How to learn to defend yourself effectively in the street?

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Insecurity is more prevalent today than ever before. Hence, we wonder how we can defend ourselves in the street. Without becoming paranoid, it is interesting to know some simple and effective gestures of self defense that could help you escape a dangerous situation. This can be very useful in case of physical aggression for instance. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a buffalo to know how to defend yourself. Here are a few tips to help you better understand the danger and learn how to defend yourself.

How to defend yourself against an assault in the middle of the street?

individual outdoors, with hand open in front of him in protection

The first thing you should do is try to relax since managing your stress well can be very helpful. Whatever happens, try to calm the situation by “talking” to your attacker. Sometimes it allows you to avoid fighting. Always keep in mind that the risk of injury or death is very high in street fighting. Indeed, you can be confronted to attackers holding bladed weapons

Here are two tips to deal with an attack:

  • Remember to maintain a defensive posture by staying as stable as possible. To do this, your feet should be at a slight angle, as in martial arts. This way, you are more solid and less likely to fall to the ground. Indeed, once on the ground, your chances of getting out unharmed are very low…
  • Rule number 1: protect your face at all costs. A knockout can happen very quickly, especially if your attacker tries to punch you in the face. So make sure you keep your hands on your forehead. This way, you protect two sensitive parts of the human body: the face and your ribs. In addition, your attacker will lower his guard because he will think you are weak, leaving you more options to counterattack if need be.

Running away is the best defense in the street!

Some may say this is acting like a “coward, but it is an effective defense strategy. Swallow your ego and think of your survival. If you are alone with your attacker and you decide to flee, move to a place with more traffic (busy street, bar, restaurant, store…). This way, he will be less tempted to chase you.

Of course, running away is not always possible… Maybe you are unable to move properly, notably if you have a child or an elderly person with you. In such a situation, here are two fighting techniques to consider.

2 self defense techniques you have to know

To defend yourself properly, you’d better to know a few moves from combat sports or martial arts. This way, you will escape more easily from your attackers. However, sometimes escape is impossible and you have no choice but to put your attacker out of action. Regardless of your physical condition or the strength of your opponent, you can defend yourself in the street with simple moves that are within the limits of legitimate defense.

Block your opponent’s strikes

There is a simple fighting method to remember that will help you prevent the assailant from punching you. It’s very simple, all you have to do is position your hands with open palms in front of your face, at the height of your forehead. This naturally forms a right angle between your forearm and your arm. As soon as a blow hits, it is automatically blocked. This way, you protect your face, your throat and your ribs.

combat sports practitioner in guard

Dodge the strikes

One cannot exist without the other, and learning to dodge an attack is easy. You need to take a step back or to the side to prevent the attacker from hitting you. Also, don’t forget to keep your guard up (technique available above). Also, you must practice very often so that it becomes a reflex.

Self defense help you defend yourself in the street

Self defense allows you to learn how to defend yourself when faced with an aggression. It is a method of individual defense that uses physical combat techniques from different origins, notably Krav Maga used by the Israeli army or Pencak Silat.

Training is essential to be effective, to act quickly and to build reflexes. Fortunately, self defense is accessible to the general public and you’ll quickly realize that there is no need to be a black belt to know how to defend yourself. If you are interested, don’t hesitate to check our free videos or to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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