The rate of assault in the United States is frighteningly high.
For example, someone is sexually assaulted in this country every 92 seconds!
Of course, assaults come in different forms and severities. Regardless, they’re inevitably traumatic for the victim. Even worse, they frequently have significant negative implications long after the event itself.
Unfortunately, you never know when an assault is going to happen.
However, it’s possible to take preventative steps beforehand. Learning simple self-defense techniques, for example, can help you handle the situation, and avoid more serious harm, if and when something happens. They can increase self-confidence and may well avert any attempted assaults.
Sound worthwhile?
Keep reading to discover 5 top self-defense moves that every woman should know how to do.
1. Go for the Groin
Everyone knows how sensitive the groin area is for guys.
That’s why targeting the groin is often a go-to recommendation against would-be attackers.
Sometimes, a swift, sharp kick to this region can be enough to incapacitate them. It may buy you enough time to make your escape and get to safety.
Chances are you don’t need to be taught how to kick! However, a few pointers on your form can make a difference. After all, you want to generate enough force to debilitate the attacker. This isn’t the time for a miskick.
Start in a stable position. From there, lift your strong ‘kicking’ leg from the ground and drive it up and forwards towards the groin of your attacker. Next, extend your lower leg outwards (effectively straightening it) while driving your hip forward to generate power. Leaning backward slightly will help produce extra power.
In close quarters, simply drive upwards with your knee.
2. Go for the Ears
The ears are another sensitive area of any person’s head/face.
Any sharp, forceful contact with them can cause significant injury and/or pain.
One ear-related option at your disposal is exceptionally simple. All that’s required is hitting the attacker’s ears with an open palm. Imagine holding a pair of cymbals, and clashing them together with the attacker’s head in the middle.
Of course, you almost definitely won’t have the cymbals with you! However, you can have a similar effect with just your palms. Having your ears struck in this way can be incredibly disorientating.
Be sure to slap firmly and sharply to cause maximum pain. Remember, you’re trying to escape harm. This isn’t the time to go easy on someone. Hit hard and move away fast.
3. Face Strike with Palm
The palm of your hand can be a great weapon at your disposal.
Specifically, the bottom section (otherwise referred to as the ‘heel’) of your hand can help thwart attackers’ attempts. Striking someone with the heel of your palm will hurt. That’s especially true if you’re able to target the most vulnerable parts of their facial anatomy.
Your form will be important. Expose the heel by flexing your hand backward (imagine pushing a large flat item upwards). Keep your fingers slightly bent. Your dominant/strong hand will deliver the most force.
Simply punch your arm outwards and upwards (keeping your hand flexed) and connect with the attacker.
Aim for their nose or throat. Drive the heel into their nostrils or under their chin. Driving upwards and swiftly bring your hand back into a starting position will cause maximum impact.
4. Use Your Elbows
Your elbows are some of the hardest parts of your body.
They can also be maneuvered at high speed.
That makes them prime weapons in your self-defense arsenal. You should aim to use them when you’re at close quarters with a potential attacker.
Imagine they’re in close proximity and facing towards you. Have your hands up at face height, with arms bent and tucked into your side. Keep your strongest arm bent, shift your weight towards the attacker and strike them with your elbow as hard as you can.
Always aim for their facial area. The nose, chin, temple, neck, and jaw are specific areas to strike.
What if the attacker approaches from behind? Get yourself into the same starting position as before. This time, though, you’re obviously facing away from them. Next, lift your strong arm (bent at the elbow) to shoulder height, swivel backward 180 degrees towards the attacker, and strike (as best you can) in their face.
5. Rear Hug Escape
Imagine an attacker approaching from behind and clasping their arms around your shoulders.
Picture a ‘hug’ from behind.
This is obviously a troubling situation to find yourself in (these tips on situational awareness can prevent it from happening). There’s a danger that they might raise their arms and begin choking you. Try to respond as quickly as possible to stop that from happening.
Your instinctive reaction is likely to have raised your hands to their arms. Start your escape by shifting your hips to one side. This exposes their groin. Bring your hand down and strike it with an open hand. Remember, strike hard.
Next up, you want to turn into the attacker. Do that by raising your opposite elbow to the one you struck them with. Bring the elbow up (lifting their arm from your shoulders), turn inwards, and move away from them.
This is an aggressive move to be performed rapidly. As you extract yourself from their hold, strike them with your knee, palms, and elbows, etc, to ensure your escape.
Time to Master These Self Defense Moves
There you have it: 5 top self-defense moves that every woman should know how to perform.
Unfortunately, assaults (including sexual assault) are all too common in the US. Women, in particular, are often subject to them. The assault itself can be traumatic enough. The troubling aftereffects can add insult to the injury.
Having a set of practiced self-defense techniques can be a useful tool to call upon in these situations. They may make all the difference when trying to evade and fight off an attacker.
Hopefully, this post has provided a selection of moves to start your self-defense journey.
Are you looking for additional ways to protect yourself from harm? Check out our Personal Safety section now to browse the items that can help.
