by Todd Hicks

Created on: September 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2010

Do you ever hear or read about someone being stabbed, beaten or strangled to death? If you do, do you realize you could encounter that situation even if you mind your own business? Do you already have interest in learning physical self defense but do not have the time or money to attend a martial arts class or read a book pertaining to it? You will learn basic karate and self defense techniques you can use to fend off an attacker.

Controlling your Fear

When someone is coming forward to hurt you, stay calm. One reason why you must stay calm is you will probably not defend yourself properly if you do not think clearly. The other reason is the attacker might back off if you assume a fighting stance and put up your dukes because he or she will become scared to an extent through respect and fear. Let the extra strength you gain through your adrenaline work to your advantage.

What to do if someone attacks you from a Long Distance

You should throw a kick to inflict more damage and keep your attacker at bay; however, you should avoid throwing a straight kick at your attacker's face because you will probably land the kick a few inches away from his face. A better method is to use a roundhouse kick by turning to the side and throwing a circular kick so that your foot will catch your attacker's jaw.

Fighting at a Close Range

If someone raises her hand to hit you, cross your arms in front of your face and chest. If you are defending yourself within punching distance, keep your arms crossed in front of you to block while your attacker throws punches. Once your attacker takes a break from throwing punches, throw a quick hard jab at his throat, knee him in the groin or step back and throw a kick at his shin or knee.

Escaping a Chokehold

If someone is choking you while standing in front of you, shove a hand up his nose, clap his ears, knee him or spin your way out of his grasp and subsequently throw a kick. If your attacker is squeezing his hands around your neck from behind you, throw a kick or spin around. If he is trying to choke you with his arms around your neck, try to elbow him in the stomach and face or try to punch him in the groin. If this does not work, grab his wrists and try to flip him over you. If you cannot elbow him or flip him over you, pull yourself and your attacker forward until your face reaches the ground and attempt to make a full flip. If you are on the ground while your attacker is choking you, raise your legs around his neck to pull him off.

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