Now, I know I am posting this on a pistol forum.
But, as I have been now almost 2 years in Krav Maga, and continue to run twice monthly IDPA Matches, attended two Rangemaster conferences, and talked with countless LEO's, read Facing Violence and a couple of other self-defense books, I have developed what I consider a minimum self-defense strategy for my family members who don't carry. But I am not in the industry and I have not studied this anywhere near as long as many here.
What I tell my family is that they should first understand and practice avoidance, situational awareness, and to carry pepper spray and a bright small flashlight so that they are quickly accessible. I give them inert pepper spray trainers, a new flashlight once a year, and a folding knife every two years. I personally think Rory Miller's book Facing Violence is great for learning about how conflict occurs and practicing avoidance and how to react to an assault.
I always suggest Krav Maga but not many take up the challenge. But it seems to me that to be minimally competent in self-defense average people should know some basic defensive moves, such as getting out of a choke, head and throat attacks, elbow attacks, knee and groin kick attacks, and some basic grappling.
And, I suggest they should start a program learning how to shoot a pistol, get their CCW permit, and learn to carry. But in the meantime they can learn to shoot and keep a gun at home for home defense, and keep it safe from any kids or irresponsible members of the household. But they not all are ready to commit to training to carry a gun.
Now I recognize that the skill level needed for self-defense may vary by location quite a bit. Self-defense for Chicago and LA is way different than self-defense for Nebraska. And, learning defensive skills has to be age-appropriate as well.
My concern is that too many people think of the pistol as a magic wand of self-defense that provides a complete spectrum of protection for the average situations that people encounter. (Armed Robbery, Assault, Battery, Burglary, Sexual Assault, etc. )
So here is my question: What level of training does an average person need to provide BASIC self-defense? (I am not asking how people become Pistol Ninjas.)
Thanks,
Cody