Top 5 Self Defence Tips

The self defence techniques described below are intended to be used in a self defence situation only. However, although you are advised to comply with the relevant national and local laws regarding the use of force, sometimes you have no option, but to use your bare hands. Becoming a seasoned and experienced street fighter takes one on one instruction and hours of practice. So these techniques involve gross motor moves and will help you when in a prison cell, backstreet, African “shabeen” or any other hostile environment where other people could kill or cripple you.

Your stance

Much has been written about the best fighting stance. In some martial arts you face your opponent head on whilst in boxing and in other disciplines you reduce your profile by standing sideways. Whichever stance you adopt learn to spread your weight been your feet, so that you can move quickly and cannot be tripped. Also, by keeping your hips twisted towards your opponent and your knees slightly bent you will be able to protect your groin area; consider dipping your head forward a little so that a head-butt against you will hit your forehead rather than your nose.

How to Punch

To punch effectively you need to get up close to your opponent. Protect your face with your weak hand (not the hand you write with) and keep your head down so your opponent cannot see your eyes or mouth. The reason for this is because everybody licks their lips before punching and you do not want to telegraph your intentions. Raise your strong hand (the hand you wright with) from your hip, bend your elbow to 90 degree and punch your opponent on the side their jaw. You only need 6 kg of pressure to dislocate a jaw and thereby knock somebody out. When you punch push off with your back foot to transfer weight to your front foot. Keep your hand relaxed until you make contact as this will make your arm move faster.
Some times by curling your fist with your thumb outside your finger you can hit hard. A better method is to punch using an open palm strike or a slightly curved slapping motion which will also put your opponents on the defensive.

Use your head

Sometimes, your opponent will run at you with their head down to try and knock you to the ground.
If somebody charges you in this way, step to the side and grab his/her hair or the collar of their shirt or jacket, pull them forward to put them off balance and place your foot so that you trip them as they come past.
Alternatively, as they charge toward you, step with your weak side pressed down on the back of their head with your strong hand to control them and grab their ear with your weak hand. Your weak hand should pinch the main part of the ear flap so when you turn away and extend your gripping arm, almost straight, you can keep them off  balance with their head down and unable to retaliate.

Your best leg forward

Sometimes, if you are standing close to your opponent they will to kick you, the try to kick you, step backwards to catch their heel and lift hard with both hands. When you release your grip your opponent will perform a partial back-flip.

Fighting distance

Always maintain a fighting distance so that your opponent cannot hit or kick you without stepping forward. When they do want to step forward you can respond effectively, because his momentum will keep him going in one direction.

Whichever self defence strategy you use remember to perfect small gross motor movement to ensure that you can strike back hard and fast.