Defending Yourself: Practical World War II Combatives in Unexpected Situations

Defending Yourself: Practical World War II Combatives in Unexpected Situations

In today's world, the need to defend oneself can arise in unexpected places. While the setting of a sex shop in Amsterdam may seem unlikely for an attack, it's crucial to be prepared for any situation. Drawing inspiration from World War II combatives, which prioritised practical techniques for real world scenarios, let's explore how one can apply these principles to defend oneself in such a situation.

1. Assessing the Environment:
Before anything else, take a quick scan of your surroundings. Identify potential items that could be used for defence or escape. In a sex shop, this might include objects like heavy duty vibrators, BDSM restraints, or even shelves and display stands.

2. Improvised Weapons:
World War II combatives emphasised the use of improvised weapons when firearms or traditional weapons were unavailable. In a sex shop, items like riding crops, leather whips, or even large sex toys can serve as effective makeshift weapons. These items can inflict pain or create distance between you and your attacker. Here are some examples of improvised weapons:

Riding Crop: Utilize the sturdy handle and flexible shaft of a riding crop to deliver quick strikes or create distance between yourself and an attacker.

Fluffy Handcuffs: Turn these restraints into makeshift defensive tools by using them to immobilize an assailant's limbs or as a means to block incoming strikes.

13” Heavy Duty Vibrator: While it may seem unconventional, the weight and shape of a heavy duty vibrator can be wielded effectively to deliver powerful strikes or as a deterrent against attackers.

Leather Whip: Employ the long, flexible nature of a leather whip to lash out at assailants, delivering stinging strikes that can disorient or deter further aggression.

Bondage Rope: Use bondage rope to restrain or immobilise attackers, create makeshift barriers, or as a tool for joint manipulation techniques to control and neutralize threats.

3. Targeting Vulnerabilities:
Whether facing a single assailant or multiple attackers, knowing where to strike is key. Aim for sensitive areas such as the eyes, throat, groin, or knees. Utilise techniques like strikes, kicks, and joint manipulations to incapacitate your attacker swiftly and effectively.

4. Disarming Techniques:
If your attacker is armed with a weapon, focus on disarming them as quickly as possible. Use distractions or improvised weapons to create openings, then employ techniques from World War II combatives to disarm and neutralise the threat.

5. Mental Preparedness:
In any self defence situation, mental preparedness is as crucial as physical skills. Remain calm, focused, and ready to adapt to changing circumstances. Visualise potential scenarios beforehand to mentally rehearse your response, increasing your confidence and readiness to act decisively.

6. Escape and Evasion:
While defending yourself is paramount, escaping the danger should always be the ultimate goal. Create opportunities to flee to safety by creating distance, incapacitating your attacker, or seeking help from bystanders.

The principles of practical World War II combatives can be applied effectively in unexpected situations like an attack in a sex shop in Amsterdam. By assessing the environment, utilising improvised weapons, targeting vulnerabilities, employing disarming techniques, maintaining mental preparedness, and prioritising escape and evasion, individuals can increase their chances of surviving and escaping dangerous situations unharmed. Remember, being proactive and prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety in any scenario.