Self-Defense Techniques

Blocking Areas

Blocking areas are high, middle, and low; and right and left. You should use the correct block for each area. Some blocks are more effective in certain areas and less effective in other areas. A block to one area may overlap another area in case of an error in judgment of where the attack is headed.

Attacks

The eyes and throat are logical targets for your lead hand. Stabbing with the fingernails may cause great injury and pain as will a palm heel strike to the chin. The solar plexus and floating ribs are good targets for a punch with the trailing hand. Both will take the wind and spirit away quickly from the attacker, and may cause the attacker to collapse. If this happens, remove yourself from the situation at once, making sure you cover your back while you do so. The groin or the knee of your attacker's lead leg are good targets for your lead front or side snap kick. If you are wearing boots or a hard sole shoe, take advantage of their sharp outer edges when kicking. The instep of your attacker's lead leg is a good target for a stomp kick. When executing the technique, point your toes toward the outside to increase the area your foot lands on, which should minimize slipping off the target area. Head butts to the face, elbow strikes to the face or ribs, and knee strikes to the groin or thighs are also effective techniques.

Do not use high kicks. They leave you vulnerable, may be hampered by your clothing, and make you susceptible to falling. Do not try to grab your attacker for a throw, but, if in the course of events, you do get a grip on the attacker or the attacker gets a grip on you, do not hesitate to throw the attacker. Be careful of grappling, there may be rocks, glass, etc. on the ground that may injure you ort may used as a weapon by your opponent. Grappling also limits your escape opportunities and it leaves you vulnerable to kicks from friends of the attacker.