Belize Medical Associates

Common Techniques of Self Defense

Using your intuition (inner voice) and voice are two common self-defense techniques. Have you ever been in a situation that just didn't feel right? Perhaps you were walking home alone one night from the bus stop and you had a weird feeling inside. That was your intuition at work telling you to be careful.

It's also important to understand the power of your voice. If you ever feel threatened, you should shout or scream to draw attention to the situation. It's even a good idea to practice speaking loudly (or yelling) so if you were ever in danger, you wouldn't freeze up. Commands like "No!" "Go away!" or "Back off!" are excellent attention-getters if you feel threatened.

Reduce Your Risk

Personal safety tips to reduce your risk in a dangerous situation:
* If you're going to be out at night, travel in a group.
* Don't take shortcuts, especially at night.
* Be aware of your surroundings, and pay particular attention to possible hiding places such as stairways, alleyways, and bushes.
* Be sure your body language shows a sense of confidence and purpose.
* When riding on public transportation, sit near the driver or conductor and stay awake. Remember, attackers are looking for vulnerable targets.
* If someone begins to follow you, try to make it to a safe area, such as a police station, gas station, or other public place. If necessary, scream or yell as you run away to draw attention to the pursuer.

When to Fight Back

If all else fails, it may be necessary to use physical force to protect yourself. However, you should first determine if fighting is really your only hope. If possible, you should try to get away from the dangerous situation to a safe location where someone can help you.
But if a person ignores boundaries you've set, blocks your path to safety, or if your intuition tells you something is wrong, you may have to fight.

Tips on fighting effectively:
* If you are attacked from the front, kick the attacker in the shins or groin (straight up between the legs) or jab the eyes or throat with the bird beak move (wrap your fingers around your thumb to form a beak).
* If you are attacked from behind, stomp the attacker's foot with your heel; kick backward with your heel, aiming for the groin or knees or elbow the attacker in the head, throat, or area between the rib cage and stomach.
* Use your natural weapons - voice, hands, and feet - to stop an attack. If you're picked up, use your legs to resist. If your legs are not free, use your hands, if possible, to grab and squeeze the groin and twist until you are let go. Once you've broken free, run as fast as you can to get help.