Self Defense Tips

Walking alone and feeling uncomfortable? Are you getting a strange vibe from a stranger on the bus?

Many women have been there before. Self-defence classes/tips not only prepare a woman to defend herself physically but also teach and train her not to be an easy target.

Knowing how to assess any environment and situation she finds herself in, with or without her charges, is a valuable skill that most women (helper or not) should possess.

Even if you’ve never personally been in a physically compromising situation, having confidence that you can assist yourself in an adverse situation can make all the difference.

By consciously empowering yourself with self-defence skills, your fears will tremendously decrease. Below are some of the tips to follow:

Be aware of your environment: It is essential to maintain a good sitting posture to be mindful of what is going on around you. If you see the potential danger, you can avoid it or be prepared to defend yourself.

Stay in well-lit areas; don’t get distracted by surfing the web and looking for alternative routes or exits.

Follow your instincts: Focus on how you react in different situations and learn to read your body’s signals. These signals are what we call “instinct” and are usually not wrong. If you see yourself in a situation wherever you have to defend yourself, trust your intuition.

Improve your body language: When you walk with your shoulders back, your lungs get more oxygen, and you can see your surroundings better. Move and walk with confidence, standing with your chin up and shoulders back.

Know the Vital Target Areas: Know which areas of the attacker’s body need to be targeted. Some of the most common delicate areas to hit (with a fist, punch, bite, or scratch) include the eyes, nose, ears, temples, neck, groin, and knees.

Make it tough: Get light on your feet and move as much as possible; try not to be a deer caught in headlights. If there are multiple attackers, choose one to focus on and walk around using them as a shield between the other attackers and you.

If you are on the floor, turn around, and use your body as a deadweight, it is much more difficult for someone to move you.

Use your eye contact: The use of eye contact is a powerful thing, and making use of eye contact with someone, allows them to know that you are aware of their presence. Avoiding eye contact can show you are being intimidated, and attackers may see you as an easier target.

Use your voice: The voice is regarded as one of the most valuable assets when it comes to self-defence. Take a deep breath and shout “NO” or “STOP” as loud as you can. This will not only draw attention to your situation and help you but also scare the offender. Making use of your voice can also enhance your breathing rate, focus, and strength, helping you escape.

Learn to Defend Yourself: The best way to learn to defend yourself physically is to take a self-defence course. As well as being an excellent way to meet other people and have fun, you’ll learn some practical tips that will make you feel more confident if you’re threatened.

In the aspect of taking care of yourself, it’s essential to keep in mind that size doesn’t always matter. Suppose your attacker is taller and more durable than you, use what you have in your favour. Whether it’s your voice, your agility, or your intelligence, stay calm and confident.

Personal Defense Accessories

Alarms and whistles: Alarms and whistles help warn others that you have been attacked. While they are useful in public spaces, don’t rely on them as your only form of self-defence because if there is no one around, they will be of little use.

Pepper Spray: Pepper spray can help injure an attacker and give you time to escape. Always ensure you carry the pepper spray on an easily accessible place or attach it to the keychain.

Once you get it, practice using it in an open field, so you know how to push the button, where the nozzle is, and what spray range you get. When attacked, you will know how far to reach the attacker before spraying 2–3 sprays directly on the attacker’s face.

In a perfect world, nobody should have to resort to using any of these tactics to defend themselves. However, it is useful to be aware of the things you can do to protect yourself in a compromising situation.

We hope that nobody ever has to use these, and we always encourage victims of any abuse to contact local authorities and seek help. There are some links below in case you have been a victim of a situation like this.