK (Scotland) A 35-year-old African man who attempted to rape a woman in Glasgow has been jailed for four years.

The man, who was caught on CCTV attacking the 35-year-old in July 2008 after she had become separated from friends after a night out, blamed the devil for his actions.

The man attacked the woman as she stood alone in a street in the city's Royston district. He was convicted in November 2009.

The slap

Here's a video showing why a punch with a closed fist is highly overrated as far as self-defense goes.

You can see that the person doing the slap here clearly knows what he's doing. First, he holds his left hand to his chin in a defensive posture - some times referred to as a "fence".

He then drops his left hand, which draws attention away from his right, and then wham...

Note also that the person who does the slap turns the man on the ground on his side. It may also (hopefully) look like he's going for help. Probably a bouncer.

A rough week

Ohio -- An 80-year-old man have had a rough week. First, he was beaten during a home break-in and then later shot while trying to learn about guns.

When intruders broke into his home, the Columbus area resident was tied up and pistol-whipped. Four days later was shot in the hand during a self-defense lesson.

Paramedics assaulted

Australia -- The Emergency Medical Service Protection Association in Australia, which represents 800 Queensland paramedics and ambulance workers, have said assaults were becoming both more frequent and severe.

As a consequence, the ambulance Service bosses are becoming increasingly criticised for failing to provide adequate self-defense training to paramedics who are reportedly being assaulted at a rate of two a week, according to news.com.au.

Titanium knee

Wow, titanium "I-knee-do" to the groin ... I really do hope this left a lasting and painful impression.

Australia -- A 72-year-old Olympic swimming great reportedly fought off an intruder who threatened to kill her, according to int.iol.co.za.

The 72-year-old Australian swimming legend claimed she might have "lost it" when she confronted two youths who woke her when they entered her daughter's home in Noosaville, Queensland. She said a young male grabbed her around the throat threatened to kill her.

"With that I grabbed him around the ear and hair and kneed him in the groin," she said. "I have got a titanium knee so it must have hurt him," she added.