Women’s Self Defense Tips

Prevention Is The Key!

1.  Do not go alone to places where there is a greater chance of being attacked: Stay with groups whenever possible. When you exit a building into a parking lot take a good look around first.  If you see a possible assailant, look him square in the eye, if they continue to approach go back inside and call the police.

2.  Predators look for targets that lack confidence.  Walk with your spine straight, and your keys in your hands.  Look people in the eyes and express confidence in your tone and energy level.  Add things to your life that will raise your confidence, such as martial arts training.

3.  Predators look for targets that aren’t aware.  Wait until you are in your secured vehicle to use your cell phone and send text messages.  Texting reduces your awareness and tells predators that you are a potential target.  Look at anyone that gets closer to you, and look them in the eye. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, taking mind altering drugs and leaving ANY food or drink unattended where it may be tampered with is a recipe for disaster.

4.  Trust your intuition. Most women that are attacked had a feeling that something bad was about to happen.  If you feel something is wrong, quickly call 911 and give your location while being very aware of your surroundings

5, Practice slow deep breaths.

To help stay calm inhale through your nose and count to five, exhale through your mouth and count to six.

6. If approached do not engage the person in a conversation.

You can tell them “no” to their question, and tell them to step back.  If they persist, continue to say no and begin raising your voice.  They are trying to close the distance while talking to you. They want to know if you are a good target that won’t fight back.

7.  85% of all women that fight back get away.  If attacked, fight!  Wait for your moment to explode and escape.  Use anything at hand to do damage to the attacker.

8. The best target areas are the eyes, ears, throat, groin, and knees.

Try to put your fingers in their eyes first.  Attackers expect a woman to attack the groin, and striking the groin won’t stop an attacker when adrenaline is in their system.  No matter how big a person is, a finger in the eye will surprise an attacker and give you time to get away.

9.  If attacked, cuss like a drunken sailor!

Many suggest you yell “rape,” some “fire,” but the reality is onlookers may think you are playing around.  Cursing draws everyone’s attention and lets them know you are in trouble.  If you want the police called, point to someone and make eye contact and tell them to call 911: “You in the blue shirt, this guy won’t leave me alone.  Call 911!”  If you don’t specify one person, no one may do it.

10.  If you’ve been attacked and are pinned on the ground, look for your opportunity to get free. In order for him to hit you, or for a sexual assault to take place, he will have to let go of you somewhere. When he does, use your free arm to jam your fingers into their eyes.

11.  Get some training! 

When you know your options and understand basic strikes you will have more confidence.  If you don’t look like an easy target you will be less likely to be attacked. If you are attacked, you will have more skills to free yourself and get away.