In order for a person to defend themselves properly against a variety of attacks, it is necessary to analyze the various types of attacks, and the techniques available to defend against them. Also important, is to know the strengths and weaknesses of these different techniques, as well as your own limitations.

 

Self-defence, just like the martial arts, should be learned in a progressive manner. The very simplest techniques are learned first, then later once more proficiency is gained, more advanced techniques are taught. The defences against the most simple of attacks are learned first and then the more difficult attacks later on. One does not learn to run before they walk, neither should one learn attacks against knife attacks before the student has gained proficiency in defending against unarmed attacks. You will find that in many instances the very same principles apply against a grabbing attack can be used in defending against a punch. In other words, the techniques and principles learned at the very beginning stages make up the building blocks that apply to more difficult attacks.

 

Another important reason for learning self-defence progressively is the endless variety of attacks that must be defended against. The two types of physical attacks that can be directed toward you are: violent and non-violent attacks. A violent attack is an attack that would kill or gravely injure you. An example would be the knife attack, a choke, kick or punch, headlock, etc. A non-violent attack is one that will not directly cause great physical harm. Examples would be a wrist grab, lapel grab, a push, etc. Often non-violent attacks are preludes to more violent ones. Since there are a variety of attacks than could be directed toward us, we need to have a variety of defenses that are appropriate to the different intensity of these attacks. In other words, we should never respond with more force than is necessary to adequately defend ourselves. If a student were to defend against a wrist grab in the same manner he would against a knife attack, then you could be facing a lawsuit or criminal prosecution. Use of excessive force in a self-defence situation may be personally gratifying, but would be viewed by law enforcement officials and a jury in a very negative manner.

 

The rules of self-defence are very simple. Self-defence is after all; common sense. Common sense goes a long way in the prevention of attack. So the first rule of self-defence is avoidance. Common sense dictates that a person should avoid placing him or herself in a situation so that attack is unavoidable or invited. In other words, don’t go walking down a strange neighbourhood alone, and don’t flash large sums of money. Avoidance also means that when an attack comes, avoid the weapon by moving yourself outside the line of attack.

 

Another rule to remember is that in a self-defence situation, one should take advantage of their surroundings, being careful that you are not cornered or flanked by your opponents. Look around the area. Is there anything that can be used as a weapon? Remember; basically anything can be used as a weapon to give yourself the advantage. Keys, pencils, a brick, or even throwing grass or sand into your opponent’s eyes may be the only edge you need to escape unharmed.

 

Now back to the avoidance of the opponents weapon. Moving outside the line of attack can is always the first step. Then what? After you have moved yourself outside the line of attack, then seize and control the opponent’s weapon. Next, disarm the attacker, and then neutralize the attacker. These principles work whether the opponent has a knife or is empty handed.

 

When facing an assault, the most simple techniques are usually the most effective.  A person may have the training and ability to kick an attacker in the head, but it is much safer and more effective to kick to the knees or groin. The higher the kick, the less power and hold on the ground you will have.

 

The defender has a wide range of natural weapons at their disposal. The human body has two hands, two feet, two knees, two elbows, and the most important weapon of all is to use your brain. Even the forehead can be effective at close range. It is important that you learn to strike effectively with each of your natural weapons. Striking at the body’s weak points and not just randomly punching and kicking at the attacker will make you strikes much more effective and end the confrontation much quicker. The human body has a number of pressure points and nerve points throughout the body. Each should be struck in a different manner as to have the maximum effect. One should learn and practice as many of these as possible so that your counter-attacks are quick and decisive.