<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Dana Sheets:
As RAMiller and others have been quick to point out -- most confrontations between you and a bad guy/girl will begin with you being empty handed.
But -- that doesn't mean it has to stay that way. 
What do you carry (or you suggest one carry) on your person or in your pocket for that worst case scenario when you are attacked?
Dana<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Dana-Sensei,
"What has it got in its pocketses, my Preciousss?" - Gollum, - The Lord of the Rings. I just couldn't resist...
My favorite topic these days is what I call "Modern Kobudo," the use of normal, everyday objects for defense purposes.
Back in the days of the original Kobudo, with the Sai, Nunte, Kama, Bo and the like, the items chosen for self defense were items commonly found around the house, the boat or the fields.
Welcome to the 21st Century. We don't carry rice grinders these days, but we do carry all sorts of goodies that have some pretty dramatic applications on the street.
In my own pockets, I carry a handful of change (half-dollars - I am a magician and they are easier to palm) which makes a great distraction when thrown into the face, a set of keys - good for whipping and/or as makeshift chainmail to protect the hands from knives, a wallet (again the distraction throw or as palm protection), a belt (great for manriki-kusari moves), a Palm Pilot (defensive protection for the hand or as an edge jam to soft targets), eyeglasses (distraction throw item), a large chinese coin (about 2" across) made of brass - great throwing weapon or distraction or shield for the hand. I also carry a Parker Pen called a Ph.D. Big, heavy beastie and will stop a knife slash and makes a good yawara stick - with a pointy end!
When I am going into an area where I know that there is an increased possibility of trouble, I first do what I can to avoid going there at times when the liklihood of attack is greatest. I then look at my inventory of goodies and select things to stuff my pockets with. Additional items might include a rat-tail comb (Lexan ones are best), a fold up umbrella (a great short stick) or, if I am really worried, my stainless steel adjustable cane.
While the cane might be an invitation to attack for some, if one is walking down the street NOT using it to lean on, it becomes obvious that it has other capabilities. If used as intended, it can create an opening. "Well he attacked to my "weak" side, so I kicked him in the face with my "bad" leg..." you get the idea.
Unlike my friend student, I rarely carry a blade, frankly because the Chicago cops believe that ANY knife is a weapon, even those on toolbelts. But I sometimes carry a multitool. The applications of one of THOSE can be very painful to contemplate.
And, of course, a cell phone set to dial *999, which is the emergency number for cellular users in Chicago.
When fully decked out with the multitool, Paml Pilot, cell phone and CD player, I look like I'm wearing the Geek-Man Futility Belt!
But I'm armed.
Respectfully,
Lee Darrow, C.Ht.
"This above all else: Be Armed." - Machiavelli, The Prince