Be your Own Body Guard

Escape if you can. Fight if you have to. These are the cardinal rules for dealing with an attacker. Precisely what you do depends on your strength, your confidence and your assessment of the assailant's intentions.


If you are faced with an armed mugger who wants your cash, it may be safer to hand it over rather than to risk getting seriously injured in a fight.

Faced with a potential killer and no way to escape, on the other hand, you may have nothing to lose by fighting. The techniques listed here need some practice but not extensive training. All are dangerous -- some are lethal. Never use them in earnest except in an emergency, and never use more than sufficient and reasonable force.

If you fight, never give a warning. Strike swiftly and as hard as you can. Be ready to repeat the blow or follow up with a different one. Scream or shout as you fight. Keep on until you can escape or your assailant collapses.

Techniques to Fight Off an Attacker

The Stomach Jab

You can use this technique if an assailant attacks you from behind, with his arms around your neck. Twist your body slightly, clench your fist, and raise your arm. Then, jab backward with your elbow into the attacker's stomach as hard as you can, aiming to wind him. This should force him to relax his grip enough for you to break free.

The Scrape and Stamp

If the stomach jab fails to break his grip, lift a foot and scrape the edge of your shoe down the front bony part of his shin. High-heeled shoes are particularly effective. Stamp hard on the attacker's foot.

The Finger Twist

If he grabs your throat, grasp his little fingers and wrench them up and away from your neck. This will cause extreme pain and will probably break his fingers.

The Throat Jab

Hold the fingers of one hand rigidly straight and jab them into his throat, using either the ends of your fingers or the edge of your hand.

The Knee in the Groin

Move in close and bring your knee up sharply into his groin. This will not work, though, if he is wearing a coat or if he twists away from you.

The Eye Jab

Drop anything you are carrying to free your hands. Make a V with two fingers and poke them hard into the attacker's eyes.

• Share ▼
  • Twitter
  • Share
  • Comment
  • Google+
• Subscribe ▼
  • RSS
  • Newsletter
• Connect ▼
  • Follow
  • Fanpage
  • YouTube
  • Google+