If You Were Attacked Tomorrow: A Basic Guide to Self Defense

Let’s face it; we live in a dangerous world. And while you’re probably not going to be hit by a rocket anytime soon (unless you’re somewhere in the
Middle East
) there’s a chance you may be attacked in your neighborhood or locale. While learning a martial arts style may be over the top for most people, there are some basic defense tactics that everyone should know.

The first and foremost tactic I recommend against an attacker is having a strong poise. That may sound ridiculous to you, I mean, what if your opponent has a knife? Because the key idea here is to not become a victim, it is important that you are not perceived as one. Stand erect, facing your opponent or at a slight angle. Be ready to raise your voice; scream like a three-year-old girl if you have to; it will make the attacker think twice about going for you.

What if it moves past the point of simple threats? If the attacker has moved against you physically, again keep going with the shouting. However, present yourself as a difficult obstacle. Angle yourself towards the attacker with one foot slightly in front of and either left or right of the other foot. This will not only present a smaller target to your attacker, but is also a classic self defense combat position that gives you greater stability.

Usually it is the attacker’s goal to get you in one of three positions. The first one is into a vehicle or enclosed area. Against this type of attack, which is often sudden and unannounced, victims struggle but are overpowered. There is a way to turn the odds in your favor against such an attack. Instead of trying to pull away from the assailant, use their force to move with them, turning their force into your force. If they are pulling you forward, move with them and use your hands to attack their face. If you are being pulled from the back, use your feet to try and kick them in a vulnerable area.

The second position an attacker may try to get you in is up against a wall. This is probably the most common intimidation stance, and it is very effective at gunpoint or knifepoint. However, there is a significant weakness. Your attacker will either be in close range pointing the gun at you, or physically pushing you against the wall. As crazy as it sounds, it is better if you’re in the latter position. Instead of trying to resist the force forward, like most people do; it’s much more effective to turn in the direction of the force. For example, if your assailant is pushing you against the wall with their left hand on your right shoulder, you should try to turn your body counter-clockwise as fast as possible. This will send your attacker crashing into the wall and the tables turned. If you are simply at knifepoint, it is much more difficult. For this I suggest you go to your local martial arts or self defense center and ask specifically for gunpoint and knifepoint counterattacks. The best way to counter a gun or knife attack is to step quickly to the side and disable the weapon arm. This is best done by snaking your arm around theirs in a tight lock. Next a series of quick strikes to the head and neck region will disable your assailant.

The attacker is most powerful when you are on the ground and they are in a dominant position on top of you. You should try to avoid this scenario if at all possible. However, if you are forced into this position, do not despair. If your assailant is on top of you, their eyes, nose, mouth, neck, belly, hair, and groin are all within easy striking distance. A quick, hard shot to a man’s balls will disable him. A double eye gouge of an attacker’s eyes will leave him stumbling around at the very least. If there are weapons involved be sure to stay clear of them. I recommend additional training at specialized self defense centers for attacks involving weapons.

A special note on weapons: say you have disabled an attacker and see their weapon lying on the ground. Do not in any circumstance pick up the weapon and retaliate against the attacker. There are several reasons for this.

The first reason is that the attacker may not truly be disabled. They may be feigning so that you come at them and provide them with a second chance to overpower you, and you may not be so lucky the second time. Also, as soon as you touch the weapon your prints are on it, adding complicated details to court cases. Third, if you somehow do successfully attack your assailant, you may be held responsible for grievous injury and use of excessive force. The best solution is to kick the said weapon into a bush or gutter where the attacker cannot get to it easily. And run; run while the assailant is on the ground and get yourself help.

The only time I suggest you retaliate is when your life is in immediate danger and you cannot possibly do anything else – including run.

I hope this short guide helps you to understand ways to better protect yourself. Always exercise good awareness (never walk at night with noise-canceling headphones down a dark alley) and try to travel in groups. A good way to practice some of the techniques briefly described here is to first confirm they are possible (at a martial arts center etc.) and then try them under supervision and safety equipment with a trusted friend.

Here are a few tips concerning the body:

• From a standing position, aim for knees to hit to take a person down. Alternatively try to throw them to the ground by stepping behind them and using your back leg as a fulcrum.
• From a standing position aim for the solar plexus (a depression directly underneath the ribcage) to leave your opponent gasping for breath. Strikes such as a punch are effective here.
• From a standing position aim for the head with punches, fingers, palms and ridge-hands to the neck to stun and disable your opponent. In a life-or-death situation go for your attacker’s eyes.
• Goosenecks (formed by pushing the opponent’s hand inward towards the wrist) are painful and useful for initiating a weapon drop.
• Knees and elbows are meant to bend only one direction. In a hostile situation, use that to your advantage.
• On the ground, locks and holds can cause excruciating pain and reverse a dire situation.
• There are numerous potential pressure points (places where you press down on the body to cause pain but no lasting damage) spread across the body from your head to your toes; memorizing them can provide a quick escape route.

Remember, this is simply a guide and although I am a certified black belt; I cannot assume responsibility from injuries incurred from explanations in this article. Please take the time to visit a self defense or martial arts center near you to learn from highly qualified instructors. As a final note for those looking to have supreme confidence on the street and in dangerous situations, look into the F.I.G.H.T. combat system also known as Haganah.