5 Reliable Self Defense Methods Everyone Should Know

Everybody who is physically capable should be able to defend themselves from unwanted physical contact, or assault. Feeling safe when walking at night should be a right that anyone can enjoy. 

Using the following methods you will be able to take control of your safety, build confidence in yourself, and feel more independent. 

Run!

The number one recommendation that any good self-defense teacher will give you is to avoid confrontation altogether. The best altercation is one that never even happens. Being physically fit enough to run away is a huge plus if you are trying to be capable of keeping yourself safe. The power of words can also help a lot diffuse any situation. Keeping a calm, relaxed tone of voice and avoiding saying things to further provoke your potential attacker are great strategies to avoid getting into fights. 

Non-lethal weapons

Another great strategy to keep yourself safe is to carry or own a non-lethal weapon. Although it is also possible to carry lethal weapons such as guns and knives, this is not advisable. If you are carrying a lethal weapon, then there is always a chance that your attacker could disarm you and use that same weapon against you. It is for this reason that we recommend non-lethal weapons when defending yourself. These types of items are not limited to but include tasers, pepper spray, and bear mace. All these products are used by law enforcement and military personnel to de-escalate situations where lethal force is not warranted. If you don’t feel that confident whether you are capable of defending yourself against a bigger or stronger attacker than these products can literally be a lifesaver!

Kicking

Your legs are much more powerful and have more reach than your arms. For this reason, kicking can be an incredibly valuable self-defense strategy. People can employ kicks to the groin or shins to inflict quick damage to their would-be attacker, allowing the chance to escape or to call authorities. Kicking is especially useful for self-defense because it allows you to keep more distance from your attacker than conventional punches or grapples. In order to practice your kicking techniques, you should seek out local fighting trainers, kickboxing gyms, karate masters, or any local martial arts trainers.

Punching

Punching is often the first reflexive response that people who need to implement self-defense default to. Punching can be incredibly effective at incapacitating and deterring anyone who tries to attack you. The proper way to punch involves curling the fingers into a fist and then applying pressure to your index and middle fingers with your thumb. In order to deliver the most effective punch, you should imagine punching ‘from the waist’ and twist your body as you deliver the punch. It is also important to determine which stance you will use while punching. People who are left-handed generally stand with their right hand and foot forward, this is known as ‘southpaw’. People who are right-handed generally stand with their left foot and hand at the front. It can be helpful to be aware of your own stance for training purposes, but knowing how your opponent is standing can be very helpful in determining proper counters and defenses as well. 

Holds and submissions

Often when fights ensue, they end up with both opponents grappling in close quarters or it goes to the ground. If this happens, it is important to be prepared and ready for whatever possibilities present themselves. There are thousands of holds and submissions from the multitude of different martial arts disciplines that exist. Do some research on potential trainers and gyms in your area to hone your techniques. Some popular martial arts which focus on holds, grapples and submissions include Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and Judo. If you watch UFC or any MMA on TV then you will see just how effective these types of moves can be when defending yourself or incapacitating someone. Learning and perfecting even a few key holds such as the armbar, or the sleeper hold can be an excellent asset for your self-defense arsenal. 

Your safety is incredibly important, so why wouldn’t you take whatever steps possible to ensure that you are capable of guaranteeing your own? Knowing basic self-defense can help you out in a pinch, regardless of how severe the situation is. Being confident that you are capable of defending yourself can also help you live your life without fear or anxiety. There is no reason that you should have to feel unsafe leaving your own home. Take control of your life and your safety using these methods, and we can guarantee you will never look back!