Personal Defence Academy

Personal Safety Tips - Torchlight to the Rescue

In this article, we share with you a simple item you can carry around for your personal safety - a small torchlight!

While a humble torchlight may not seem like much, it is a very effective and portable self-defence tool, not to mention useful in daily situations too! Besides coming in sizes small enough to carry around in your pocket, keychain or handbag, it is also very useful when looking for items dropped under a table, or simply finding your way around in the dark. The last time I was overseas at my uncle's when there was a power outage, and we were able to quickly find some candles and light them with the help of my trusty pocket torch.

But enough of it's utility, how does it work in self defence?

Well, the torch is a weapon of opportunity, most effective at night. You carry it in a ready position when you're walking home down a dark stretch or road, or simply any dimly lit area that you feel somewhat unsafe. If an aggressor appears in front of you, you can quickly point the torch in his eye and switch it on. In the relative darkness of the night, a torch can seem as bright as the sun, temporarily blinding him. As the aggressor shields his eyes and struggles to adjust to the light, you can either follow up with more attacks of opportunity, or run away if you're confident of making it to a safe place in time.

Will any torch do the trick? Yes and no. All torches can be used for the blinding effect, but some torches are better than others. Personally, I prefer a torch that can be switched on with a simple click of a button at the tail cap. This makes it a simple reflex with the thumb, and reduces the chances of fumbling for the switch in moments of panic.

If possible, I also suggest a torch that has a metal casing, and preferably a ridged protrusion at the front, sometimes also called a crenellated strike bezel. The metal casing makes it harder and the protrusions make it more painful when you use the torch as a modified stabbing weapon. This is extremely useful when you have no choice but to take the aggressor on, or if you need a quick escapefrom an unexpected bearhug. You can apply the various strike techniques we've covered in classes with a small torch as well.

Amazing what the right torch can do, isn't it? Hope you found that useful, and consider putting it into practice!

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