CHAPTER NINE

Self-defense for the Elderly, Injured, and Handicapped

by Douglas G. McLeod

An old woman cruises down the sidewalk in her wheel chair, on her way to the local market. Suddenly, two young men jump out from behind a hedge, blocking her path and stopping her on the sidewalk. They begin to harass her, laughing and threatening. The woman quickly squirts one man in the eyes with pepper spray. She grabs a lead pipe that’s attached to her chair and swiftly strikes the other man in the knee, breaking his kneecap. She presses a button on her chair that sets off a siren, alerting a private security company. The security company determines her location with a geographic satellite tracking system (commonly used on cars and now available for personal safety), and contacts the local police. As the two thugs scramble, trying to get away, the police arrive on the scene. They arrest the thugs and help the woman home, where she gives them a full report of the incident.

This scenario sounds like a scene from an action film, but it can be a reality for anyone in a similar predicament. Being injured or physically limited, whether temporarily or permanently, makes self defense more difficult but it doesn’t have to make you a victim. People with obvious signs of a physical limitation (having a limp, wheelchair, cane, crutches, cast, seeing-eye dog, etc.), are targets for the worst of predatory criminals. These thugs are looking for an easy victim, and know that a physical impairment makes it harder for a person to protect herself effectively. But with a little knowledge and self-defense training, you can give an assailant a big surprise when he or she tries to attack you or rob you. In fact, the element of surprise is part of every good self-defense strategy.

Everyone can do something to protect themselves, regardless of their situation. Common defense techniques can be modified for individual needs. Even if a person is completely blind and in a wheel chair, he still has the ability to protect himself. There are various levels of ability, depending on age, limitation, environment, physical condition and mental attitude. Some tactics are very simple, and others are more complex. As long as you’re willing to try, you can be more effective in personal self defense. You don’t have to be an expert to execute an effective strike to a critical point on the attacker’s body. Once you learn some simple techniques for your first response strike, you can buy yourself enough time to strike again, call for help and get away from them.

It is common for people who are physically limited because of age, an injury or an illness to feel weak and helpless. They’re often in constant pain or on medication, which can make it hard to do the most mundane daily tasks. A physical injury also has emotional and mental affects. The idea of fighting someone who is not impaired is beyond comprehension for many who are.

If you lack confidence in your ability to defend yourself, the first obstacle to overcome is your state of mind. Your attacker will take advantage of a helpless state of mind. In fact, they’re depending on the probability that you’ll be too afraid and unprepared to do anything. Your job is to disappoint them.

The first step is to prepare mentally, and there are two main issues you need to address:

Take inventory of your physical limitations and how you feel about them. Acknowledge the limitations and accept them. Then empower yourself by making a commitment to yourself that you will live well and be treated with respect, that you will have the same freedoms that others have, and that you will to feel safe. You must do this in order to react effectively in the event of an attack. Otherwise, you’ll likely freeze and give up before you’ve given yourself a chance. The bottom line is: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!

Face the fact that you are more of a target than someone who seems able bodied. Once you accept this as part of your life, you’ll be able to overcome it easier. Start by leveling the playing field through self defense knowledge, and the application of effective techniques that are specifically designed for your particular needs.

The A.P.P.E.E. system, Awareness, Prevention, Preparation, Empowerment, and Execution, described in Chapter One, must be fully understood and become second nature. You will become more confident, and will open doors for in your daily life that were closed because of your handicap. You’ll enjoy more freedom and will have a higher quality of life. So, there’s your incentive - now get to work!!

LEVEL OF DISABILITY AND APPLICABLE DEFENSE TECHNIQUES

I have experienced all levels of disability. Each level has its own issues and modifications to self defense tactics to accommodate those issues.

LEVEL ONE DISABILITY

A Level One disability affects the upper body. You may not be able to lift an arm or use a hand, but you can still walk, run, negotiate stairs and handle uneven terrain fairly easily if you need to. Although you may be hindered in your actions, your mobility is only slightly impaired. This type of injury gives you more options. Even people with a permanent Level One disability, such as losing an arm, learn how to adapt. I have a friend who is a Kung Fu Master, and has one arm. He can defend himself very effectively, even though he is over sixty years old. A street criminal would be no match for him in a fight, even if they tried to surprise him. Although most people lack his fighting skills, they can still improve their self-defense skills, regardless of their physical limitation.

If you are dealing with a Level One disability, start by strengthening your legs and getting comfortable with the adjustments you need to make to your posture and balance to compensate for your injury. Practice various kicking techniques while an imaginary attacker is coming at you. Learn how to use evasion tactics like moving to a location where an obstacle is between you and your attacker. Repetitive side-stepping exercises will help you with agility and balance. As always, I highly recommend a self defense class that is specific to your needs. The ancient martial art system "Wing Chun" was developed for one armed people. It incorporates techniques in blocking, parry, and counter striking with one arm.

Remember to place your street weapons so you can access and use them quickly and easily, without thinking about it. Self defense is a state of mind, body and spirit. In repetitive training, you are teaching your mind and body new habits so you’ll react quickly and appropriately in any situation. In Chapter One, I recommend marking your keys so you can find them quickly and easily in the dark. This is what I mean by being prepared.

You know what your needs are. Take the time to think about what you do every day. If you’re going into an unfamiliar situation, take a moment to consider the possibilities. Being prepared will help you relax because you’ll know you can handle yourself. Adding a small weapon to your keys, such as a Yara Stick (a four to six inch stick or tube made of metal or wood); to strike an attacker is one simple and inexpensive option. See Appendix ?? for a list of conventional and street weapons that you can use with one hand.

Remember to always check the laws in your area, and any new places you may go, before carrying a weapon. You don’t want to get arrested for breaking a law you didn’t know existed. The court will not accept "ignorance of the law" as a defense. The goal is to give yourself the best advantage you can by compensating for your handicap. If you get into trouble with the law, you’re making your situation worse rather than helping yourself.

Try to keep your good arm free as much as possible. For instance, when you’re at the store, use a cart or have someone help you with your items. If you have to carry things, don’t hesitate to drop them immediately if you need to defend yourself. It seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people hold onto things unconsciously out of fear. This is why training is so important. If you’re carrying something that can be used as a weapon (a bag of canned soup, for instance), by all means – use it! Your attacker will either be knocked to the ground or nicely stunned if he gets hit in the head with a bag of cans! Awareness is the foundation of self defense. Being aware of your abilities, weapons, surroundings and options will make you safer and more confident.

LEVEL TWO DISABILITY

A Level Two Disability is when you are in extreme pain or your ability to walk is impaired. I’ve been getting leg, foot, and hip injuries for years, and have extensive experience in healing them, and dealing with them. They’re an occupational hazard for martial artists and martial arts instructors.

THE CANE

If your doctor gives you a choice between crutches and a cane, choose the cane if you can walk effectively with it. Crutches are awkward and make you more vulnerable. A cane is one of the top self defense weapons used today, and is very effective when combined with a little knowledge and skill. In fact, a cane is a good thing to have with you all the time, even if you aren’t injured. (I go over some basic cane techniques in this book, and am working on another more detailed book on cane techniques.)

The cane is easy to use. You can block, parry or strike with the entire weapon, from any position: sitting, standing, and even laying on the ground. You can connect defense tools to a cane fairly easily. Keys, pepper spray, a flash light or a cell phone are small, lightweight items that can be attached to a cane without overweighing it or creating imbalance. There are now specialty canes that come with many of these options for self-defense. It is also the only weapon that you can carry onto a commercial airplane, enabling you to have a weapon with you at all times.

When you’re injured, your balance changes along with your strength and flexibility. It’s important to remember to compensate for your injury when practicing cane defense techniques. Here are some basic exercises:

Start by walking with the cane. Get comfortable with your new walking posture and speed.

Practice sitting, standing, negotiating stairs and getting in and out of a car.

Try carrying things: your purse or briefcase, a bag of groceries, etc.

Once you master these basic daily tasks, practice some simple striking moves. Ask yourself, "If someone tried to attack me while standing or sitting, what would I do?" Imagine striking or poking various parts of an assailant’s body: knee, groin, foot, throat, head, etc.

Practice using the cane from all positions: sitting, standing and while on the ground. This is very important, since your mobility and balance will be impaired, and ending up on the ground is a good possibility. Sometimes it’s better to be on the ground because it may be easier and safer to defend yourself from that position. It’s more stable and also more difficult for an attacker to reach you, especially while you are swinging your cane at him.

Here are a few cane self defense techniques:

BLOCKS. Blocking with your cane would be your first reaction to the attack. If you’re too weak to block then parries are another option, and can work much better in certain situations.

PARRIES. An attack involves energy directed from the assailant to the victim. Parries are defensive actions that re-guide the incoming energy of an attack, and deflect the attack with very little force. With parries, you are using the attacker’s aggressive energy against him, and consequently using less of your own energy. Although they take a bit longer to learn, and more practice to use effectively, parries are integral to practical self defense – especially if you’re at a physical disadvantage.

STRIKES. If an assailant is determined enough to attack you in the first place, he won’t back off after being blocked, so it’s necessary to strike back. There are many easy and effective ways to strike with a cane. The different parts of the cane serve as different striking surfaces. You can use the tip, the base, the hook part, and the tip of the hook. There are also specific points on the body that are most effective to strike when taking down an attacker. Some of them are: top of the head, eyes, temple, throat, either side of the knee, top of the foot, and the groin. If you strike a person in any of those areas with your cane, you may stop him completely. At the very least, you’ll cause enough pain to stop your attacker for a few seconds so that you can either get away or strike again. You must have more determination to survive than they have to hurt you, so do whatever it takes to defend yourself. It’s your right!

ENVIRONMENTAL WEAPONS. There are other items that can be substituted for a cane when you need a quick weapon. This is covered in "Environmental Weapons" in Chapter One. Everyday objects, such as golf clubs, short sticks, brooms, a tire iron, and any other stick-like object can be used. Understanding your weapon, practicing with it on a daily basis and becoming comfortable with it is crucial if you want to react properly while under the stress of an attack.

SELF DEFENSE FROM THE GROUND

Sometimes it’s easier to defend yourself from the ground - particularly if your mobility is impaired. If you’re already injured, you’re likely to get a more serious injury from the attack even if you defend yourself. But you have to do the best you can. You may be weakened from your current injury, or the pain may be so intense that you’re unable to defend yourself effectively from a standing position.

Lying on your side while pulling your legs inward towards your body will put you in a better position to fight back. If you’re in public and go to the ground, someone is more likely to see what is happening to you and may come to your aid. But don’t wait for help, even if there are others around. There have been many cases when someone was victimized, and people just stood by, afraid or unwilling to do anything. It’s much better to fight back the best you can; if someone helps, all the better.

Try to keep your feet and legs toward the attacker, and move in a small circle if he tries to get behind you. I have used this technique myself, and the attacker was so frustrated, he told me to get up and fight fair. If you can, swing your cane or other street weapon at his shins, knees, and groin – and kick him if you can. You will cause injury and pain, and he may back off.

Even if you’re not injured, going to the ground is sometimes the best strategy. If you’re in a precarious environment: on a slippery surface, near the edge of a cliff or on a busy street, lay on the ground so that it’s harder for your attacker to move you. There is a fifty–fifty chance that you’ll fall anyway, so you might as well go down intentionally – even if you’re in perfect physical condition. That way, you’re falling in a controlled way and won’t injure yourself in the process.

LEVEL THREE DISABLITY

A Level Three Disability is very serious. The person is usually in a wheel chair or has to use crutches. They are in extreme pain and have very limited mobility. They can still get around without assistant from other people, but it is very difficult to get from place to place. This makes people with Level Three disabilities extremely vulnerable.

While in this condition, you must constantly be aware of possible attacks. If the condition is new or temporary, then you are more vulnerable because you are dealing with the awkwardness of learning how to live with an unfamiliar state of being. This affects you mentally as well as physically. Acknowledge this fact and work with it. You will be at less risk if you learn how use proper precautions, understand your level of ability, and use a self-defense mentality on a daily bases. Preparing yourself mentally for the challenges that your injury has created will release the fear of vulnerability, make you more able to defend yourself, and will also help you function in your daily activities.

Give yourself extra time to do things and get where you need to go. Be patient with yourself, and congratulate yourself on every new accomplishment. It’s very important for your self-esteem to recognize that you are overcoming great obstacles. Understand that, with time, your limitations will become more familiar and consequently less of an obstacle. Humans adapt to new situations very quickly. In a short while, you’ll be better equipped to handle an unexpected challenge, such as an attack.

If you go to any city, you’ll see people of all ages and limitations surviving on their own. There are elderly people in wheelchairs that have adapted to their circumstances, and are living with their limitations. They understand the dangers they face, but it doesn’t stop them. They have learned to work within their boundaries. These people are the strongest people in our society, and we can learn a lot from their perseverance, courage and determination.

If you are dealing with a Level Three disability, try to have a friend, family member, or a hired aid to help you with shopping, going to appointments, etc. If you don’t have that luxury, you are more in need of a method for daily self protection. Create a plan. List your self-defense and crime prevention options while in your current condition. Take the time to practice the theories, concepts, ideas, prevention and preparation tactics, street weapons, conventional weapons, and simple self-defense movements that I’ve described. Going through a daily self-defense routine will not only help with muscle memory and reaction time, but will also help keep you in better physical condition overall.

If you’re on crutches, get very comfortable using them in all situations, as though they’re an extension of your body. You need to practice going up and down stairs and ramps with your crutches, and carrying things while using them. Learn effective strikes that work well with crutches, and mentally prepare yourself for unexpected situations by imagining what could happen and what you could do to protect yourself. See yourself in different situations, and go through the motions of blocking and striking an attacker. If you need to start out in slow motion and increase your speed over time, it’s o.k. As long as you are training yourself in some way, you’ll be better off than you are now.

Since your balance is off because you are compensating for the weakened part of your body, you’re more vulnerable. If you’re attacked, use a sturdy object to brace yourself: a wall or a car, or some object that you can lean on to keep your balance. Remember to go to the ground, especially if you feel that you’re going to fall anyway. In Appendix ???, there is a brief list of weapons that are effective and easy to use for people who have balance problems.

Attaching weapons to your crutches, as with a cane, is one way to keep them close and readily available. Your keys, a personal alarm, or a small lightweight striking weapon are possibilities. Be sure not to overload your crutches to the point where you compromise your balance.

If you’re in a wheelchair, you have more stability and mobility than if you were on crutches. You’re able to get away from an attacker much quicker, however, the chair is more cumbersome in tighter places. You can attach more weapons to a wheelchair than you can to crutches, and with the new power wheel chairs, you can almost out run an assailant.

Remember that some criminals may pretend to be friendly or helpful, to catch you off guard. Listen to your feelings. If you believe that you may be attacked, prepare by backing your chair up against a wall or other surface, so you can only be attacked from the front. Learn how to strike to vital zones on the attacker’s body. Use your body parts as weapons: four finger eye strikes, elbow strikes, kicks, blocks and parries. Work with friends and practice "attacking" each other. Just be sure to keep it light and friendly so no one gets hurt. You’ll be surprised at what you can do while in a wheel chair.

Simple speed attacks are the best, especially if you can hit a vital zone. This catches your attacker off guard and gives you an opportunity to get away, or use one of your other weapons. Since you’re probably weakened from your injury, remember that speed is more important than strength. One of my students spun her wheelchair around so fast during a lesson, that she hit my shin and almost broke it. The force of the spinning chair was stronger than anything she could have done with muscular strength.

If you’re caught off guard and unprepared, you may not be able to get to other weapons. But if you respond in some way with speed and accuracy, not only will you stun your assailant, but buy yourself some time to get a better weapon. You are only helpless if you believe you are. People look weak and vulnerable in a wheelchair, but you don’t have to be. If you prepare yourself physically and mentally, and have a self-preserving attitude, you will be very effective in defending yourself.

Look at everything in life for its beneficial elements. Great things have been created through "mistakes" or "accidents." Self defense is no exception. Always be thinking of what your can do, and how you can do it; and always try. You’ll come up with great things that address your specific needs that others may not think of.

Here is a list of weapons that you may want to use. Many of these are discussed in Chapter Two:

Pepper Spray or other Self-defense Sprays. Mail carriers carry this type of spray. It can be used 360 degrees, in front and back of you. Sprays are effective against both animals and humans. Many areas have stray dogs and even coyotes. In the suburban area of Orange County, in Southern California, there are so many nature preserves for hiking that it is common to see packs of coyotes roaming the streets late at night. Domestic pets have been attacked and killed by these animals. If your neighborhood is near any large undeveloped area, you may have the same issue. Sometimes, pets are aggressive as well. If you encounter an aggressive dog, and feel you are in danger, don’t hesitate to use your spray. The owners of these animals have the responsibility to protect others from them. If they aren’t doing their job, they are taking the risk of having their dog sprayed.

Attack Dogs. These animals are an excellent method for protection and also provide great companionship. Many blind people use seeing-eye dogs. I also recommend having a spray as well, but get one that won’t hurt your dog. Also, remember that an attack dog is a weapon and a huge responsibility. If you decide to use this method of protection, be accountable for it.

Guns. Check the gun laws in your area, or wherever you travel. Use your best judgment in your decision to use a gun. I recommend getting a concealed weapons permit and carry a hand gun, if you have a Level Three injury. If you decide to do carry a gun, get the proper training and take responsibility for the weapon.

Knives. You can carry several knives, depending on the law in your area. You can have a holster on your belt, or on your ankle, or mount in on your wheelchair. Just be sure to keep it where you can get to it, but your attacker can’t reach it before you do.

Street weapons. Learn how to use all the types of street weapons. Go through the list and see if you can add to it.

Cell Phones and Satellite Trackers. Inexpensive and very useful, these technologies are great for self protection; particularly if you are physically limited.

Be sure that all weapons you choose to have are legal in the area where you live, and where you travel. I cannot stress this enough. Call the local police department and explain your disability to them, or go see them in person. They can show you the codes that cover weapons, including a list of legal and the permit requirements for owning and carrying them. Most police departments and local governments sponsor self-defense classes as well. Although they usually don’t address special needs or handicaps, it’s worth asking about. Maybe they’ll start a program, once they see the need for one in your community.

Be sure to go over your home security plan and make modifications to accommodate your injury. You will probably need to move some furniture around for more space to maneuver, and create a more accessible escape route in case you need to get out in a hurry. Relocate any weapons that are hidden out of reach so they are accessible.

LEVEL FOUR DISABILITY

A level four disability is where you are completely bedridden, but still have a sound mind and can make decisions. Defending yourself seems impossible when you’re in this condition, which is very scary, but you still have some options. My mom was bedridden before she passed away, but for a quite a while she had some self defense options that she could use. She was very ill but could still do certain things on her own and could do other things with minimal assistance. She also had several escape options that she could access by herself in case of an emergency. One of her most useful tools was a two-way communication device that enabled her to reach my sister Dorothy, who was caring for her. Dorothy lived with her and was able to be at her side in a few seconds when mom called her.

There is a lot you can do if you’re bedridden. Keep supplies at your bedside in case of emergency or if your care giver is out of the house (phone, cell phone for back up with speed dial on both, water, snacks, flash light, extra batteries, medications, etc.) There are several weapons you can have with you.

As always, be prepared by practicing defense exercises on a daily basis (mentally and physically) so you can use them effectively if the need arises. Go through a routine of striking and blocking exercises with your fighting stick. Test your phones to be sure they’re operating properly. And be sure your flashlight is operating correctly.

CHI SAO

One of my students teaches self defense for the blind. Because of their blindness, his students have a sharper sense of touch, smell, taste and hearing than sighted people. They are taught a variety of tactics that capitalize on these heightened abilities. One is called "Chi Sao" or "Sticky Hands". My system, ‘Yen Ch'ing’ Tao, also teaches Chi Sao. I teach this technique to all my sighted students as well, but it is very effective training for the blind.

Students are trained to feel the attacker’s energy, and sense when they’re close by. Then, they learn how to react quickly and effectively in self defense. Experts at Chi Sao are sensitive enough to anticipate an assailant’s moves through his shift in weight, breathing, and physical tension, and can move in defense at the same time the attacker moves. It takes commitment and extensive training to be that good, but its well worth the effort if you’re blind.

This skill is useful for sighted people at night when it’s hard to see, or during a surprise attack. If you block then grab the attacker’s arm, you’ll be able to defend yourself very well without seeing him. At the end of his arm are his vital organs (lungs, heart, stomach, liver, etc.), and his head and eyes, where you can poke or strike him. In fact, if you have his arm, you can actually control his entire body with various fighting techniques. It all starts with awareness and the sense of touch.

Some of the weapons mentioned previously are also recommended for the blind, including pepper spray. Just be sure that the spray is marked so that you can feel which way to point it before you spray it. You don’t want to spray yourself.

LEVEL FIVE DIABILITY

A person with a Level Five Disability requires someone to make their decisions for them. Prepare early for the possibility of an accident that may leave you in a Level Five Condition. If you have a debilitating illness, and this stage is inevitable, early preparation is critical. I highly recommend getting an expert’s advice, and have a competent responsible person oversee your care and monitor your caregiver. It’s one of the most difficult things to do in life, but it needs to be done.

Care givers for patients with a Level Five disability should understand every aspect of this book and be well trained in safety and security, in addition to their medical training. He or she should be strong enough to pick the patient up and carry her outside to the street in case of an emergency. It’s critical to have a caregiver who understands that her job goes beyond medical and physical care, and includes protecting you from everything: including fire, break-ins, and other risks. If the caregiver isn’t able to accept that level of responsibility, keep looking for one who is.

When you’re physically impaired, it’s even more important to follow the recommendations in Chapter Two: safety plan, safe room, knowing all the escape points, and an effective alarm system that is monitored by a responsible security company, as well as other protective measures. Have a friend help you test your system by playing the "bad guy" to see if your system works the way you planned.

Remember the importance of regular security meetings and discussions with your caregiver, similar to a "family security day". Run drills, test the alarm system, cameras and communication systems, recheck all escape points and locks, etc. Depending on the nature of your injury, whether permanent, temporary, debilitating, etc., your condition will be better, worse, or the same. Update your security plan to accommodate your current condition.

If you have a "permanent and stationary" status from your doctor, your self defense abilities may still change. Never assume that everything will remain the same. You need to assess your needs for yourself on a regular basis, and take all appropriate actions to protect yourself as effectively as possible.

Sometimes family or friends are not available to help someone who is physically impaired, and there may not be enough money to hire support services. There are many resources that provide help for the physically impaired. Many of them are non-profit agencies, including my organization, ‘Street Smart System of Self-defense, Inc.’ Our primary goal is to help all people fight crime and learn self protection strategies, including the physically challenged.

Utilize these organizations as much as you can. They have been created specifically to help you. Getting involved with them will improve your quality of life through a stronger support system, so you can enjoy more of your life. Your doctor’s office or local social services department should be able to provide you with information on agencies that are there for your specific disability

CONCLUSION

Always have a "warrior state of mind". Be aware of what could happen, and have a plan to handle it. Practice your self defense techniques, and fight back to the end. You may be at a physical disadvantage, but you can still protect yourself, if you are willing to learn. Empower yourself! You have the right to be safe.