With increasing crime it has become mandatory for everyone to be aware of the dangers that lurk in corners and sometimes stare you in the face on the streets. It has become essential that each one of us ensure some kind of self defense.

There are various kinds of initiatives that you can take to ensure self protection. Among them are various self defense programs, fitness classes, martial arts and self defense products. Among the products, there are various options that start from pepper sprays to stun guns, tasers, pen knives and more. The question however is how many of these various self defense programs or products should one adopt. How much is practical and what defines the level of obsession and paranoia?

Actually there are no set definitions of how much self defense is practical and how much is more than required. This is mainly because of the fact that the self protection requirement of different people varies based on certain factors. Those who work late hours or need to travel to lonely and dangerous areas need to be more trained in self defense techniques than others. Professionals like security guards and personal guards who face criminals or defiant individuals as part of their profession also need more self defense. Even those who need to meet strangers on a regular basis should be extra careful and ensure that they have thought about self defense so that they are not caught unawares.

Such individuals should, at the least, purchase some self defense products and understand how they are used so that they can confidently face any situation that arises. In fact, such people should take the trouble of thinking about the various dangers that can possibly arise and prepare mentally and physically for the same.

This is not to state that people who have a nine-to-five job do not need any self defense. The crime scene today does not allow anyone to stay relaxed and indifferent to the topic of self defense. While some professionals may be at a higher risk of being attacked or victimized, each one of us is at a certain risk of being mugged or picked upon. Pick pockets, bag snatchers and rapists are at large in the city. Individual self protection is essential for all.

It is also a fact that with increasing competition and pressures, everyone cannot afford to take the time for customized professional self defense training. Most people require simple products that can allow a temporary win that allows a quick escape. Pepper sprays, stun guns and tasers are some easy to use products that can be bought and learned extremely easy. One does not need to go through an extensive self defense training program to learn how to use these simple products that are actually designed for the general public.

Therefore, the idea in an attack situation is to incapacitate the aggressor for a limited period of time so that you can make a run for it. These products are meant for exactly such incidents and therefore are most practical. It is also wise to buy products that are disguised as regular items like pens, beepers, lipsticks and the like so that you can use them without warning the assailant.