Basic Self-Defense Moves You Can Do and Should Know!

by Alisha Johnson, Ensley Branch Library

In light of all the violence happening in the world now, it is important to ask yourself would you be able to defend yourself or your loved ones if someone were to physically attack you? If you cannot answer yes to this question, then I would like to share with you some techniques to use and consider. First, prevention is the best self-defense, second you should learn which body parts are the most effective to hit, and lastly how to maximize damage to the individual or attacker regardless of a their gender or size.

Here are some common techniques to remember:

1. Go for the eyes and nose.
2. Kick or grab the groin of a male attacker.
3. Stomp with your heel.
4. Go for the kneecaps. 
5. If you fall, try to fall on top of your attacker.
6. If an attacker attacks with a weapon, know where the weapon is effective. If your attacker has a knife, try to stay out of arm's length. If there is a gun, consider running and dodging from left to right.

Check out these helpful resources from your local library to gain a greater understanding of what it means to stay safe:

Self-Defense for Seniors: A Special Self-Defense System for Seniors by Ken Boire
Self-Defense Techniques & Tactics by Joseph Walker
Self-Defense: How to Punch: Unarmed Combat Skills That Work by Martin J. Dougherty
Self-Defense: Steps to Success by Joan M. Nelson