For those who don’t have the time to take self defense training, it’s worth knowing a few simple and effective gestures that can save your life. Obviously, learning self defense requires a little training, but in the long run, it is the ideal way to learn how to defend yourself. But still, be sure that you will succeed in preserving your physical integrity, knowing self defense fighting techniques is not enough. You must also be able to manage your stress, because your attacker will quickly see if you are panicked.
Knowing these techniques will allow you to escape or, ideally, to subdue your attacker. Of course, the 5 self defense techniques you are about to discover should only be used against a malevolent person, always respecting the limits of legitimate defense.
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What you need to know about self defense techniques
Before I move on, let me give you some tips on how to avoid confrontations with potential attackers. You should know that self defense starts with prevention. You must be aware that danger is all around you. If possible, try to limit the risks by showing you’re confident. Don’t let the opponent think you are an easy target.
Also, you can’t always avoid an attack. Whether it is verbal or physical, try to stay very calm:
- Do not react to provocations,
- Speak calmly and do not make abrupt gestures,
- Start to walk away, if possible.
If you are in a deadlock (literally and metaphorically), here are 5 self defense techniques to know how to defend yourself.
- Always maintain a safety distance
It is not necessary to fight, even if you have a black belt in martial arts or if you are talented in combat sports. This is especially true if your physical condition does not allow you to do so. Ideally, when you see danger coming (a verbal assault from a distance, for instance), remember to maintain a distance of at least an arm’s length. That way, if the aggressor attacks you, you are far enough away to dodge the blow. At this point, running away is the best tactic!
- Be noisy in case of aggression
Following the above technique, you can maintain a safe distance from your attacker. However, he is not yet done with you, so you may call out to the people in the area. Luckily, your attacker will be surprised and people or shopkeepers will come to your aid. So, don’t hesitate to cry out, if need be.
- The knee-foot technique
No matter how strong your opponent is, some self defense techniques don’t require too much expertise to effectively defend yourself in the street. If you have no choice but to fight, always remember that your best weapons are your knees and feet. If your aggressor is too close to you, this technique is perfect. First reflex: hit his genitals as hard as you can. This is one of the sensitive points of the human body (not to be confused with the vital points, which can be fatal).
Second option: crush your attacker’s foot with your heel or quickly strike his shins or kneecaps. This way, he will surely lose his balance (or at least it will weaken his supports) and you will be able to take advantage of it to escape.
- The punch
Classic, but very efficient, the punch remains one of the best possible outcomes, especially in a close fight. Here’s how to do it:
- Squeeze your fingers into the palm of your hand and put your thumb over them.
- Maintain your wrist firmly and keep your hand in line with your forearm.
- Strike directly with the top of your phalanges or backhand, with the back of your fist, on a sensitive part (or vital, in case of last resort).
Your opponent should be stunned enough to allow you to escape.
- Release with the “shield and spear” technique
If your attacker catches you ahead or from behind, you must react very quickly by immediately blocking your him and pushing him away to keep a safe distance.
Just follow these two simple actions:
- Protect your face by placing your nose in your left elbow. To block this position, place your left thumb on your right shoulder, with your palm out.
- Then, with your right arm, strike your opponent in a horizontal movement, while pushing him very hard.
Train at home to master these techniques
To make sure you do the right moves, consider practicing at home. You can watch videos on YouTube, for instance, or attend the free self defense training classes I offer. That way, you’ll be able to practice safely and at your own pace.
