If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re worried about the growing tension, unrest, and chaos spreading across cities—including right here in Louisiana. Whether it’s New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or a smaller parish town, no place is truly off-limits when society boils over.
I’ve been in this game for over 20 years. Former Marine, lifelong prepper, and self-defense instructor. I don’t sugarcoat things: when a riot kicks off, you’ve got two choices—be prepared or be prey. The goal isn’t to fight every battle—it’s to survive and protect what matters most: your life, your family, and your home.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Below, I’ll lay out the top 8 self-defense skills you need to survive a riot, along with 3 DIY survival weapons you can build fast using what you’ve already got. But before that, I want you to understand the mindset: don’t panic—prepare.
First, Know the Nature of a Riot
Riots move fast and unpredictably. What begins as a peaceful protest can escalate in minutes with one bad actor. Fires, looting, and armed aggression can erupt out of nowhere. And in Louisiana, where gun laws are loose and tempers are fiery, things escalate fast.
You won’t have time to think in the moment. You’ll only have time to react. That’s why training and preparation save lives.
8 Self-Defense Skills You MUST Know Before a Riot
1. Situational Awareness
This is your #1 weapon—awareness beats strength. Always know your exits, keep an eye on crowd behavior, and trust your gut. If people start pushing, shouting, or moving aggressively, leave immediately. Watch hands, not faces—that’s where the danger comes from.
2. De-escalation Techniques
Sometimes your mouth can save your life. Know how to use calm, confident speech to avoid confrontation. Back away slowly, speak clearly, and avoid threatening posture. Your tone should be firm, not fearful.
3. Escape and Evasion Tactics
Move like a ghost. Stick to the edges of crowds, never the middle. Learn how to use alleyways, stairwells, parking garages, and even rooftops as exit routes. Blend in—don’t draw attention. Carry a hoodie, change your appearance quickly if needed.
4. Striking Vital Points
If it comes to a fight, go for the vitals: eyes, throat, knees, and groin. A good palm strike to the nose or throat can end a fight before it starts. This isn’t MMA—it’s survival. You’re buying time to escape, not win a trophy.
5. Improvised Weapons Training
You don’t need a gun to defend yourself. A flashlight, tactical pen, belt buckle, or even a steel water bottle can become a devastating weapon in the right hands. Train with what you carry every day.
6. Ground Defense
If you get knocked down, fight like hell to get up. Protect your head and vital organs, and know how to shrimp (escape from underneath) and post (create space). Learn basic BJJ escapes—they save lives.
7. Knife Defense & Use
Know both how to defend against a blade and how to use one. A fixed-blade knife is easier to deploy than a folding one in high-stress situations. Aim for disabling—not killing. Slash tendons, stab center mass, and get out.
8. Firearm Handling (If Legal and Trained)
Louisiana allows open and concealed carry, but only carry a gun during a riot if you’re fully trained. Understand escalation of force, legal consequences, and keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. Never brandish unless you intend to use it.
3 DIY Survival Weapons You Can Make at Home
When supply chains shut down or stores are looted, you’ll need to rely on your own resourcefulness. Here are three quick, brutal DIY weapons anyone can make.
1. The Pipe Baton
Find a metal or PVC pipe, about 1.5 to 2 feet long. Wrap the handle with paracord or duct tape for grip. Fill it with sand or small metal nuts to increase the weight. This is a blunt force tool that can break bones and end a confrontation fast.
2. The Slingbow (Modified Slingshot)
Take a high-tension slingshot and modify it to shoot arrows. Use surgical tubing for stronger draw, and fashion simple arrows from carbon rods or wooden dowels. It’s silent, reusable, and surprisingly accurate at short range.
3. The Weighted Sap Cap
Take a ball cap and sew lead fishing weights or metal washers into the rim of the hat. Looks normal—but swing it in a pinch, and it hits like a blackjack. Easy to carry, quick to use.
Additional Riot Survival Tips (Specific to Louisiana)
- Know Your Exits – Downtown New Orleans or Baton Rouge? Know where the bridges, tunnels, and back roads are. Avoid interstates during riots—they get jammed fast.
- Keep Your Vehicle Riot-Ready – Full tank of gas, bug-out bag in the trunk, and always park facing out for a quick escape.
- Stay Off Main Streets – Rioters gravitate toward popular streets, government buildings, and shopping centers. Avoid these areas at the first sign of unrest.
- Use Police Scanners or Local Apps – Get real-time updates. Apps like Scanner Radio, Citizen, or local Facebook groups can tell you where the chaos is happening.
- Avoid Confrontation – Your ego can get you killed. If someone challenges you, ignore and exit. Pride is the luxury of peace—not war.
Mental Toughness: Your Greatest Asset
In a survival scenario like a riot, your mindset is 80% of your success. You have to stay calm under chaos, make quick decisions, and protect your own. That includes understanding when to fight and when to flee.
Train regularly. Not just physically, but mentally. Simulate what you’d do in a riot. Go through “what-if” scenarios. Practice bugging out from your home. Rehearse using your DIY weapons.
Train like your life depends on it—because it might.
Final Words
I don’t write this to scare you—I write it to prepare you. I’ve seen what happens when good people get caught in bad situations. And I’ve seen how quickly the rule of law disappears when the fire starts spreading.
Louisiana is a beautiful state—but she’s wild, proud, and unpredictable. That means you can’t rely on the government, the police, or your neighbors when the lights go out and the crowd turns angry. You’ve got to rely on yourself.
Survival isn’t luck—it’s training.
TheDailyChristian 