Even while prying an attacker’s heart out may not sound fascinating, learning how to avoid a threat is nearly always preferable to blocking one. This is something that is stressed in beginner’s classes. Here are some concepts and methods for self-defense that have been proven effective in a variety of real-world scenarios. The physical methods may seem familiar or even startlingly simple to a more seasoned martial artist, but that’s okay. They are designed to be straightforward because an assault will likely cause you to feel fear, panic, and an adrenaline rush.
It doesn’t always work in your favor despite the superhuman effects adrenaline might have – we’ve all heard tales of the grandmother who pulled a car off her stranded grandchild. You can have auditory exclusion, tunnel vision, or lose your fine motor abilities. As a result, it will be challenging to see and hear, and it might be impossible to execute intricate martial arts moves. Your likelihood of surviving will significantly rise if you stick to tried-and-true tactics and basic gross-motor-movement skills, like some of the discussed below.
Trust your gut feeling
Too many women sign up for self-defense classes after being abused. When they talk about the occurrence, they frequently say the same thing: “I had this bad feeling, but I told myself not to be paranoid,” or “I knew I shouldn’t have gone, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.” The basic line is that if something doesn’t feel right, it generally isn’t safe. Many women have been taught to dismiss the nagging voice that warns them trouble is on the horizon. The best risk detector is instinct. When you hear that little voice again, pay attention to what it has to say.
Utilize target denial.
Avoid presenting oneself as a target. A battle’s fate is frequently predetermined before the first blow is delivered. Take advantage of whatever chance you have to leave a precarious situation before it gets worse. Move to the opposite side of the roadway if an approaching person gives you the creeps. Wait for the next elevator if an elevator door opens and the man inside makes the hair on the back of your neck rise up. That behavior is not cowardly; rather, it is a wise strategy for avoiding danger.
Display assurance when you speak.
The signals your body conveys to people around you should be considered. Similar to animal predators, human predators prey on individuals they perceive to be most vulnerable or weak. Attackers look for women who seem scared, perplexed, or preoccupied. They watch for women who have their heads bowed and their hands in their pockets, as well as those who may be carrying too many parcels or being preoccupied by young children.
Keep in mind that attackers want an easy mark rather than to provoke a confrontation. You can greatly lessen your chances of becoming a target by walking with assurance and awareness, glancing around, and keeping your head up and shoulders back.
Establish clear verbal boundaries.
You’re more likely to employ effective verbal abilities for self-defense than any physical approach, and you’ll probably use them more frequently as well. When a predator talks to you, he’s really “interviewing” you to determine if you’ll be a good target. An expert attacker is skilled in paralyzing you with dread with his words, decreasing the likelihood that you’ll attempt to protect yourself.
Even if an angry verbal exchange can be intimidating, you must have the strength to convince the assailant that he chose the wrong victim. You’ll undoubtedly “fail” his interview if you stand tall, maintain your composure, and speak forcefully and assertively. Your voice alone has the potential to make him look for a simpler prey.
Retain a non-aggressive attitude
The element of surprise is one of your secret weapons when engaging in self-defense. The majority of predators assume that you won’t protect yourself, therefore you should take advantage of that belief. A martial arts stance sends a clear message to the adversary that you know how to fight. He’s likely to get more hostile in return.
Instead, adopt a self-assured, unhurried stance with your hips and shoulders forward, your arms bent, and your hands raised and out in front of you. This accommodative stance could trick the assailant into thinking you’re willing to submit. He probably won’t be ready for it if you have to strike, if that becomes necessary.
Maintain a clear space
Everyone has a personal space or comfort zone. You feel uneasy when an aggressor approaches that space because you know you’d need it if you were to defend yourself. You need a quarter of a second to react to an assault when you’re high on adrenaline. You should be prepared for this “reactionary gap” when you consider your comfort zone.
Incorporate a surprise element
The majority of attackers believe you are defenseless. As a result, you ought to benefit from the element of surprise. You have the chance to use your language abilities and a non-confrontational position to persuade the aggressor to lower his guard if you’re conversing with him. If you’re being grabbed from behind, you need to react instantly. Putting up a fight in either scenario can catch him off guard and improve your chances of delivering the first hit.
Conclusion
Men and women can both benefit from the greatest self-defense methods, but let’s face it: Women need them more than men do since they are targeted for assault more frequently. According to statistics, one in three women will experience a violent attack of some kind during their lifetime. The prevalence of verbal and sexual harassment occurrences is higher among women. Although the majority of women’s self-defense classes concentrate on techniques for swiftly and effectively dispatching an attacker, self-defense instruction should also cover strategies for avoiding a physical altercation in the first place.
10 Self-Defense Strategies Everyone Needs to Know to Survive