Week 3
Recap on – Strikes and defense, human body, pressure points, Body Positioning, Ranges, grabs, holds and chokes
Survival skills – weaponizing yourself, kidnapping and awareness
Introduction to close quarter techniques
Week 3 Lesson
Weaponizing your items and surrounding
We will cover self-defence weapons later in the course. DLS is not suggesting you carry weapons, but with training and awareness, everyday belongings that we use daily can be used to defend ourselves and turned into a weapon. Always remember when dealing with weapons or the use of any item – you are using it to defend yourself and diffuse a threat, under no circumstances should you develop confidence in weapon use.
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Overview:
Weaponizing in self-defense means using everyday objects or tools to protect yourself against an attacker. This approach emphasizes creativity and adaptability, allowing you to turn ordinary items into defensive tools. Whether it’s keys, a pen, or even a flashlight, these objects can give you the edge in a dangerous situation by enhancing your ability to strike, block, or distract.
The purpose of weaponizing is not to harm unnecessarily but to neutralize a threat quickly and create an opportunity to escape. This approach requires quick thinking, situational awareness, and confidence.
Examples of Weaponizing Items for Self-Defense
- Keys
- Use: Hold your keys between your fingers as a makeshift knuckle duster or grip a single key to Jab at the attacker’s vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, throat, or hands.
- Tip: Practice carrying your keys in a way that allows easy access if needed, such as between your fingers or in your hand.
- Advantage: Keys are portable, readily available, and can be used for both striking and slashing motions.
- Pens
- Use: Grip the pen firmly to Jab at soft targets like the neck, underarms, or groin.
- Tip: Hold the pen firmly and make quick, targeted jabs, as if using a small knife. Opt for metal or hard plastic pens over softer ones.
- Advantage: Pens are discrete and easily accessible, making them effective in sudden confrontations.
- Flashlights
- Use: Use a heavy flashlight to strike the attacker’s head, arms, or legs. Smaller flashlights can be used to Jab at sensitive areas.
- Tip: Opt for a tactical flashlight with a strong metal body, which can double as a striking tool and a light source.
- Advantage: Flashlights are durable and can double as a visibility tool in low-light situations.
- Books or Magazines
- Use: Roll a magazine tightly to create a striking tool or use a book’s edges to deliver blunt force.
- Tip: Tightly roll and hold the item as you would a short baton for maximum impact.
- Advantage: These items are commonly found in everyday settings like offices or waiting areas.
- Phone
- Use: Use the edge or corner of your phone to strike sensitive areas like the temple or throat.
- Tip: Grip the phone tightly to avoid dropping it. Aim for a short, forceful hit and retreat to maintain distance.
- Advantage: Phones are always on hand and can also serve as a tool for calling help once safe.
Drills for Weaponizing Everyday Items
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Techniques for Effective Weaponizing
- Quick Accessibility
- Keep your items in places where they are easy to grab quickly (e.g., keys in hand when walking to your car).
- Avoid fumbling or hesitation by mentally rehearsing how to use each item.
- Target Vulnerabilities
- Aim for areas that are sensitive and easy to damage, such as the eyes, nose, throat, groin, or joints.
- Remember, the goal is to disable the attacker long enough to escape, not to engage in prolonged combat.
- Improvisation
- Always assess your surroundings for potential tools. A chair, water bottle, bag, or even dirt from the ground can be used as a defensive weapon.
- Train yourself to recognize and adapt to what’s available in your immediate environment.
- Follow Through
- After delivering a strike, move quickly to create distance and escape. Self-defense is about survival, not engaging in prolonged confrontation.
Section Drill & Assignment: Assignment 1: Object Awareness Drill · Objective: Build awareness of potential defensive tools in your everyday surroundings. · Instructions: o Walk around your home, workplace, or other frequent locations and identify 5-10 items you could Weaponize in a self-defense situation. o For each item, note how you would use it to defend yourself (e.g., “Pen: Jab at attacker’s neck”). o Submit a written or visual list of your chosen items and their intended uses. Assignment 2: Key and Pen Practice · Objective: Practice using small, portable items like keys and pens as weapons. · Instructions: o Hold your keys or pen as you would in a confrontation. o Practice delivering 10-15 Strikes against a padded surface, focusing on speed, accuracy, and follow-through. o Record yourself practicing or submit a reflection on which object felt more natural and why. Assignment 3: scenario-Based Improvisation · Objective: Develop quick thinking and adaptability by improvising with items in your environment. · Instructions: o Imagine a scenario where you are suddenly attacked in a specific location (e.g., at a park, in your kitchen, at your desk). o Identify one item within reach that you could use for self-defense. o Write a step-by-step response, including: 1. How you would Weaponize the item. 2. The target area you would aim for. 3. Your plan for escape after neutralizing the threat. |
Weaponizing your items and surrounding- We will cover Self-Defense Weapons later in the course.
Awareness and Kidnapping drills
On a more logical note, the most important aspect of self-defense is observation. There are telltale signs that shout out intent, you just have to see it or observe it, we have to be knowledgeable of different methods in which a provoker/aggressor can exert their will. With regards to kidnapping and abducting you have to know how to stop the intent, if they can’t carry you away, they can’t achieve their goal.
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Understanding the risks and responses associated with abduction, kidnapping, sexual assault, and robbery is crucial in self-defense. These situations often involve high levels of threat, emotional stress, and immediate danger. Being aware of common tactics used by attackers, recognizing warning signs, and knowing how to respond quickly can increase your chances of avoiding or escaping these situations. This section introduces key principles for each threat type, focusing on prevention, de-escalation, and rapid response.
Key Concepts for Each Threat
- Abduction and Kidnapping
- Explanation:
- Kidnapping: Kidnapping typically involves taking and holding a person with the intent to extract a ransom, commit a crime, or for personal gain. It’s often associated with more severe penalties and a higher degree of planning and force.
- Abduction: Abduction, on the other hand, is a broader term that includes any unlawful taking of a person, often without the added factors of ransom or specific intent to commit another crime. Abductions can be shorter in duration and might not always involve force, as in cases of persuading someone to go somewhere under false pretenses
- Types of kidnapping:
- Stranger Kidnapping: Abduction by someone unknown to the victim.
- Parental Kidnapping: One parent taking a child without the other parent’s consent.
- Types of Abduction:
- Express Abduction: Short-term abduction for quick ransom.
- Long-term Abduction: Victim is held for an extended period.
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Sudden, suspicious approaches from strangers in isolated areas, unusual offers for assistance, or attempts to restrict your movement.
- Response Strategy: If someone attempts to restrain you, make noise and resist immediately. Try to draw attention by shouting specific phrases like “Help!” or “This isn’t my parent!” in public settings to alert others.
- Rape and Sexual Assault
- Explanation: Sexual assault involves any non-consensual sexual activity, with rape being the most severe form. Attackers may use manipulation, force, or threats to overpower.
- Types:
- Stranger Rape: Perpetrated by someone unknown to the victim.
- Acquaintance Rape: Committed by someone the victim knows
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Aggressive, controlling behavior, attempts to isolate you from others, or forced physical contact can be early indicators.
- Response Strategy: Trust your instincts—if you feel unsafe, create distance. If confronted, use assertive verbal commands, and prepare to defend yourself physically if necessary, targeting sensitive areas such as the eyes, throat, or groin.
- Robbery
- Explanation: Robbery involves the use of intimidation or force to steal possessions. This can happen in public areas, at ATMs, or even at home.
- Types:
- Armed Robbery: Involves the use of weapons.
- Mugging: A form of street robbery, often involving physical assault.
- Recognizing Warning Signs: Observing suspicious behavior, such as someone watching you closely or approaching aggressively, may indicate a potential robbery.
- Response Strategy: When faced with a robber, prioritize your safety. Comply if possible, handing over possessions without engaging. If escape is possible, use it; if not, prepare for quick self-defense moves to create a safe exit.
DLS Kidnapping, Rape & Robbery Prevention Strategies
- Stay in Groups: There’s safety in numbers. Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
- Secure Your Environment: Lock doors and windows, and be cautious about sharing your location on social media.
- Suspicious Behavior: Watch for individuals loitering, following you, or acting nervously.
- Unusual Requests: Be cautious of strangers asking for help in isolated areas.
- Environmental Awareness: Stay alert in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
Drills Role-Playing Exercises to Practice Prevention Strategies § Drill 1: Stranger Danger: Objective: Practice recognizing and responding to suspicious behavior. Method: Pair up and simulate scenarios where one person acts suspiciously. The other practices identifying the behavior and responding appropriately.
§ Drill 2: Environmental Awareness: Objective: Enhance your ability to stay alert in different environments. Method: Walk around the training area, noting potential threats and safe zones. Discuss your observations with a partner.
§ Drill 3: Quick Escape: Objective: Practice quick escape techniques. Method: Simulate an abduction attempt. Practice breaking free and running to safety.
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Section Assignment Kidnapping Assignment 1: Exit Awareness Drill · Objective: Enhance awareness of escape routes in everyday settings. · Instructions: o Identify two exits in frequently visited places (e.g., your home, workplace, gym). o Write down how you would reach these exits if a kidnapping attempt occurred, considering obstacles and potential threats. Assignment 2: scenario Roleplay · Objective: Practice strategies to avoid being lured into dangerous situations. · Instructions: o Roleplay a situation where someone you don’t know offers help or asks for assistance in an isolated area. o Practice saying no firmly and leaving the area. Reflect on your body language and tone to ensure assertiveness. Assignment 3: Communication Plan · Objective: Prepare a safety communication Strategy. · Instructions: o Create a list of emergency contacts. o Share your schedule or location with a trusted person before going out. o Practice sending a “check-in” text to ensure someone knows your whereabouts. Abduction Assignment 1: Self-Defense Practice · Objective: Learn and practice breaking free from a grab. · Instructions: o Practice wrist release techniques against a partner or simulated object. o Focus on rotating your wrist toward the attacker’s thumb and pulling away with force. Assignment 2: Observation and Reporting · Objective: Improve observation skills to prevent abductions. · Instructions: o Spend 5 minutes observing a public space (e.g., park, café) and note: § Unusual behavior or loitering individuals. § Potential safe zones or exits. o Write a short report on what you noticed and how it increased your awareness. Assignment 3: “Safe Word” Drill · Objective: Establish and practice a safety protocol with family or friends. · Instructions: o Choose a “safe word” to signal danger. o Practice using it in everyday conversations to test awareness and response times. Rape Assignment 1: Verbal Boundary Practice · Objective: Practice setting verbal boundaries to deter aggression. · Instructions: o Stand in front of a mirror or partner and rehearse clear, assertive statements like: § “Leave me alone!” § “Stop right there!” o Focus on projecting confidence through your voice and body language. Assignment 2: Escape Techniques · Objective: Learn basic escape techniques for high-pressure situations. · Instructions: o Practice breaking free from a simulated chokehold or grab (partner optional). o Use techniques such as a pluck defense (hands up, pull attacker’s hands away) or knee strike to create space and escape. Assignment 3: Safe Transportation Checklist · Objective: Enhance safety during transit. · Instructions: o Before going out, check: § Whether your phone is charged and accessible. § If your transportation is safe (e.g., using verified rideshares). § Routes to nearby safe locations if needed. o Submit a list of precautions you take and how they help you feel safer. Robbery Assignment 1: Awareness Drill · Objective: Practice staying alert in public spaces. · Instructions: o Go to a public area and note: § People who seem unusually focused on others. § Nearby areas where you could seek help or hide. o Write down how awareness of your surroundings affected your sense of safety. Assignment 2: Response Plan Simulation · Objective: Prepare a response plan for different robbery scenarios. · Instructions: o Choose two scenarios: § A mugging in the street. § Someone demanding your wallet or phone in a parking lot. o Write a brief plan for how you would respond, including de-escalation, handing over items, or escaping safely. Assignment 3: Practice Compliance and Escape · Objective: Simulate safe compliance during a robbery. · Instructions: o Practice handing over a wallet, phone, or bag to a partner while keeping your movements calm and non-threatening. o Immediately simulate stepping back and moving toward an exit. o Reflect on how calmly you handled the simulated scenario.
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Awareness and Kidnapping drills – On a more logical note, the most important aspect of self-defense is observation.
Close quarter combat and how to react
In some physical confrontations, there is hardly any space between you and the threat, in most cases the provoker/aggressor/predator/abuser closes the gap between you and them to intimidate and assert will, they hold you close, or want to be close for many reasons.
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Overview
Close-quarter combat (CQC) involves defensive techniques used in extremely confined spaces or when physical distance from an aggressor is minimal. In these scenarios, quick and decisive actions are essential to maintain control, create space, or neutralize the threat. The objective in CQC is to use your positioning, leverage, and targeted Strikes to escape or disable the aggressor efficiently.
Close-quarter techniques prioritize precision and leverage over force, allowing defenders of varying sizes and strengths to respond effectively. By practicing these techniques, you’ll gain confidence in managing close-contact situations where larger defensive movements are not possible. Close quarter combat is about managing these scenarios where space is limited. The goal is to create or re-establish a safe distance between you and the threat
Since close quarter situations are unpredictable, the course focuses on flexible techniques such as Strikes, holds, and chokes that can be adapted based on the situation.
. DLS Key Concepts in Close-Quarter Combat
- Control: Use positioning and grip control to prevent the aggressor from gaining a dominant hold – Body Positioning & joint manipulation.
- Leverage: Apply pressure at points where the aggressor’s body is vulnerable to manipulation (e.g., joints, soft tissue areas) – pressure points.
- Space Creation: Aim to create enough distance to escape or execute follow-up techniques – foot/legwork & Ranges.
- Minimal Movement: Confined spaces require efficient, contained movements rather than broad Strikes – grappling range Strikes.
Key Takeaways for Close-Quarter Combat Techniques
- Practice Control: Each technique in CQC is designed for control rather than force. Practice slow, controlled movements to build precision.
- Develop Reaction Speed: Close-quarters techniques require rapid response. Use practice drills to build reflexive reactions.
- Protect Vital Areas: Keep your arms close to shield your head and neck, and maintain a strong, balanced Stance.
Section Drill: Close-Quarter Combat
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Close quarter combat and how to react- In some physical confrontations, there is hardly any space between you and the threat.
Week 3 Quiz
