8 Self-Defense Moves Every Woman Needs to Know
Feeling nervous when walking home alone? On the bus, do you get an odd vibe from a stranger? Unfortunately, many of us have been in that situation.
In a study of 1,000 women, 81 percent said they had experienced sexual harassment, assault, or both in their lifetime.
The most prevalent harassment was verbal, although 51% of women claimed they had been touched or grabbed inappropriately, and 27% had been sexually assaulted.
Even if you've never been in a scenario where you felt physically threatened, knowing what to do next (and what you can do to help yourself should the physical confrontation occur) can make all the difference. It's also a good idea to keep a self-defense weapon with you at all times, such as a pepper spray or self-defense ring, in case of an unexpected attack.
According to research from the University of Oregon, women who took self-defense classes like martial arts believed they:
- had more effective safety measures in place after they had self-defense training
- better prepared to cope with strangers and acquaintances in the event of an incident or abuse
- have a more positive attitude of their physique
- had a boost in confidence after taking a self-defense class
In this post, we will discuss the 8 basic self-defense moves that every woman should know!
Focus on the Vulnerable Areas
Concentrate on your attacker's weak spots: either the attacker's nose, eyes, throat, and crotch. Aim all of the maneuvers below at one or more of these regions to have the most impact. During the execution, use all of your might and aggression. Make it known that you are a formidable woman. Make use of your voice as well. Make a lot of noise to intimidate the assailant and attract attention if anyone is close. You can always bring with you a self-defense weapon like pepper spray or a self-defense ring for women like our cat ears self-defense ring. You can check it out today!
Hammer Strike
One of the simplest methods to defend yourself is with your car keys. However, you should avoid using your fingernails since you risk injuring your hands.
Instead, if you're walking late at night and feel insecure, keep your keys protruding from one side of your fist to protect yourself against hammer strikes.
Another option is to attach your keys to a lanyard and swing them at your opponent.
To perform:
- Hold your keyring in your hand like a hammer, with keys projecting from the side.
- Strike your target by thrusting downward.
Groin Kick
One of the basic self-defense knowledge, if you're being pursued from the front, is a groin kick. It can be enough to disable your opponent, allowing you to flee.
To perform:
- As much as possible, keep yourself stable.
- Begin by lifting your dominant leg off the ground and driving your knee upward.
- Extend your dominant leg, put your left leg in front of you, and let your right foot dangle back if you wish to kick with your right leg (vice versa for lefties). Press your hips forward, lean back slightly, and kick fiercely, making contact with the attacker's crotch area with your lower shin or ball of your foot.
If your assailant is too close, you can also thrust your leg at your groin. But, again, make sure you're stable and not in danger of collapsing.
Heel Palm Strike
This action may injure the nose or throat. To execute, get as much space in front of your adversary as feasible.
To perform:
- Flex your wrist using your dominant hand.
- Aim for the attacker's nose, jabbing upward from the nostrils, or the throat, jabbing upward from beneath the attacker's chin.
- Always remember to retract your strike. Pulling your arm back rapidly will assist in pushing the attacker's head back.
Your assailant will stagger backward, allowing you to escape their hold.
Elbow Strike
If you can't acquire enough momentum to throw a forceful punch or kick because your assailant is near, use your elbows.
To perform:
- To ensure a powerful hit, stabilize oneself with a strong core and legs if possible.
- Bend your elbow, move your weight forward, and strike your attacker in the neck, jawline, chin, or temple with your elbow. All of these are viable targets.
This may force your attacker's grasp to loosen, allowing you to flee.
Alternative Elbow Strikes
You may be in a better position for elbow strike variations depending on how you're standing when you're first assaulted.
To perform from the front:
- Raise your arm to shoulder level.
- Allow your hips to twist as you pivot on the same-side foot, putting extra momentum into the front section of your elbow when you strike.
To perform from the side and back:
- Check to see whether you can see the target.
- Bring your elbow up and pivot your opposing foot, rotating your hips and turning into the target with the back part of your elbow in contact.
Escape From a ‘Bear Hug Attack’
This maneuver should be used in situations where the assailant is approaching from behind. Concentrate on going low and making room for yourself.
To perform:
- From the waist, lean forward. Your weight is shifted forward, making it more difficult for your assailant to pick you up. It also allows you to throw elbows to the attacker's face from a greater angle.
- Continue counterattacking by turning into the opponent with one of your elbows.
- This should allow you to fully turn and harm your face or attack your groin with another move. You might be able to escape and flee, thanks to the space generated by these moves.
Escape With Hands Trapped
Here's what to do if your assailant comes from behind and traps your arms (it'll feel like a bear hug, but you won't be able to move as freely):
- Stopping your attacker's arms from going higher into a headlock should be your first reaction. Shift your weight to one side of your body. This creates an opportunity for open-handed slaps to the groin.
- Bring your hand back up to your arms and elevate your opposing elbow to turn into the wrap. As you turn in, keep your arms close to your chest.
- Continue to use your knees and other counterattacks until you can disengage.
Escape From Side Headlock
Your initial impulse should be to avoid being choked if the attacker wraps their arm over your head from the side.
To perform:
- To prevent being choked, turn as much as possible into the attacker's side.
- Strike the groin with open-handed slaps with your farthest hand until you have enough mobility to turn your head all the way out to disengage.
How To Be Safe If You Are Physically Unable To Protect Yourself
Here are some safety tips to keep a disabled person safe from harassment or modesty outrage.
- Maintain a high level of participation in the public realm.
- Make a 911 call.
- Bring a self-defense weapon like a ring for self-defense or something sharp as a safety precaution.
Make sure you've practiced with any self-defense tools you're carrying. For example, wearing a self-defense ring like our cat ear self-defense ring or spike self-defense ring can suffice the sudden attack. A self-defense ring features a hidden blade that may be worn as everyday jewelry.
Every woman needs to know how to defend herself, and there is no better time than now. Self-defense techniques can be used in various situations - from getting away from an attacker on the street or dealing with someone who may have sexually assaulted you. In the event of a physical altercation, it's always a good idea to have self-defense equipment on hand. For all emergency or potential attacks, ApeSurvival has the best self-defense ring.