AUDIENCE: The individuals that are being targeted for this how to guide are those who do not have any prior fighting experience, and are interested in learning how to properly defend themselves in the case of a confrontation.
CONTEXT: I have experienced firsthand the importance of knowing how
to defend yourself from an attacker. The circumstances that contribute to this experience are never expected, and demand improvisation. The main points of this guide are to serve as a bases for defending oneself in general situations.
PURPOSE: The self defense how to serves as a guide to help
individuals gain a better understanding of the proper striking techniques that are required when faced with a life-threatening situation. The individuals will better understand general skills that can be used from situation to situation; ultimately providing a strong foundation for all situations with which one may be confronted.
A How to Guide for Defending Oneself
As a general rule, the last resort when facing any confrontation is the application of destructive force. In the present context it is to be assumed that all other methods of defense have been exhausted. The emphasis of this guide revolves around the general striking techniques applicable to various contexts; however, no information is provided regarding blocking or evasive techniques. The individual without any form of self-defense experience will find this guide useful. The organization of this guide is described below: The guide is organized around five sensitive areas that are the focus for all strikes (all emphasis is on standing positions): o The eyes o The nose o The throat o The groin o The knees Stance In order to defend oneself in a standing position it essential to assume a proper fighting stance. First, you must rotate your body so that the shoulder and foot ipsilateral to your non-dominant hand are forward and facing your attacker. o For example, right-handed people should have their left shoulder and foot rotated forward, facing their attacker; whereas, left-handed people should have their right shoulder and foot rotated forward, facing their attacker. **The next section will revolve around proper striking techniques that can be used under various face-to-face confrontations.** Striking: **General rule: avoid the knuckle/bony area of your fist when striking the face.**
Striking the eyes:
o When confronted with a situation where the attacker is at arms-length, various techniques are effective. Gouging A primal yet effective technique that is properly executed by digging your fingers into the eye sockets of the attacker.
Striking the eyes (cont.)
Hammer fist A proper striking method to the eyes or the face is known as the hammer fist. It is a form of punching. The proper technique is to make a fist, but the key is using the meaty part of your hand, opposite the thumb side. Strike down on the attackers face or eyes as if you were hammering a nail into a board. Scratching A very effective way of damaging the eyes or disorienting the attacker in general. Aim for the attackers eyes and eye socket. Tear at the skin of the attacker, and it is effective to also incorporate the eye gouging method when doing so. Striking the nose o The nose is one of the softest areas on the face, and it yields a great means for disorienting the attacker. Palm Strike The most effective strike when targeting the nose is a palm strike. Using the heel of your palm, strike with an upward motion under the attackers nose. Striking the neck o The neck is a large, sensitive area that can be used to disorient the attacker. o Two possible methods can be used with this target: Elbow Strike Using your elbow, you can thrust forward striking the assailant in the Adams apple region, causing severe pain and disorientation. Hammer Fist A hammer strike can also be effective when targeting the side of the neck. The side of the neck is larger than the front. It also houses the carotid artery and jugular vein. Apply
The intention is to damage the eyes by
pushing down; ultimately disorienting the attacker.
destructive force, and multiple strikes to this
area can also prove to be efficient.
Striking the groin
Kick The groin is extremely sensitive and any amount of force applied to this region can cause pain or disorientation. This strike is effective from close range or long range. In the context of this guide, the best attack is a kick. o Generating a great deal of force when kick is essential. o Aim for the crotch and with an upward motion; kick your foot as if you were forcing your foot through the attackers groin. Striking the knee Kick The knee is an ideal target because it is vulnerable at any angle, and is a low risk area for injuring yourself or risking having your foot grabbed. Kick the side of the knee with a great deal of force to injure the assailant or incapacitate them. Imagine you are kick through the knee. The intention is to extend the knee out of its socket.