Three Rules of Self Defense (Part 1)

If you are ever attacked, there are three basic rules you should remember. Commit these rules to your deepest memories. You won’t have time to count them out on your fingers. Keep them in mind as you learn and practice self defense techniques. If you apply them to your practice, they will become second nature, and won’t fail you when you need them most.

Rule #1 – Respond Immediately: The Three Second Rule

A perfect defense lasts no more than three seconds. That seems like an amazingly short period of time, but remember that it only takes two or three moves to disable an attacker (unless you waste time on useless targets, but more about that later). You have to get started instantly. Never wait for your attacker to get a firm grip on you or to land a few strikes of his own. Act as soon as you feel that threatening touch or grab. Too many attacks are successful because the victim hesitates.

Your goal here is to take the attention off of yourself and redirect it to your attacker. When he attacks, counter-attack immediately with any strike (to any target) that comes to mind. Put him in pain. If he is thinking about his own pain he isn’t thinking about yours. This distraction may last no more than a second, so follow your initial counter-attack up with two or three more strikes to sensitive targets (see rule #2 to follow). Once your attacker has let go or is disabled, it’s time to high-tail it out of there. Call the cops as soon as you possibly can.

The Bottom Line: NEVER NEVER NEVER hesitate. This only gives your attacker more advantage and a chance to get you under control. Counter-attack and get out within three seconds if you can.