Self-Defence Tips for Women
Almitra Kika Desai is a Public Diplomacy/Public Affairs Specialist by profession, a painter, an avid reader, and a black belt holder in karate. She has an MA in English and an MBA in Marketing. She loves writing, baking and travelling. She believes that a woman is a powerhouse who can juggle many roles with élan, and with a beautiful smile on her face. She is a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother.
Self-Defence Tips for Women
“Self-defence is not just a set of techniques; it’s a state of mind, and it begins with the belief that you are worth defending” – Rorion Gracie
Ladies, let’s face it! No superhero is going to fly by to save us when in distress. Crimes against women, are rarely ever about plain sex, they are more of a game of power, of controlling, of exploiting weaknesses. The moment it is apparent to the perpetrator that he is going to face a fight, he will probably flee. A woman has to claim her own safety, and empower herself, both physically and mentally.
Here are some self-defence tips to keep in mind (and implement!)
1. Be alert, walk confident (always!)
Be aware of your surroundings. Walking, while being busy with the cell phone, is a big NO.
Pay attention to what’s going on around you. It is the predator’s biggest joy to catch you unaware. Train your body and mind to act from a place of power instead of weakness and paranoia.
2. Follow your intuition
If you feel unsafe in a particular surrounding, you probably are. When one senses danger, the first instinctive reaction is to freeze. Quickly snap out. Don’t linger on. Get going!
3. Scream
The attacker definitely does not want to attract any attention.
4. Be resourceful
If attacked, grab anything that you have in your hand or in your bag to thrust at him – an umbrella, a book, pens, keys, perfume bottle as a spray, your handbag even.
5. Keep it simple
Use uncomplicated motor moves. Bruce Lee said, “Hack away at the unessential.” Use your arms-length to keep the attacker at bay. Don’t let him come too close.
6. Capitalize on your strengths and his weaknesses
Use your knuckles, fists, elbows, knees to punch him, push him, and kick him; in his eyes, nose, throat, groin, and shin. These are weak spots and likely to keep him off you for a few seconds. If he has managed to push you down, use your hip power to push him away from you, draw your knees close to your chest, so that he cannot descend on you completely.
7. Judgment is the key
Fight fast, fight hard. Don’t wait for things to escalate. Your goal is not to stay and fight; it is to break away from your attacker so you can run for help.
8. Overcome the fear of injury
This is very important. You might get bruised, even hurt while defending yourself, but a woman’s body has immense power to heal itself quickly.
9. Use caution
Don’t let the predator follow you home.
10. Be prepared
Practice some self-defence techniques with another person, join a class, or search and observe online. It is not only in the interest of your own self, but other women you care about, like your mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, or even a stranger, and that they feel safe and protected with you around.
Opinions are of the writer.
