Defending yourself is instinctive. You may not be able to remember a five-part combat move when a 200-pound guy is choking you, but you sure know how to bite, scratch, and slap. And if you need help, yell “fire” instead of “help” or “rape.” People are more likely to respond immediately.
- Get in the habit of always being alert and aware of your surroundings. If you know what’s going on around you, you’re more likely to be prepared for anything. Trust your gut and use common sense. A few common scenarios:
a. If you find yourself in unsafe surroundings, look around and assess the situation-who’s there, where the dark corners are, how to escape quickly, and so on.
b. When entering an alley, parking lot, or building, do a quick check behind you.
c. Don’t wear earphones when alone. You need all your senses in full use.
- If someone grabs you from behind, try to bash his face with the back of your head. The ear is a vulnerable area; reach your arm back and slap it (knuckles will hurt more than the palm) or grab it from behind and pull down as hard as you can.
- The nose is also a weak and vulnerable area. Open your hand and strike it with the meaty base of your palm in an upward direction. You can cause a severe nosebleed or even break the nose if the blow is strong enough.
- If your attacker is facing you and holding you by the shoulders or choking you, throw your arms up between his as if you were pushing back your hair. Break his grip by bringing your arms down outside of his and pushing his arms down at the elbows.
- The groin is one of the most painful places to target. Cup your hand, keep your arm loose, and slap. This will hurt more than a targeted punch. Bring your knee into his groin if he’s holding you close, or kick.
- If someone is on top of you, he’ll try to subdue you-expect a punch and you won’t be as dazed by it. Hold his head on both sides and rake your thumbs across his eyes. Pull an ear as hard as you can toward your chest, hold onto his arms to pull yourself up, and bite his neck or face. When he tries to pull away, bite again. Bring your knee into his groin, then run.
