A Closer Look at Pepper Spray
There are many aspects to self defense that we don’t automatically think about. Many people question which of the martial arts styles serves best for self defense. People question whether ANY martial arts styles makes up the ideal form of self defense. It is questioned if combat self defense such as what I teach is too brutal for street fighting (even if learned from a self defense DVD).
Of all the questions that circle around self defense in general, there are just as many that make their way around the issue of weapons. Pepper spray is one of the best personal safety tools there is. Of course, there is the caveat that it must be used properly in order to be effective. This is no different than how you utilize any self defense techniques you may learn. When you learn from a self defense DVD, you still need to practice every move until it flows from you like your very breath. Using pepper spray also requires knowledge and practice.
Pepper spray, as I’ve covered before, contains Oleo Capsicum Pepper, or red pepper. Sprayed at an attacker, it causes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. After receiving a dose of pepper spray, an attacker will find it difficult to breathe; will close their eyes, and may cough and choke. It is important to understand that pepper spray is the second line of defense – after awareness. It is also important to know that the effects of pepper spray may not be as strong on an assailant who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Therefore, you will also need to use skills learned from my self defense DVD program or other program you have learned from.
You typically hear two terms in regards to this self defense tool: pepper spray and Mace. Years ago, many years ago, there was a difference between the two. Mace was once a form of tear gas. While there was a pepper spray component to Mace; the product had its own unique formulation that actually proved to be less effective than that of pepper spray. Today, Mace is simply a brand of pepper spray that is widely sold throughout the world.
Pepper spray not only needs to be used properly; but also stored properly. The Mace manufacturer website states “Store your Pepper Spray in cool dry area away from heat, flame or strong light. Do not store it in an environment where the temperature may exceed 120 degrees F (50 degrees C).such as an enclosed vehicle. The Pepper Spray cartridge may leak from over pressurization and fail to function properly. Do not store unit in a cold environment under 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). This may cause depressurization and the loss of effective range.”
The latest and greatest in pepper spray is actually the gel form of this tool. Effective and accurate, pepper gel sticks like glue to the person you are using it on. The main benefit to using pepper gel is that there are no ambient particles floating around in the air. This means that there is less of a risk that you will be affected by the spray meant to protect you.
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