Pepper Spray Is Just One Part Of Self Defense

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Pepper Spray Is Just One Part Of Self Defense

Posted on February 23, 2008 - Filed Under Uncategorized

A lot of people have been promoting pepper spray as the solution to all your self defense needs, whether you’re a single woman or a beat cop. Problem is, while pepper spray is useful in close combat it isn’t the definitive problem solver it’s made out to be.

Pepper spray is a chemical compound that is used for riot control and personal self defense, and has been used effectively against enraged animals. The active ingredient in pepper spray is capsaicin, which causes an intense burning pain that irritates the eyes. Few people can stand up against someone wielding pepper spray, but like firearms, pepper spray breeds a false sense of security. When you look at self defense as a whole you will quickly realize carrying pepper spray isn’t enough.

Whether it’s the original Mace or one of the many other brands on the market, those selling pepper spray hope you’re naive enough to believe that by buying their product you will be safe. While buying pepper spray is a step in the right direction, it’s only the first step in preparing yourself for a violent street fight. It’s also important to actually know how to use pepper spray properly so that it’s an asset and not a liability when you’re fighting off an attacker. Pepper spray should be included in self defense training along with combat martial arts and other self defense techniques. You have to view pepper spray as another weapon in your self defense arsenal, not as a replacement for self defense training.

Like any weapon, pepper spray has its limitations. Law enforcement agencies around the world that regularly use pepper sprays still use a variety of other weapons, and also train in different combat martial arts to deal with violent criminals and rioters. In any case, if an attacker gets dangerously close you won’t be able to get your pepper spray out in time — so you still need self defense training. A fight won’t end if you lose your pepper spray, so you have to be ready to change gears and start fighting hard, and even be ready to use deadly force if necessary.

When it comes to self defense products you have to be wary. Do your research and fully understand what you’re buying and what role it will play in your own self defense program. Pepper spray will enhance your self defense training, and will help you in a street fight when sport martial arts fall short, but it doesn’t replace hand-to-hand combat training. In our “fast food” culture people are always looking for a quicker, cheaper, and easier solution to every problem. You know real life doesn’t work like that, though. Buy the kind of pepper spray that works best for you, but don’t abandon your martial arts and self defense training.

For more information on Chris “Lt. X” Pizzo former soldier, cancer survivor, mercenary, barroom bouncer, educator, and hand-to-hand combat instructor, and his incredible FREE Accelerated Battlefield Combatives close-combat learning system, visit http://www.TopSecretTraining.com

Tags: real self defense, self defense