Self Defense Basics
When it comes to personal safety in a seemingly violent situation, common sense combined with some physical know-how is the best way to handle oneself. Does one need to be Chuck Norris to knock someone out? NO. (But it does not hurt.)
There are a million guidebooks and courses teaching self-defense and touting their authenticity. However, let’s face it, every situation is unique to every one person and every situation may not end the way it does in a classroom setting. Those settings are more often tamer than the real world.
Some basics will go along way though. I referred to a neighbor of mine because he was a member of the SAS (Special Air Service in the British Army.) And although he appears unassuming and leads a tranquil life with his family in the country, he knows his stuff.
His strategy? Read on. And then read it again when done:
The best line of defense is to first block any punch. Since most assailants are right-handed, the victim should block the punch with a left arm. (If the attacker is left-handed, the victim should block the punch with his/her right arm.)
Second step? While blocking with the arm, use the other hand to jab the eyes of the assailant with the fingers. This will throw any assailant off balance and lend some time for either escape or the next step. (There is a lot to be said for regrouping and catching one’s breath in a violent situation.)
Now that the assailant is off balanced and confused, the victim should strike the chin with the right-handed palm. The attacker will more than likely fall to the ground in pain.
If the attacker decides to call it a day and leave his victim alone? That would be ideal. If not? There’s more.
Stepping forward with the left leg, the victim should swing his/her body around, lean in and strike the face with the left elbow. Preferably on the attackers chin or in the eyes. This usually guarantees a knock out.
And if all else fails? Using the tried and true method all women dream of using on that one slimy co-worker in the elevator WILL WORK. The groin attack with the knee. This will knock out any assailant, regardless of size or speed. A knee kick to the groin is far more painful than anywhere else on the body, except for the eyes. Your assailant will experience a dull aching, throbbing and intense pain that will most certainly injure him. He will not be able to retaliate.
Most importantly?
The successful key to knocking out an assailant besides common sense and physical know how is total control and CONFIDENCE. Any hesitation would ruin any of the above information. Therefore, practicing in the mirror or mock practicing on a trusted friend or family member (slowly and non violently, of course) is no bad idea.
And ideally, befriending Chuck Norris personally on a 24/7 basis will be 100% effective in all violent situations.