One of the questions I am frequently asked is whether or not there is one best self defense technique. Most of these are people who don't have the time, ability or inclination to take an extended self defense training such as a martial arts class. They are in search of a few simple techniques, at most, they can use if the need to defend themselves ever arises.
The answer to that question is,"No." There is not one super duper wooper whooper move you can learn that will resolve any and all crisis situations.
That doesn't mean that if you don't have a black belt, you are automatically rendered helpless. While there is no magic move that is right for everyone in any situation, there is something you can do to become an expert in some basic self defense tactics. In a word, practice, practice, practice.
Find one or two self defense moves that you are comfortable with and can execute with confidence. Practice them over and over again until you create muscle memory. Muscle memory is not a memory stored in your muscles, but memories stored in your brain. They act as a cache of frequently repeated tasks for your muscles. It's a form of memory that can help you become very good at something through repetition.
For example, if you choose kicking as your best move then practice it over and over. Use a punching bag or some piece of furniture that can handle that kind of abuse. Practice low kicks which you can use against a shin bone, or higher kicks that would cover the groin area or solar plexus. When you are not able to spend time making physical kicks, then do them mentally. See yourself making contact with an attacker with a hard, disabling kick.
Would you prefer striking their nose? Then practice using the palm of your hand or your elbows. Don't forget that throwing your head against theirs can be very effective if you are grabbed from behind. As with the kicking, find ways to practice until it becomes second nature to you.
What if you cannot physically fight back? There are many people who have limiting physical conditions and can't kick or strike. The elderly, the frail and the handicapped, among them. If you fall into this category, I suggest you carry a self defense weapon. Pepper spray is an excellent choice since it is easy to use and effective. But even with pepper spray you want to practice using it. The best way to do this is by getting an inert practice pepper spray the same size and style as you will be carrying
In a crisis situation, several things happen simultaneously. Your heart rate increases as your body is flooded with adrenaline. Blood rushes away from your extremities, causing a loss of fine motor skills. As your survival instinct kicks in, your cognitive process will shut down and you will revert to whatever training you have. This is the reason it is so important to choose one or two techniques and practice, practice, practice!
In the words of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee "I don't fear the person who has practiced 10,000 different kicks one time... I fear the person who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
Wendy Megyese is a Deputy Sheriff and a Self Defense Expert. Her passion is educating and empowering law abiding citizens with self defense tools and techniques so they can be victors and not victims. Visit her website at http://www.bestlinedefense.com to find the best self defense and survival products.
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