The Problems of Stun Gun Self Defense
Stun guns became popular for self defense a number of years ago. People touted them as a more humane way of taking bad guys down, and now they have had a number of years to become tried and tested. Unfortunately, their are a few problems with using a stun gun for self defense.
First, let’s address the human angle. No bullets, no surgery, you can zap the hell out of a guy!
Well, not really, shooting somebody with 50,000 volts is rough on the body. If that body has a weak heart, or is even weakened from excess drugs or drinking, it could be killed.
And, having said that, there have been a couple of videos on the net where police sit back and zap the hell out of some poor shmuck. Grinning, and secure in the knowledge that they can torture without worrying about leaving bullet holes.
Humane? No. Dangerous? Yes. Period.
Another point we should take up is the use of a stun gun by Joe or Jane Citizen. Do you know how long it takes to get a stun gun out of holster or purse? And is Joe or Jane a sure shot? They haven’t practiced, so can we be sure they will hit the target first time every time?
So the conclusion is obvious, stun guns are not excellent for self defense, and they do have drawbacks and dangers.
Is it better than shooting somebody?
Maybe, if you actually manage to get a shot off and the bad guy doesn’t have a heart attack.
So what is the alternative?
I personally believe that all police officers should have martial arts training. I believe Tokyo had its police officers all study Aikido, and I think that a study of Aikido, or Tai Chi, or any non-aggressive martial art would be a hundred times better than excessive force and the use of deadly force weapons.
Look, here is the brutal fact, if the police feel they have to arrest somebody they won’t let up. This has the consequence of making police into bullies.
The counter argument is if they let somebody go, and that somebody kills somebody, the police are then responsible.
But martial arts training, especially if it is not aggressive, gives better reactions, and a variety of non-deadly force responses.
So, make the police learn something that will soften their approach, without softening their purpose to arrest bad guys.
And, as for Joe Citizen, maybe if he took a little martial arts he would end up with the self-respect and attitude that drains the bad out of bad guys.
Matrix Kung Fu is a course filled with takedowns and locks. This is a virtual alphabet of grab arts, and it is available at MonsterMArtialArts.com.
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