Know Your Weapons
Buy Godspeed
BY: Tenna PerryIf you would like to comment on this piece please send by way of an email to Survivor HavenAsk the average person what weapons they have and the answer is normally some type of firearm, knife or pepper spray. While in certain circumstances these all can be affective weapons, they are by no means the only ones available.
Each and every one of us has natural weapons that are available regardless of the circumstances or surroundings. These are as follows:
Brain – This is your single most important weapon so use it. While feigning hysterics may help, actually having them will do you no good whatsoever. In fact using this weapon before it is ever called upon can be a great advantage if ever you are in a dangerous situation. Think about what you are doing. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. How many of us have watched a movie or television show thought (or even said out loud) DON’T go into the parking garage, open door, darkened stairwell? The same rules for common sense apply in real life, the only exception is the actor/actress will get up, collect their pay and go to the bank. You on the other hand may simply lie there until the coroner shows up.
Head – While it may sound like a repeat of the brain above, it actually isn’t. The head is hard and protects the brain. If you should accidentally walk headfirst into a door and say, “Ouch, that hurt!” some smart aleck will invariably tell you, “If it hurts, don’t do it.” When it comes to self-defense though, the head can make an admirable weapon. If your assailant is holding on to you from behind, drop your head as far as possible upon your chest and slam it backwards with as much force as possible into his/her face. If he is to the side or in front, do the same but in the direction needed. This isn’t a move to be bashful about. Will it hurt? Yes but it will also hurt your assailant while hopefully stunning him enough to enable you to get away.
Teeth – Another weapon that you shouldn’t be bashful about using. If any part of your assailant’s body is within reach of your teeth, open your mouth as wide as possible and latch on. Imagine you are a Pit Bull and taking a part of the assailant home with you. If the choice is taking a risk of HIV/Aides by the blood from a bite or rape/paralysis from a beating or immediate death, take the risk!
Nails – An attack is not the time to worry about a broken nail. For those who don’t keep their nails long, remember they can still make a weapon to scratch and gouge with. If you have the chance to claw a cheek, go for the forehead and rake all the way down to the chin instead. Even if you don’t hurt the assailant’s eyes, he or she will more than likely shut them and possibly try to cover them with his/her hands. (Anytime you rake the area around the eyes you take a risk of permanently injuring/blinding the assailant so this isn’t a move to “play around” with.) Use this diversion to your advantage. Follow it up with a well-placed kick or punch to get a way and then run.
Fingers – Are not just attached to your nails! Use them to poke/gouge at the eyes or shove into the nostrils of the assailant hook nails and then rip them out. Practice on yourself by pressing gently with your thumb to the hollow area of the throat. Learn this spot and if you get the chance, use your fingers, thumb or fist to sharply hit the assailant in the throat. If your assailant is holding you from the rear or if he isn’t really an assailant but some acquaintance being a pain, step a little to one side so you can have easier access to the person behind you. Reach back and pinch an inch as hard as possible in the fleshy, tender area of the inside of the thighs. Try this one on yourself to see how much pain can be caused by this simple move. In many cases a man may expect a groin hit but not an attack that low. It may also provide the diversion you need to get away.
Fists - So many want to be headhunters when they think of punching someone else. While a good blow to the nose may distract your assailant, there are many other areas to strike that are softer and more vulnerable. The throat, at the very base of the breastbone, the solar plexus, way low in the abdomen and the groin are all good targets that may not be as well protected or as expected as the face.
Elbows – A bent elbow makes a wonderful weapon when slammed into the abdomen, testicles, throat, face and side or back of the head. These strikes need to be swift, strong and sure. Don’t be shy about the strike and remember the elbow makes a stronger weapon when the corresponding hand is balled into a tight fist.
Knees – Every man has had a mother, sister, wife, cousin or daughter who has been told to “hit a man where it will do the most good.” While there is nothing wrong with a solid knee to the testicles, don’t rely on it as your only means arsenal of defense. That same knee will work wonders in the soft area below the belly button, in the solar plexus or to the head. While thinking about strikes to the groin, a man may expect it but a female attacker is less likely to defend against it.
Feet – First and foremost, your feet are for running to safety if they get the opportunity! They can also be for making that same opportunity. Heel strikes to knees, shins and the small bones of the feet, the bones on the top of the foot can be used when kicking to the testicles. This type of kick should be practiced though to make sure you keep your toes pointed downward and unbroken.
While these are by no means the only uses for these natural weapons, they will hopefully give you something to remember if ever you find yourself in a threatening situation.