Carrying a knife or a firearm for protection is a personal and serious choice. It takes dedication to that tool, a certain mindset, and continued training and practice. It’s not for everyone. But, many of those people who don’t want to carry a knife or gun still want to have something to carry for personal protection.
While at a training event at WOFT in Orlando, Florida, as a guest of XINSURANCE, who was hosting a two-day event, I learned that one of those tools is…a flashlight.
While at WOFT, through scenario-based training, Director and Founder Phillip Toppino, demonstrated and shared tips on using a flashlight to deter and stop a possible assailant. Phillip began the training session by showing examples of pre-fight indicators on a huge screen and explaining the OODA loop‘s decision-making concept (observe, orient, decide act). Then, he demonstrated how to use a flashlight while attempting to traverse a parking lot to safely get to a car.
The scenario part of the training began for each student individually when she entered a dimly lit room — “parking lot” — with the goal of getting to her car safely armed with only a flashlight and a key fob. Throughout the scenario, some role players walked past, others innocently tried to engage in conversation and some meant harm.
It was up to the student to determine each person’s intentions by watching their hands and other pre-fight indicators and then decide how to react. Each student went through three different, customized scenarios, which, as an observer, was just as beneficial to me as if I had the opportunity to partake.
What I Learned
Flashlights are an excellent choice for those who do not want to carry a knife or firearm and those who do carry but may not legally carry in a particular area. (As I write this, I am on an airplane with my flashlight.)
When walking to a car at night, have your flashlight already in your hand. You can easily use it to light your path, which appears very normal since nobody wants to trip or step in a hole. If you see someone in the distance or approaching, shine the beam toward them. Now they know you’ve seen them, and if they’re looking for a victim, they may choose someone else.
If a person approaches you, don’t hesitate to shine the beam in their face and startle them. While doing so, it’s also the time to use a tool you always have with you: your voice. In a very commanding tone say, “STOP!” Then decide on your own script, one you have practiced.
Maybe you say, “Walk away, go away, or get away.” If the person continues toward you, you have to decide what to do and how you’ll react. Maybe you run back into the building you came from until someone else can walk out with you. Perhaps you are confident you can make it into your car, lock the doors, and quickly drive away. Unfortunately, you may also realize there’s no time, that you waited too long, and your only choice is to fight. If this happens, use all your strength and the end of that flashlight to do what is necessary.
Takeaways
Following are the six fundamental but extremely important concepts from this training that I believe everyone should know:
- Know how to lock your car quickly using the button on the door and your key fob. Become familiar with all the vehicles you drive. Check the owner’s manual to find out if you can customize the locking devices to match all your cars.
- Use the alarm on your key fob to draw attention if necessary.
- As with any personal defense tool, a commanding voice is something you should practice.
- Always carry a flashlight. It fits easily in your pocket, purse or on your belt.
- Just because you are walking to your car does not mean you have to keep going. Sometimes, returning to the safety of a building is your best choice.
- Whenever possible, avoid confrontation altogether.
Summarizing everything I learned during my two days at WOFT was difficult. This was just a small amount from only one of the sessions I attended. I have pages of notes, so watch for more!