Self-protection in Fiction - Carrying an ASP BATON - Information for Writers

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

DISCLAIMER - This is a non-political site that is geared to help writers write it right. I am presenting information to help develop fictional characters and fictional scenes. In no way am I advocating any position or personal decision.

This is an ASP BATON. In the top photograph you can see it in its compact  position. It has a padded handle that makes it easy to grip and comfortable in the hand.

The second photo is the baton when extended.

The type of character who might choose to carry an asp baton for self-defense might include:
*Martial Artists
* Police Officers
* Government law ex. ATF, FBI etc.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

* Military and ex-military
* Private Detectives
* Security Guards

Check out the state law where your character is supposed to live to find out about legality. California is a no-go. Because it is a weapon, even if your character has a concealed carry permit, in most states this must be unconcealed. The carrier of this weapon needs to be trained to be effective. Or not. I mean, if your character gets hold of an asp to "look cool," for example then the bad guy/gal could relieve them of their weapon and use it against them. Plot twist.                                                                

                                                                                                                  An asp baton has a little carry case that fits onto your belt loop. 

An asp baton is an excellent jogging weapon. Your character could have an asp baton in each hand. They are comfortable, and add a little arm weight.

And as she is running through the woods out jumps a werewolf, or a wild dog, or an  attacker. 

First the protagonist would take a defensive pose. This tells an attacker that she is not an easy target - that might be all the deterrent she needs. This also put her in position to open her weapon.

Weight is on the back non-dominant foot

Dominant foot is ready to kick, pivot, run

                                       

• Quick snap down. 
• The weapon extends and locks into place. 
• This gives shorter women a better ability to protect against long-armed tall men.

This is what they look like extended. They extend by gravity and lock in place with friction (yay, physics!) No buttons to push. It's a fairly straightforward  mechanism. If you want to add tension to the scene, the baton could get stuck. It's still a great weapon and can be used somewhat like a kubotan. See videos below for more closed baton tactical ideas.  

                           
                                      

•  45 degree foot position. 
• Weight distributed between legs, slightly more weight on the back leg. Ready for quick footwork (shuffling). 
• Load. Which means to put the weapon into striking stance. 
• These moves are FAST. You have moved from lifting the weapon to strike position in the blink of an eye - the heroine doesn't want to give her attacker the ability to size up the situation and come up with a plan.
• Disarm the attacker of their weapon and neutralize the attacker. Use the force necessary to stop the threat. 
• Use X swipes (see videos)

• Video 1 - ASP Collapsible baton. (13 min) Goes over all the info an author might need for descriptions. Includes a break down.
• Video 2 - What is a telescoping steel baton? (1:32 min)
• Video SET - These are 19 short videos (about 90 seconds each) showing the tactical use of closed and opened baton scenarios include knife fights, bat/stick attacks, grappling, front and back attacks. Excellent.

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