Karate isn't only about high kicks and incredible jumps. Karate
is all encompassing. High kicks and jumps are only side effects
of training and discipline.
I have known Karate for 9 years and have only used it once in self defense. The conflict was over in only a few seconds but the complications continue to this day. Property and friendships were both damaged. I only mention this to knock home the point that there will always be reactions to any type of physical confrontation. So be sure to think first and hold your temper.
In my opinion every women should take a self defense course. Most often women are the victims of domestic disputes and are more likely to be mugged or raped. Some basic techniques such as wrist releases could change a rape into a scare or a mugging into a brief confrontation.
No possession is worth your life. If a mugger has a weapon and wants your wallet or purse, you have a good chance of not getting hurt if you do as your told. Depending on the circumstance one option is to toss your possession one direction and run the other. (The majority of muggers only want the money.)
Prolonged encounters: Timing is everything in an attack. This goes for both the attacker and the victim. Attackers generally want to get their deed done as quickly as possible. By prolonging the attack, the attacker becomes nervous and realizes that they are not in complete control and will most often simply run away.
Tip 1: Always avoid poorly lit areas. When nervous about a location, try to park your car as close to the entrance as you can and if possible under a light. (It has been proven that cars parked under street lights are less likely to be broken into or become targets for abduction.)
Tip 2: Try to partner up. Waiting for a co-worker to walk you to your car isn't embarrassing! It's smart!! If you find yourself in a situation where it's dark and you're alone, try waiting until someone else starts to leave then follow them out. (Have your car door key ready.)
Tip 3: If you must venture out alone. Never run unless confronted. Walk with confidence! Most assailants are looking for nervous and easily intimidated victims. Hold your car door key between your thumb and index finger. (Ready for a quick poke to the eyes, ribs, neck or opening your car door).
(Using Language as a weapon) Question
or comment!!
Tip 1: Once again I would like to stress that most assailants want to keep a low profile, weather they are bent on simple thievery or severe violence.
If a person is trying to assault you in a public place or trying to pull you in a van. MAKE A SEEN!!! Most people will naturally assume that you are having a lovers spat and will mind their own business. To overcome this natural reaction you will need to let these people know what is truly going on so they can intervene or make note of what happened. Your calls for help should: (1) Draw attention to your situation. (2) Tell your attacker what you want him to do.. Attacking someone is a high stress situation for both the attacker and the attacked. This type of stressful situation does not leave a lot of time for reflection. So tell your confused attacker what he should do.. (STOP)!! Use your loudest and most commanding voice and keep repeating it. The following are some statements to keep in mind if you are being assaulted. Remember to scream as though your life depended on it (because it might) and don't stop. Keep repeating your calls for help.
1. STOP THAT!!
2. NO!! (Don't steal my purse) (Let go of me) (Leave me alone)
3. GET AWAY FROM ME!!
4. LET, GO!!
5. After getting some ones attention. (THIS IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND!!)
Watches, rings, keys, shoes, purses, fingernails, coats and even shirt collars are potential weapons. All that matters in a self defense situation is that you get out alive.
Collar Choke Question
or comment!!
Executing: Any shirt that can be gathered around the neck area will work. First step is to cross your hands at a section 2 inches down from the wrists so that your hands and arms form an X. The second step is to bring this X formation up to the neck area on your target and quickly grab a fist full of shirt in both hands. The third step simply involves uncrossing your hands while pushing upward toward the assailants neck. The shirt or article of clothing will become the actual weapon that is arresting the target. As you will learn this is a very effective choke hold from the front side of the assailant especially when their head is up against an object or the ground. This method can also be used from behind if you can get your hands around the target. For Better effect try rotating the wrists as you draw in the fabric so that the palms of your hands end facing upward this will bring more muscles into play and will increase the strength of the move. (DANGER, ANY TECHNIQUE USED ON THE NECK COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE THROAT AND COULD KILL, SO PRACTICE CAREFULLY OR NOT AT ALL)
Break: Grab hold of the assailants hand or hands that are around your neck and try to pry up a finger. The pinkie is usually the weakest link. If the assailants fists are two tight then soften him up. The best way to soften up an assailant is to hurt them so that their mind is shifted from one event to another destroying their concentration and strength focus. (Stomp on a toe, Pinch under an arm or inside a thigh)
Pointed Objects Question
or comment!!
Executing: How to use a pointed object sounds like a no-brainer and it would be, if all pointed objects were shaped like swords and all attackers were the same build and wore similar types of clothing. Unfortunately the variables are endless.
Prevention: Number one rule of how not to get stabbed is to get out of the way. The question then becomes, how do you do that. First step is to limit the assailants available target area. This can be done in many ways but the quickest and most effective is to turn your body so that your shoulders and torso are vertical to the assailant. This is best accomplished by drawing one of your legs back and behind the other. Try to keep your feet about a shoulders width apart from each other. This is called a T-stance or Boxers stance.
