Techniques to Use for Self Defense

Preventing Your Attacker from Blinding You: If someone puts his hands on your face, close your eyes and spin out of his grasp.

Preventing a Stabbing or Slashing: If a knife wielder is several feet away and preparing to throw the knife, start waving your arms so you can knock the knife away if it comes your way. If your attacker is close to you and raises her arm to stab you, move to the side and throw a roundhouse kick. If she pulls her arm back to slash you, move back and throw a kick. If she has you cornered, block her thrusts and throw low kicks.

How to Avoid Being Hit with a Bat: If someone pulls his bat back to swing at your head sideways, duck and throw a kick. If he is about to come straight down with the bat, move to the side and throw a roundhouse kick. If you are on the ground and he raises the bat, roll out of the way.

What to do When You are on the Ground: If your attacker knocks you down and continues to beat you, curl up into a ball by raising your knees to your chest and holding one ear as your arm is extended across your face from the other ear. While you are rolled up, you can throw kicks or try to get your legs around his neck to pull him to the ground.

Stay alert and follow your instincts. Always pay attention to your surroundings. If someone follows you or is running up to you from behind while acting suspiciously, walk backward with your arms crossed.

You have learned steps you can take to defend yourself. Practice them and constantly visualize what to do if you are attacked.