SELF-DEFENCE ESSENTIALS

1. Situational Awareness: The First Step to Self-Defence

Tip: Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels off, act on it immediately.

• Avoid distractions like looking at your phone when walking alone.
• Walk with confidence—make eye contact, keep your head up, and stay alert.
• Identify exits when entering buildings, public places, or transportation.
• Be cautious in parking lots, elevators, or public restrooms, as these are common areas for attacks.
• Listen to your intuition—if something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation.

2. Setting Boundaries & Using Your Voice

Tip: Being assertive can prevent an attack before it happens. Use your voice and body language to establish boundaries.

• Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use a firm tone.
• Say “NO” loudly and clearly if someone invades your space.
• Raise your hands in front of you in a "stop" position—a defensive but non-aggressive stance.
• If a stranger makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately—don’t feel obligated to be polite.

3. Easiest Self-Defence Moves Every Woman Should Know

Tip: You don’t need strength to defend yourself—just the right technique and quick action.

1. Palm Strike to the Face – Use the base of your palm to hit the attacker’s nose or chin; this can stun them instantly.
2. Knee to the Groin – A powerful knee strike to the groin can disable most attackers.
3. Eye Gouge – If grabbed, use your fingers to poke or push into the attacker’s eyes—a natural reflex will make them release you.
4. Elbow Strike – Your elbow is one of the strongest weapons on your body—use it to hit the attacker’s face or ribs.
5. Escape from a Wrist Grab – Rotate your wrist toward the attacker’s thumb and pull away quickly and sharply.

4. How to Handle Being Followed

Tip: If you think you’re being followed, act immediately—don’t wait to "make sure."

• Change direction—cross the street or turn around suddenly to check if they follow.
• Enter a crowded place—a store, restaurant, or hotel lobby is safer than an isolated area.
• Call someone—speak loudly and mention your location: “Hey, I’m at [location], I’ll be there in 5 minutes.”
• Prepare to defend yourself—keep your keys or pepper spray ready.

5. Self-Defence Tools & How to Use Them

Tip: Carrying a self-defence tool is great—but knowing how to use it is even better.

• Pepper Spray – Always have it accessible (not buried in a bag). Aim for the eyes, spray in a zigzag motion, and run immediately.
• Tactical Flashlight – Bright light can temporarily blind an attacker. Aim at their eyes and use the metal edge to strike if needed.
• Kubotan / Self-Defence Keychain – A small, discreet tool that can be used to strike an attacker’s weak points (eyes, throat, ribs).

6. Safety Tips for Taxis & Ride-Share Services

Tip: Never assume a driver is safe—always take precautions when using Uber, Bolt, or taxis.

• Check the license plate before getting into the car.
• Sit in the back seat—this gives you more control.
• Use location sharing—send your live location to a friend.
• Have a fake phone call ready—say, “Hey, I’m in the Uber, arriving in 10 minutes.”
• Trust your gut—if something feels wrong, ask to stop immediately and exit.

7. What to Do If Grabbed from Behind

Tip: Don’t panic—use quick, effective techniques to escape.

• Drop your weight – Make yourself heavier and harder to lift.
• Stomp their foot – Aim for the attacker’s toes or shin.
• Elbow to the ribs – A hard elbow strike can make them release you.
• Turn & strike – Once they loosen their grip, turn quickly and use a palm strike to the face.

8. Self-Defence for Public Transport

Tip: Stay alert and have an exit strategy when using buses, trains, or the metro.

• Sit near the driver or exit for easy escape.
• Avoid empty compartments on trains or metros.
• If someone makes you uncomfortable, switch seats immediately.
• Keep your bag across your body and avoid distractions.
• If harassed, speak up loudly: “Stop that! Leave me alone!”

9. The Psychological Side of Self-Defence

Tip: Confidence is your first line of defence. Predators target vulnerability—act strong, even if you don’t feel it.

• Fake confidence—walk with purpose, shoulders back, and head high.
• Make eye contact with potential threats—it shows awareness.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, remove yourself immediately.
• Practice breathing exercises to stay calm under stress.

10. Free Resources & How to Join a Class

Tip: Learning self-defence online is great—but practicing in person is even better!

• Sign up for a beginner-friendly class in your area.
• Join a community of like-minded women learning self-defence.
• Access free downloadable guides, videos, and checklists.
• Contact us for female-only Sunday classes, or inquire about our self-defence seminars and training sessions for groups or corporates, available upon request