TBO-TECH

Sometimes the best way to protect yourself is to fool an attacker into believing that you are stronger than they are. Animals do this through camouflage or physical trickery. Humans can, too. Here are the top 5 fake but effective self-defense gadgets you might consider buying to protect yourself:

Fake security cameras
Security cameras are part of a surveillance system that may be a bit costly to install. To help save money and still give you some amount of protection in the form of a deterrent, you could use fake security cameras instead.

Fake gadgets such as these heavy duty plastic replicas look and act like the real thing. They can be installed easily on a wall or pole where they will be easily noticed by would-be attackers or thieves. Since they move like real security cameras, there will be no doubt left in the minds of criminals as to their real purpose.

The best fake security cameras are those equipped with a blinking LED light and basic left to right motion. Two to three AA batteries are used to power the gadget.

Fake mobile phone
A cellphone is probably the most ubiquitous gadget there is today other than an iPod. It can also be used to disguise a very effective weapon for self-defense – a fully functioning stun gun. The phone of course will not work but the stun gun will.

Fake lipstick
Fake lipsticks that disguise a stun gun or a knife can be very effective self-defense gadgets. These, of course, are specifically designed for women and can be very effective for preventing and stopping a physical attack.

Fake lipsticks look like real lipstick cases and can be kept conveniently inside a purse or a pocket. In case a threat is suspected, they can be carried in the palm of the hand and deployed in case the threat becomes real.

Fake keychains
Fake keychains look like harmless little things that hang from your pocket but unlike fake security cameras, they actually work. Fake keychains can be very efficient self-defense weapons when wielded correctly. They are usually made with heavy stainless steel, fiberglass or wood and are equipped with sharp edges.

Some, such as the Romatron, are designed with heavy, rounded edges for hitting an attacker. Since these keychains are not very heavy, they have to be used with sufficient force in order to stun or knock out an opponent.

Fake guard dog
Can’t afford to keep a real guard dog? Use a fake one. This is actually a gadget equipped with a sensor that sounds off when tripped by an intruder. It then lets out the loud, low barks of a large, mean dog.

box housing dummy camera image

Walking home late at night, hanging out too late at parties, and going around with no one with you can spell your doom, your mom once told you. You may or may not have obeyed, you may or may not have resented the advice, but guess what: you, woman, can be easy prey if you’re alone on those dark and empty streets. Aside from knowing how to run fast enough, or spot an attacker from miles away, what should you know? You should be able to defend yourself.

You might be thinking: I have mace spray, or I have a Swiss Knife with a mean blade. But what happens if you don’t have the time or space to reach for that can of mace buried deep in your handbag? Worse, what if you suddenly forget how to use the can of mace and accidentally spray yourself? Can you tell your attacker to wait for a minute while you figure out which gadget on your Swiss Knife is for stabbing? Can you defend yourself if you whip out the Swiss Knife and unfold your trusty, deadly can opener?

All you need to know are what parts of your attacker are the most vulnerable. And you need some practice, so be sure to do refresher courses, or ask a male friend to help you out. Just don’t be too violent during practice, and you’ll start getting your skills honed.

1. Mace spray is truly effective. So are a stun gun, a tazer, and a baton. But guess what: your mind can start changing and doing unimpressive things during an attack. You will need to practice using them. Moreover, keep these weapons in a space in your hand bag that you can easily reach. Make sure that you do not have to dig through piles of hair brushes, lipsticks, and calling cards before you get to your defense stuff.

2. Remember this as you find ways to defend yourself. Your attacker will want as little space between you and him as possible, and you will find it hard to do a Bruce Lee if you’re being pinned to the ground, in danger of being raped. To counteract this, you need to put space between you and your attacker. If you are being pinned down, don’t struggle aimlessly: put your hands on your attacker’s shoulders, and then, firmly, lock out your elbows, as though you were about to spring forward and push him back. Pull your feet up and position your feet on your attacker’s hips. Now, with all your energy, push!

3. If your feet are pinned down, but your hands are still free to put on your attacker’s shoulders, you may as well reach up, put your hands on either side of the attacker’s face, and jam your thumbs directly into his eyes. Press in as though you were launching his eyeballs way out of his skull. The eyes are a susceptible region, and you can use that to your advantage.

4. Kicking is a good thing to do. Find a way to kick your assailant in the groin or in the knees. These are also susceptible and sensitive parts of the body. If you are lying on the ground, you can lift your knee and kick your attacker in the groin. If the attacker is down but you can sense that he is still ready for another attack, spring up at once, and if you can, kick him in the throat. High heels can be your best friend for good kicks, or putting down a very painful pressure point.

5. Your elbows can help you. Jam it into your assailant’s stomach if he comes from behind, and then into the throat as you try to put some space between you.

Got your own self defense technique to share?

image credits to: rageforst