Many people mistakenly believe that any martial artist can defeat any attacker (or any number of attackers!). There is also the misconception that a few basic karate moves, a couple hours of training, and you're set.
While it's true that we do teach self-defense as part of karate, the reality is that it takes a great deal of training, experience, and presence of mind to defend yourself in the "real world" when you are taken by surprise, particularly if the attacker is bigger, stronger, and meaner than you are.
However, there are some easy self-defense tips that I can pass on, based not only on karate but also on a self-defense workshop I attended, along with a number of other informative and wise sources. Most of what is stated here requires no great strength, no special training, and no extra time. Just apply a little common sense and keep your eyes open. The basic idea is that the best form of self-defense is to avoid being attacked in the first place. AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION SAVES A POUND OF REGRET.
PRACTICAL SELF-DEFENSE FOR EVERY DAY
1. Be aware. Sometimes easier said than done. When you're tired, sick, stressed or preoccupied, you miss important clues. Keep your eyes open as you walk down the streets, take in your surroundings and pay attention to the people around you. Many times, a potential mugger or pickpocket will turn their attention elsewhere. The last thing they want is to be noticed.
2. Keep in sight. Again, most attackers do not wish to be noticed. Stay in well-lit areas, park your car under (or as close as possible to) a street light, leave your porch light on if you will be out after dark. Don't walk down a poorly lit sidewalk at night with a wall of cars on one side and a wall of bushes on the other; opt instead for walking on the street, away from the cars. Don't park your compact car between a big van on one side and an SUV on the other side.
3. Don't look like a victim. Walk upright, show some confidence. Don't look timid, do look around you.
4. Don't wear a ponytail. This just gives someone attacking from behind something to hold onto, as well as a great way to snap you off balance and shake you up, so that you can't react in time.
5. Be prepared. Don't stand next to your locked car fumbling through your purse for your keys. Have your keys out and ready, get in the car quickly and lock the doors as soon as you are in.
6. Take basic precautions. Take a look into the backseat of your car before you get in to make sure no one is hiding in there. Do a quick check through your house when you first get home, to make sure everything is as it should be. Check your doors and windows before you leave, and make sure they're closed and locked. Don't sleep with your windows open unless they have a locking mechanism that keeps them at a crack.
Okay, so you've done everything you should, but someone jumps you anyway. Or maybe you haven't done everything you should. Does this mean you're out of luck? No way!
7. Think low. For most people, your lower body is much stronger than your upper body. If you are in danger of being overpowered, duck and roll! Onto your back, that is. Use your feet to get your attacker in their knees, solar plexus, or even neck, as they lean over to get at you. Aim for any body part that you know hurts: Eyes, nose, throat, solar plexus, knee joints, groin. Don't be nice, kick with all your strength. Use the ground to brace you for even greater power.
8. Get attention. Don't believe anyone who says they won't hurt you if you keep quiet. Make noise! Don't let them get you out of sight, or into that car; you're totally powerless at that point. Fight back, yell, kick, scream. And when you yell, yell "FIRE". It's a sad but true fact that most people in our society don't want to get involved, and will dodge away from anyone yelling "help". If you yell "fire", everyone stops in their tracks to look.
I have several years of martial arts training. I have trained in and even demonstrated self-defense, on more than one occasion. I have taken a self-defense workshop, watched self-defense programs on TV, and avidly read articles that added to my store of knowledge. Today, walking to my car after work, I was struck by how dark and creepy it was at the construction site near my workplace. I started thinking about the basic principles of self-defense, and made it a point to walk out a bit from the stairwells, the trees, the cars... and almost jumped out of my skin when someone spoke just beside me. I hadn't even seen them, so preoccupied and tired was I.
Never underestimate your own vulnerability. Don't go through life scared, do go through life aware.
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