It is said that thousands of people get assaulted every day all over the world, and many people get hurt because they don’t have any knowledge of basic self-defense strategies. One of the first things everyone should know is that it is better to avoid a fight than to risk injuries.
Here we are going to talk to you more about the ways you can defend yourself and prevent bad things from happening. These are some of the strategies everyone needs to know in order to protect themselves. However, if possible, you should enroll in a self-defense class and learn these things from a professional trainer.
1. Always trust your gut
The first rule what you should always remember is that you need to trust your gut and trust your instincts. If you feel that you are somewhere that is not safe, leave right away. If you have a bad feeling about a person or a situation, then you should do everything you can do stay away.
Sometimes we may feel like we are exaggerating and that the place is completely safe. However, your basic instincts will not lie to you. And at the end of the day, it is better to stay safe, than to risk saying “what if I left?” later.
The biggest mistake people make is enrolling in self-defense classes and learning strategies after something bad happens to them. Experts say that there are many cases you can keep yourself safe, just by trusting your gut and avoiding bad situations.
2. How to break the zip-tie handcuffs?
This strategy is one of the most important ones, as nowadays many attackers use zip ties to tie their victims. There are several ways to break them and we are going to help you learn the basic move that should help you out in any given situation.
If your hands are tied in front of you, then the first thing you need to do is to raise them as high as you can. Then, in a quick motion, you should bring them down, while opening your elbows so they come on your sides. As you bring them down, your hands should come parallel to your abdomen and the force should break the ties. If you have enough strength, you should be able to do this on the first try. However, if you don’t break the zip-ties right away, you can try again. Every time you do this move, they will come a bit loose and, in the end, you will either break them or loosen them enough so you can take them off.
3. What is a hammer strike?
This is a technique everyone should know, but it is especially useful for women. If you are ever caught in a scary situation, and if someone is going to attach you, you should not use your nails, but instead, you should place the keys of your home or car between your fingers. Other sharp things can help as well, as long as you have a good grip on them, and you don’t end up hurting yourself.
The main reason why you should not try to scratch your attacker (unless you have no other choice), is that you may break your nail and the pain will distract you.
The hammer strike is used when you place the keys, or the other sharp object in your palm, with them sticking to one side. If someone attacks you, use can use them and thrust downward, moving your arm like a hammer. You can also use these objects to try and hit the attacker, but don’t do this unless you are sure you are not going to miss them.
4. Handgun safety
Just because you don’t own a gun, it does not mean that you should not learn how to handle it and to know the safety measures. These things can save your life, and you should try and learn more about guns and safety, no matter if you are pro or against them.
According to staccato2011, the most common reason why people buy handguns is to protect themselves, so in case you think about investing in one, you should know the most important rules. They include:
- Treat all the guns as if they are loaded
- Never point a gun at someone unless you plan on using it
- You should not put your finger on the trigger unless you are ready to shoot
- When practicing, you should always wear protective gear
- Be aware of the position of your target and the line of the fire
5. Target denial
Target denial is one of the first things they are going to teach you in self-defense classes. If there is a way for you to run away and escape without confronting the assaulter, then you should do it. It is said that if you have to be in a fight, you should strike first, strike hard and then run. Real-life is not like the movies, so if you give the other person a chance to attack you, you may end up hurt really badly.
In case you think someone is following you, then you need to go to the other side of the street, keep close to large crowds, and if possible, go to a store, a restaurant or any other place that can keep you safe until you call the cops.
6. Learn how to kick and strike
There are a few moves that every person should know, just in case something bad happens. If your attacker is a male, then the first thing you should do is practice a groin kick. That will disarm your opponent and give you some time to run away.
The heel palm strike is a great option when you don’t have your keys or other items that you can use to strike the attacker. You can also use the elbow strike, as that move is more powerful and you will have more control over your body than the heel palm strike.
You should practice these moves and strategies at home, and if you feel like you are not safe in the place where you work or live, then you should take self-defense classes. There are a lot of different martial arts that can help you learn how to control your body, mind, and what you need to do in case you get attacked. Check out this guide by Body, Mind and Modem.