When people talk about self-defense you often hear about punching weak spots, defending oneself against knives and blades or using everyday gadgets as weapons.
Now that’s a part of it. But a rather advanced part you can’t learn by watching YouTube videos!
But there are basics you can train at home, which will make you feel safer and more confident.
I say SAFER but not SAFE. That’s because every situation is different. Self-defense is a gigantic topic to talk about
What I’m going to pick up here are only the very basics to give you an understanding of what self-defense is and how you can use simple psychology to make yourself a less interesting target for an attacker.
So let’s jump right in, shall we?
Attitude
When an attacker choses his victim he most likely wants to keep it simple.
So what is a potential victim?
The perfect victim walks around shoulders down staring at the ground already with the attitude “Please don’t hurt me. I’m small and defenseless”. He/she will most likely freeze when attacked and is unable to protect themselves.
Here’s what you should do to not look like a typical victim:
-Shoulders up and look straight ahead!
-Check calmly your surroundings (not in panic!)
-Act self-secure and self-confident!
This needs a little bit of training if you're not used to it.
The good news is, you can always train it:
When you walk the streets by day
-shoulders up
-Check your surroundings
-Walk self-confident and make yourself a giant
This is your first line of defense.
And you’ll notice it also has a positive effect on your everyday life as well:)
- Gesture and personal space.
This goes hand in hand with point one.
If you don’t feel safe or someone comes too close to you take your (open) hands up and tell him to please leave you some space (or something similar).
Do not touch or push them because this could cause aggression.
Also don’t smile just say it in a neutral but clear way so he understands that you mean it.
Now, it might be difficult to find that sweet spot between arrogant, aggressive and strict but it’s crucial that you find it. It could help to train this situation with a friend or in front of your mirror.
Remember your personal space is YOUR personal space!
You alone decide who gets the right to enter it.
Keeping a safe distance to people you don’t know or find suspecious is a completely natural behavior of a human being.
Don’t be afraid to be rude. In the end it’s your body you're protecting and not someone else’s feelings;)
So stay strict.
And in case you’re not sure:
Better walk away (always keeping in mind the first lesson though ;) )
Keeping your personal space clear is your second line of defense.
Voice!
Your voice is a powerful weapon when it comes to self-defense. You need to learn how to use it properly.
A yelled STOP in the right moment can give you the second you need to escape
Also a strict leave me alone has more power than a push.
Remember:
A physical attack can be seen as a weakness.
The right words at the right time can clear a fight without throwing a single punch.
So make sure you speak clearly and strict.
Be loud and clear and tell your opponent what you expect him to do and your chance of getting out safely increases.
Keep in mind: your voice is always your third line of defense.When everything fails.
Well, you did your best. But it didn’t work out.
You’re caught in a situation you never wanted to be in: You’re being attacked.
What now?
A short insertion and personal opinion from the author:
Personally, I believe that nothing is as valuable as my life.
All the money in the world isn’t worth it to get in a fight!
There are only 2 reasons I would get myself in a fight:
To protect my life and sexual integrity
- To protect the ones I love
- To protect the ones I love
That being said, let’s move on!
Your life or sexual integrity is in danger! What now?
FIGHT
Don’t freeze!
Don’t let it happen!
Scream! Yell! Bite! Kick for the testicles! Go for eyes and nose!
Do everything it needs to get to the point you can escape!
Now RUN! But where to?
LNP: Light, Noise, People
Run where you are seen
Nowadays we are at the very sad situation that people mostly look away when something happens.
So grab someone (yes enter his personal space), tell him what happened end beg for help.
Trust me he / she can’t look away at this point.
If there are security or police nearby go to them.
Do everything to get out of that awful situation!
And when secure (I know it’s hard): Try to talk to your trusted ones. Find a shoulder.
You’re not alone in this situation.
So please don’t let it eat you from the inside. Get help.
And here I talk to men and woman equally.
I know it’s hard. But once you take the first step, it gets better
I promise! J
I hope you found my little basic walkthrough informative please leave an upvote.
And don’t forget to let me know in the comments your opinion on this topic. And also let me know if you would like to read more about self-defense. It is an enormous field so leave a suggestion what specific part you would like to read more about :)
Ladies and Gentlemen: it has been an honor for me to write this for you and I hope to welcome you all back here on my next post.
Until then I remain with a Cheers my friends
And always stay safe:)
TheStreuner
I‘ll leave a link to all help hotlines below
http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_hotline
