Women need self-defense tools because statistics show women are assaulted more often than men. One in three women is a victim of physical violence. In addition, women are subjected to more instances of verbal abuse, sexual abuse, and harassment. This is why most self-defense classes are focused on how women can get out and away from an attacker. Furthermore, self-defense tools should include methods of preventing a violent confrontation. Pivoting away from a potential threat is just as important as destroying your attacker.

To an experienced self-defense guru, the following physical tactics will be familiar and basic to you. These tactics can help in the moment of an attack. However, don’t just solely rely on this article to gain knowledge of self-defense training. Seek out a self-defense instructor for continued training. Proper practice makes perfect. In a sexual assault, your body will go through a stage of fear and panic, also known as fight or flight, followed by an adrenaline rush. Although adrenaline can increase people’s strengths (we’ve all heard the story about the mother who picked up a car to save her child, that’s the power of adrenaline), it’s not a reliable source of self-defense. Some reports state the victim experienced tunnel vision, selective hearing, and loss of motor function. During an attack, you risk the body’s natural reaction to stressors not going in your favor. It can be hard to see and hear, let alone perform the complex martial art technique you suddenly remembered from a movie you saw ten years ago. Advanced techniques during an attack are difficult to perform. The same concept applies to basic techniques, which is why we recommend you practice recalling the skill and practicing the skills randomly throughout the week. Eventually, your brain will associate the new skill and recall it much easier, which is convenient for you if you’re ever attacked.

Define Motor Functions/Skills: A motor skill is a function that involves specific movements of the body’s muscles to perform a certain task. For example, these tasks could include walking, running, or riding a bike. To perform this skill, the body’s nervous system, muscles, and brain must all work together.

The following techniques can increase your chance of surviving an attack. For more information, visit International Defensive Training Systems. The following personal protection tools are proven strategies recommended by professionals.

1. TRUST YOUR INTUITION

Many women in a self-defense class often sign up for the course because they’ve experienced a physical attack. However, they waited until an assault happened to them before considering signing up. Often, women who are victims recall their thoughts in the moments leading up to the attack as, “I had a bad feeling, but brushed it off” or “I felt like staying home, but went anyway.” The feeling people get just before something bad happens is described as a pit in their stomach, also known as intuition. People joke about “women’s intuition.” Although women indeed have intuition, it is also true that people, regardless of sex, have intuition. When something doesn’t feel ‘right,’ it’s because it isn’t safe, according to your intuition. And that’s the bottom line. Women have been conditioned to ignore the small voice of doubt that senses trouble, but intuition can detect danger and save your life.

That voice of doubt is coming from a place of concern. Stop. Listen and analyze your environment.

2. PRACTICE TARGET VETO

Practice making yourself an inaccessible target. If you have the opportunity to escape from a self-defense situation before it becomes physical, do it! If the person approaching you worries you, cross the street and keep your distance. If the man in the elevator gives you goosebumps, wait for the next elevator. Don’t risk putting yourself in danger. You’re not a coward for listening to your intuition. You’re courageous.

3. CONFIDENCE, AS A SELF-DEFENSE TOOLS

Define Body Langauge: Body language is a type of communication in which physical behaviors, as opposed to words, are used to express or convey information. Such behavior includes facial expressions, body posture, gestures, eye movement, touch, and the use of space.

Be aware of the non-verbal messaging your body sends to the people around you. Predators and pedophiles target women who appear frightened, confused, and distracted. If your body language shows any of these signs, it’s a green light for an attacker to make his move. A self-defense tactic more women need to practice is to stop walking with their heads down. If you’re putting groceries into your trunk (distraction), keep your head up, take your time and look around at the people walking by. Don’t give the attacker the upper hand by having your back turned, being oblivious to your surroundings, and only focusing on one thing like getting your groceries into your car quickly or into the house in one trip (overburdening yourself with packages is a distraction). Human predators will target women they consider weak or vulnerable. Confidence and awareness are self-defense tactics many don’t think about when it comes to preventing violent attacks.

Attackers aren’t looking for a challenge. They aren’t looking for someone who could fight back or call attention to her surroundings. They want an easy target. Presenting yourself with confidence gives you a sense of awareness and will reduce your likelihood of needing self-defense.

4. SET STRONG VERBAL BOUNDARIES

Verbal skills are an effective form of self-defense. This tool you’ll use more frequently and too much greater success than any physical self-defense technique you learn in a self-defense class. When a predator engages in conversation with you, they’re interviewing you. The goal of the interview is to identify what boxes you check off the ‘potential victim’s list.’ They most likely won’t ask, “Do you know any self-defense tactics?” they aren’t that stupid, but they’ll ask questions related to your physical activities. A serial attacker has practiced this interview and can say things to scare you or stun you to increase his odds.

Aggressive verbal confrontations can be intimidating, but you will be strong and show the attacker that he’s picked the wrong victim today. Stand tall, remain calm and respond with confidence. Be assertive enough, and you’ll fail the interview. Your confidence alone will stir up feelings of doubt for them. That doubt can save you.

5. NON-CONFRONTATIONAL STANCE & THE ELEMENT OF SURPRISE

Most pedophiles are confident the victim they choose will not defend themselves, or they could at least overpower the individual. Because they dont expect you to fight, this allows you to execute your secret weapon, the element of surprise. If you step into a martial arts fighting stance, it will plant a seed of doubt within the attacker’s plans. They didn’t expect you to fight, and now you’ve assume the position… they’ll definitely be afraid. This self-defense tactic is used when getting to safety or calling for help is not an option.

6. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE

Every person has a comfort zone and personal safety space, including children. Yet, when a predator enters the space, you’ll feel uncomfortable. Why? Because your brain knows that in a moment of danger, you’ll need every inch of your personal safety space to protect yourself or perform a self-defense move. In a self-defense-induced adrenaline state, you need 0.25 seconds to react. We call this the reactionary gap.

Define Reactionary Gap: the distance between the extremities of your reach and the extremities of your opponent’s reach. The ‘reach’ includes any weapons involved.

Maintain a one to two arm’s length from people you consider a potential aggressors. When he starts closing in, start with verbal boundaries self-defense tactic to create personal safety. If they continue to inch closer, it’s time to target veto and exit the situation or to practice self-defense. The goal of any self-defense situation is to create personal safety. That is your only priority in an attack.

7. KEEP YOUR TECHNIQUES SIMPLE

The main effect of an adrenaline release is the loss of fine motor skills. The loss of motor functions will affect simple movements like unclenching your fists or pulling your hands out of your pockets. These actions can become self-defense challenges during an adrenaline rush. The odds of executing a quick high kick are not in your favor, especially for someone who does not often practice self-defense training. Because the effects of the adrenaline rush are strong, it’s important to stick to the basic self-defense martial art techniques. The following self-defense tools are recommended (again, speak with a professional for proper form and instructions):

Heel-palm strike. Strike with an open hand to reduce the chance of injury to your hand. This enables you to attack from a non-confrontational stance. Use this self-defense tactic after setting verbal boundaries and before you assume a self-defense position.

Eye strike. In some cases, driving your fingers toward an attacker’s eyes will be enough for them to step back and out of your personal safety zone. If you miss the target, use this moment to counterattack and deliver a precise blow or to escape the attack.

Knee strike. This technique is preferred to any standing kick. It is simple to use, and you can deliver it while staying centered and closing the ground. This is critical when adrenaline is pumping. A knee to the groin can end a fight immediately.

8. DON’T PANIC IF YOU’RE KNOCKED DOWN

In most cases, women fall to the ground after the unexpected blow. The heel-palm strike and eye strike work well as self-defense moves while on the ground. Throw a few kicks into the mix and make yourself a challenge the attacker did not anticipate.

Remember, your legs are longer than your arms, use them! He will have to expose himself to your self-defense tools to make physical contact with you. Knee strikes work well for ground fighting self-defense tactics. When you see an opening, take it!

9. FOLLOW THROUGH

The fight is over when the threat is gone. It would be best if you found the courage and effort to defend yourself the entire time during battle—dont pause. Dont give the pedophile an opening.

International Defensive Training Systems is knowledgeable in tactics of self-defense and self-defense prevention. They are a source for a young woman to educate themselves on preventing dangerous situations. Visit the website to learn about the ineffectiveness of modern self-defense weapons such as self-defense keychains, self-defense pepper spray, and self-defense tasers that anyone can purchase from Amazon. Check out the International Defensive Training Systems self-defense weapons product page to purchase their patented The Punisher Self-Defense Glove, bear pepper spray, door stop alarm, or conceal carry purses. Self-defense weapons are sold to women all over the world, and although some are ineffective in an attack, others can save your life. Self-defense weapons are effective when used properly. Protect yourself and reach out to a self-defense weapons instructor for more information.

Define Self-defense: Self-defense is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force in times of danger is available in many jurisdictions.

International Defensive Training Systems is taking a proactive stance to protect women & children against the epidemic of sexual assault & abduction by providing education and physical training. In addition to, a line of critical self defense products, our mission is to stop violent assaults against women world-wide. In addition, changing the definition & implementation of self defense to women as a whole.

Joyce Laroche