In an age when you can literally get beat up at Burger King over an ice cream cone, just about everyone has given some thought to self defense. Besides the obvious survival aspect of being able to protect yourself, there are numerous physical, psychological, and even spiritual benefits to gaining a martial skill.
Learning a martial sport like boxing or karate builds physical strength and flexibility, and can ward off common ailments like arthritis and high blood pressure. Plus once all your friends know what a badass you are, they’ll stop borrowing your shirts without asking. And then finally giving it back to you after three weeks with a stain on it. Because if they do...
Making it Happen
There are two basic types of self defense, armed and unarmed. Armed defense means using a firearm, an edged weapon like a knife (or sword if you’re in Japan), or blunt force weapon like a club, purse, or umbrella. Pepper spray and Tasers are in a class by themselves somewhere in between armed and unarmed. Using a weapon requires a certain amount of proficiency, and usually implies a deadly intent, which can carry serious legal ramifications. So using anything that goes stab, or Boom, or ZzZzzZZzzzzZ should only be a last resort if you feel endangered.
Unarmed self defense is obviously less effective than carrying around an axe, but probably slightly more appropriate in most situations (Although if your opponent has a weapon, you’re toast. Unless of course, you’re Chuck Norris). Effective unarmed defense can be as simple as knowing the most sensitive parts of the human anatomy, so you can hit the bad guy (or girl, but probably guy) right where it hurts the most.
Learning a formal martial art takes commitment, time, and of course disciprine but can be almost as effective as being armed. Krav Maga, an Israeli fighting technique, has basics that can be learned fairly quickly, and is a more practical approach than many other martial arts. Cardio boxing at your local gym, for instance, is better than nothing. But not by much.
Gaining the ability to defend yourself is rewarding, even if you never have to use it, and who knows, it might save your life one day. Remember, you’re not paranoid if they really are out to get you.