A How to Guide for Defending Oneself

AUDIENCE: The individuals that are being targeted for this how to
guide are those who do not have any prior fighting experience, and are
interested in learning how to properly defend themselves in the case of
a confrontation.

CONTEXT: I have experienced firsthand the importance of knowing how

to defend yourself from an attacker. The circumstances that contribute
to this experience are never expected, and demand improvisation. The
main points of this guide are to serve as a bases for defending oneself
in general situations.

PURPOSE: The self defense how to serves as a guide to help

individuals gain a better understanding of the proper striking
techniques that are required when faced with a life-threatening
situation. The individuals will better understand general skills that can
be used from situation to situation; ultimately providing a strong
foundation for all situations with which one may be confronted.

A How to Guide for Defending Oneself

As a general rule, the last resort when facing any confrontation is the
application of destructive force. In the present context it is to be
assumed that all other methods of defense have been exhausted. The
emphasis of this guide revolves around the general striking techniques
applicable to various contexts; however, no information is provided
regarding blocking or evasive techniques. The individual without any
form of self-defense experience will find this guide useful. The
organization of this guide is described below:
The guide is organized around five sensitive areas that are the
focus for all strikes (all emphasis is on standing positions):
o The eyes
o The nose
o The throat
o The groin
o The knees
Stance
In order to defend oneself in a standing position it essential to assume
a proper fighting stance.
First, you must rotate your body so that the shoulder and foot
ipsilateral to your non-dominant hand are forward and facing
your attacker.
o For example, right-handed people should have their left
shoulder and foot rotated forward, facing their attacker;
whereas, left-handed people should have their right
shoulder and foot rotated forward, facing their attacker.
**The next section will revolve around proper striking techniques that
can be used under various face-to-face confrontations.**
Striking:
**General rule: avoid the knuckle/bony area of your fist when striking
the face.**

Striking the eyes:

o When confronted with a situation where the attacker is at
arms-length, various techniques are effective.
Gouging
A primal yet effective technique that is
properly executed by digging your fingers into
the eye sockets of the attacker.

Striking the eyes (cont.)

Hammer fist
A proper striking method to the eyes or the
face is known as the hammer fist.
It is a form of punching. The proper technique
is to make a fist, but the key is using the
meaty part of your hand, opposite the thumb
side.
Strike down on the attackers face or eyes as
if you were hammering a nail into a board.
Scratching
A very effective way of damaging the eyes or
disorienting the attacker in general. Aim for
the attackers eyes and eye socket. Tear at the
skin of the attacker, and it is effective to also
incorporate the eye gouging method when
doing so.
Striking the nose
o The nose is one of the softest areas on the face, and it
yields a great means for disorienting the attacker.
Palm Strike
The most effective strike when targeting the
nose is a palm strike.
Using the heel of your palm, strike with an
upward motion under the attackers nose.
Striking the neck
o The neck is a large, sensitive area that can be used to
disorient the attacker.
o Two possible methods can be used with this target:
Elbow Strike
Using your elbow, you can thrust forward
striking the assailant in the Adams apple
region, causing severe pain and
disorientation.
Hammer Fist
A hammer strike can also be effective when
targeting the side of the neck. The side of the
neck is larger than the front. It also houses the
carotid artery and jugular vein. Apply

The intention is to damage the eyes by

pushing down; ultimately disorienting the
attacker.

destructive force, and multiple strikes to this

area can also prove to be efficient.

Striking the groin

Kick
The groin is extremely sensitive and any
amount of force applied to this region can
cause pain or disorientation.
This strike is effective from close range or long
range.
In the context of this guide, the best attack is a
kick.
o Generating a great deal of force when
kick is essential.
o Aim for the crotch and with an upward
motion; kick your foot as if you were
forcing your foot through the attackers
groin.
Striking the knee
Kick
The knee is an ideal target because it is
vulnerable at any angle, and is a low risk area
for injuring yourself or risking having your
foot grabbed.
Kick the side of the knee with a great deal of
force to injure the assailant or incapacitate
them.
Imagine you are kick through the knee. The
intention is to extend the knee out of its
socket.