It’s not fun to think about, but the streets can be a mean place. Every woman should be equipped with these tools and tips to stay safe out there.

I don’t know about you, but I was always taught to “stay safe.” Sure, that’s all well and good, if you never leave your house. I don’t want to be the voice of doom and gloom here, but the reason I am such a passionate advocate of self-defense is because, as a former police officer, 

I’ve seen innocent people attacked on the street. I really want every single person who leaves their house to feel empowered and educated about how they can protect and defend themselves. 

Here are some easy tips you can use for increased special awareness / protection, followed by some simple martial arts moves to practice and potentially implement 

• Avoid walking alone and in unfamiliar areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings and walk with confidence.
• Travel in well-lit and populated areas.
• Have your keys ready so you don’t have to search for them when you’re going into your car or house – they can also be used as a weapon if you need to defend yourself.
• Carry a weapon of opportunity, i.e. A keychain self-defense tool such as the Kubaton, a whistle, or more common objects such as a purse, briefcase, umbrella, phone, pen, book or rock.
• Check the perimeter of your car (and inside your car) when approaching.
• Never share your personal information with anyone you don’t know, online or in person.
• Trust your gut and instincts.
• Call the Police if you are in danger.

Safety Workout for Women

Here are some self-defense moves that every woman should know and practice! It’s hard to describe all the little nuances of each move, so I highly recommend signing up for a self-defense class in your area, or if that’s not possible, doing an online course or seminar through Zoom. You can also find highly-rated videos on YouTube to watch. Keep practicing.

Women who participate in self-defense classes will feel more equipped to deal with strangers, feel more positive about their bodies, have increased self-confidence and feelings of empowerment, and have better strategies in place to protect themselves in a harmful situation.

Basic Punches:

Punch #1 The Jab. 

This is a straight punch directly to your opponent’s nose, thrown with your left hand. 

Punch #2 The Straight Right Hand/Cross.

The Straight Right Hand is also called a Cross. It’s a punch thrown directly to your opponent’s nose. This punch is exceptionally powerful because you’re complimenting the punch with the rotation of your hips and shoulders. 

Punch #3 The Left Hook. 

The Left Hook is a punch that you’re throwing to the right side of your opponent’s face. 

Punch #4 The Right Hook. The Right Hook is a punch that you’re throwing to the left side of your opponent’s face.

Punch #5 The Left Uppercut. This is a punch thrown with your left hand that travels up from the floor. You’re trying to hit the front of your opponent’s face or jaw with this punch. 

Punch #6 The Right Uppercut. This is a punch thrown with your right hand that travels up from the floor. You’re trying to hit the front of your opponent’s face or jaw with this punch. 

Hammer Strike

The hammer fist is a strike with the bottom of a clenched fist, using an action like swinging a hammer (or throwing down an axe). This punch is swung downwards towards the target.

Palm Strike

This is a strike, not a punch, using the palm of the hand. Whether the hand is open or the fingertips are folded against the bottom knuckles (picture yourself looking at your nail bed), palm strikes hit with the bottom part of the palm, where the hand meets the wrist.

Elbow Strike

An elbow strike is a strike with the point of the elbow, the part of the forearm nearest to the elbow, or the part of the upper arm nearest to the elbow. This strike utilizes the hardest, strongest and sharpest point on the human body. 

Front Kick

This kick is executed by lifting the knee straight forward, while keeping the foot and shin either hanging freely or pulled to the hip, and then straightening the leg in front of the attacker and striking the target area.

Knee Strike

A knee strike is a strike with the knee, either with the kneecap or the surrounding area. A primary knee strike usually involves thrusting your knee i.e. knee cap into your opponent’s head or body.

Author: Nichelle Laus is a mom of 4, a fitness expert, an on-air TV Fitness Personality, and a 7 time fitness cover model. Nichelle has changed thousands of women’s lives as a transformation specialist with her online training programs. She’s a former police officer as well.

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