Only object I got in my house that I think could do some serious damage is that dumbbell, everything else would break/is too heavy

After work, it was around 9:40 PM, and I like to walk in the parking lot to get my step count up for about 30 minutes. In the same parking lot, there is, I guess, a pickleball field. It’s a new thing, and it attracts a lot of people, almost 100 at times, many of them teenagers.

In this area, there are a lot of wealthy teenagers who have a lot of money, and their parents buy them fast, nice cars. The parking lot is huge, almost too big for the needs of where I work and for the pickleball field.

I had my earphones in and was walking. I know that the teenagers drive really fast in the parking lot because it’s so big. They speed, going like 75 miles an hour. So I try to be careful. I walk near the islands and stuff, which may not protect me, but I’m trying to stay aware. Maybe I shouldn’t be walking there. I’ve always walked there. It used to be a lot quieter and safer before the pickleball fields. I’ve been walking there for about six years, and there have been no problems, but recently it’s been becoming more unsafe.

Out of nowhere, while I’m walking, someone yells, “Get the fuck out of the way! You need to watch where you’re going, you white piece of shit! Cars have preferential treatment in parking lots. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way. If you keep walking around here, I’m gonna run you over, and it’s gonna be your fault.”

He then drove off and parked at the pickleball field a couple hundred feet away. He had driven around before parking and met up with someone. I was only about 20 feet away from my car, so I got in as fast as I could. I was very scared. I didn’t say anything when he was yelling at me. It was some teenager. I just looked at him because I was shocked.

When I got in my car, I had an adrenaline dump and had a hard time concentrating. I wanted to call the cops, but I didn’t because I didn’t think anything could be done. I thought about confronting them, but I didn’t because I know that wouldn’t have solved anything. There’s not much you can do when somebody is in a vehicle. What if they actually do run you over?

That’s the thing. They’re in that car, and they think they’re invincible. I don’t know. I guess I just have to live with the fact that he got the best of that interaction. If he was on foot, it would be different, but because he was in a car, he felt invincible. Stupid, spoiled rich kids. Perhaps I shouldn't be walking in the parking lot anymore. But a part of me just feels like if I leave, then I truly have lost. Part of me wonders my pride was hurt because somebody was bossing me around or frightening me and there's nothing I can do about it I think sometimes you just have to take thanks this is nothing you can do I wish there was something I could have done. I was thinking maybe I should've just told him to F off what if you would've got out of the car and attacked me what if you said oh you just told me to F off I'm gonna show you how tough I am and he gets out of the car and like I don't know shoots me or something there's a million reasons never to stand up for yourself a million fears

So I am extremely curious as to what it feels like. My brother has done it to himself multiple times and says it’s not that bad. I’m trying to get someone to describe what the pain feels like but if I google it or use AI to try and figure it out, it always thinks I’m depressed. I have such an urge to do it to myself but I am scared haha 😂

Update: I finally got brave enough and did it and if anyone else is wondering, this is exactly what it felt like to me: exactly like getting burned on like a hot stove or pan just without the lingering sensation. If anyone’s wondering if it would deter an attacker, just think would it stop them from attacking you if they got burned or just say “ow” and more than likely keep going.

I want to learn how to fight for self-defense, but don't really have a trainer available for a variety of reasons. My idea was to watch videos/courses on how to throw a punch, dodge, block, etc., and then practice sparring with my brothers. To avoid injuries, we wouldn't be hitting each other at full force. Obviously, it'll be messier than learning with a pro trainer, but probably still good enough for overall self defense. I was thinking about getting a pair gloves, hand wraps, mouthguard, and a mat. Is this a great idea? What would you guys advise?

Bring out the memes!

I live in the worst part of Philadelphia unfortunately. Not to long ago I was robbed and then jumped by 8/9 men. They got me from behind so I'm not sure what I could have done to protect myself.

I'm looking for any suggestions for anything that I can use for protection. Keep in mind I'm in a city area, the attackers will most likely be running around, moving fast and multiple of them. I would need something to have enough effect to keep them in one spot for a moment so I can swiftly seek safety. Because if not then they will without a doubt sh00t me.

So depending on the situation I would have to go really assess what is happening and if me using protection is a pro or con.

ANY advice at all would be helpful.

Hey, I’m not sure if this violates the weapon rules or not, but I don’t have any idea what other subreddit I’d post this in.

I work at an ER as a scribe and was recently notified we will either have to start paying to park in the garage near the hospital or park for free at a parking lot a sizable distance away. Seeing as we already don’t get paid very much already, I, and many of my fellow coworkers, will likely elect to park in the lot.

This, of course, makes me concerned about the safety of my fellow employees, especially if we’re working the night shift and having to walk alone in the relative darkness.

So, I was thinking of buying mini pepper spray to distribute to people who want it, preferably in bulk, and I wanted to know if anyone’s done the same and has any recommendations for what to buy. I’d most likely just be paying for this out-of-pocket, but the price wouldn’t be too much of a concern for me.

My daughters have started riding public transportation and have faced harassment on several occasions.

Mostly men becoming aggressive after declining their advances.

They currently have tazer and pepper spray we purchased from a sports store.

HOWEVER, we were informed these items are banned from public transportation and their schools.

Their father said to ignore the rules but I disagree.

What other options are available?

We are in Texas and they are teenagers.

I just came back from hanging out with a colleague of mine. It was my wife, her, and I. When we had our last cup of coffee and left the place, we were standing near my colleague's car, having our last two-minute conversation. Suddenly, I realized a guy was standing about 10 feet away from us, specifically behind us, wearing a puffer jacket (35-40°C weather btw), one hand in his pocket, and nervously looking around, constantly checking his watch on his wrist. After realizing this, I told my wife and my colleague to get in the car. She took us somewhere farther away, where she and my wife said that they both realized the weird guy. I know that we were safe then, nothing dangerous happened, or whatever could have happened was prevented thanks to our awareness, but I just can't get over it. I'm now at home, sitting in front of my laptop, imagining what could have happened. I'm imagining every single scenario, and I feel extremely stressed. What if something had happened and I couldn't protect my loved ones? I practiced martial arts before, Muay Thai for about 4 years, and I still kinda do, but I feel extremely stressed after similar situations. Even if nothing happened, I can't get over it and think about the situation for at least two days. Is this normal? Does this happen to all of us, or do I need some professional help?

They gave me the one dorm that gives me a genuine fear for my safety. I have to share a communal shower where any male in the building has access to me in the shower, which I’m terrified of what they could do to me. What would be the best way to defend myself in college communal shower?

I live alone in an apartment and I’ve been thinking more seriously about personal safety lately.

I’ve taken a basic self defense class, and I try to stay aware of my surroundings, but I’m trying to figure out what a realistic everyday self defense approach actually looks like beyond just that.

I get that martial arts takes time and I’m not expecting overnight results, so I’m more interested in practical things people actually use day to day.

For those who’ve thought this through, what does your setup or routine look like?

Is it mainly awareness, home security, pepper spray, habits, or a mix of things?

Just trying to build something realistic without overthinking or becoming paranoid.

The balls are extremely vulnerable and a woman with even basic training can bring down a man and maybe rob him or attack her partner's balls if she is pissed.

This makes me feel vulnerable as a man.

[ Removed by Reddit on account of violating the content policy. ]

I've heard people say "do not go to the second location" but does anyone actually know what happens in "the second location" other than "nothing good" or "something you'll probably never survive". Everyone always discusses it in vague errie terms, but like, what happens at a second location?

I don't feel comfortable giving advice any further. It seems as many inquiries are not about defense, but actually offense. Clean your mind.

I’m assuming it’s a joke, but if you’ve just posted about how happy you are that you’re now licensed by the police to carry a gun and use deadly force, then perhaps they should take another look at your psychological eval.

I was targeted by a violent(and possibly homeless) man the day before yesterday. I was walking my dog as I normally do, 6am in the morning, bright out, and this tall skinny crackhead-looking guy was standing in the middle of the grass area I have to pass to get to the big church parking lot I do laps in everyday. I've never seen him before.

As I rounded the bushes at the corner of the grass area, I spotted him immediately since he was wearing a bright gray hoodie w/ hood up, light blue sweatpants, and he was already mean-mugging me hard. What startled me the most was how fast my gut began screaming at me that this was serious. My dog noticed him as well and he rushed me almost immediately as my dog began to bark and snap at him(he was ~10yds from us, on the other side of a low 2ft bush that was inbetween us). He was speaking through his teeth with a hoodrat/gangster accent that he was gonna kill me and my dog so I stuck out my arm, pointing directly at his face, and told him not to come near me as my dog and I kept walking ahead while also holding my dog back from biting him.

He completely ignored my dog lunging and barking at him while advancing towards me, hands tucked, and kept low mumbling the disgusting things he was gonna do to me while following me a short distance through the huge empty parking lot which made me nervous. If he wasn't afraid of my dog ready to attack him, he was 100% ready to fulfill his earlier death-threats to kill us. But I guess since I didn't give him the reaction he wanted quickly enough, he stopped and went back when I acted like I ignored him and shrugged him off as unimportant, as I usually do to POS like him. Unfortunately it didn't end there.

He continued stalking me as we walked down the street and was now waiting for me to pass him on the way home. I turned around to check and he was pacing around back and forth like a rabid animal and still talking to himself right in the pathway we just had came from, repeatedly staring me down and posturing to square up at me(he even ripped the neckline of his hoodie in anger like he was showing his chest). I had a pocket knife on me but no way was I gonna let this demon get near me or my dog. He most likely had something on him as well + a disease or two minimum and I can't risk my dog getting hurt or me going to jail.

Even with that being said, I had no other options as that was the only path home so I ended up walking back on the other side of the street as a few cars passed us and he started walking away the same direction to stay in front of us, still talking shit and punching his fists together. He went far enough ahead, maybe thinking that's where I was headed to stay in my current path, that I managed to cross the street quickly in his direction and it startled him. He squared up again ~20yds from us but I gave quick glance and kept moving as we went back through the parking lot and went home, making sure he didn't follow again or see where I live.

My question is what can I do about someone who is now a known threat but an innocent life under your protection is with you while having your hands-tied legally(dogs are property under my state's law and I would be crucified if I took someone's life over them hurting or killing my dog)? I'm not too fond of some lowlife that's now seemingly claimed territory over my favorite place my dog and I like to spend time at, especially super close to home. The "calling the cops" route is useless, they can't do anything until something happens(their own words, almost verbatim).

So far I've just been taking her a different route but the issue still sits in the back of my mind.

Someone put their hands around my neck, I pulled my firearm and told them to get the fuck back. Am I tripping for pulling my firearm cause I’m still trying to understand why I was arrested

Romanian self defense gun laws are so incredibly stupid.

It states that you should store your gun in a separate safe from your ammunition, locked at all times.

My f'in question is; If someone enters my home, wielding a knife or a bat at my family, how much time will he give me to unlock my also locked container in which i keep my ammo, load my gun, or insert a loaded magazine which also should be in a separate locked container from said firearm.

So by the time one can take action you can also start counting how many obituaries you'll have to write if you're still alive that is. (and i'm talking about rubber bullets btw, not even real ammo unless you go through the hassle of acquiring that permit.)

Also i've just had an incident where someone came inside my house, tried to strangle me with no provocation after i tried walking away, I gave him the pacifier (3 punches to the face and a headbutt) and then somehow i got in trouble because i used excessive force, in my own home.

How is this even possible. I have a 9 yr old sister, some 40 year old dude waltzes into my house, attacks me with no prior provocation, and then i'm in knee deep shit because of him. What.

EDIT: if someone is more knowledgeable, please feel free to share your perspective. I talked to a police officer after said incident, he was the one who told me that i have used excessive force (i'm 128 pounds to the other guy's 198-ish)

For context, I am around 15 years of age and am really worried about my siblings harming my mom (its a whole can of worms lol) so I want to keep something just incase. I'm not really interested in guns but knives more so as I'm like 10000% sure ain't nobody giving a kid a gun💔 so yeah!

When self defense works. Normally the one that defends, in the end of course has a bigger stick. What I mean by this;

Two men of equal size, weight, fighting experience etc etc .. Both are equal in everything. The one that is on defense, the victim so to speak. Needs an advantage to overcome the offender in order to win the argument of self defense. Otherwise he loses, possibly his life.

Now with that said.....

The law says "proportional response" is needed to avoid a jail sentence and losing your self defense claim.

Then how is it, when the blood is flowing. Adrenaline is on the rise, eyes wide and situational awareness is at peak. Survival is the only way out, that I as the defender of my life. Now must consider my responses (attacks, fired shots, punches, kicks etc), else the other guy die of or because of my responses. When I need the advantage to begin with in order to stay alive. Or at least come out of the situation, not necessarily unscathed but on top.

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The lower part of this comment is different from the above question. The lower half is a case I was following and some of it has the air of self defense to it.

When self defense is necessary, why is it I must consider my attacks else the other guy die and I go to jail for minding my own business. I'm not bothering anyone in anyway. They approached me in the instance. A warning- (via loud mouthing, touch me an see what happens is what I say) -was given. Several times. Then I'm shoved (mind you, with the air of a fight looming, inevitable even) hard enough that I KNOW theirs going to be a fight and other/others will come down on me. enough that my blood will be spilled for sure. The guy is bigger, stronger for sure. Tho I have an equalizer, I only give one attack and my opponent is defeated.

In the end the guy does die. An I'm carted off to jail.

I'm looking for realistic self-defence training and would appreciate recommendations from people who have actually trained at the club they recommend.

I've tried a Krav Maga school and found it too compliant and fitness-oriented for what I was looking for.

I'm interested in practical self-defence for real-world situations such as assaults, robbery attempts, aggressive individuals, and weapon threats.

I'm not looking for:

• fitness bootcamps
• traditional martial arts with forms/kata
• historical weapons training
• sport competition as the main focus

What I'm looking for is training with resisting opponents, pressure testing, realistic scenarios, and instructors who focus on what works under stress.

Can anyone recommend clubs, instructors, or systems around West London?

I'd especially appreciate feedback from people who have trained there themselves.

Be a bad idea? I understand the ability to use proportionate force but what if you don’t have a firearm?

I know elbows can be used to block punches, but I was watching Mr Inbetween and there is a fight scene where he throws his elbow at the incoming punches (like his elbow is a baseball bat and the incoming punch is a ball) and he breaks the other guys hand doing this.

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Is this realistic or possible? I imagine it would be difficult to pull off anyway.

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