I titled this article practical self defense or self protection because there is such a thing as impractical self defense. By this I mean things or techniques that won’t work in the street.
- Punching someone with your fist to the frontal or side portion of the skull. The human fist was not made to hit a round solid object. The hands have some of the smallest bones in the body (smallest are in the ear) and the skull has the hardest bones in the body. So it doesn’t take a black belt to figure that one out.
Side bar: The temple is the only area of the upper skull that should be struck with a fist, and a raised knuckle should be used. When hitting to the head it is always best to use an open hand. Always use your rotational or whipping power when using the hand. The ears are one of the best targets if a circular strike is the best option.
Warning: Striking someones ear canal could lead to permanent injury so use proper discretion and always try and talk your way out of an altercation if ever possible. Even if you have to apologize for something you didn’t do. Don’t let ego and pride get in the way of common sense.
- Fighting three or more people at the same time. Even fighting two people runs a high risk of getting your head kicked in but fighting three or more with out a weapon only works in the movies.
Question: How do you fight two or more if you are being attacked and have no choice.
Answer: Run if at all possible if not, use a weapon if you have one or pick up an improvised weapon from your environment. Try and keep your attackers lined up by using footwork so that one attacker is in front of the other. Never let two people flank you. Bad balance and poor footwork will get you taken down very quickly in a street attack.
- Grappling against multiple attackers. Don’t clinch or tie up with someone if you can help it. Try and keep kicking distance between you and your attacker. It only takes a second to be punched so keep your hands up in a non threatening manner and control the distance to your opponent. Stay off angle and don’t stand in front of a person if at all possible. Stay away from their right side. Most people are right handed but some are left so stay aware.
- Wrestling or trying to grab a knife from someones hand. Follow the answer from # 2 in this article. Get some distance from the person and take off your jacket or belt and use this as a source of defense.
- Doing fancy moves and techniques. Let’s keep it practical and basic. Use your low lines kicks as a first line of defense. Control the distance and use a downward stomping kick to the knee, scoop kick to the shin or front snap kick, Savate style with the toe of your shoe to the groin or inner thigh. These kicks take practice but are safer and more powerful then punches. You must develop the attributes of good balance, accuracy, speed, non telegraphic movement, deception or distraction.
