Realistic self defense relies on simple movements that are easy to remember during stress, because in an altercation, the fight-or-flight response shuts down higher thinking skills. Self defense for teens faces a second complication. According to self-defense guru and author Tom Patire, teens and young adults are the most likely to wind up in fights that aren't immediately lethal.
Knock on the Door
Use this technique if you are grabbed by somebody. Lift your hand to shoulder height and bring your knuckles down hard on the small bones on the back of the aggressor's hand. Use the same motion you use to knock on a door. Keep hitting until the aggressor lets go. Because the back of the hand has such little bones and so many nerves near the surface, you will be surprised how much this hurts. Once the aggressor lets go, follow up appropriately for your situation.
Turn the Key
Use this technique if you are grabbed, bear-hugged or crowded. Place your hand on the underside of the aggressor's arm, near the armpit. Pinch the skin there hard between the knuckle of your index finger and the pad of your thumb. Twist as though turning a key in a lock. This works best if you pinch just the first few millimeters of skin, rather than twisting a lot of skin and fat. This technique also works on the skin of the inner thigh. This hurts more than you might think. Hillsboro, Oregon self-defense teacher Dave Coffman says large adults have refused to let him demonstrate it on them twice.
Chin Push
This technique is best for an aggressor who is standing very close to you or grabbing you from the front. Put both your palms under the aggressor's chin, wrapping your fingers up the sides of both cheeks. Press hard, up and out, as if shooting a free throw. This will snap the aggressor's head back, compromising his strength and balance. If necessary, you can bring your knee up into his suddenly very exposed groin.
Dead Arm
Use this technique to defend against what self-defense instructors call an "aggressive arm." This is the most common kind of attack and can be a push, punch or attempted grab. As the arm comes in, raise your arm on the same side to block or push the arm out of the way. With your other arm, punch the aggressor as hard as you can in the bicep. The fact that the arm will be tense and moving toward your punch means your punch will disable that arm for a few minutes. Take the opportunity to escape or to continue the fight with one more arm than your aggressor.
References
- "Tom Patire's Personal Protection Handbook"; Tom Patire; 2003
- Dave Coffman, Martial Arts Instructor, Bushido Martial Arts, Hillsboro, OR
Member Comments