Self-defense For Women Simplified

Self-defense for women doesn't require years of martial arts training and a black belt in some of the more exotic systems. There is nothing wrong with participating in this type of training, but it may require more time and effort to get to the point of proficiency than you are willing to spend. There are a number of tactics that can be implemented by any woman. These should be part of her arsenal of weapons and empowerment.

Crimes against women take several forms. Rape is a typical crime. It has been found that most rapes occur by someone that is known to the woman. Many women make the more likely victims, because they are not as likely to fight back. Some of this is due to physical size. Passive response is also due to the woman's perception of herself. Successful self defense addresses both of these factors.

Probably the single most valuable tactic of self defense is to avoid or prevent the need for it. Don't place yourself in a position where you can be attacked. While an attack can still occur, avoiding some of the more common activities that lead to the need for defense should be a part of every woman's defense arsenal. This might include keeping doors and windows secured. Don't travel alone, particularly at night or in lonely areas.

Being aware of your surroundings at all times is a key defense tactic. You can trust your instincts when something about the situation or the individual doesn't feel right. Some of the things to watch for include agitation or fidgeting in the individual in question. There may be a change in breathing patterns and other signs of stress such as jaw and hand clenching. The perpetrator might be checking out zones of attack or watching to ensure no one else is around. The stance may also be a clue to intent.

Every woman should be aware of what types of objects constitute a weapon. This doesn't have to be a weapon in the conventional sense. A ball point pen, can of vegetables, keys or an umbrella can each be used in a dangerous situation. An effective rule of thumb is to use sharp weapons to attack soft tissue, such as the eyes, abdomen and muscle mass. Hard objects, such as your head or a can of food when applied to bone will be more effective.

If you find yourself in a dangerous situation and you are able to move at all, remember that the normal pattern of moving in a confrontation is a straight line. The natural instinct is to run away or to step to one side or the other. Instead, consider yourself at the apex of an equilateral triangle and move toward either opposite point of the triangle.

The idea of moving in a triangle rather than a straight line is just one aspect of doing the unexpected. If the normal reaction would be to pull back, lunge forward. Instead of pushing, pull. There are other things you can do to keep your attacker off balance.

Self-defense for women is made up of several aspects. Prevention and avoidance is the first. Learn to use available weapons effectively. Always do the unexpected, when you are in a dangerous situation.