Haydn Dunn's Articles

Defend yourself against a fight   By Haydn Dunn

Posted on 8th September

 

   Whether you're in a bar with the boys or out on the street alone, there comes a time in every ones life when he/she needs to defend himself from serious bodily harm. Physical attacks usually take two general forms. The bar fight, in which an argument escalates into a confrontation, or the street mugging, in which an attack is premeditated for monetary gain.

Unless you carry a weapon or you're skilled in the martial arts, an attack can leave you seriously injured or even dead. Learn the basics of defending yourself since I realized they have many assholes out there. Note : In the case of a bar confrontation, you can usually defuse the situation before it escalates to physical violence by reasoning with the person, I usually wait for the person to make the first movement and then its time to kick ass
 
Likewise, if a mugger confronts you on the street, you can usually defuse the situation by handing over your wallet, watch or whatever the thug demands, and avoid being attacked. This is recommended, especially if the mugger has a weapon

Let The Fighting Begin  In either situation, if an attack seems imminent, stay calm and get ready to defend yourself. If you are attacked and can't escape, you have no choice but to defend yourself. Balance your body in the classic boxer stance, standing and moving like a boxer. Face your opponent and raise your hands to protect your face and neck, keeping your elbows close to your body. Bend your knees, with one leg slightly forward, and spread your feet about the width of your shoulders.

When you're attacked, watch the guy's hands, not his face. You can react quicker to a swinging fist if you see the arm being cocked. If the guy has a knife, you will want to know that quickly and keep your eyes on it so you can react. Don't panic or you might freeze up. If you have a beer bottle in your hand strike the target hitting his head from the underneath path of the bottle (bottle is more solid from the bottom)

And don't be afraid to yell for help -- it's not effeminate if you come out of it alive. Someone might come to your aid. Your body can take plenty of punishment, especially when your adrenaline's pumping, but you must protect your vulnerable body parts. Likewise, strike at your attacker's vulnerable body parts to disable him. Poking the eyes with your fingers can cause great pain and temporary blindness, allowing you to get away.

Ears: Clapping your open palms over both ears will produce a numbing sensation and possibly unconsciousness.

Nose: The nose sticks out, providing a great target for a well-placed punch, which can easily produce a painful break.

Neck: A single, sharp blow to the back of the neck can cause a temporary blackout, giving you time to flee.

Throat: A blow to the throat can cause damage to the airway, incapacitating your attacker and allowing you to escape while he's gasping for air.

Testicles: Most men know what a well-placed punch or kick to the testicles can do. Guaranteed to drop any man.

Knees: A strong kick to a knee joint will impede an attacker chasing after you defend yourself with your body's natural weapons. Use whichever body part is most appropriate to the situation and deliver a fast, aggressive blow to your assailant. Follow up with continuous blows until your attacker is disabled.
 
Hand: Use the fist, open palm, heel of hand, or edge of hand technique.

Elbow: A great weapon when you are side-by-side with or have your back to an opponent.

Leg: Use your knee as a battering ram, kick with your foot, or stomp down hard with your heel.

Head: Head butt your assailant, snapping your head forward and hitting his nose or lips with your forehead.

Teeth: Dude, a fight's a fight. Biting into any area on an assailant's body will cause him great pain, although you may be at risk of infection or disease (given he has one). Okay, perhaps this isn't the greatest idea.
 
Use objects as weapons

There are no rules in a fight, only survival. So use whatever object is available as a weapon,
Ashtray: Bars normally have ashtrays. Throw the ashes in your assailant's face and follow up with the ashtray itself.

Beer bottle: Don't break the bottle first like you see in the movies or it might shatter. Use it as a club to strike the head and temples.

Belt buckle: Take off your belt and wrap it around your hand. Then whip it to strike your attacker.

Broom: Use it like a mallet, if it has a heavy wood head. Otherwise, drive the bristles into your opponent's face.

Pen: Hold your pen like a knife, and keep your assailant at a safe distance.

Keys: Wrap your keys in your palm with the end of the keys protruding through your fingers and punch at your attacker.
 Understand the Consequences of fighting When in doubt, do whatever you must to defend yourself and survive. But, it's important to know the laws and the consequences you could face. It's a good idea to avoid fighting altogether. Self-defense is a legal defense. Injure your attacker, but try not to kill him.
In the eyes of the law, you can only use deadly force when defending a life (your life or someone else's). Defense of property, including your money, is not a widely accepted legal defense. Pepper spray is a great weapon to have on hand. It's legal in many places, though not on airplanes or in government buildings.

And remember that you have to live with the consequences of your acts, which may land you in a six-by-six-foot cell. So fight only if necessary. And if you do fight, do it to protect yourself and others, not to harm the other person.

 

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