Self Defense Mechanisms
Self Defense Mechanisms
There are a wide variety of self defense mechanisms that can be employed in the event you are attacked. The key is to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, your mentality and body type, and find the most effective types of self defense for you. Everyone, of both genders and of every age, should know basic self defense techniques. This includes learning to avoid an attack in the first place and even how to throw an attacker to the ground who has grabbed you. This is something that is taught in many beginners’ self defense courses.
Some self defense mechanisms involve weapons. One effective weapon that isn’t exactly a weapon is the key ring siren. This little device fits on your key ring and when the button is pressed, it emits an ear-splitting siren that may scare your attacker off and will certainly attract a great deal of attention. Speaking of key rings, many people carry pepper spray on a key ring. This spray is used to cause temporary blindness and pain to the attacker so you can escape. Escape is always the goal, never fight back unless you absolutely have to.
Tasers and stun guns are also weapons carried by some to ward off attackers, and they can be very effective. A stun gun is used by pressing it against the attacker then holding the trigger, for maximum effect hold the trigger for five seconds. It renders the attacker helpless for minutes without causing lethal damage. Tasers do the same thing, but can be used up close or as far away as 15 feet. There may be rules and regulations in your state regarding the use of these devices so check before you purchase one.
Martial arts is another form of self defense. The vast majority of martial art types teach defense and how to use the energy of the attacker against them. Of course when you learn a martial art you learn kicking and striking moves, but you also learn to throw, block and evade your attacker. For women, aikido is a wonderful self defense mechanism because it is designed to help even the smallest person defend themselves against a large attacker. There is one thing all self defense mechanisms have in common, and that is the goal of escape. Rather than trying to hurt your attacker, you are trying to escape and get help. Always try to remember details of the attacker’s appearance so law enforcement can more easily track the individual down.
