Using an Umbrella for Self Defence

The best weapons to use in self defence are those which you can carry around in plain sight without arousing suspicion. In First Action Self Defence, it is taught how anything can be used as a weapon, simply by categorizing them into one of seven different classes. The umbrella or hooked cane falls into the Stick category, but has the advantage of the hook which gives you more options. The tip can still be used for thrusting eg at the face or back of the shoulder and the hook is useful for hooking an opponents’ limbs and is effective in disarming techniques.

If your opponent grabs your right arm with his right, you can use the umbrella or cane in the following manner for an effective leg take down. Do not resist. Twist your wrist to hit your opponent in the groin with the tip of your cane. Holding your arm rigid, step in with your left with your left foot and push your cane in deeper. Shove it against his right and left thighs. Walk to apply the take down. Increasing pressure can break his knee.

If your attacker thrusts at your with a knife, grab the cane with your left hand about a third of the way from the top. With your right hand still on the hook, hit his arm as he thrusts in. Bring the tip end around the back of his hand to hit him in the head. Step in with your left foot, release your left hand grip and use it to control his weapon arm down. Place the upper end of the cane on his shoulder and thrust the tip into his throat.

Another thing you can do if your opponent thrusts at you with a knife is to step to the right and hit his arm with your cane. Your left hand stays in front of your solar plexus. Grab his arm with your left hand and toe punt his shin with your left foot, then bring your foot down on his foot. Hit his face with your cane and then follow through to hook the back of his neck. Slide your hand down the cane a few inches as you hook his neck. Pull him down toward you, being sure to control his knife hand away from your torso.

If your attacker has a stick and strikes down to your upper left you can do the following. Start with your right hand just below the hook on the shaft of the cane. As he strikes step to the right with your right foot and grasp the cane with your left about two thirds of the way down from the hook. Use your cane to deflect the attack. Step in with your left foot and grab his stick with your left hand. Bring the hook of your cane down hard onto his fist to disarm him then hit him with his stick.