Watching the news or hearing incidents about an assault, robbery, or murder in your area is always quite frightening. Criminals often prey on people who look off guard or weak, so thinking it can’t happen to you isn’t the best approach.
However, knowing how to fight isn’t the only thing you need to know when defending yourself and your loved ones. Factors like your quick thinking and mentality can often make a bigger impact and prevent a conflict entirely.
Here are a few crucial self-defense tips and basics you should know.
Always Be Vigilant
The easiest way to avoid any problems is to be aware and vigilant about the existence of people that could harm you. Attackers typically only choose to prey on people that are ignorant about their situation or too preoccupied with something.
An attacker will likely observe their surroundings and plan their attack before making a move. Being aware and steering clear of any unusual activity should keep you safe in day-to-day situations.
Avoid Potential Threats
If you’ve found yourself in a tricky situation, take the first opportunity you see to get away from the potential threat. For instance, if you notice a suspicious person in a secluded area at night, move across the street or make it seem like you’re on a video call.
Little details like these can remove you from potential threats. If you show that you’re prepared and aware of them, the attacker will deem you a bad target.
Know How to Defend Yourself
Ideally, you should try to avoid a confrontation or fight with the attacker, but in case they throw a punch, you need to know how to hit back. With the adrenaline rush from your sudden situation, you won’t be able to make fancy moves that involve multiple movements simultaneously.
In a self-defense scenario, stick to your basics and keep it simple. Target weak areas like the attacker’s eyes, throat, shins, etc. Some people prefer taking martial arts classes for Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Judo, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) so they can defend themselves in close combat situations.
Learn to Use a Weapon Before Carrying it
Keeping pepper spray, a pair of brass knuckles or a taser in your bag won’t do you any good in case of an attack if you can’t use them effectively. The attacker might take advantage of your lack of skills with the tool and use it against you.
That’s why it’s crucial to practice using your weapon at least a couple of times, especially if it’s a firearm. In the case of a firearm, you’ll need a permit to carry and proper training.
Make Confidence Your Weapon
As we know, malicious people will always target the path of least resistance. Meaning, people who look anxious, scared, or appear distracted will likely find themselves in trouble. That’s how you can use confidence and a bold personality as a weapon to deter predators.
Learning self-defense techniques through martial arts or working on your physical strength are some great ways to boost your confidence and can prove to be effective in real-life situations.
