How to Protect Yourself

X

wikiHow is a “wiki” site, which means that many of the articles here are written by multiple authors. To create this article, 99 people, some of whom are anonymous, have edited and improved the article over time.

This article has been viewed 43,113 times.

The difference between “turning away” and being in the headlines of tomorrow’s paper is how well prepared you are to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. You can go over some simple techniques to defend yourself before and during an attack, whether it’s a scuffle or ambush, you still have to keep yourself safe. You don’t have to become like Bruce Lee to protect yourself.

Table of Contents

Maintain a Defensive Posture

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/26/Defend-Yourself-Step-1-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-1- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/26/Defend-Yourself-Step-1-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-1-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Face protection. If the bad guy tries to attack you in the face or grab you from the front, put your hands in front of your forehead in a “Don’t punch me in the face” position and bring your arms to your body. This pose looks like a weak defense, but this is the advantage it gives you because it will catch your opponent off guard. Additionally, it will help protect your face and ribs, two positions you’ll definitely want to protect.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d7/Defend-Yourself-Step-2-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-2- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d7/Defend-Yourself-Step-2-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-2-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Spread your legs wide. Whether you’re spreading your legs “front back” or “to the sides,” keep your feet in a diagonal line, similar to the stance used in martial arts. It will help reduce your chances of being knocked down or pushed.

You will have a chance to win or easily escape if you stand upright. Completely avoid fights that take place on the ground.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/88/Defend-Yourself-Step-3-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-3- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/88/Defend-Yourself-Step-3-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-3-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Assess the attacker. Look at his hand. If he’s going to attack you with his hand, he’ll stick his hand out first. However, if the bad guy has a weapon, he will hide it with him.

If your attacker uses a knife or a gun, you need to avoid confronting him and try to escape. If a fight is inevitable, you need to end it as quickly as possible with a strong impact, then run away and call for help.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e6/Defend-Yourself-Step-4-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-4- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e6/Defend-Yourself-Step-4-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-4-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Running is also a defensive posture. Unless an attacker blocks your escape route, trying to escape is the only way to guarantee your safety. Avoid fighting if possible and try to run away.

Front Defense

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/86/Defend-Yourself-Step-5-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-5- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/86/Defend-Yourself-Step-5-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-5-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Attacks on the eyes and nose. If you must end the conflict as quickly as possible by striking first, strike hard, and as much as possible, then run away and call for help. Being ambushed by bad guys in the alley is not the right time for you to be heroic. Keep yourself safe by ending the confrontation as quickly as possible. ^{[1] X Research Source} Eyes and nose are the two most sensitive sites on an attacker’s face and are very vulnerable if you use elbows, knees and forehead.

At the hardest part of your forehead, right near your hairline, smack the bad guy’s nose hard by stretching his neck and slamming his forehead straight into the center of his face. This is the fastest and most unexpected way to end conflict completely. No matter how strong, experienced, or violent your attacker is, it’s hard to quickly recover from a strong blow to the nose.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0d/Defend-Yourself-Step-6-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-6- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0d/Defend-Yourself-Step-6-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-6-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Kick or grab the male attacker’s groin. Kneeling into the attacker’s groin or grabbing his groin with your hands and twisting will provide a quick effect and the bad guy will be taken down. Again, this is not the time to think about “playing dirty”. If your life is in danger, attack the groin.

If you want to double the damage to your opponent, shove your knee into his nose and he’ll be gone in a few minutes.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/51/Defend-Yourself-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-7- Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/51/Defend-Yourself-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Step on the foot. If you are attacked from behind, maybe the bad guy will wrap his arms around half of you. If you wear high heels or shoes with heavy heels, this is extremely effective. Move your foot closer to the bad guy’s, lift your foot up and stomp on the bad guy’s foot. If he lets go of you, run away, if not, try the next one.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1b/Defend-Yourself-Step-8-Version-7.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-8- Version-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1b/Defend-Yourself-Step-8-Version-7.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-8-Version-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Attack on the kneecap. For example, if you’re being suffocated by the bad guy, or he’s covering your face with his hand, striking the leg will make him loosen his grip so you have a chance to attack more, or allow you to escape. This is especially effective if the attacker is taller than you and is easy to do when you are on the defensive.

Kick your shins and knees like a soccer ball using the instep of your foot. This is a quick and painful kick. Also, if the bad guy’s legs are close enough, nudge your knee into his inner thigh (tabula nerve), outer thigh, knee, or groin. These positions will be painful for him and can disable him, as only 5 to 7 kg of pressure is needed to break a knee.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/50/Defend-Yourself-Step-9-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-9- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/50/Defend-Yourself-Step-9-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-9-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Next. Try to nudge or press your hand into his eyes. No one can guard against a poke in the eye, no matter how tall or small they are. Slapping the ear hard can cause shock or, if done correctly, can damage the eardrum.

In some cases, you can attack the neck of the bad guy. To suffocate him, avoid “putting your hands around the neck” like an HPlywood movie, instead, put your thumb and other fingers around the windpipe (especially you will easily find it if the bad guy) has a rather large “Adam’s apple”. Digging, wriggling, indenting your fingers in this position will cause great pain to him and may cause him to collapse.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4a/Defend-Yourself-Step-10-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-10- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4a/Defend-Yourself-Step-10-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-10-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

If you fall, try to fall on top of the other person. You certainly don’t want to be careless on the ground, but if this is inevitable, use your weight to your advantage. When falling, stick out sharp body parts (knees and elbows) and aim for the bad guy’s groin, ribs, and neck.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/94/Defend-Yourself-Step-11-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-11- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/94/Defend-Yourself-Step-11-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-11-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

If your attacker uses a weapon, knowing where the weapon is hidden is an advantage. If he has a knife, try to keep it out of his reach. If he has a gun, run slickly left to right to avoid.

If you have a chance to escape safely, run. Make sure it’s safe for you to decide to stop using other self-defense methods.
In many cases, you can get out of a dangerous situation by giving your wallet to the attacker. This is a logical choice, especially if he has a knife or a gun. Your life is worth much more than the money and bank cards you have. Throw your wallet away and run away.

Rear Defense

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0f/Defend-Yourself-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-12- Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0f/Defend-Yourself-Step-12-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-12-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Deviate direction. If your assailant tries to grab you from behind to suffocate you, press his forearm into your collarbone instead of trying to lift it off your body, because if he’s bigger than you, it’ll be difficult. towel for you. Place one hand on top of his elbow (on his forearm) and your other hand underneath (so both hands are on either side of his elbow). Then, with a quick and strong move, step up, use the bad guy’s arm as a hinge so you can turn and knock the opponent down.

This will prevent you from being suffocated by him and help you to execute the next counter attack on his head, ribs, and legs. When the attacker is behind you, his shins will be right behind your feet, this is an important position for you to kick and step.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f7/Defend-Yourself-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-13- Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f7/Defend-Yourself-Step-13-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-13-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Sit down. If the bad guy tries to pick you up from behind, lower your hips quickly and hard as if you were “falling off” onto the sofa. This will make it harder for him to pick you up and will give you some time to attack your opponent and defend yourself by kicking your shins or changing positions to switch to defending from the front.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/06/Defend-Yourself-Step-14-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-14- Version-5.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/06/Defend-Yourself-Step-14-Version-5.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-14-Version-5.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Don’t be afraid to “play dirty”. If the attacker is trying to suffocate you by placing his hand around your neck, swing your foot hard into the middle of his leg or into the groin like a soccer ball. This will break his leg or paralyze him.

Avoid Confrontation

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/50/Defend-Yourself-Step-15-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-15- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/50/Defend-Yourself-Step-15-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-15-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Understanding the stages of conflict. Preparing for each stage can help you avoid physical friction. Your main goal is to avoid serious conflict, so you need to be “one step ahead” and aware of the situation before your opponent.

The “igniting” phase. This is the initial stage of controversy before a real war breaks out. It may begin relatively innocuously but develop unexpectedly and rapidly.
Verbal threats. When an argument begins, there is a tendency to threaten a fight. “I will _____” .
Pushing or other provocative behavior. The behavior that provokes you to want a fight usually doesn’t begin with punches or kicks but with provocative and shoving tactics. At this point, you can still “turn around” without having to fight.
Real conflict. When you stop arguing and start fighting. ^{[2] X Research Source}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/22/Defend-Yourself-Step-16-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-16- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/22/Defend-Yourself-Step-16-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-16-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Use words and distractions to avoid confrontation. One move in the wrong direction will start a real war. One thing will lead to another unless one person gives way first. Try to hold back. A scuffle is the last defense you want to use.

If you are in an argument, calm the situation by lowering your voice. Aggressive people in pubs like to make a big deal out of it, but they’ll give you a hug and a drink if you apologize and distract them. If you are calm, they will be calm too.
If you are ambushed, you need to run to a crowded place to call for help. If you get to crowded street corners there is less chance of you getting seriously injured. Encounters in public places are less likely to become serious.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1e/Defend-Yourself-Step-17-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-17- Version-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1e/Defend-Yourself-Step-17-Version-6.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-17-Version-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Avoid going alone. If you have to walk a long way home after work, you should find friends to go with you. Going in groups is the safest way to avoid bad situations.

If you must go alone, join a group of pedestrians and go with them. You don’t have to know them to be safe in the crowd.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5c/Defend-Yourself-Step-18-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend-Yourself-Step-18- Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5c/Defend-Yourself-Step-18-Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Defend- Yourself-Step-18-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser -output”></div>”}

Equip self-defense weapons. Sticks and pepper spray are handy self-defense weapons that you should equip. Many people think that knives and other dangerous weapons are also quite useful. However, if you don’t know how to use them, they can be used against you. Be careful and wise when choosing to bring weapons with you and attend reputable training classes to know how to use them. Illegal weapons should not be used.

Take self-defense classes if you live in a dangerous area and you fear for your life.

Advice

If this is an internal situation, you may wonder how bad things are enough for you to legitimately defend yourself. By law, any improper contact is considered an assault. Even though she/he only “pushes” you, this is also considered an attack because it can be dangerous to you and you are allowed to defend yourself.
Find weak spots where the bad guys can’t block your counterattack. (For example, if he spreads his legs, you can kick the area below his feet.)
Look for vulnerable spots. In men it is located in the groin. A kick to the groin will be very painful. In women, hair pulling or nudging and armpits causes pain.
Keep calm. Don’t panic if the bad guy acts hostile. Because that will make him think you are weak.
If you are attacked, and you are right and the other person is wrong. His motive is often to want to rob you of money, property or take possession of you, while you are only defending yourself. You have the right to find ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. But remember, the first definition of self-defense is to run away! In court, if you have to go to court, you can justify your behavior as an “act of self-defense” “only if” you have taken every opportunity available to you to avoid confrontation and to escape. exit. If you clearly have a chance to escape safely but you don’t, this is not self-defense, it is harassment and assault. And you will be responsible for your actions. Being attacked doesn’t mean you can kill or maim an opponent, while you can obviously use other legitimate means of self-defense.
Remember that your attacker has most likely done the same thing before. Avoid confrontation. If all else fails, use what is available to get out of the situation as quickly and safely as possible.
Don’t be the one to start a fight when facing bandits, attackers, etc. They may have weapons and have been trained.
Always carry your phone with you so you can call for help.
One way to take down an opponent is to put your hand on his neck and kick his back leg.
If you are afraid of encountering bandits in the city, learn more martial arts like Tae Kwon Do, Kung Fu or Judo.

Warning

Using knives or other dangerous weapons to intimidate an attacker is not a good idea, unless you fear for your life. It’s not worth going to jail for murder or being murdered for your wallet. Remember, most attackers will be stronger than you and more experienced than you because otherwise he wouldn’t have chosen you as a target.

Steps