Bruno Jukic: Family Self-Defense and Staying Safe

Bruno Jukic stood in the backyard of his home, demonstrating a compact baton to a group of friends and neighbors. His movements were deliberate, his voice steady and commanding. The topic of the day was family self-defense—an increasingly relevant subject in the face of rising concerns about personal safety.

“Let’s face it,” Bruno began, sliding the baton back into its sheath. “The world can be unpredictable. We all hope we’ll never have to face a dangerous situation, but hope isn’t a strategy. Preparation is.”

The group nodded, a mix of parents and young adults eager to learn.

Bruno picked up a small keychain weapon from the table beside him, holding it up for everyone to see. “This,” he said, “is a kubotan. It’s simple, small, and easy to carry. Perfect for someone who doesn’t want to attract attention but still needs a way to defend themselves. And that’s the point of family self-defense: to give everyone in your family the tools and confidence to stay safe without escalating violence unnecessarily.”

He gestured to the array of non-lethal weapons laid out on the table. “Let’s go through some options. First, tasers and stun guns. They’re effective for immobilizing an attacker without causing permanent harm. Then you’ve got mace and pepper spray—great for creating an opportunity to escape. Rubber bullets? Useful if you’re dealing with a more serious threat, but they require good aim and some practice. Batons, keychain weapons, even tactical pens—these are all tools that can help you protect yourself without taking a life.”

Bruno paused, letting the group absorb the information. Then he shifted his tone, addressing the bigger picture. “But tools are only part of the equation. The most important weapon you have is your mindset. In a confrontation, you need to stay calm, assess the situation, and act decisively.”

He pointed to a father in the group. “Let’s talk about roles. If you’re with your family and something goes down, your job as the husband or protector is to stand your ground. Create a barrier between the threat and your loved ones. Your family’s job is to run—to get to safety as quickly as possible. You’re not there to fight for pride or ego. You’re there to buy time and ensure they’re safe.”

One of the mothers raised her hand. “But what if we can’t run? What if we’re cornered?”

Bruno nodded, appreciating the question. “If running isn’t an option, then everyone needs to know how to defend themselves. That’s why training is so important. Even basic self-defense moves can make a huge difference. And remember, the goal is always to neutralize the threat long enough to escape—not to engage in a prolonged fight.”

He picked up a canister of pepper spray, holding it out. “This stuff, for example, is easy to use and incredibly effective. A quick spray to the eyes, and most attackers won’t be able to follow you. But you need to practice. Know how to aim, know how to deploy it quickly. The same goes for any tool you carry. Confidence comes from preparation.”

Bruno’s voice softened as he addressed the group. “Look, I’m not saying you should live in fear. But I am saying you should be ready. Crackheads, gang members, desperate people—they’re out there. And when push comes to shove, your family’s safety is your responsibility. Non-lethal weapons give you options, but your mindset and preparation are what really matter.”

The group nodded, a mix of determination and gratitude on their faces. Bruno could see they were taking his words to heart, and that gave him a sense of purpose.

“Remember,” he concluded, “it’s not about being a hero. It’s about being a protector. Stand your ground, stay calm, and make sure your family gets to safety. That’s what matters most.”

As the session wrapped up, Bruno felt a surge of satisfaction. He wasn’t just teaching self-defense—he was empowering families to take control of their safety, one lesson at a time.