But the Law forbids us to carry a weapon to defend ourselves.

Even though the Mugger or Rapist has his dreadful intentions, legally and practically we can do very little about it.

In your home, it's different. If you found an intruder in your bedroom you would be fully entitled to use appropriate force. Leaflets are available from police stations giving full information about your rights in such a situation.

But on the street or in the park, what can you do?

I suggest you carry an umbrella. It is not a "weapon" as such, not on any prohibited list. If it's sunny, it is a sunshade. If it is wet, it is a rain guard. If you are elderly it is in effect a walking stick. It is almost part of a business man's 'uniform' - it is never out of place

And most importantly, a non-aggressive young man can carry one perfectly legally. He does not need a knife or gun to defend himself. The umbrella makes a most effective and dangerous spear. Powerful and devastating.

There is a 'new kid on the block' - Amagasa-jutsu. A martial art detailing ways of surviving a street confrontation using your umbrella. Giving you a chance of staying alive, un-broken and un-stabbed. Quickly and relatively easily learnt even by the ordinary, non-aggressive elderly man and woman.

There are various types of umbrella. The short collapsible or folding versions have a place. Not a big place, but they can if necessary function as a yawara short fighting stick to hit vital points. But forget about this. If you are in need of personal protection, don't bother with these small ones. Excellent as they are, you would need several years of training and practice with them to survive a mugging or would-be rape.

You need to survive now! Like in an hour's time when you walk your dog in the park. Or push your toddler in the pram. You need a strong full-length curved handle normal size version. Avoid the light, flimsy cheap models. They will let you down in that emergency! And will break in your hands. Their cheapness could be your death.

I myself carry the Unbreakable Umbrella made by Thomas Kurz. Very strong, it can deliver tremendous force with no risk of breaking. I found mine through the Internet. It really IS something!

But like me, you may be weaker than you were twenty years ago. You may be unfit and elderly. Overweight, out of training. So how could you batter a fit vigorous mugger senseless? Of course, you cannot.

I recommend the Amagasa-jutsu technique termed the Billiard Thrust. With the tip on the ground at your right side, flip the end up into your left hand and like a billiard cue thrust directly into his throat or eye, withdrawing it in the instant. The action must be very fast - or even faster than that! Practise against a cardboard box in the garden to develop speed and courage. WHACK!

Dreadfully dangerous, Yes!

But there - he's trying to rob, stab or rape you. What choice do you have? You must Survive!