Most of us will never be ninjas or martial artists, nonetheless we have a right to be secure and able to protect ourselves while navigating through life. I personally like to go walking with my wife and on occasion walk through areas that may be less than safe. While some believe that the only way to be adequately protected is to carry something like a gun or knife, I don't have the appropriate legal qualification to carry a concealed deadly weapon and may not want that responsibility. My concession to being able to defend myself from errant dogs and other less desirables is to utilize a walking stick. It is innocuous enough to be carried almost anywhere, especially if it is thought you need it to walk. Yet, if properly designed and strong, it can present you with a formidable tool to defend yourself.
As with any tool, one must practice in the method in which you intend to deploy it and contemplate the situations where it would be appropriate. I would warn you that you are responsible for knowing the legal implications of carrying a walking stick and the implications of any actions you make take with it. Usually the best response to aggression in these cases is to retreat via your pre-planned escape route. You know, the one you planned and thought about before hand. While retreat may not appeal to the macho side of your psyche, it usually proves to be the smartest response.
A quick search of the internet will give you many suggestions for deploying your walking stick. I would suggest a simple system which you can practice over and over until you become proficient. When faced with a threat you will tend to fall back on your training. One caveat, be sure you include in your practice assessing the situation and then taking an appropriate response. Attendant to this is developing your situational awareness, so that you have adequate warning to craft an appropriate response and deploy your tools if necessary. Keep that awareness "on" all the time, until it becomes second nature.
The latest, most suggested walking stick I have chanced upon is the MendoWood Mendocino (http://yhst-1129393017033.stores.yahoo.net/mendocino.html) a replica of an English Blackthorn made from a natural wood head and a steel pipe and epoxy body, crafted to imitate wood. Certainly strong enough for any encounter, it combines function and good looks.
Happy walking!
Monday, December 17, 2007
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