Not many think about this, but are you able to defend yourself and your loved ones should the need arise? Well, of course not asking you to play Rambo and start decimating the whole battalion. Unfortunately this is a fact of life, where we get pushed into a situation of life and death. What if you are facing someone larger in size, how do you overcome them? Think about the late Bruce Lee, who’s around 172 cm tall and weighed 62 kg, not big by most standards but he can easily overwhelm someone far larger. You too can protect yourself with the right training, so read on.
Prevention Is the Best Self Defense
Always remember that prevention is better than cure. Most attackers, regardless of their objectives are looking for easy & unsuspecting targets. Follow simple tips like observing your surroundings and keeping in well-lit areas. If confrontation is unavoidable, try defusing the situation. Talk the person down, or hand over your valuables like wallets, so as to create the opportunity to escape. DO NOT ever attempt to fight over money; nothing is more valuable than your life.
However there may come a time where violence is unavoidable, and you have to defend yourself in order to survive. Remember that staying calm is key.
Attract Attention and Push Back
Once the attacker tries anything funny, make sure the shout loudly (‘BACK OFF’) and push back at him if required. This act sends out two messages, one where the noise will attract attention and two where you show the attacker you are no easy target.
(Video URL - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrZieC3ysyk) This video from Rob Redenbach, a former trainer of Nelson Mandela’s bodyguards, explains the first thing you should do. We are not saying it will dissuade all attackers but may be enough to turn some away.
Right Places to Hit
As in most confrontations, the fight may be decided in a few moves. As such you must pick the right places to hit before the attacker gains full control of the situation. But this does not mean you go into a panic mode and start throwing your punches into the air. Conserve energy where possible, for you need the energy to escape given the opportunity. As this is no time to be civil, remember to hit where it hurts: the eyes, nose, neck, groin, knee and legs.
Self-Defense for Women, written by Su Ericksen, highlighted useful techniques for striking those pressure points and escape to safety. Below are some examples of her in action:
Eyes: Poking, gouging, or scratching the attacker’s eyes with your fingers or knuckles. Not only does this cause tremendous pain, it hampers their vision and aids your escape.
Nose: If there is standing right in front of you, use the heel of your palm for an upward strike at his nose. Throw your whole body weight to inflict more pain if required.
Neck: If you are looking for a bigger target, the neck will be a good choice. Given that both the carotid artery and jugular vein are located there, a strike here can temporarily stun your attacker. Try a knife hand strike (all fingers held straight and tightly together, with the thumb tucked and slightly bent at the knuckle).
Knee: A strike to the attacker’s knee may throw him off balance, creating the chance for you to escape. In addition, you minimize the risk of the attacker grabbing your foot.
Maximize Damage
Elbows and Knees
Make use of your elbows and knees for inflict addition damage. Not only are these areas much harder due to the large and solid bones, they are great options when stuck in close quarters with your attacker.
Use everyday objects
Never underestimate everyday objects you carry around. Be in a pen or a bunch of keys; just hold them in between your middle and ring finger when traveling in the dark. Always be ready to strike. Even your perfume or hairspray can be a weapon, have them ready to spray into the attacker’s eyes. For you never know when you will need them. The key is to hit back with all you’ve got.
Moves for Getting Out of or Defending Against Common Holds or Attacks
Wrist Hold: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a school of self-defense which offers modified Jujitsu techniques that average/weaker individuals can carry out. This video demonstrates what you should do when an attacker grabs your wrist. Instead of pulling back and struggling, simply squat down, lean forward and bend your elbow towards the attacker. This will force the attacker to break his hold on your forearm.
Click in image above to play video
Click in image above to play video
Click in image above to play video
Click in image above to play video
Sexual Assault: In an interview with Rener Gracie, he mentioned that there are typically four phases to nearly all sexual attacks on women:
1) Identify an unsuspecting target
2) Subdue the target
3) Exhaust the target
4) Execute the sexual assault
One should utilize the moves mentioned and always fight with all their might in phase two. But once you hit phase three, overexertion may backfire. Gracie’s Women Empowered training program helps women recognize when to feign giving in. Pretending to be compliant (like playing dead in a bear attack) may lower the attacker’s guard, giving you a chance to strike hard or make an easy escape.
Click in image above to play video
Resources
Apart from the techniques mentioned above, there are many other resources you should check out. A good place for you to start may be Guidelines for Choosing a Self-Defense Course. If you have any young girls in the family, perhaps Just Yell Fire, is a good movie to catch. Not only is it free, it is designed for girls aged between 11-19 years old. Go on and practice the techniques mentioned, for they may make the difference between life and death. If not for yourself, at least be able to protect your loved ones. And remember to share this with those you care about.
