In this video, Melanie who is an instructor with a 1st Dan black belt in Krav Maga, will teach you how to defend yourself in case of an aggression while you are seated on a bench or a chair. Discover simple gestures and techniques to block a punch and grow back an aggressor.
Table of Contents
Stay on the starting blocks
Let’s imagine a very common situation: you are quietly at the terrace of a café, having a drink with a friend. And then, someone who wants to fight arrives.
There are two options to defend yourself.
- You are on your chair or on a bench, on the “starting-blocks” position, like a sprinter.
Your two legs are underneath the chair, you’re on your tiptoes to be able to stand up quickly. In the distance, you see your attacker with his arms in the air, ready to hit you. Use your support to get up immediately on your “starting blocks”.
Your attacker throws a hook at you but you block the strike with a “double blocking” using both forearms. You grab his arm with one hand and the back of his neck with the other, you counterattack by hitting the “upper target” (neck, face…) and then the “lower target” (genitals).
Then, you use your environment as much as possible. Your back is against the wall that you use to put the attacker out of action and save time to escape.
You have the upper hand over him and while you keep a firm hold on him, you rotate to face the wall (so your attacker’s back is to the wall) and use your environment to push him back and throw him against the wall.
Use your environment
- Second option, you are seated on your chair that you will use as a support. This way, you will be able to aim at the genitals using help.
You see a threatening and somewhat hysterical looking person coming towards you in the distance. Don’t wait until the individual stands in front of you to react. Use your chair as a support and kick his genitals, and immediately stand up on guard to protect your face. Stay on the lookout!
If by some misfortune your attacker smashes into you, keep the control by grabbing him and vigorously pushing him back against the wall. Again, use your surroundings. “No holds barred.” Usually a kick to the genitals is enough to push your opponent back, but if it isn’t and if he throws a punch, then counterattack!
If you’re in a confined area but there is an exit, use it to flee!
Quick note: although you shouldn’t be paranoid, today it is important to keep an eye on everything and everyone as soon as you leave your home. Watch out for a suspicious individual behind you, don’t walk around with your hands in your pockets and headphones on, as if you were on your own, etc. This peaceful attitude could catch the attention of ill-intentioned people. So, always be on the lookout to react to a possible attack.
