What is the best self-defense tool for jogging?
What is the best self-defense item you can get your girlfriend for when she is jogging alone in Oakland and doesn't want to carry much of anything, nor does she trust pepper spray because of the wind factor?
Anything can be used as a weapon..
My recommendation is a defense system such as Krav Maga that focuses on usable (and vicious) techniques that anyone can use to defend themselves. It will also help to train her mind to be alert and prepared to act if she is ever attacked. A lot of people can have a weapon then be startled or "frozen" when the actual incident happens.
Also... there are tons of key chain type self defense weapons available online if you want her to carry something like that. It isn't always easy to jog with a handgun.
OH yeah.....BIG DOGS work great at deterring criminals. My sister used to rent trained dogs to joggers in Portland, Oregon for runners feeling like they needed protection.
23 Answers
Try out the Russian System or Systema, youtube systema.
Its what the spetnaz use and is very very usable.
Not to be a jerk, but it sounds like she doesn't want to carry anything. Ruling out pepper spray because of wind? Getting a little blown back at you is not comfy, but it's not the same as a spray to the face and the mugger will be much worse off.
If she's not just trying to politely dissuade you, ask her to read about pepper spray a little. Guns are a bit of a waste- by the time you're sure someone's got bad intentions, you don't have time to get it out and shoot them. People are faster than you think. You can't jog with a gun in hand, but you can jog with a (small) pepper spray in hand.
My best idea, though, is to get her a dog. If someone has the stones to try to mug her while she's jogging with a medium-to-large dog, they're more dangerous than you can reasonably prepare for. Dogs require no permit, they come with a built-in danger detector, and no gun on earth will fetch slippers or be glad to see you at the end of a bad day.
There is not one single answer to this question. The best defense in any situation is knowledge, awareness and preparedness. She should know her route and let others know when she is leaving, how long and when she plans to return. If she is not comfortable in her area she should drive to an area that is more comfortable, join a gym or get a running buddy(as in you BF). As far as a self defense weapons there are no tools, nothing is gonna do the work for you, but there are many options. The best weapon is your own body. It's always with you and when properly trained can be affective. Next would be smaller concealable items like the hideawayknife.com, or even keys. My suggestion is find a krav maga studio and get her a few sessions. They are every where now and very women friendly. Go with her and practice all the time. Then supplement that with a small weapon and practice with that. Good Luck
I bought my GF a Surefire G2 flashlight. There are brighter (read: more expensive) models, but the G2 is compact enough to carry and doesn't get in the way. It's bright enough to give her (and me) some peace of mind and the LED version is durable enough to strike someone with the bezel if needed.
I agree that awareness is the best defense and being able to illuminate a dark street is one step toward that goal.
Anything can be used as a weapon..
My recommendation is a defense system such as Krav Maga that focuses on usable (and vicious) techniques that anyone can use to defend themselves. It will also help to train her mind to be alert and prepared to act if she is ever attacked. A lot of people can have a weapon then be startled or "frozen" when the actual incident happens.
Also... there are tons of key chain type self defense weapons available online if you want her to carry something like that. It isn't always easy to jog with a handgun.
OH yeah.....BIG DOGS work great at deterring criminals. My sister used to rent trained dogs to joggers in Portland, Oregon for runners feeling like they needed protection.
Many good answers but I wouldn't recommend a gun or chemical spray (and I'm a Firearms instructor). Both require proper and consistent training and, if you're not prepared to use such weapons instantly it's more dangerous to have them. I agree with Jordan that the best weapon is your own body but, again, martial arts like Krav Maga also require extensive training to be deployed properly. A dog is a great idea but, it's a major responsibility to own a dog.
I recommend a high-pitched, survival-type whistle like the Fox 40 Howler Whistle. It's light, loud, effective and will immediately draw attention to yourself. You can wear it comfortably around your neck while jogging and, unlike other tools mentioned here, can use it when you feel as if you feel threatened without causing harm. It's an excellent deterrent. You can buy it on Amazon, from camping stores like EMS or REI or online from hundreds of sites.
Equally important is a mind-set that "I won't be a victim." Blow the whistle. Use your body. Kick, scream, bite, gouge, hit, tear, rip...whatever. Don't give up or give in.
When I come from, it is legal to carry a pistol after you go through a class. Most states refer to it as either a CCW (Permited to Carry and Conceal a Weapo) or a CPL (Carry Pistol License). I was in the same position about a year ago. I signed up, along with my girlfriend and took the class to get out CPLs. I bought my self a Smith and Wesson Model 642 with black rubber grips, and her one with pink rubber grips. Of course, I took her shooting a number of times and taught her how to use it before she started carrying it, but now she carries it with her almost everywhere.