“Self-Defense” is the art of using your physical power to protect yourself from a bully. It is essential because self-defense gives you power to safeguard yourself, develop awareness, and take appropriate action in potentially hazardous situations. Everyone must be able to defend themselves.
However, self-defense training is essential in countries where criminal violence is becoming increasingly common. Eve teasing and molestation are common forms of violence against women in India. These kinds of crimes typically take place in undiscovered or abandoned locations.
Understanding Self-Defense
A lot of people, in general, don’t think about learning self-defense until it gets too late. It is either because people think they can handle it on their own. The main reason behind this mentality is that they think self-defense can’t be done without years of complex drills and a lot of physical training. However, the truth is that anyone, regardless of age, size, or background, can learn to increase their safety, de-escalate conflicts, avoid potentially dangerous situations, or even withdraw completely from them.
This comprehensive introduction to self-defense, Understanding & Applying Self-Defense Strategies, will alter your perspective on the world and yourself. These interactive lessons will allow you to learn some physical strategies to defend yourself and care for the people you care about.
Physical Self-Defense Techniques
Before you have to deal with the worst-case scenario, the first steps in self-defense are self-awareness and preventative measures. According to Teri Jory, Ph.D., fourth-degree black belt and creator of DFWM (Don’t F*** With Me) Self-Defense Training, paying attention to your surroundings is the first step. This means that you should only walk and park in well-lit areas. If you want, you can keep your keys near your car or front door with a defense spray or safety whistle.
- Maintain a Defensive Posture
When To Use It: Arthur suggests using this from a distance to establish a firm body language boundary (for example, if someone is following you) or when engaging in physical combat.
How to Proceed: Stand with your hands at your sides, and your feet shoulder-width apart. Take a natural step forward with your non-dominant leg while keeping your toes pointed in the direction of the floor, resulting in a staggered foot position. Bring your hands up about 12 inches from your face with your palms facing forward, tuck your chin, and slightly shrug your shoulders while bending both knees slightly and elevating the back heel. Distribute your weight evenly between your heels and the balls of your feet.
- Palm-Heel Strike
When To Use It: This is a last-ditch attempt to create opportunities for escape. It’s best utilized when the essence of the aggressor isn’t impeded or covered, and you can arrive at the face with your arms outstretched,” Arthur says.
How To Do It: Keep your hands raised and begin in the Ready Stance. Explosively extend your left palm straight out, rotating your left hip and shoulder, with your fingertips straight up and elbow down. To shield your face, keep your right hand raised. Recoil your left arm immediately, returning your hip and shoulder to the square-ready stance.
With your feet similarly situated, send a palm hit with your right hand (make certain to turn your right hip), then, at that point, attempt a left-right blend. Practice a right-left combination if you are a lefty. Your hand ought to remain open (i.e., don’t make a clenched hand) and the impact point of your palm ought to connect with the aggressor’s nose.
- Front Kick to Groin
When To Use It: This is yet another last-ditch attempt to create opportunities for escape. Arthur says it works best against tall people, especially if you can’t reach their face for Palm-Heel Strikes.
How To Do It: Start in the Ready Stance with your hands raised. Drive your right knee straight up while bending your right leg. Kick your right shin directly to the attacker’s groin while keeping your toes pointed downward and out of the way as soon as the right knee is above your waistline. Extend your hips (almost bend backward to generate power in the left leg/your loading leg). Quickly discharge your right foot behind you and return to the Prepared Position.
Wrapping it up
Keep your strength and safety: When confronted with a threat, the book “Essential Self-Defense Skills for Everyday Life” provides individuals with practical guidance and self-defense strategies to boost their confidence. The article emphasizes that an assault is never the victim’s fault, regardless of how they look or act.
Physical self-defense techniques like the palm-heel strike and front kick to the groin are also shown in the article. In addition, it examines the idea of verbal self-defense, stressing the importance of active listening and selecting appropriate responses rather than retaliating, pleading, or debating.