Knowing self-defense and how to protect yourself will always be an invaluable asset in today’s world. Whether you are a male or female, young or old, single, or married.
I am a former Master-Corporal in the military and have twelve years of experience learning and applying techniques to defend others and myself. In this article, I will talk about some ins and outs of learning and applying direct and indirect self-defense skills.
Importance of Self-Defense
Self-defense is an imperative life skill that’s been practiced either out of necessity or preparedness at all times, by all walks of life. In fact, many martial arts weapons are derived from garden tools used by feudal Japanese farmers—who were not allowed to practice with swords so they would practice with a sai. A sai is a three-pronged gardening tool that is inconspicuous but dangerous in experienced hands. As the old saying goes “It’s better to be a warrior in a garden, than a gardener in a war.”
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Knowledge is power, become powerful through your understanding of self-defense! Just reading this article will give you basic knowledge of how to prepare yourself and set you on the right track and mindset to prepare for an attack.
Importance of Self-Defense
The importance of learning some self-defense techniques is imperative, especially for a woman. Basic biology will tell us a fully grown man will easily overpower a woman. But it will also tell you that it only takes 5 psi of force to break a human’s windpipe—causing extreme pain, difficulty breathing, and even death if the damage is extensive enough. Even if you’re a small person, ball up your fist, and punch as hard as you could to someone’s throat—it has the very real potential to kill them. Of course, you would only use such a technique on someone if they were threatening your life.
Self-Defense Techniques
Basic Strikes and Blocks
Jab: A jab is one of the first and easiest punches you will learn when starting a boxing/self-defense class.
Here is how to perform a jab:
- Ball up your fist ensuring your thumb is wrapped around your fingers ( don’t wrap your fingers around your thumb).
- Pull your arm back to your body
- Extend your arm and fist outward toward your target.
Palm Strike: A palm strike ( similar to a jab), incorporates the same movements as a punch but with an open hand using the base of your hand as a strike point. This strike is better suited for softer points of the body such as the nose or solar plexes.
Defense Against Common Attacks
Wrist Grab: the wrist is another weak point on the body that is commonly used in martial arts classes to command the body. It can be difficult to convey the proper technique of wrist locks and throws using a writing medium, that’s why it is encouraged to take professionally taught classes when learning these techniques. A wrist bent or twisted too far one way in the wrong direction will cause an attacker significant pain.
Palm Strikes: Aim for the attacker’s nose or chin with the heel of your hand. Hit quick and fast. A strong upward-focused hit can cause injury and disorientation.
Elbow Strikes: Use your elbow and all of your weight behind it! Aim for tender areas like the throat, ribs, or jaw.
Knee Strikes: To immediately incapacitate your attacker, knee them hard in the groin.
Foot Stomp: Use your foot to stomp on the instep of your attacker’s foot. This could be enough for them to release you so you can run for help!
Eye Gouges and Scratches: Use your fingers to strike and gouge your attacker’s eyes. Use your thumbs to push his or her eyes in. Fair warning, this will cause temporary pain or blindness.
Hammer Fist: Use the bottom of your fist to hit downwards on your attacker’s nose, side of head, or collarbone. Also, consider using both fists at the same time if possible!
Women’s Self-Defense Classes
Finding the Right Class
Finding the right self-defense class for you is increasingly easy these days. Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, nearly anywhere you go a simple Google search will bring up local classes in your area. Read reviews and ask friends and coworkers for recommendations for classes in your area.
You need to ask yourself what you want to be capable of doing. If you’re looking to learn a few simple punches, kicks, and pressure points— a common karate class will do the trick nicely. To become more dangerous and rounded advanced, MMA classes are available in most cities. If that interests you, research advanced martial arts such as Ju-Jitsu (for ground defense), or krav maga for deadlier techniques. And don’t just limit yourself to martial arts classes or other combat sports. Remember that proficiency with firearms is just as important when protecting you and your family from harm.
Researching Instructors
Researching instructors is very important when taking a class. Nine times out of ten, if an instructor has a school set up with repeat students and good standing in the community, it would be safe to train with them. Remember, not all instructors are honest and are just out to make a buck from vulnerable people. Ask for credentials, do your research, and use your common sense when it comes to choosing a class. Another great resource is word of mouth. Go to your local police station, most police officers participate or know instructors in the local area.
Considering Class Formats
Class formats for what you want to achieve are important. As previously discussed, what you want to be able to achieve is personal to you. If you have zero knowledge of self-defense and are just starting out be careful and respectful.
I wouldn’t recommend going to your local boxing class and challenging someone who looks like they may be an easy target, because someone will quickly humble you. If you are physically fit, you can consider a class that will challenge you more. It will all depend on your comfort level.
Also, bringing a friend to a self-defense class could be really fun—if you don’t get distracted. And you can share any tips you both learn with your friend group…snacks and a free self-defense class, hell ya!
Situational Awareness
Recognizing Potential Threats: Look out for anything out of the ordinary or unusual. Watch out for the same person following you or showing up at the locations you frequent. (hello, stalker). If you feel uncomfortable, leave the situation immediately and go somewhere safe.
Trusting Your Instincts: One of the most important tools you have in your arsenal for self-defense is instinct. We all have it, and we can all use it if we listen to it. Always trust your gut, if someone or something seems off, it probably is.
Practicing Self-Defense: Practice what you learn in class frequently. Even if it means asking a friend or partner to play the attacker. Be sure to keep your skills sharp in case you need them.
Regular Training: Cardio and weightlifting will help you stay physically sharp. If you’re in shape, this will make you less of a target, your confidence will improve, and you will be able to fight someone off.
Empowering Yourself Via Self-Defense
When you are ready for anything that can happen to you, you will appear more confident. Attackers tend to target women who walk with their heads down, awkwardly, and appear weak. Having self-defense training and knowledge will help you to appear and feel more self-aware and self-confident. This may be your best defense against a predator!
Be aware, and stay safe!
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