Defend Yourself: Essential Self-Defense Basics

The world can be a dangerous place. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, one in five women have reported experiencing rape or attempted rape in their lifetime. Additionally, the FBI reports that there were an estimated 1,197,704 violent crimes committed in America in 2015 alone. With these statistics in mind, it is important to equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to defend yourself in a dangerous situation.

In this article, we will cover the essential self-defense basics that everyone should know. We will discuss the importance of being aware of your surroundings, the benefits of taking self-defense classes, and the techniques you can use in a dangerous situation.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

One of the most important things you can do to defend yourself is to be aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to who is around you, where you are, and what is happening. If you are walking alone, don’t use your phone or listen to music – be aware of what’s going on around you. Knowing where you are and who is around you will help you to avoid dangerous situations.

In addition to being aware of your surroundings, it is also important to trust your instincts. If you feel like something is not right, it probably isn’t. Take action immediately to get to a safe place. This can mean crossing the street, going into a store, or calling someone for help.

Take Self-Defense Classes

Taking self-defense classes is one of the best investments you can make to protect yourself. Self-defense classes teach you how to defend yourself in a variety of situations, including physical attacks. In addition to teaching you how to fight back, self-defense classes also teach you how to prevent dangerous situations from occurring in the first place.

There are many different types of self-defense classes available, including Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Filipino Martial Arts. When choosing a self-defense class, it is important to consider the instructor’s credentials and the experience level of the other students. Look for an instructor who has experience teaching self-defense to people of all ages and abilities. The other students should be at a similar experience level as you so that you can learn together.

Practice Self-Defense Techniques

There are many different techniques that you can use to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. The technique you use will depend on the situation that you are in. Here are some self-defense techniques that you can practice:

1. Palm Strike: A palm strike is a quick and effective way to disable an attacker. Make a fist with your dominant hand and then turn your hand over so that your palm is facing up. Strike the attacker in the nose, chin, or throat with your palm. This will stun the attacker and give you time to escape.
2. Knee Strike: A knee strike is a powerful way to incapacitate an attacker. If an attacker is grabbing you from behind, quickly turn around and strike them in the groin with your knee. This will cause the attacker to double over in pain, giving you time to escape.
3. Eye Gouge: An eye gouge is a highly effective technique that can incapacitate an attacker. If an attacker is grabbing you from the front, use your fingers to gouge their eyes. This will cause the attacker to release their grip, giving you time to escape.
4. Foot Stomp: A foot stomp is a quick and effective way to disable an attacker. If an attacker is grabbing you from behind, stomp on their foot with the heel of your foot. This will cause the attacker to release their grip, giving you time to escape.
5. Choke Defense: If an attacker is trying to choke you, use your hands to grab their thumbs and bend them back. This will release their grip and allow you to escape.

It is important to remember that these techniques should only be used as a last resort. If you are in a dangerous situation, the best course of action is always to escape as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, defending yourself is essential in a dangerous world. By being aware of your surroundings, taking self-defense classes, and practicing self-defense techniques, you can be better equipped to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. Remember that the best course of action is always to escape, but if you are unable to do so, these techniques can give you the time you need to get to safety. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start investing in your safety today.