When you are in a physical struggle to defend yourself, you must be able to identify and use anything in your environment to your advantage.  There are generally 4 types of improvised weapons:

1. Striking Weapons (Blunt & Bladed) - any object you can strike with; they can be further separated into the following subcategories based on the type of injury they inflict:

a. Contusions (Bruises)

b. Abrasions (Scrapes)

c. Lacerations (Cuts)

d. Fractures (Broken Bones)

2. Shielding Weapons - anything you can use to stop, block, or deflect an attack

3. Distracting Weapons - things you can throw or spray in the attacker’s face

4. Restraining Weapons - something that can be used to tie up an attacker

Remember that your goal is to create an opening and escape.  You should never engage in conflict longer than necessary because doing so will only increase your risk of injury.