Basic Self Defense Moves
By Marlene Gundlach | July 26, 2008
Even if you are not physically strong, there are some basic self defense moves that can serve you well in a dangerous situation.
Eye Gouge
No matter how big and strong your attacker is, a quick jab to the eye socket will bring on a great deal of pain. There is no real technique involved, just jam your finger or thumb into the eye as hard as you can. Even if the attacker sees it coming and closes his or her eyes, you will still cause some damage through the eyelid. Do not worry about causing any permanent damage; your attacker surely is not concerned about your safety and well-being. Once poked, it takes some time for vision to recover, so it allows time to escape.
Tips for When You are Grabbed from Behind
If you are grabbed from behind by an attacker, there are several techniques that can help buy you time to escape:
- Throw multiple hammer fist strikes into the attacker’s groin area.
- Repeatedly throw the back of your head into your attacker’s face.
- Use the edge of your shoe to scrape down your attacker’s shin.
- Repeatedly stomp on your attacker’s foot.
- Throw your elbows into your attacker’s rib cage.
- Depending on where you can reach, bite your attacker’s hand or arm.
- Kick the heel of your foot up between the attacker’s legs and make contact with the underside of the groin.
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Tips for When You are Being Choked
If you are being choked, it is critical that you act quickly. Within seconds, your oxygen levels will drop enough to cause you to pass out or even die. If your attacker is choking you from the front, you have both arms and legs free to fight back. Remember, the attacker most likely has both hands on your neck, which makes his or her personal defense more difficult. If you are being choked from the front, try the following techniques:
- Drop to your knees and throw a hand-strike to the groin.
- Gouge the eyes with your finger or thumb.
- Throw a front kick to the groin.
- Throw a knife edge kick to the knee.
- Punch your attacker in the stomach.
If you are being attacked from behind, grab the pinky fingers and bend them back as far as you can.
Tips for When You are Pinned on Your Back
If you find yourself pinned on your back with your attacker on top of you, here are the steps to take to free yourself from this position:
- Lift up your left foot and place it firmly on the floor. This will bring your knee facing upward.
- Quickly and forcefully raise your right knee and strike your attacker in the backside. If you apply enough force, this will cause him or her to lunge forward.
- If your attacker moves toward your head, roll toward your left side (where your foot is planted).
- Rolling will cause your attacker to lose balance. The attacker will then have to let go of one of your arms to brace for the fall. This gives you the opportunity to use your free arm to push your attacker in the chest. Push them in the direction you are rolling.
- As you have your attacker off balance and rolling away from you, take the opportunity to get up and run.
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