Women's Self Defence

When looking at women’s self defense there are many theories and methods that are touted. Unfortunately for most women it is hard to determine what the correct course of action to take is when they find themselves in a position where they are required to defend themselves from harm. As a former marine, and long time coach of mixed martial arts I teach a very simplified system that is easy to remember, and ultimately very effective.

The first action a woman must take is something that will come naturally and easily, and that is to scream, to run, and to make as much noise as is humanly possible. Most individuals when presented with the possibility of being noticed or caught will immediately disengage and leave the scene.

If in a place where this is not a viable option or does not work, the next step is to find a weapon of opportunity. This means, a rock, a brick, a stick, a high heel on a shoe, anything that will help to even the playing field between you and your attacker, or to cause him to pause allowing time to create distance and potentially escape.

If you are not able to find a weapon of opportunity and you attacker closes to within an unsafe distance of you and you are forced to defend yourself against a person who is physically stronger than you, your options are limited.

The first action after attempting to flee your attacker has failed is to attack a vulnerable point, and on a male attacker this vulnerable point is of course the groin. Kick, punch, claw, or use the self explanatory method known as the reach, grab twist, pull. Once this has been attempted and fails if your attacker gets a hold on you, continue to attack the groin with knees as you switch to the second most vulnerable point on his body, and that is his eyes. Though attacking the eyes comes across as barbaric and is hard to stomach for most people, the eyes are easily damaged, and an attack with nails or a gouge can cause the kind of damage you need to escape.

Finally if your attacker prevents you from causing any physical damage with the two above listed attacks or whatever other damage you can afflict with head butts, clawing or other action used in any struggle for dignity or life you are left with one final option and that is to submit for a time and play possum.

Allow the attacker to think they have won the struggle, even go as far as saying that you submit, make no action for a time, allow the intensity of the moment to slow, and while this is happening prepare yourself for action. In this moment an opportunity might arise, a man with his pants down, a release in the intensity of his grip, or a time to find a weapon of opportunity in close proximity. Then at the last possible moment once again spring into action, push to escape, use your weapon of opportunity, re-attack the eyes or crotch, and continue to fight for the dignity you deserve.

You may notice that in this article I never mentioned giving up, many will say at times it is best in order to maintain life, but it is my belief that it is better to die fighting that to give up your personal honor. In the end this is a decision only the woman in the situation may make.