Self-defence basics: the goal is to escape

Real self-defence is not about winning a fight. It is about creating a gap, making noise and getting to safety. These few simple ideas are widely taught; a qualified class turns them into reliable skills.

Escape first, always

• Every technique in this lesson has one purpose: to break contact so you can get away to a busy, safe place.
• Attract attention if you can. Offenders don't want to be caught in the act (Tasmania Police).
• If attacked, shout for help loudly and try to reach a safe place to call the police (Avon and Somerset Police, UK).
• Do not chase, follow or 'finish' anything. Once you are free, run towards people, lights, shops, security guards or a petrol station.
• Your safety matters more than your belongings. If someone only wants your bag or phone, let it go.

A balanced stance and 'the fence'

• Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart, one foot slightly in front of the other, knees soft. This makes you harder to push over and ready to move.
• The 'fence' is a simple hand position many instructors teach. Your lead hand is held forward, open, around chest or neck height; your rear hand is open and slightly lower behind it (Black Belt Magazine).
• It looks calm and non-threatening, like you are saying 'easy, easy', but it creates a barrier between you and the other person.
• Use it to keep space: the aim is to stop someone getting within about 3 to 4 feet (about a metre).
• Do not deliberately touch or push the person with your fence. It is a barrier and a range gauge, not a weapon.

Your voice is a tool

• Combine the fence with a loud, clear command: 'Stop!', 'Back off!' or 'I don't know you!'
• A black belt instructor interviewed by ABC13 teaches young people to 'get loud and yell Stop', because you want to draw as much attention as you can.
• Yelling also helps you breathe and stops you freezing.
• Shout facts that tell bystanders what is going on: 'Get away from me, I don't know you!' This makes it more likely someone will help or call 999.

Breaking a wrist grab

• The thumb is the weak link in most wrist grabs (FightingArts.com). Four fingers are on one side of your wrist; only one thumb holds the other side.
• So rather than pulling straight back against the strong fingers, turn your wrist and pull it out through the gap where the thumb and fingers meet.
• The ABC13 instructor describes it as twirling your hand out through the opening by the thumb, quickly, then running.
• Make it sharp and sudden, use your whole body (step and turn, not just your arm), and shout at the same time.
• As soon as your hand is free, create distance and get to a busy place. The escape is only complete when you are safe.

Learn it properly, practise safely

• Reading about a technique is not the same as being able to do it under stress. Look for a self-defence or martial arts class run by a qualified, certified instructor, ideally one designed for teens or beginners.
• Ask your school, sports club or a reputable martial arts academy about courses. Many in the UAE offer self-defence workshops.
• When you practise with a friend, go slowly, agree a 'stop' word, and never practise on someone who has not agreed.
• Practise the boring parts too: stance, distance and shouting. They are the skills you are most likely to use.
• Fitness helps. Being able to run 400 metres without stopping is a genuinely useful safety skill.