If you're a woman, you've probably experienced a nervous, sinking feeling when walking alone at night, fearing what's lurking around a dark corner. There's also a good chance you've felt your heart rate speed uncontrollably when you thought you were being followed—or worse, perhaps you
were followed and possibly even attacked.
Kelly Campbell, a third-degree black belt and director of instructor development for Krav Maga Worldwide, says these fears are common. "At some point, most women ask themselves the question, 'Would I be able to fight back if I were attacked?'" says Campbell. Here's the good news: Learning just a few simple self-defense moves can give you the skills and confidence you need to answer that question with a resounding "yes."
MORE: Your Ultimate Butt-Shaping Workout"When you have a sense of what you could do in the event that you were attacked and believe you could do something to help yourself, the likelihood that you'll actually do
something increases," says Campbell. "I think more important than any specific technique is your mentality. Being willing to fight back is the most important thing."
Here, Campbell shares the 5 self-defense techniques every woman should know to give herself the best shot at escaping an attacker. While they may seem obvious, that's the point, she says. "All of these moves are inspired by your natural instincts, which means that when
you're under stress, they'll be easier to recall." Also important to keep in mind: If you're in a situation where you have to use one or more of these moves, remember that being aggressive is crucial. "Aggression can go a long way toward making up for technical proficiency," says Campbell. Similar to the straight punch, the front kick to the groin is a powerful move to a vulnerable spot that can help you go on the offensive, says Campbell. To deliver this kick, drive your hips forward with your knee bent and heel back, then extend your knee and leg with force, making contact with your attacker's groin area with the top of your foot (the area where your shoelaces are, if you're wearing running shoes).
Practice lunging to strengthen your legs for this move.
"Imagine that your kick could travel through the attacker's groin and out the top of his or her head," says Campbell, "as if you were going to split that person in two from the groin up." After you've kicked, recoil your leg back to its original position as quickly as possible. "This strike can give you enough of an opportunity to get away, or might catch your attacker off guard so that you're able to deliver a few more blows to other vulnerable areas, such as the eyes, ears, or throat, to finish the fight," she says.
