Self-defense Tips
© 2010 GypsyJaguar
Basic tips for avoiding confrontation and ways to fight back, if necessary.
3 tips to avoiding confrontation
1. Be Alert.
Be alert to your surroundings. Pay attention. Be aware of everyone and everything around you. Listen to your instincts. If you have that 'sinking feeling' that you should leave a place, not enter a location or stay away from a particular person just because they make you feel uncomfortable...take heed! That is your intuition (your survival instincts) warning you of possible danger.
2. Keep calm.
Most attacks can be prevented by staying calm and not further provoking your would-be attacker. If they want money, give it to them...if they want to verbally insult you, let them. Most people are just angry or desperate and feel like they are inferior to others. Attacking, scaring or insulting others makes them feel stronger and in control. Maintain eye-contact and do not let the person know that you are intimidated by them. You must remain in control of the situation.
3. Stay safe.
Stay with groups of people. Avoid private or secluded locations when possible. Stay clear of possible hiding places for attackers while walking. Avoid close situations. You have a better chance of avoiding a fight by staying a safe distance away from a possible attacker. Do not give them the chance to take a step forward and grab or hit you. If they advance toward you, step back and to one side, switching sides until you have an opportunity to run or strike. Keep a zig-zag pattern to throw your opponent off.
If you ever find yourself held at gunpoint, do NOT attempt to retrieve the weapon from your attacker. It will only infuriate them and cause you greater stress. The gun could also go off in the struggle, hitting you or an innocent bystander. Give them what they want, if material in nature. You can always replace it or live without it. Your life is a different story.
If, on the other hand, you are being held at gunpoint and are being forced to get into a vehicle, you must do everything in your power to fight them off and get away. Once you get into that vehicle, your odds of surviving dramatically decrease.*
In the event of an attack
Scream, yell or shout "Fire!", or "Call 911!"
Kick, punch, jab or head-butt any exposed body part of your attacker. Bite them if no other alternative is available to you, but be warned that you could contract any disease your attacker has through your saliva and their blood.
Use ANYTHING around you as a weapon; bricks, rocks, sticks, bottles, dishes, telephones, rolled-up magazines, ashtrays, chairs, knick-knacks, pen/pencil, keys...ANYTHING!
You can also use sand or dirt thrown in the eyes, coins thrown at the face, pepper spray or any aerosol spray in the eyes.
Aim your strikes at sensitive body areas and put all of your weight behind your blow. The chakra areas of the body are where series of nerves come together. These are very sensitive when struck, especially the solar plexus area, directly in front of the diaphragm. The groin and the right or left side of the ribcage or back, where the livers and vagus nerves are located, will bring your attacker to their knees, as well.
"In rear attacks the victim should turn their chin toward the elbow of the attacker and force it down to relieve pressure against the windpipe. The victim should lock the chin down and try to keep the attacker's forearm from pressing hard enough against the SIDE of the neck that unconsciousness could occur. Then the eyes should be attacked over the shoulder, groin grabbed, or top of the instep stomped with the heel." - http://www.rateyourrisk.org/selfdef/
References:
Law enforcement and public safety information
*Dangerous Personalities by Joe Navarro, MA, FBI Special Agent (Ret.)
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