5 Rules For Self Defense For Women
Hopefully you never run into a situation where you may have to defend yourself, but the world is filled with crazy places, crazy times, and unfortunately, crazy people. There are a lot of things that spur people to violence; usually they’re intoxicated or easily angered. Sometimes they’re trying to steal something and occasionally they’re just evil.
Here are the five rules for self defense:
- Control your environment. The first rule is to not get into a situation that could turn ugly. Stay aware of the people around you because a situation can often be avoided before it starts. When something is not right or someone is making you uncomfortable, leave. When you go out, go with friends and stay with them. Don’t wander away from your group alone or with someone you’ve just met. When you’re out and about by yourself, stay around where there are other people. You can quickly go to someone or attract attention if you feel threatened. If you live alone, think about getting a roommate or two. There is safety in numbers. The more people and more diverse a group of people that you are around, the better the chances are that someone will come to your rescue. You don’t have to change everything in your life, just be more aware of your surroundings and keep your lifestyle well populated. Domestic abuse often happens when no one else is around or when very few people are around. Always keep your life full of a good variety of people.
- Train and exercise. You’ve heard the old axiom “survival of the fittest”. There’s no place that’s more true than in a physical conflict so a good place to start is to keep in shape. Staying healthy and strong is a good idea anyway, but if you’re ever attacked it will give you the strength and the stamina to either fight back or escape. Strength training, aerobics and jogging are all good for you. If you want to get some exercise and gain some defensive tools at the same time, take some classes in boxing, kickboxing or study a martial art like Judo. Classes are great because you’ll meet interesting people, get a great workout, and gain more confidence.
- Walk, then run away. Simple and obvious but there’s a bit more to it. Agitated people looking for a confrontation usually ratchet up the confrontation in stages. In other words, they get more hyped and pumped up as the situation unfolds and they are looking for a reaction from you to push them into high gear. Don’t say anything. Don’t do anything. Without seeming intimidated, simply walk away. Words will provoke someone just as easily as action will and it doesn’t matter to them what you say. Even running might provoke them into an adrenaline filled chase. Calmly and casually put as much space and as many barriers between you and this person as quickly as you can. If they follow you or move towards you quickly as you walk away, then it’s time to run. Run towards people. Yell. Attract attention and try to put some obstacles between you and your attacker.
- You are a weapon. When taking flight is not an option and you have to defend yourself against an attacker then whatever you can find that will help you strike back is going to help you. Most women don’t carry guns or pepper spray around for self defense and there are a lot of good arguments on why these things don’t work. Weapons are easily used against the people they’re meant to defend. In a sudden attack, you won’t even have time to pull them out of your purse. Your best weapon is you. Your fists, palms, elbows, knees and feet are your strong points and can all do damage if used correctly. If you feel the urge to lash out with an object, think about the common things you carry with you; car keys, a cell phone, rings, or a wrist watch are hard or sharp objects and can help you defend yourself.
- Strike the right targets. Everyone has soft spots. You want to use your strong points and strike the soft spots to do the most damage. The groin area is one target but there are others that are equally effective at stopping an attack. The eyes are a good soft target. You can poke, gouge or strike the eyes or eye area to blind an attacker. The throat is an excellent target. A hard strike to the throat can seriously immobilize a person and is more effective than hitting them in the face. Other places to strike at are the face, stomach, knees and shins but the groin, eyes, and throat are your best targets when defending yourself.
Again, hopefully you never run into such a situation, but women can stay safe and defend themselves by being aware of the people around them and by building some practical self defence skills. Keep the learning fun and if you find yourself in a threatening situation, keep your cool and use what you’ve learned.
