Elements of Personal Security
By, Lee McDonald
Empty-Handed Self Defense
This method of self-defense is designed for those people who have no interest in spending
years to master a Martial Arts discipline. The strikes are simple. They do not
require strength. These strikes can blind, disable or kill the attacker. The
strikes can be practiced alone without any equipment. The strikes can also be
practiced through visualization.
Most people go through life without experiencing a life threatening attack. But the wise and
prudent person is prepared. There is a little bit of the warrior in all of us.
We want to be able to defend ourselves and protect our family from viscous
attacks.
It is important to have the proper mindset should an attack occur. You must take
action immediately on recognizing a life-threatening situation. The first
priority is escape. This is by far the best option, if it is available. If you
feel the attacker intends to inflict great harm or death to you then you must
attack with all the determination you can muster.
Here are the strikes you can use to defend yourself.
Stiffened fingers to the eyes
If you are facing the attacker who is grappling with you, drive your stiffened fingers into
one of his eyes. Then go for the other eye. This will blind him. You can make
your escape.
Stiffened fingers to the throat
If you are facing the attacker who is punching or grappling with you, drive your stiffened
fingers into the front of his throat. This will not hurt your fingers, because
you are hitting soft tissue but the strike could kill the attacker. After the
attacker has been disabled you can make your escape.
Forward head butt to the nose
If you are facing the attacker and he is pulling you
towards him do not resist. Step forward and ram the top of your forehead into
his nose. This will break his nose. He will be disabled for a short period of
time, during which, you can make your escape. Do not strike your forehead
against his forehead. This could knock you unconscious. Always strike soft
tissue of the attacker.
Backwards head butt to the nose
If the attacker grabs you from behind in a bear hug, lean forward from your hips. This
will bring the attackers face closed to the back of your head when you
straighten up. From the slightly forward bent position, rise up suddenly and
snap your head backward into the attacker’s face. The attacker will probably
release his bear hug, but if he does not, then stomp down on the attacker’s
instep with your heel. This will break the small bones in his instep. Continue
head butting and stomping until you are free to make your escape.
Elbow to the stomach
If the attacker has his arm around your neck, from behind, immediately twist your body
so you can drive your elbow backwards into his stomach. Continue the elbow
strike until you are free to escape. If you feel the attacker is not
sufficiently disabled, then kick him in the face, kneecaps or groin.
Thumb in the eye
If the attacker has his arm around your neck, in a chokehold from behind, immediately
drive your thumb backward over your shoulder searching for the attacker’s
eyes. Do this repeatedly until you are released and free to escape.
Knee to groin
If the attacker is grappling with you from the front, step toward him driving your knee
into his groin. This will disable him for a short time, while you make your
escape. If the attacker appears to be only slightly disabled, then kick him in
the kneecap groin or face if possible.
Heel stomps to the instep
If the attacker grabs you in a bear hug from behind, bend forward slightly. This will
enable you to see the attacker’s feet. Raise your heel only about six inches
and drive your heel down on the attacker’s instep. This will break the small
bones of the instep. Stomp the feet until you are free to make your escape.
Front kick to kneecap or groin
If the attacker is holding you at arm’s length from the front, then drive your toe
into his kneecap or groin. This assumes that you are wearing shoes. This will
temporarily disable the attacker so you can make your escape.
Finger breaks
If the attacker has his hands on you, try to grab one of his fingers. Bend the finger
backwards until it breaks. If the attacker turns you loose before his finger is
broken, do not let go of the finger. Continue to bend the finger until it breaks
so you can make your escape.
Practice these strikes so you can fight back if the need arises. Also
visualize in your mind various scenarios where you are attacked and you respond
with the appropriate strike. Visualization is very important. It provides you
with the proper mindset. When you believe your life is in danger you must act
immediately with all the force you can muster. And never ever give up.
About the Author /
Axioms of the Warrior /
Common Items Used as Deadly Personal Weapons /
Eight Deadly Mistakes in Hand-to-hand Combat /
Single Strike Deathblows /
Ten Deadly Errors in Judgment /
Ten Exercises For Martial Arts Toughness /
Use of Handguns /
Final Thoughts /
Email /
Index