Breaking Free Overcoming Attacks
Why every woman needs the power of breaking free overcoming attacks. Did your know that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. This startling statistic highlights the urgent need for women to prioritise self-defence. Learning self-defence isn’t just about physical fighting; it’s an empowering experience that boosts confidence and fosters a sense of security.
SITUATIONAL AWARENESS AND PREVENTION
RECOGNISING AND AVOIDING DANGEROUS SITUATIONS
Women are often vulnerable in certain situations. Common scenarios include walking alone at night, using public transportation, or being in isolated areas. Here are some tips to help:
- Stay alert: Always look around and be aware of your surroundings.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, take precautions.
- Walk with purpose: Move confidently to make yourself less of a target.
TRUSTING YOUR INSTINCTS AND ASSERTIVE BODY LANGUAGE (BREAKING FREE OVERCOMING ATTACKS)
Your gut feeling can be a powerful tool. Learning to trust it may keep you safe. Additionally, assertive body language can deter potential attackers.
CONSIDER :
- Maintaining eye contact: This shows you’re aware and confident.
- Standing tall: Good posture conveys strength.
- Using a strong voice: Speaking clearly and firmly can dissuade aggression.
BASIC SELF -DEFENCE MOVES
EFFECTIVE STRIKES : EYES , NOSE , THROAT
Some goals of self-defense are to escape and get help. Striking vulnerable areas can be very effective:
- Eyes: Use the heel of your palm to strike directly at the eyes.
- Nose: A swift upward palm strike can disorient an attacker.
- Throat: A focused jab can cause immediate discomfort.
Ground Fighting Techniques: Escaping a Grasp
Sometimes you might find yourself grabbed. Learning escape techniques can be crucial:
- Wrist escape: Rotate your wrist towards the attacker’s thumb to free yourself.
- Choke defence: Tuck your chin and push against your attacker’s arm while stepping back.
HAIR GRABS
Learn of the most common attacks and how to escape . This can be used on any hair length. Attackers uses this to get leverage in order to control you in any direction. They can do this from the front (to create fear) or from behind (to take you off guard). This a great tip in breaking free overcoming attacks.
FRONT HAIR PULL ESCAPE
- Grab onto the wrist holding onto your hair. This is the first important step as it stops the attacker from gaining control and it also creates less pain.
- Keeping the wrist close to your head to limit their control, stepping towards your attacker to loosen their hold.
- Begin by sliding one of your hands up and grabbing hold of attacker’s pinky (this is the weakest finger) and peel it backwards. If your attacker is being overly aggressive, you can apply this more forcibly by breaking their pinky so they will let go
- Quickly pulling the pinky towards the attacker’s wrist. Then apply your body weight, you need to push their wrist away with one hand and peeling back their pinky with the other.
- Simultaneously stepping away to remove their hand from your hair. You can then follow up with a palm heel to the face or knee strike to make your escape.
HAIR PULL FROM BEHIND ESCAPE
- Using your arm furthest away from your attacker arm that is grabbing your hair, reach up and place your hand over theirs keeping the pressure close to your head in order for them to lose their control.
- Twisting your body slightly inwards towards your attackers grabbing arm.
- With your free arm (closest to your attacker) swing your arm in a backward circular motion going over the attacker arm and the underneath, this will cause the attackers elbow to bend (you need to do this movement fast) and will cause them to release their grip.
- Once grip is loosened do a stomp to attacker foot to distract them and twisting around letting going of arm follow this up with either an elbow strike, punch or knee strike and then turn around and run to safety.
DIFFERENT TYPE OF BEAR HUG ATTACKS AND ESCAPES
A potential attacker will use this tactic by not only taking you off guard but with the intent of taking you to a secondary location in order to carry out their attack. From either the front or behind position.
BEAR HUG FROM BEHIND (ARMS ON OUTSIDE OF GRIP)
- Your attacker suddenly grabs you in a bear hug from behind, but has left your arms on the outside (this gives you more freedom to counterattack)
- Strike the attackers hands with your knuckles or by using your hand to find the attackers pinky on the top hand and pull it backwards in order to get them to break their hold.
- When hold is loose, take a small step to your left, with your left foot.
- Reach between your legs and cup the back of your attackers left ankle.
- Pull your attackers left ankle hard in an upward motion to throw your attacker backwards. You may wish to pinch your knees, as their leg comes up to prevent you injuring yourself in the process.
- Strike with a backward stomp into your attacker’s groin.
- Step forward with your right foot, all while keeping hold of your attacker’s ankle.
- Drop your attacker’s ankle, sweep it to the left with your left foot as you spin anti-clockwise on the ball of your right foot.
BEAR HUG FROM BEHIND (ARMS TRAPPED ON THE INSIDE)
- Your attacker has grabbed you from behind in a bear hug trapping not only your body but also both arms.
- Drop your body weight by dropping into a wide leg squat position and the same time pushing your arms upwards to loosen the hold.
- Turning your body inwards towards the attacker’s body, take your right leg and placing it behind the attacker’s left leg, as close to the back of their knee as possible.
- Using your right arm push back against attacker’s midsection in a straight backward sweeping motion. This movement will push the attacker over your leg causing them to fall backwards.
- You can follow up with either an ankle lock or kick to the groin, giving you enough time to escape.
OTHER WAYS OF BREAKING FREE OVERCOMING ATTACKS
BEAR HUG ESCAPE WITH THROW
- Your attacker has grabbed you from behind in bear hug, but your arms are not trapped.
- Strike with 2 hammer fists to your attackers’ ribs on either side of their body at the same time.
- Bringing up your right arm and striking the side of your attackers’ face with your forearm.
- Taking your right arm around the back of your attackers’ neck and twist in an anti-clockwise position, so you are standing with your back towards the attacker.
- Bend your knees and pull your attacker onto your back, now straighten your legs as you get ready to apply a hip throw.
- Move your head towards your left knee, twisting your upper body to throw your attacker towards the ground. You can finish off the throw with either strikes or joint locks.
TRAP AND ROLL FROM MOUNT POSITION (THIS IS WHERE YOU ARE PINNED TO THE GROUND AND ATTACKER IS SITTING ON TOP OF YOU)
- Grip your attackers tricep by using the hand closest to the side which you want to roll your attacker.
- Holding onto your attackers tricep, with the other hand grip the wrist of the same hand and holding it firmly to your chest.
- On the same side as your attackers trapped arm, locate your foot outside against your attackers’ foot, holding the confined arm firmly to your chest.
- Push your hips upside and roll in the direction of your attackers trapped arm.
- Finish off with a strike to the groin, stand up quickly and make your escape.
CHOKE ESCAPES
FRONT HAND CHOKE (ATTACKER HAS PLACE HAND AROUND YOUR THROAT)
- Escape by driving your fingers into your attackers’ throat and follow up with a palm heel strike to the jaw.
REAR HAND CHOKE (ATTACKER PLACES HIS HANDS AROUND YOUR THROAT FROM THE REAR BUT NOT ALL THE WAY AROUND)
- Stepping forward with your right foot as you raise your left arm over your head. Turn 180 degrees to your left breaking the hold. Follow up with punch or other strikes.
REAR ARM CHOKE (ATTACKER ARM HAS BEEN PLACE ACROSS THE WHOLE OF NECK FROM THE REAR)
- Immediately using both of your hands to pull your attackers arms down to relieve the pressure from your throat.
- Tuck your chin in the crook of your arm as you pull the attackers arm down.
- While still holding onto your attacker’s arm, rotate your body down towards the inside of your attackers’ arms.
- This will expose the attacker’s groin in order to counter attack. Now strike your attacker’s groin by using a palm heel strike or simply grabbing the groin will work as well.
HAND CHOKE WHILE ON GROUND OR AGAINST A WALL
- Bringing both arms up from the outside of choke and over the attacker’s arms.
- Pushing down with force which will cause their elbows to bend loosening their grip.
- You can also do this by bringing both of your arms up from the inside of the choke and pushing with force outwards to break their grip.
- Follow up with elbow strike, knee strike, palm heel or punch to the face. Then use this moment to make your escape.
Utilising Everyday Objects as Weapons
Everyday items can serve as effective self-defence tools. Consider these common objects:
- Keys: Hold them between in your fist for a makeshift weapon.
- Deodorant: if you don’t have pepper spray, use this instead.
- Pens: A sturdy pen can be used to jab at an attacker.
- Umbrella: Can be used to strike attacker.
- Cell phone: Use it to call for help or as a distraction.
Verbal Self-Defence Strategies
Assertive Communication and De-escalation Tactics
Being clear and direct in your communication can help you stay safe. Consider these techniques:
- Use a confident tone: State what you want or need.
- Ask direct questions: This can help diffuse tension.
Setting Boundaries and Saying “No”
Establishing clear boundaries is essential. Here are ways to effectively say “no”:
- Firmly state your intent: “I’m not interested.”
- Use body language: Step back or turn away to reinforce your words.
Legal and Practical Considerations
Self-Defense Laws and Legal Ramifications
Understanding self-defense laws is vital. Each state has different regulations, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your area.
When and How to Call for Help
Knowing when and how to seek help can make a difference.
Here are tips:
- Call emergency services calmly: Provide details about your location and situation.
- Use emergency apps: Some apps can alert authorities or share your location quickly.
Seeking Professional Training
Finding Reputable Self-Defense Instructors
Not all instructors are created equal. Here’s how to find a qualified teacher:
- Check credentials: Look for certifications from recognized organizations.
- Read reviews: Find feedback from former students.
Benefits of Ongoing Training and Practice
Regular practice is essential. Consistent training builds both skills and confidence. Additionally, physical activity boosts mental well-being, releasing stress and anxiety.
FINAL THOUGHTS OF BREAKING FREE OVERCOMING ATTACKS
Self-defence is essential for women’s safety and empowerment. Key takeaways include maintaining situational awareness, practicing basic moves, and communicating assertively. Don’t wait—consider signing up for a self-defense class today. Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to protect yourself.
In danger situations you must react immediately. As soon as you feel an attacker’s arms around or on you in order to quickly counter attack. One strike may not be enough. Don’t give up, just keep going with everything you have until you can get away.