Women need to know the basic self-defense moves because statistics show that one in three women will be the victim of a violent attack in her lifetime. Every woman needs to learn skills including how to avoid being a target, prevent a confrontation from turning physical, how to evade an attack, how to block an attack, and how to quickly and efficiently subdue an attacker.
Here are basic proven and simple strategies to increase your chance of surviving an attack.
1. ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
You are most vulnerable when you are not aware of your surroundings. By showing that you are alert, aware, and ready for anything, then you become less of an easy target in the first place.
2. LEARN THE MOST VULNERABLE PLACES and LEARN THE SIMPLEST AND MOST EFFECTIVE MOVES
These include the eyes, nose, throat, groin, chest, and knees.
Strike the throat. Hit him with a fist or with a finger between the collarbones or into his Adam's apple. This will allow you to disorient your opponent enough that it will take him a long time to come back to his senses.
Heel-palm strike. When you hit with an open hand, there is lesser chance of injury and enables you to attack from a non-confrontational stance. Hold your hands up and open while you set verbal boundaries. Then, if the attacker proceeds to step up, hit him straight in the face.
Eye strike. Since the eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body, simply driving your fingers straight towards the attacker’s eyes will often cause him to retreat.
Knee strike. This is recommended because it is easy to use and can be done while you stay centered and close to the ground. Moreover, a knee to the groin can cause the assailant to retreat immediately.
3. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
It is very common for women to enroll in a self-defense program only after they’ve been assaulted. Before the attack, most women recount that they had a bad feeling but chose to ignore it.
If something does not feel right, then it’s probably not safe. Trust your instincts, it is the best detector of danger.
4. BE CONFIDENT.
Your body sends a message to those around you. Women who appear confused, distracted, or frightened are often the targets of these human predators. Walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings. Remember that attackers want an easy mark and often move on to the next target if you appear confident and capable.
5. PRACTICE TARGET DENIAL
If you have the opportunity to escape from a situation before it escalates, then take it. If you suspect someone on the street, then walk to the other side. When someone gives you the creeps, then take the other direction. This way, you will lessen the likelihood of being a target.
6. SET STRONG VERBAL BOUNDARIES
A predator may begin by engaging you in conversation and this may be their way of assessing whether you’ll make a good victim. You must remain calm and answer confidently and not falling into his trap. Stand tall and set a powerful tone, this can be a reason for him to seek an easier target.
7. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE
Try to keep a good distance between yourself and the aggressor. Maintain at least one to two arm lengths and prevent him from closing in. When he tries to close the distance, use verbal boundaries. If running is an option, always take that first.
Defend yourself as a last resort and run if you can.
8. DON’T PANIC IF YOU ARE KNOCKED DOWN
Most of assaults end on the ground. However, most attackers are not skilled ground fighters. This is where Brazilian Jiujitsu can work to your advantage.
9. USE THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE
Most attackers will assume that you are incapable of defending yourself. Thus, you can use the element of surprise to your advantage. If you assume a martial arts stance, it immediately tells the attacker that you know how to fight. In response, he's likely to be more aggressive.
If you are grabbed from behind, then you must respond immediately.
In either case, putting up a fight can surprise the aggressor and increase your chance of landing the first blow.
10. FOLLOW THROUGH
Once your assailant realizes that you can fight, he can either leave the scene or level up his attack. Thus, you must be fully committed to the battle. If you fight back and then pause, you will lose the advantage you gained from the element of surprise. You must continue your barrage until it is safe to stop striking and successfully escape.
For women, learning self-defense makes them feel more capable and more at peace in any situation. Every woman needs to keep safety a priority and deserves to know the proper skills to protect against assault.
If you are interested in learning self-defense skills, Global Jiujitsu offers women’s Brazilian Jiujitsu classes in Naples. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) focuses on submission holds and ground fighting. Thus, regardless of differences in size and strength, you will be able to take down your attacker.
Don’t wait, start today. Search for women’s Brazilian Jiujitsu near me and if you are in Naples area, you can go to Global Jiujitsu. Global Jiu-jitsu Naples offers women’s self-defense classes, women’s fitness, plus a fun way to learn BJJ techniques to help you in any situation.
Sign up for free trial on our Naples women’s only Jiujitsu martial arts classes.