At secure locations such as courthouses and airports, security checkpoints scan your belongings for weapons. I’ve seen people attempt to pass through with knives, brass knuckles, and even plastic guns. It raises an important question: Why do these individuals feel the need to carry weapons? More importantly, in a real confrontation, what will you do when they have a weapon and you don’t?
In modern society, most people are unarmed when attacked. Some may carry a pocketknife or possess a concealed firearm with a CCW permit, but these are the exception—not the rule. Between strict gun control laws, airport security measures, and restrictions on blades, we often find ourselves with limited options for physical defense.
That’s where Kempo—and smart self-defense—comes into play. One of the most powerful and underappreciated concepts is using your attacker as a weapon. In situations involving multiple opponents, every advantage matters. While they may have the advantage of numbers, you can gain the upper hand through superior training, creativity, and use of the environment—including the attackers themselves.
1. Throw One Opponent Into Another
If you manage to grab hold of an attacker, don’t waste the opportunity. Use your hips and waist rotation to sling them into a second opponent. A well-directed throw can knock down or at least disrupt multiple attackers. This tactic buys time, creates space, and puts you back in control of the situation. Direct their momentum—whether by a throw, a trip, or even a controlled fall—into another adversary.
2. Use the Attacker as a Shield
When you achieve control through leverage, joint locks, or pain compliance, use the attacker as a human shield. Move behind them and keep them between you and the remaining threats. This makes it harder for others to strike you directly and may even cause hesitation among attackers who don’t want to hit their own ally. Shields aren’t just for medieval warriors—they’re practical, tactical tools in real-life confrontations.
3. Use Their Clothes as Weapons
Clothing can be surprisingly helpful in a fight. Grab a jacket, shirt, or hoodie and use it to tie up limbs, obscure his vision, or adjust your posture. Jackie Chan made this famous in his movies, using improvised tools and clothing in every fight. Pulling a jacket over an attacker’s head, tangling their arms, or tying their legs together can neutralize them quickly and disorient others nearby.
Adapt, Improvise, Overcome
The truth is, most real-world confrontations are chaotic and unpredictable. You likely won’t have a weapon. You may be outnumbered. The key to survival isn’t brute strength—it’s adaptability. Learn to improvise. Use your opponent as a resource. Turn the tables with creativity and training.
When you can think fast, move smart, and act with purpose, even an overwhelming situation can shift in your favor. Use the attacker as a weapon—and gain the edge you need.t multiple bad guys, take one as your weapon. Thinking creatively is the key to success.
