In order for any of these moves to be effective, they need to be practiced in a safe environment. Don’t expect to know or remember what to do in the heat of the moment when you’re feeling afraid. Instead, grab a friend or spouse and practice on them. One word of caution: all of these moves can cause severe damage to the body, even when done with little force. Only practice these techniques in slow motion with no applied force. You’ll still learn to feel comfortable with the actual movements.
Knowledge is Power
You don’t have to live in fear. While avoiding dangerous situations in the first place by being aware of your surroundings is by far the better choice, knowing how to take down an attacker if you have to is vital to your safety. Study and practice some of the basic moves of self-defense until they feel like second nature to you. Learn to feel your own strength and be comfortable with the way your body moves. Most of all, be mentally prepared to react even in the worst of situations. You might just save your own life someday, but even if you never need to employ these skills, the strength and empowerment you’ll feel as a result are a wonderful bonus.