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since people are curious, here’s an actual thread about self defense by someone who’s trained 14 years in martial arts https://twitter.com/kidwithprobiems/status/1347021867048120323
let me start this off by saying that in an actual self defense situation, you will not be thinking very rationally. there’s a chance you might not think at all and just use what your instincts tell you. either way, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. if the attacker does not have hold of you, RUN. there is no need to do anything physical if they do not have hold of you. especially if they do not have a weapon. if you can run, DO IT.
2. i’ve been taught that in most situations, even if you think no one is nearby, make a scene. scream & shout for help so maybe SOMEONE can hear you.
3. if you cannot use your arms, DO NOT IMMEDIATELY USE YOUR HEAD/HEAD BUTT THE ATTACKER. use your LEGS. legs are great for gaining distance but also for groin shots which can quickly immobilize an attacker.
4. DO NOT USE BOTH HANDS TO BLOCK A ONE HANDED ATTACK IF IT INVOLVES A WEAPON. it would save a lot of energy and be much more beneficial for you to block with one & counter with the other, this does depend on the situation
i’ll add more if i see anything but this is what i’ve been taught & i hope it helps
thank you sofia for sharing this thread, this is in a view from a different martial art so i think it could be useful https://twitter.com/desdeestrellas/status/1346193722246115334
i took some knife self defense ages ago let me see if i can remember much from that,,
1. i’ll correct what i said earlier slightly: do not try to fully block a knife, it’s hard to avoid it entirely but make sure any major veins/arteries aren’t directed towards the knife. again, following what i said earlier, if they don’t have hold of you, RUN.
2. do not stand still if you can help it. being able to parry or counter and move on your feet will allow you to better defend yourself
3. do not try and grab the knife or the arm the knife is in. unless the knife is on the ground & near you with no chance of the attacker having it again, trying to grab it could be fatal
again adding more as i think but if any other experienced martial artists have input/corrections please let me know, i haven’t been able to properly train in a year (cuz of covid) so i’d be happy to hear everyone’s thoughts!
i trained from the age of 4 in taekwondo btw
if someone is coming towards you, try not to be the first to engage. self defense means you are defending yourself & trying to be safe. by reaching your hands out to push/make any sort of hand motion towards the attacker, it gives them a better opportunity to hurt YOU
adding onto the knife self defense from sofia https://twitter.com/desdeestrellas/status/1347028140963606529
this. if you do want to punch, PUT YOUR THUMB ON THE OUTSIDE. punching with your thumb on the inside can & probably will break it https://twitter.com/restlessrei/status/1347032714709397504
