How to Fend off an Attacker

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Remember that every part of your body and everything on your person has the potential to be used as a weapon.

   This includes items you may carry in your pockets such as pens, keys, or small pistols.
2. 2

   Step 2: Open your hands and keep them in front of you in a pleading position when confronted by a potential attacker.

   Clenched fists give away your readiness to strike.
   
   Open hands present a non-threatening appearance that will cause an attacker to let his guard down, while still leaving you the options to suddenly strike or grab. , Screaming may draw attention and scare the attacker away. , What use is any other defense tactic if you get knocked out? , To form the hand for a palm-heel strike, bend the wrist back at a 90 degree angle and spread and claw the fingers.
   
   For an edge of hand blow, straighten the fingers and press them together, and strike with the muscle in the side of the hand.
   
   When striking down into an assailant's face, clench the fist and strike with the little finger side.
   
   Closed fist punches rely on wrist strength and stability to deliver a proper strike, and the knuckles are easily broken in the confusion of a fight. , These areas are easy to hit and will probably knock the enemy down for your chance to escape.
   
   Remember that a heavy strike to a person's face is highly effective at making them lose their senses.
   
   A broken nose or strike to the eyes will greatly hinder your opponent's ability to observe and react.
   
   Do not strike a person in the mouth--this will damage your hand. , So can headbutting. , The eyes and throat are especially vulnerable areas. , Instead, use your knee repeatedly. , Not only could this cause their nose to bleed, but it will cause their eyes to water, giving you a chance of escape. , If an attacker gets a hold of you and doesn't have a firearm pointed to your head or a knife to your neck, squirm.
   
   Squirming and pinching the attacker can help you get out of his or her clutches.
   
   If the attacker has a weapon, keep it away from you. , Kicking the jaw off of an unconscious person isn't self defense, it's a lack of self control. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Scream.

4. 4

   Step 4: Block or dodge an oncoming attack.

5. 5

   Step 5: Strike with the heel of your hand

6. 6

   Step 6: or with the meaty little-finger side of your fist.

7. 7

   Step 7: Aim for sensitive areas such as face

8. 8

   Step 8: stomach

9. 9

   Step 9: shin and instep.

10. 10

    Step 10: If you are in close proximity to your attacker

11. 11

    Step 11: jabbing with your elbows and fingers can be an effective method of defense.

12. 12

    Step 12: If necessary

13. 13

    Step 13: use any hard item available to poke

14. 14

    Step 14: jab or scratch your assailant's face: a stick

15. 15

    Step 15: a brick

16. 16

    Step 16: a piece of glass

17. 17

    Step 17: NEVER kick your attacker in the groin

18. 18

    Step 18: this gives them a chance to grab hold of your leg.

19. 19

    Step 19: Using the heel of your palm

20. 20

    Step 20: hit the attacker's nose upwards.

21. 21

    Step 21: Squirm.

22. 22

    Step 22: Once you have taken your attacker down and they are no longer a threat

23. 23

    Step 23: stop attacking.

24. 24

    Step 24: Call police once your attacker is no longer a threat.

Detailed Guide

About the Author