Strategic Defense Group

Websters dictionary defines a tool as: A handheld device that aids in accomplishing a task. I would be willing to expand that to devices beyond what we can hold in our hand; have you ever tried to hold a bulldozer? A weapon is defined as being: a means of contending against another. At Strategic Defense Group we believe that all “weapons” are just tools. When proper application is applied to tools, they become weapons.

We live our lives surrounded by tools, poised, prepared to become a weapon at any moment, IF, you know how to look. It is not hard to take a tool and turn it into a weapon. The conversion is simply a mental process called perception.

Here is a very limited list of tools ready to become weapons with proper application we interact with countless times a day:

• Pen/Pencil
• Keys
• Knives
• Belt
• Computer mouse
• Magazines/books
• Cell phone
• Chair
• Clothes hanger

Do not be afraid to modify and build tools and turn them into weapons. Do not limit yourself to obvious choices.

Several of the tools listed above are what we at Strategic Defense Group refer to as “Intermediate weapons” which are a commonplace tool or device with a designed function other than application of force; employed as a weapon. These intermediate weapons are not made to be a weapon, but can become one and employed effectively if need be. Pens are my go to for this. A common, everyday object that can provide pressure point control, nervous system damage, muscle damage, bleeding, loss of sight, the list is as long as you are creative. A pen is in no way designed to kill, however, it can be used as an intermediate weapon with great effectiveness.

Beyond learning how to identify intermediate weapons, we must learn to employ them effectively. Seeing a pen as a weapon is far different from knowing where control/pressure points, or major arteries lie. Knowing that a hanger can be applied as a weapon does not mean you are ready to defend yourself with such a device.

Just like using a gun, knife, or any other tool designed for application as a weapon, it takes training and practice. In martial arts we learn certain forms called Kata, and specific techniques for combat. We repeat these techniques and Kata thousands of times until we no longer think about it. Now, it is unreasonable to ask and expect you to train extensively with every possible intermediate weapon.

However, there are basic general practices and principles you may become proficient in that carry over to a multitude of applications. Knowing that if a bad guy can’t see or breathe, he is out of the fight. So, making the eyes and throat a standard target simplifies things greatly! Keys, pens, books, fingers, eye liner, etc. can all be used with great effectiveness to this target. Spending time and effort in learning human anatomy as well as the anatomy of a fight will allow you to use intermediate weapons with great efficiency and effectiveness.

What can we learn?

• Definition of Intermediate weapon: A commonplace tool or device with a designed function other than application of force; employed as a weapon
• Right now, as you read this, stop. Look around, and identify 3 tools that can be used as an intermediate weapon. Now is the time to determine what tools you will reach for in an emergency.
• Make a habit of identifying and recognizing potential intermediate weapons and how they may be employed effectively.
• Learn key points of the anatomy of a fight and the human body. Knowing and identifying a few vital and critical points on the body will help you become effective with most any intermediate weapons.

Stay sharp

Adam

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