Each situation that requires self-defense will be unique and require a unique set of responses from you, according to the website No Nonsense Self-Defense. The best form of self-defense is avoiding risky situations, but if you need to defend yourself, become familiar with techniques that will empower you when you need it most.
Stay Alert
According to Defend University, the most effective self-defense techniques are awareness of what is happening around you and avoiding attacks. Stay alert as you walk or jog. Look at the people in your area, and take action to avoid problems. If your intuition tells you a situation is dangerous, stay away. Cross the street to avoid a group of boisterous or angry people. Use common sense by keeping your cell phone, jewelry and music player out of sight to avoid making yourself a target. Stay in lighted areas after dark, or ask security personnel or a friend to walk you to your vehicle.
Protect Yourself
Defend University recommends protecting yourself by either keeping two arms' length away from your attacker or moving in close enough that he is unable to kick or punch you. Use your arms and hands to protect your head and face. If you lower your hands to fight back, keep your mouth closed and your teeth clenched so that your jaw is less likely to be broken by a blow. To avoid the attacker's fists, move toward his dominant side. If his right fist and arm are drawn back, circle to his right, making it difficult for him to throw a punch.
Fight Back
The knees, abdomen, throat, eyes and groin are vulnerable areas. If you are facing your attacker, Defend University recommends using the bottom of your foot when kicking below the thighs to avoid injuring your toes. If your attacker has his arms around you from behind, slam your heel into his instep or kick backward like a mule into his shin or knee. Jam the sharp point of your elbow into the attacker's ribs or throat. Slam your head into his chin or nose. Reach up to his face and jam your fingers or thumbs into his eyes. Bite, claw and scratch any area of exposed skin.
The website Safety for Women recommends kicking upward into a man's groin to disable him. Use the flat of your palm to hit your attacker in the nose. Punching with your fist can be painful and you can injure yourself more easily than using your palm. Once your attacker is disabled, run for help.
Get Attention
As part of your self-defense arsenal, the website TeensHealth recommends using your voice to attract attention. Shout for help or for the police, or use loud commands such as "no" or "leave me alone". Scream and yell as loudly as possible to attract the attention of people walking past or those in nearby homes or businesses.
Free Training
Contact your local police force, youth or women's programs, hospitals, places of worship and colleges for information on free self-defense courses in your area.
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