Gone are the days when someone could freely walk around a city at night without a worry in the world. Crime rates have climbed considerably since our parents were young and I am sure they will climb even higher by the time our children grow old. In a world gripped by fear how can we feel safe? The answer is revealed in one simple word; PROTECTION.

Now you may be wondering just how do we go about protecting ourselves? This is actually a question with many different answers. To find the best answer for yourself, you need to answer a few things.

Are you male or female?

What is your comfort level with using a self defense weapon?

Are you capable of defending yourself without a weapon?

These questions, along with many others, can help you to draw a better picture of what defense tactic will work best for you. No person is the same and it is our differences that make us who we are. In the world of self defense there is no difference. The plan of action that works for one person may not be the best course to take for someone else.

Whether you are a male or female will have a big impact on which route you choose for acquiring better self defense protection. Most women go the course of buying non lethal weapons, such as stun guns and pepper spray, for their protection. But there is actually a defense training program specially designed for women that is doing a great job at teaching women how to defend against attacks when they have no weapon. I wrote about this more in depth in a previous article.

When it comes to carrying a weapon, you need to be sure that you are comfortable with using it. One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying a self defense weapon that is out of their comfort zone. (And sometimes that isn't the problem; the problem is not becoming well acquainted with the weapon once they have purchased it.) In these situations many times the weapon can be taken from their grasp and used against them. That wasn't really your plan when buying that stun gun was it Sally?

For most healthy, active men between the ages of 20 and 50, it is not a problem to defend themselves without weapons when the time arises. For this group of people one of the best ways to go is to get training in martial arts or some other self defense form. But once again, this really depends on your comfort zone.

So whether you are thinking of purchasing a firearm, stun gun, pepper spray, or maybe even getting training in a self defense technique; it is always smart to ask yourself the three above-mentioned questions. Just sit down and really think about. It could be the difference maker between making a foolish decision or a well thought out, educated one.