Sorry, I Don’t Talk to Strangers

Whether it’s karate, kung fu or hapkido, self-defense comes in various forms. Self-defense was originally taught and utilized for combat. According to the UCLA Recreation web site, the best self-defense technique is to avoid dangerous situations altogether. However, people can choose their own mode of self-defense when placed in such situations.
For example, taking a martial arts class is the first option many people take. It was created for the sole purpose of defending one self by fighting. For those who do not utilize this method, weapons such as pepper sprays, batons or personal alarms are strong alternatives. Furthermore the striking method of self-defense, one of the most common methods used, involves the victim striking the opponent in various parts of the body to defeat them.
Although many may suggest that the groin is the perfect place to attack an opponent, research has shown that the nose is the most sensitive part of the body. One must first hit the eyes in order to blur the attacker’s vision and then strike the nose. Upon strong impact, the nose can start bleeding and will weaken the attacker. In spite of all this, please keep in mind that these tactics should only be used for self-defense and not for violence.
Disaster strikes when one least expects it, and that is exactly what happened to Precision Martial Arts student Jonathon Thurman. Two months after Thurman started his training in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, he encountered a situation where his newly acquired skills were called upon. Thurman intervened when he saw a drunken man harass his girlfriend. When the man tried to tackle Thurman, he did not protect his neck and this provided Thurman to apply his self-defense moves. Although Thurman only weighed about 150 pounds, he was able to successfully employ his self-defense moves and take on a bigger and stronger attacker.
In the end, Thurman’s techniques allowed him to defeat an attacker in a real fight. However, not everyone is lucky enough to attend classes of such high benefit. The best thing one can do in these situations is to run and seek help immediately; events like these are unexpected and could happen to anyone.
By: Staff Writer Sylvia Winston