Know How To Fend Off an Attack

Imagine this:

You are walking home one day through a neighborhood that you feel safe in.  You are close to your house, and the idea of being attacked never even enters your mind.  Suddenly you hear footsteps behind you.  Before you can turn, a large hand clamps over your mouth while a strong arm wraps around your chest, preventing you from screaming, running, or fighting off your attacker.

This above situation occurs everyday, often with dire consequences.  When the victims of these street attacks get lucky, they are robbed.  When they get unlucky, they are kidnapped, raped, or murdered.  It's frightening but true.

Now ask yourself: If I were attacked today, what would I do? 

It's Time You Learned
Your high school health teacher told you.  When you moved to the city, your mother begged you.  You've seen public service announcements that try to remind you: Women should be trained in self-defense. 

Self-defense classes are offered on almost all college campuses, at community centers, and through the local police department.  If you want more in-depth training, research nearby martial arts studios and the classes they offer.  The resources are out there; it's up to you to use them.  And there couldn't be a better reason to take action.  Your safety is on the line.

Tips to Use Today
While formal training is your best bet, there are a few tips that can help any untrained person survive and possibly escape an attack.  Commit these tips to memory today.

Use your head.  Don't walk alone at night.  Don't walk through questionable or dimly lit sections of town.  You know the rules, so follow them.

Besides your brain, your head can be a great ally for you.  The human skull is made of very dense, heavy bone.  You can deliver an incapacitating blow to an attacker simply by slamming your skull onto an attacker's nose, jaw, or collarbone. 

Anything can be a weapon.  Look around you.  The world is full of weapons.  The key to making ordinary objects into life-saving devices is knowing how to use them. 

If you find a pointy weapon such as a pen, a stick or branch, or an umbrella, thrust it into any soft place on an attacker's body.  Soft places include the abdomen, the eye, or the groin.  If you find a hard weapon such as a hardcover book, a can of soup, or a briefcase, slam it with force into bony areas including the forehead, the ribs, or the knee. 

Other good weapons include pepper spray, a hot cup of coffee, cigarette lighters, or your car keys.

Play dirty.  Don't just flail your arms, trying to get in a good hit.  Chances are you aren't strong enough to cause real damage with your fists alone.  Pull your attacker's hair and ears or poke their eyes.  You can deliver immediate pain that will stop your attacker dead in his or her tracks.  Don't be afraid to bite, kick shins, or punch and kick the groin, the most vulnerable part of the body.

Remember that random attacks happen every day.  While you can't ensure that you'll always be safe, you can be prepared to handle the situation in the most effective way.