Back away from the attacker to put yourself out of reach. [3] X Expert Source Joseph BautistaSelf Defense Specialist, Martial Arts Instructor, & 1st Aid/CPR Instructor Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. Place your arms in front of your face to block any punches. Duck under a punch and prepare to counter attack.
Lean back away from the attack. Grab the person by the arm or shirt as they are punching or attacking. Pull the attacker towards you and down. Use your leg to trip them to the ground as you pull them.
Move in close to your opponent. Step one leg beside your attacker. Grab the person by the shoulders and push them backwards. Sweep your leg around and behind their ankles while you push.
Enroll in a beginner’s martial arts class at a local gym. [5] X Expert Source Joseph BautistaSelf Defense Specialist, Martial Arts Instructor, & 1st Aid/CPR Instructor Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. If you’re unsure what specific type of martial arts to study, try doing some research on the different styles, reading reviews, dropping by a martial arts school, and maybe watching a class to see what the atmosphere is like. [6] X Expert Source Joseph BautistaSelf Defense Specialist, Martial Arts Instructor, & 1st Aid/CPR Instructor Expert Interview. 30 April 2020. Watch instructional videos to see the movements in action. Practice the moves in front of a mirror or with a trained partner.
Wrap your dominant arm around the person’s neck as you move behind them. Your elbow should be under the person’s chin with your bicep and forearm on either side of the neck. Place your other hand behind the person’s head. Squeeze your bicep and forearm closed and push the person’s head forwards with your other arm. Hold the choke for 10-20 seconds and slowly lower the person to the ground. You can also subdue your opponent by jabbing them in the eyes, striking their nose with your palm, or kneeing them in the groin. [9] X Expert Source Mark VinciSelf Defense Trainer Expert Interview. 27 August 2019.
Move around the mat keeping a constant eye on your opponent. Test your opponent’s reactions by moving towards him from different angles. Look for weaknesses in the way they respond to your movement.
A “Duck Under” requires you to move under your opponent’s arm as they approach and quickly grab him around the waist from behind. Keep one arm straight out in front of your opponent as you move behind your him; wrap your other arm around his waist from behind. Once you have a hold on your opponent, flip him onto the mat by falling back and swinging him with you. A “Double Leg” takedown involves grabbing both legs of your opponent around mid-thigh and pulling them up and towards you to force your opponent onto his back. Approach your opponent from the front and grab both legs at once. Be careful not to lower your head or you become vulnerable. Use a “Single Leg Takedown” to quickly take a shot at your opponent’s front leg as you face each other, lift it off the ground and knock him down by attacking the other leg. Grab the leg that is closest to you and pull it up. Use your feet to sweep his other foot off the mat while you push him off balance with the leg you are holding.
Commit to the takedown, and follow through with your attack. Don’t stop your move until the referee calls the point or a penalty.
Set your legs in a defensive position. Be ready to take a shot at your opponent if they provide an opening. Prepare yourself to counter any aggressive moves by your opponent.
