Having the ability to defend yourself is so important, no matter who you are or where you live. This is especially true for women, as oftentimes, they are cast as the damsel in distress in the face of danger.
However, there are some things that can prepare you to fight back if you are ever in a bad situation. I’m going to discuss 6 ways for how to defend yourself so that you can have the advantage should things turn bad.
Let’s get started.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
In order to learn how to defend yourself, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you are walking alone, be aware of the people around you and their body language.
If you are in a crowded place, be aware of exits and where people are positioned. If you are in your own home, be aware of all the entry points. If you are driving, be aware of other cars and pedestrians.
By being aware of your surroundings, you can be prepared for anything that might happen.
2. Be Assertive and Use Strong Body Language
When you are defending yourself, it is important to be assertive and use strong body language. Here are to help you do this:
Stand Up Straight and Keep Your Head Up
This will help you look and feel more confident.
Make Eye Contact With Your Attacker
This will show them that you are not scared and that you are ready to defend yourself.
Clench Your Fists and Keep Them up in Front of Your Face
This will help you look more intimidating and ready to fight.
Do Not Back Down
If you show weakness, your attacker will be more likely to attack.
Yell as Loud as You Can
This will startle your attacker and let people know that you are in trouble.
Be Prepared to Fight
If you have to, use whatever you have to defend yourself, fists, nails, teeth, etc. Fight until you can get away.
3. Use Common Objects as Weapons
There are a number of ways you can use common objects as weapons in protecting yourself:
Keys
You can use your keys to jab or scratch an attacker.
Phone
You can use your phone to hit or jab an attacker.
Book or Magazine
You can use a book or magazine to hit or jab an attacker.
Pen or Pencil
You can use a pen or pencil to jab or scratch an attacker.
Broken Bottle
You can use a broken bottle to stab or slash an attacker.
Chair
You can use a chair to hit or jab an attacker.
Throwing Stars
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend yourself, authentic throwing stars are the best option. You must fight, aim for vulnerable areas like the eyes, nose, and groin, and try to escape as soon as possible.
4. Create a Distraction
Most people freeze up when someone tries to attack them. This is natural, but it also gives your assailant the advantage. The best way to defend yourself is to create a distraction.
If you are ever in a situation where you feel like you are about to be physically harmed, always remember to try and create a distraction. This can be anything from spitting in their face to kicking them in the groin.
Anything that will take their attention away from you long enough for you to make your escape. Remember, the goal is to escape and survive, not to win a fight.
5. Avoid Being Isolated
When you are alone, you’re an easy target for attackers. If you are going to be out in public, it is important to try to avoid being isolated. This means staying in well-lit areas, being aware of your surroundings, and not walking alone.
If you are walking alone, try to keep to busy areas where there are other people around. If you are being followed, turn around and go the other way. If someone is trying to isolate you, yell for help.
Try to stay in well-lit, public areas and stay close to other people. If you can, carry a personal alarm or pepper spray with you to help deter attackers.
6. Understand Your Opponent
In order to defend yourself, you must first understand your opponent. Their strengths and weaknesses, their fighting style, and their motivations.
Once you understand your opponent, you can begin to formulate a plan to defeat them. Here are tips to help you understand your opponent and defend yourself:
Pay Attention to Their Body Language
How are they holding themselves? Are they tense or relaxed? What is their facial expression telling you?
Watch Their Eyes
Where are they looking? Are they focused on you or looking around the room?
Listen to Their Voice
Is it raised or low? Are they speaking quickly or slowly? What does their tone reveal about their state of mind?
Observe Their Breathing
Is it deep and relaxed, or shallow and forced?
Analyze Their Movements
Are they smooth and controlled, or jerky and erratic?
Use Your Intuition
What does your gut tell you about this person?
Learn How to Defend Yourself the Right Way
If you are looking for ways on how to defend yourself, then these six simple tips are a great place to start.
With a little bit of practice, you can easily memorize and execute these techniques, giving you the confidence to defend yourself in any situation. So don’t wait, get started today.
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