Get your self into training. Dont go to these quick 10 week self defence courses. You dont learn nothing. Find a class does not matter about which martial art. If you feel you have to carry something take a torch you can get a maglite the same size as the middle picture you got Or a bit chunky one like a baton. As you are walking int the dark it not a weapon but you hit some one it get classed as a weapon. Its up to the jury to decide your fate. When being attacked you may use reasonable force this is good because you can do anything as long as your life is in danger. In a dark back street with a gang surrounds you and one comes in to you space and you hit him in the head with a torch and you run. You should not get done for that. It was reasonable for that situation. But in a pub with one guy and you do the same its excessive force you can get done for that. The line between reasonable and excessive force is small. In a fight that extra kick you give him on the floor takes it from good to bad. What ever weapon you carry beware it could be used against yourself. IT'S BETTER TO BE JUDGED BY 12 THAN CARRIED BY 4

Unfortunately, pepper spray is illegal. And yeah, I think anyone would be scared coming home at 3 am! It's dangerous. A self defense class is a definite must!!! Join karate or tae kwon do for a few months. Do you have coworkers? It might be a good idea to set up a cell phone system. Meaning as soon as you guys get home you send a quick text or call to make sure each of you gets home safely. If someone doesn't reply within 45 minutes of getting off you contact the police. Also exchange home routes with coworkers so they will know where to send the police to look. If possible try to go as much as the route home with a coworker. That way you guys will feel safer and a thug is less likely to attack two or three people in a group. Do you have a car? Or a bike? Walking is probably the least safe option. If you have a car, I know gas is expensive. But your safety is worth it. At the very least take a bike, and bike like hell to get home. Don't stop, and the faster you go the least likely they will be able to catch you. Just don't crash. Or if possible take a bus service and a bike. Also, have as much of a plan prepared as possible. Let a friend, or family member know when you work and the route you take to work and if they don't hear from you for a few days to contact the police. On second thought, I would recommend taking a bat with you to work ,but apparently the UK's system really don't care much for self defense. :( Even that would be technically illegal. Wear some really gaudy huge rings. At least if you punch him it will scratch his face up pretty bad.

The key rings are useless. Pepper spray is illegal and if caught with possession if one you will be charged with carrying a firearm. It can be years in jail or a big fine depending circumstances.

If you have got into full time university, you should not be working. University is a much higher work load than you imagine. You get student finance to cover expenses of living and studying.

Honestly your probably just worrying over nothing. What happens happens. If you keep yourself to yourself you should be fine. Carry a mobile to ring police if necessary.

Where in england are u? U need a boxing class or a Krav maga

Don't go to blackbelt academyes or karate, tkd, muay thai or mma they are competition and not realistic in street fighting. There are a few decent karate places in the uk but not much focus on

Actual fighting, same for tkd and similar arts. Don't get judo because groundfighting won't work on the streets, in competion it's fine but really it's not good, same goes for mma and muay thai (muay thai standing up competition fighting).

Of u can go for Boxing or Krav Maga preferably Boxing

Forget about ur pepper spray or brass knucks they'll get u into jail

Ur NOT stupid to be worried it's better u are aware of what can happen to u and if u do get sent down accept it it's better to go to jail than to die.

Im a 18 year old man (you can laugh because im male)I have got into uni! - but this means im moving out and as I work I could be walking to my apartment from work at 3am!. Im scared because im in fear of being attacked due to i have to take dark alleyways and see drunk thugs- but as the British legal system intends on protecting the criminal so im worried that if I do defend myself ill be arrested for assault. I was thinking of buying one of the three key rings below or can I use pepper spray- can can body help me in this situation? im so so confused and I dont want to use something illegal or get arrested - im getting different messages. :( - am I stupid im this worried ?

Thanks Guys

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