As a woman, you’ve likely felt that nervous, sinking feeling when walking alone at night, fearing what might be lurking around a dark corner. Your heart rate may have sped up uncontrollably when you thought you were being followed or worse when you actually were.
Here’s the good news: learning just a few simple self-defense moves can give you the skills and confidence you need to protect yourself. While you might not prevail against a pro-MMA fighter, everyone has the power to survive or avoid the most common real-world attacks.
This power doesn’t come from being stronger but from knowing the right moves. Here are some of the best self-defense moves every woman should know.
Self-Defense Moves Every Woman Needs to Know
When defending yourself, focus on your attacker’s vulnerable places: eyes, nose, throat, and groin. Aim your moves at one or several of these areas for maximum impact. Use all your force and aggression to show that you’re a powerful woman. Be loud to intimidate the attacker and attract attention from anyone nearby.
Here are our top self-defense moves for women, complete with instructions, to help you feel empowered and ready to defend yourself in any situation.
1. Hammer Strike
Using your car keys is one of the easiest and most effective ways to defend yourself. Avoid using your fingernails, as this could result in injuring your hands. Instead, if you feel unsafe while walking at night, let your keys stick out from one side of your fist for hammer strikes.
Another method is to attach your keys to a lanyard and swing them at your attacker.
To perform
1. Hold your key ring tightly in a fist, as if you were holding a hammer, with the keys extending from the side of your hand.
2. Thrust your fist downward towards your target with force.
2. Heel Palm Strike
This move can cause significant damage to the nose or throat. To execute it effectively, position yourself in front of your attacker as much as possible.
To perform
1. Flex your wrist with your dominant hand.
2. Aim for the attacker’s nose, jabbing upward from the nostrils, or aim under the chin, jabbing upward at the throat.
3. Recoil your strike quickly. Pulling your arm back swiftly will help thrust the attacker’s head up and back.
4. This will cause your attacker to stagger backward, giving you a chance to escape.
3. Straight Punch
A straight punch can be very effective if someone in front of you poses a threat. This move maximizes your strength by coordinating your foot, hip, and fist movements.
To perform
1. Push from the ball of your foot and thrust your hip and fist forward simultaneously.
2. Drive from the ground, ensuring your elbow doesn’t flip up.
3. Your contact area should be your pointer and middle finger knuckles, not your ring and pinky finger knuckles.
4. Aim your punch at a vulnerable area for maximum effectiveness.
4. Front Kick to the Groin
A front kick to the groin is a powerful move that targets a vulnerable spot, allowing you to go on the offensive.
To perform
1. Drive your hips forward with your knee bent and heel back.
2. Extend your knee and leg with force, aiming for your attacker’s groin area.
3. Make contact with the top of your foot (the area where your shoelaces are if you’re wearing running shoes).
This strike can give you the opportunity to escape or catch your attacker off guard, allowing you to deliver additional blows to other vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, or throat. Practicing lunges can help strengthen your legs for this move.
5. Elbow Strike
If your attacker is within close range and you can’t throw a strong punch or kick, use your elbows.
To perform
1. Stabilize yourself with a strong core and legs to ensure a powerful blow.
2. Bend your arm at the elbow.
3. Shift your weight forward and strike your elbow into your attacker’s neck, jawline, chin, or temple. These are all effective targets.
4. This strike may cause your attacker to loosen their grip, giving you the chance to run.
6. Escape with Hands Trapped
If your attacker comes from behind and traps your arms, making it difficult to move freely, follow these steps:
1. Stop the Headlock: Immediately prevent your attacker’s arms from going higher into a headlock.
2. Shift Your Hips: Move your hips to one side to create an opening.
3. Strike the Groin: Use open-handed slaps to strike your attacker’s groin.
4. Turn into the Wrap: Bring your hand back up to your arms and raise your opposite elbow to turn into the attacker’s hold. Keep your arms tight to your chest as you turn.
5. Stay Aggressive: Use your knees and other counterattacks aggressively until you can break free and escape.
7. Escape from a Bear Hug Attack
When an attacker comes from behind, use this move to free yourself. Focus on getting low and creating space.
To perform
1. Bend forward from the waist to shift your weight forward, making it harder for your attacker to pick you up. This also gives you a better angle to throw elbows from side to side at the attacker’s face.
2. Turn into the attacker with one of your elbows and continue counterattacking.
3. This should create space to turn fully and use another move to injure the face or strike the groin.
4. With the space created, you may be able to escape and run away.
Conclusion
Learning self-defense techniques can make all the difference in ensuring your personal safety. By acquiring basic self-defense knowledge and practicing moves like the hammer strike, heel palm strike, and front kick to the groin, you can feel more confident and prepared to defend yourself. Taking a self-defense class can further enhance your skills and introduce you to modern self-defense systems.
In addition to learning self-defense moves, consider carrying self-defense tools such as a personal safety alarm. Combining stand-up striking techniques with tools and knowledge from self-defense classes will provide a comprehensive approach to personal safety. Remember, being proactive about your safety can empower you and give you peace of mind.
