Not everything learned in class is practical in a real life situation. For example, kicking to the head might not be useful for most people if they are wearing tight restrictive jeans that slow their kicks down (i.e. creating a high risk of being caught). Likewise, boxers regularly break their hands by throwing punches in real fights etc. I think it would be great if we shared what worked and what didn't in a real fight (hopefully we may never have to use these tips). What is your number 1 self defense tip for protecting yourself in a real life situation? Kevin
I always teach my people to obviously pay attention and try their bests to avoid physical confrontations but of course that just sometimes doesnt work, so.... forget headkicks, unless you are 100% confident you are going to land it dont try it, I made a big name for myself in tournaments and at local dojos with open sparring nights fighting people that wanted to kick to head. if its blocked or you miss you put yourself in a pretty bad situation. but back on topic....strike soft vital spots, and not simply go for the groin...too small a target that most people expect. kick the knee, strike the throat. learn tai sabaki and strike hard at floating ribs, knees, thighs, the side of the face, back of the head. if they are holding a weapon focus on the weapon, chances are that will be the source of most of their strikes.
Hey again Kev! My number one self defense tip is to RUN! Avoidence at all cost I'm afraid.........Escape To Gain Safety. If no other option but to fight.....I still follow this rule...well almost! Eyes then Throat then Groin then Shin. Do you see what I mean? Hope so, love, peace and respect from your number one fan!!D xXx
My instructor always used to say that if you are in a confrontation in a pub and someone is right up at your face (i.e. aggressively, shouting etc), you should have knocked them out 5 minutes before. After seeing lots of fights in bars, I have to agree with him. It would be much better to either run away or land the first punch before it got to that situation. If a fight is inevitable, you would be better landing the first strike. He obviously wasn't promoting going out and hurting people however I think he's right that if a situation has went to that point, there's a 95% chance of them attacking you.
Too true Kev, I also believe if the inevitable was to happen OF COURSE I want to be the one who get there first!! Thanx for your reply....it meant a lot. xxXXxx
The time when I was confronted by a knife wielding thug when I was working in a shop - I concentrated on the knife and did not react as the thug expected - unfortunately this happened before I started Karate training !!!! If you cannot escape then stand your ground and stare them in the eyes and react accordingly !!!! Usually these sort of people are bullies and crumble when confronted !!!
I assume that you are refering to a situation you can not escape from? Ive found most of them are more mouth than action rather than just attack you they try to bait you with words. The key here is dont be dumb and tell them you know a form of self defence this is your edge, if they touch you they usually try to push you etc. I prefer to attack the closest target to me. Usually the knee. It doesnt take much to damage that. Open hand strikes also are faster and less energy restrictive than a punch ie a palm to the face or chop. Rather than direct confrontation remember your angles.
Ooooft, I like your way of thinking!! I also enjoy using the elbow too, pretty destructive with the least amount of effort, Jason!!
Keeping your distance, assessing the situation. Strike when it is advantageous to you or don't strike at all. In the Bujinkan we are taught to think with illogical logic. That is to say, do not over think the situation, react with something that they do not expect logical.
Hit soft things with hard things and hard things with soft things (i.e. under the chin gets fist, head gets open hand). No closed fist striking (hard to use your car keys with a broken hand). Also a closed fist can land a tooth in your knuckle (operated on one of those at work, Hell of an infection from a tooth into the hand). No need to have victory in the fight, but also win Hepatitis from some biker's mouth as well. Look as passive as possible. Think normal fighting stance, but with hands splayed open and at or slightly above eye level. Chin down is a weak looking posture, but is very protective. Talk loud enough so that anyone close can hear you telling the attacker to get away. Even if you are winning, look at bystanders and have them call for help, talk in a way that puts them on your side. "Help me get this guy under control...". And above all, ALWAYS think that at any moment the bad guy is going to pull a knife... and knows how to use it. jim
Forget hitting soft points. Try grabbing a handkerchief from someone's pocket as you spar. Difficult isn't it. Now add alcohol and aggression. And it becomes near impossible. Self defence is just that. We all train in techniques, but the hidden training comes through confidence. This should be used to stay calm, hit hard and hit fast. Never return to the pub of the fight. The chap you defeated will have 5 friends next time.
Yes , it was a no escape situation but I did manage to get out of his grip - he first jumped onto the counter and as he was crouched I saw the knife in his hand - this I was focused on - then he jumped in front of me, blocking my exit and grabbed me from behind around my neck, with the knife against my neck. I twisted out of his grip and then he held my wrists and still had the knife in his hand - then I just pulled my arms back with as much force that I could and I got away from him. Now I would think differently and assess the situation and make the first strike count - action would depend on the attackers moves - But I favour knee kick to the groin or heavy kick to the knee and possibly an elbow or back fist to the face - as it would be unexpected and he would still be looking in my face prior to me hitting him.
Heya again Jim! What great input and fantastic reply, I personally aggree with all that you say on this point!! Chat again soon my friend, respects as always XXxxXX
I think its in the hesitation. That we will get in trouble. How far will you go in stopping the person, the "what if's", what if I hurt him or worse, what if I get arrested, what if I lose! Now, in an alley with your life at stake, of course the hestitations are less and all is fair, but in a bar, in front of people, maybe you did cause the person to gete mad and now you have to defend yourself, now is when you can make a fatal mistake of hesitation. I think its a time you just have to be willing for go for it and make sure you com e out on top. If you've trained enough, if your ready and hopefully you've been aware of the surroundings, his friends, state of mind, potential for weapons, etc, then, either fight or flight, but dont hesitate. Being you've already allowed something to escalate beyond control keep things direct and simple. Like you said, head kick are out, etc. I found Krav Maga and wrestling to be the best preperation but other styles do as well. Just "keep it simple".
