Advanced Combative Tactics

Self Defense Tips-

By Chuck Dougherty Jr. Writer/Instructor

In this day and age you never know who you are dealing with you should try and avoid confrontations if possible. If you get caught up in a situation, try to talk your way out of it.  But if you can't....

• Try not to show fear - this may sound funny but it can actually provoke a physical confrontation.

• Always try and keep some distance between you and the aggressor to avoid sucker punches

• Obviously if the aggressor is intent on hurting you and you have it now would be a good time for some pepper spray in the face and head to safety

• If no mace or pepper spray then you might have to resort to physical strikes and the main thing to remember is to remain calm and to breathe, this will help you focus on defense and counter attacks.

• Your primary striking targets should be the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, throat, groin, knees or shins and I would choose whichever is easiest to get to.

• For the nose a palm strike is effective

• For the eyes a punch or gouge will work well

• For the ears take both hands (fist or palm) and smash both sides of his head at the same time on his ears, it will start his ears a ringing

• Obviously for the knees, groin or shins a kick will work

• For the throat either extend and stiffen your fingers and jam them into his Adams apple or a chop or a punch will work. Just aim for the Adams apple.

• If you have keys place them between your fingers and slash at his face - aim for the eyes or cheeks. A kubotans is very effective small self defense weapon you can get for your keychain which work better than keys themselves.

• If you get grabbed from behind, don't try and move forward this will only tire you out instead throw your weight backward, try and smash him in the face with the back of your head. You should also smash down on his foot - aim for the top of his foot just down from where it bends at the ankle

These are just some basic techniques you can use in a pinch to try and defend yourself. You should also try and find a self defense class in your area, many are free and can help save your life as it can help you to remain calm and confident in a crisis. Be safe!
 

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