Hand-to-Hand Combative Techniques

Found a good "Martial Arts: Combative Techniques" link? Let Us Know!

Marine Corps Martial Arts Basics Trainer's Guide PDF Files- mostly text, for the classroom. These are the "teacher scripts" that go along with a PowerPoint Presentation that I do not have. Still, quite good reading. Came upon this unexpectedly, while looking for something else. Paul (Survival Primer)

Fred the Head was the name jokingly given to this training dummy Mike May built back in 1996/97. We've made others since, but the original (seen here) is still in use. Fred is a multipurpose training head, and can be strung up as a speed ball with human features or can be attached to a bag, post or dummy. You can also use this style head on the torso dummies shown HERE at the Karate Connection! The dummies they show are sturdy and you could build several for the price of one "Bob". Plus they have legs and you won't mind beating the heck out of them with weapons or whatever.

Understanding fear and the Survival Stress Response In times of danger each and every one of us will feel the effects of the Survival Stress Response this is triggered into action via the security control centre of the brain which is called the AMYGDALA. The Amygdala is basically the threat detecting organ of the brain. During stress such as that of a violent confrontation the Sympathetic nervous system will take over and a neural surge will cause an increase in heart rate that will in turn raise our blood pressure...

Kill or Get Killed By Applegate [PDF]

Fairbairn - Get Tough in PDF and US Army Survival, Evasion and Recovery manual in PDF.

RealFighting Leading reality based site on the net. This site contains many good quality articles from the leaders in reality based fighting. There are also links, video reviews and book reviews. Unfortunately, it uses really annoying frames.

Outline History Of Course Of Instruction The core of the instruction is based directly on the legacy of Close Quarter Combat handed down by the late (Lt. Col.) W.E. Fairbairn and (Major) E.A. Sykes who worked together out in Shanghai on the Reserve Unit/Riot Squad of the Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP). See Also: CODA training For the British Naval reserves and W.E. Fairbairn's Combative Concepts

Counter Weapons Training Counter weapons' training is a major topic and is deserving of an entire book of its own if you are to attempt doing any justice to the subject at all. Please bear in mind that no one system of martial art or Combatives will ever hold all the answers regarding empty hands against weapons, particularly when concerning the knife.

Making it Combative with Incidental strikes If you want your system of Combatives to be just that; ‘’Combative’’ then once you come down to the core physical element, it makes sense that each and every movement that your body makes is as destructively efficient as possible; in order to deal with the threat ASAP. It also makes sense that you train your method right up to the extreme end of the threat scale in the form of a continuous ballistic attack with as much ‘’Vehemence’’ as you can muster. See also: Cycling

Martial arts & Combatives ~ What is the difference? By Lee Morrison: Most of us within the combatives fraternity have heard the quote from Kelly MacCann where he defines the above question by saying something along the lines of ''the difference between martial arts and combatives, is that martial art is something that you do with someone, in other words there is this reciprocal exchange of movement going on where he does this and I react by doing that, whereas combatives are something that you do to someone or on someone. In other words I am going to take this sack of potatoes and just beat on it!'' There is no sparring, fencing or reciprocal exchange of blows the physical action on your part is completely one sided.

Escaping From The Mount Limited text, but the photos pretty much tell it all... See also: Arm wrench & Flesh grab to escort

The Nelson System Revisited By Lee Morrison: I arrived in New York City on the 24/2/04 this was my third time over in the U.S with the purpose of furthering my studies in the Charles Nelson system of Self-defense. On my last visit I was fortunate enough to meet the great man himself Mr Charles Nelson on his 88th birthday in Arkansas where he lived with his family up until his recent passing this year. Charles Nelson taught his system of Self-defense in NYC for fifty years, Charlie was one of the last remaining links to authentic WW2 Combatives. Here is a brief background history of Charlie's entry and contributions into the martial arts and the world of Close Combat.

Modern Metsubushi Concepts: "A second method of creating the effect of invisibility is to take away the perceiver’s capability of sight. This method includes smoke bombs and smoke screens, chemical gases and sprays used as eye irritants, metsubushi blinder clouds of ash, sand and iron filings and intense flashes of bright light, all of which render the perceiver’s sight temporarily useless."

Access & deployment drill three (Pikal): Here the pen is drawn in the reverse grip (Pikal) position. All attacks from here are made with a downward ice pick motion followed by ripping back in towards you.

THE TEXT BOOK OF CLOSE COMBAT: CHAPTER's 1 and 2 - First Steps in Offensive and Defensive Close Combat

The use of Improvised weapons. In America unarmed Combatives are really only considered for use as a last resort, for example if you have no weapon or less than lethal option available then unarmed Combatives may be used as a transition to gaining a weapon or a less than lethal alternative. See also: Improvised weapons: (Pen)

The Axe-Hand Blow Also know as the edge of hand blow and the chop. This is another major weapon used in Combatives and can also be found in traditional karate and some styles of Chinese kung fu amongst other martial arts. See also: The back hand slap & Chin-Jab & The O'Neill cover & Crazy Monkey Cover & Cupped Hand Blow & Double Slap & Face Smash & Failed Fence Attack Sequence & The pivot kick & shin kick & swivel punch & Tiger's claw strike

Combatives Movies These (online) movies feature a variety of combatives techniques and principles like the fence. See also: Movies & More Movies

Dealing With Multiple Assailants. A CQB Presentation by Lee Morrison. The priority in any potentially violent situation is always to avoid and escape. Being switched on and aware will allow you to spot most confrontations before they start. In a multiple assailant situation where escape is not available your only option is to be pre-emptive... See also: Pre-Emptive Attack Sequences & PEAS 2 & PEAS 3

The Combative Use Of Trapping By Lee Morrison. First off let us define what trapping actually entails; from a traditional MA perspective trapping is basically immobilization of one or both limbs/arms or in certain circumstances i.e. a grappling situation it is the immobilization of part/s of the torso and body...

Offensive Hand To Hand Combat The purpose of this text book is to present the reader with both offensive and defensive examples of close combat. A very wide spectrum of techniques and tactics will be described in this text book. The original purpose of this approach was to allow the reader to select techniques that suit them personally and also meet their operational requirements. The techniques described and illustrated in this text book have been used in general warfare by Western states from the early 1900's onwards. See also: Defensive Hand To Hand Combat and 'Fighting Chance' Magazine Articles

Artifice & the Deployment Of Concealed Weapons: by combatives instructor John Deacon

Iso-Defensives (ID) by John McKean. A perfect supplementary training system that not only teaches the important motor skills of these highly evolved hand strikes, but also offers a combined aerobic/anaerobic training system of the highest order.

FULL SPECTRUM WARRIOR An Introduction to Reality Based Training By Joe Hubbard

Task Related Fitness Training By Dennis Martin

SWAMP - How to Make the First Strike Your Last By Bob Kasper, ©1996

The Viciousness of Assault and Resilience of Man: By Bob Kasper - Are your knife defense techniques and tactics able to withstand a real world assault?

The First Line Of Defense: by Dave Turton 7th Dan Founder & Head of the SDF: The first few seconds and the first few moves in ANY violent or potentially violent situation are the most vital. What does or does not occur here can dictate the whole outcome, in other words, whether you win or lose.

U.S. Marine Corps - NONLETHAL TECHNIQUES This is Chapter 8 of the Marine Corps manual on Close Combat. This chapter describes all techniques for a right-handed person. However, all techniques can be executed from either side. See also: Intimidation

Freaky Fred - A Takedown Practice Dummy ~ Extract from The Bouncer site. Freaky Fred is the most Health and Safety unconscious training aid I have ever made. It is also the best training partner I ever had. I can whack, kick and throw Freaky Fred with great gusto, to hell with his landing. But, if I hit the wrong area, I can bust my hand, just like a real fight. For that reason, I have to stay focused when I train with him. Freaky Fred also allows me to back-engineer techniques until they have all their Fine Motor Skill Applications, Courtesy and Safety Protocol removed. I will now explain these points in more detail.

Techniques or Principles - A Students Dilemma by Bob Orlando

Martial Law? - Police Unarmed Defensive Tactics by Officer Brian Ware. See also: Changing Priorities

Striking First in a Street Fight by Sammy Franco

ALERT Issue No. 3 Use-Of-Force Tactics and Non-Lethal Weaponry

Situational Drills For Bouncers ~ Extract from The Bouncer Site: By Ronnie Gamble (c) 2001 2002: Your primary duty as a DS is to prevent trouble, not to deal with it. The more proactive and pre-emptive you behavior is, the more remote the chance is of trouble starting. Responsible venue owners have a duty of care for their patrons and staff. When you do come into physical contact with a patron, the venue owner should demand a full explanation for your actions. Responsible owners will not take lightly to a DS who is either incapable of preventing trouble or always jumps in, feet first, to sort out a simple altercation. Only resort to physical contact when you honestly believe there is no viable alternative. See also: The Reptile Brain ~ By Ronnie Gamble (c) 2001-2003

Stalking and Domestic Violence Stalkers and domestic violence abusers rely on two main components. First isolating and confusing people with their earlier behavior. Second, people not being willing to go as far as they will. They will twist and turn the insides of your mind until you don't know which way is up and when you try to reassert yourself in order to get your life back, or displease them in any way, they will punish you.

Pyramid of Personal Safety There is no reason to live in fear of crime and violence. There is however reason to take reasonable precautions. And in doing so, you will have deterred most criminals from choosing you as their victim. The reason is simple, there are thousands of people around who are easier and safer targets. You won't have stopped the criminal from being a criminal, but you will have stopped him from choosing you as a victim.

Knife fighting: A reality break There are a lot of people who have gone to a few seminars, maybe even attended a camp who are going back to their school and hanging up shingles about their knife and stick fighting credentials. Furthermore there are many of these people's students who think they now know something about knife work. This is a very dangerous misconception...

Knife fighting lies There are many so-called "experts" who claim to be able to teach you either knife fighting or defense against a knife. The problem is that most of them are just teaching regurgitated martial arts, usually from the Philippines. While I have lots of respect for the martial arts of other lands, the truth is that you live where you do. Odds are you are not in a "knife culture."

Being a knife fighter This isn't sparring Surviving isn't about skill, it's about something else. You can have all the skill in the world and still lose to someone who has "it." The problem is that despite all the claims of so-called knife fighting gurus, they can't teach you how to get "it." So in the end all you have is a lot of fancy dance moves and not what it takes to survive a serious attempt on your life.

Lethal Force In the American court system, life is normally given priority over property. Which is why, in most states, you cannot shoot a thief running away with your property. Nor will you be allowed -- again in most states -- to shoot a person who has just robbed you and is running away. The immediate threat to your person has passed.

Home Defense Before you even consider getting a weapon for "home defense," there are a few issues you must take into consideration.

MUSCLE and why it isn't as effective as you might think Ninety five percent of all martial arts training is based on the assumption that the person doing it has normal physical abilities. With defensive tactics you are closer to 100%.

Pain as Motivation There are four major problems with the current approach to the application of pain to control a suspect. The first is that it is designed to work on "normal people." You are most likely to be dealing with an individual, however, whose mental state has created an incredibly high pain tolerance. While it may be news to the brass, it is nothing that patrol officers haven't found out the hard way. Normal people will retreat from pain. Unfortunately that isn’t whom you will be using it on. Therefore the rules change.

Unnecessary Movement When it comes to defensive tactics, entirely too much time is wasted in preparing for what you will do to control a violent suspect. Therefore, instead of getting the job done, half of the time is spend getting ready to do it. And it is during this "down time" that things go sideways.

Martial Arts This page is designed to help you take your martial art -- whatever style it may be -- and adapt it so it works for self-defense. We do this by taking a hard (often unflattering) look at what is commonly taught in martial arts schools and self-defense academies.

Fighting facts When it comes to fighting: It isn't a matter of "if," but of "when" you will get hurt. More specifically: How long will it be until you are seriously hurt? Here are some realities about fighting that your martial arts teacher won't tell you.

Commercial Martial Arts Schools If you want to join a martial art school or take a self defense system, there are many things to consider. Most of them have nothing to do with the actual art itself, but are often considered "peripheral" issues. And yet, it is these same issues that have a major influence on what you learn, how much it will cost and, in the end, if you are satisfied with what you paid for and invested your valuable time.

Grappling Ever since the introduction of gloved boxing, sport fighting has moved away from the old " bare knuckle/London rules" form. That kind of pugilism was designed to prevent clinches, headbutts, purring and a whole host of other vicious in-close tricks associated with their version of grappling. The addition of padded gloves prevented many of these moves. And in time, sport fighting became a "sniping" game. Opponents do not rush each other, but hang back and exchanged blows and kicks from a distance. And in doing so, they forgot that an opponent could charge in and take them down.

The difference between fighting and self-defense Many martial artists are concerned that, if they "have" to use their "self-defense" training, they will face criminal charges. This is a true and valid concern. It is made even more true because in about 99 percent of the cases, when they are using their training, the martial artists were, in fact, breaking the law.

Property crime A deterrent doesn't stop crime, that's impossible. It just prevents it from happening to you. Your goal is to make it more trouble to steal from you than someone else.

Types of thieves and burglars It is important to realize that there is no such thing as a burglar-proof home. A car that cannot be broken into and stolen. Or a lock that cannot be picked. A security system that cannot be bypassed. These take their places up there with the Easter Bunny. If someone is dedicated enough, skilled enough and has the proper tools, he will get in, no matter what measures you take. What you can however do, is make it hard enough that the average criminal will decide to go seek to ply his trade elsewhere. This is not good news for your neighbors, but it keeps you and your property safe.

Burglar proofing your home, Burglar proofing your business, shop or garage, Home security while on vacation

Psychology Violence is a traumatic, life altering experience. Whether you are the victim, the victor or you just survive it, it changes a person forever. That is an established fact... now how it changes someone depends on the person.

Assertiveness vs. Aggression Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness is not knowing the difference between a complaint and criticism. You have the right to lodge a legitimate complaint, but you do not have the right to criticize. Complaints are attempt to fix a problem, criticisms are an attack.

Robbery Robbery is defined by the US department of Justice as: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody or control from a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. However, what many people don't realize is that the difference between the threat of violence and serious harm, possibly death, is only a few ounces of pressure on the trigger. All the components are already lined up. That gun pointing at you is not just the threat, but a thin hair away from murder. This is why robbery is a felony. In light of that reality, the idea of taking effective, non-violent measures to prevent yourself from being robbed in the first place make much more sense -- and are far less appalling than the alternative.

Street fighting It ain't no fantasy out there, stud. If you wonder if what you know will keep you alive in a streetfight, then the answer is no. The Street is a short, brutal nasty way of life that usually ends up with the so-called "streetfighter" being a corpse in an alley. And that is what happens to people who have done it their entire lives.

Do I have what it takes? I cannot tell you the number of people who have told me that they always wonder if they "have what it takes." The answer is: Probably not... Which means that they are not psychotic, selfish, twisted or sociopathic enough to make a good streetfighter. To which I say: Congratulations, you passed the humanity test. You might not have what it takes to be a streetfighter, but that being the case, you definitely might just make it as a good human being. And believe me when I tell you *that* will serve you much better in this life than being a streetfighter.

The realities of street fighting

SELF DEFENSE FORUMS: For A Fighting Chance The webs #1 site for the discussion of self-defense

Self-defense with a Walking-stick: The Different Methods of Defending Oneself with a Walking-Stick or Umbrella when Attacked under Unequal Conditions (Part I) In the art of self-defense with a walking-stick, the stick is held in the hand with the thumb overlapping the fingers, and not, as in single-stick or sword-play, with the thumb resting on the blade. The stick is therefore manipulated with the wrist -- and not with the fingers as in sword-play -- and the blows are given by swinging the body on the hips -- and not merely by flips from the elbow. Self-defense: Self-defense with a Walking-stick Part II

Should You Worry About School Violence? Do you worry whether school is a safe place? Find out what you need to know about school violence in this article.

Dealing With Bullying If you've ever been bullied, you know what a huge impact it can make on your life. Read this article to learn about dealing with bullies, including tips on how to stand up for yourself or a friend.

Date Rape: What You Should Know Most people who have been raped knew the person who violated them. This article for teens explains what date rape is, offers tips for protecting yourself and what to do if you've been raped, and more. Date Rape Drug Information

What are some unarmed self-defense techniques? When unarmed there are self-defense techniques that can be used on an assailant's weak areas.

Legal Self-defense: A Layman's Guide for Non-specialists Journal of Non-lethal Combatives, November 1999. Most martial art and self-defense classes teach you how to kick, punch, and scream. Most help you learn balance and self-confidence. And some even show you ways of blocking and moving. But few help you wrestle with the really hard questions, things like what are you willing to die for, kill for, and live with afterwards.

Personal Defense: Non-violent Postures: Blauer (05/03) The famous Japanese swordsman, Musashi, wrote, "Make your fighting stance your everyday stance, make your everyday stance your fighting stance."Provocative insight from a man who survived over 60 actual life and death duels and then wrote his classic text on strategy, The Book of Five Rings. Still, hundreds of years later, martial artists often fail to incorporate Musashi’s brilliant premise. Why? Musashi’s prowess was legendary. His fights were for real. Perhaps it is because martial artists often do not understand real fights, real violence?

Self-defense Concepts, Mottern (03/03) Unless we are policemen, convenience store clerks, or little league coaches, most of us probably won’t be violently attacked by strangers. (Relatives, schoolmates, and co-workers, sure, but not strangers.) Consequently, you don’t need to develop a nervous disorder and constantly think that you are going to be attacked to practice effective conflict avoidance. However, to make these avoidance behaviors effective, you do have to make them part of your daily life; performance must become automatic. Automatic performance requires time and effort, but the benefits are worth the exercise.

Air Crew Self-Defense Techniques: Stead AF Base (11/00)

A New System of Sword Exercise for Infantry, Richard F. Burton 1876 (02/00)

Teaching Allies’ Man-Power How to Use "the White Arm": Soldes (06/02)

An Introduction to Police Defensive Tactics: Lau (11/01) Police defensive tactics are NOT the same as self-defense. The role of defensive tactics in law enforcement and corrections is to assist the officer in performance of arrest and restraint, and to increase the margin of safety for both the officer and the suspect. Defensive tactics charge the officer with protecting others as well as themselves. The definition of "defend" as used here is neither punitive nor passive, but instead "to repel danger or harm while serving and protecting." Meanwhile, self-defense encompasses any and all means of protecting oneself. Self-defense techniques are not meant to apprehend an assailant. Indeed, there is no regard for the safety of the attacker whatsoever. So obviously self-defense and defensive tactics are not synonymous.

"Let There be Light": Low-light Tools, Tactics, and Training: Good (05/01) Most officer-involved shootings occur during low-light conditions. Unfortunately, little tested and codified doctrine exists to deal with these confrontations. The purpose of this article is therefore to discuss illumination tools & tactics.

Boxing for Beginners, with Chapter showing its Relationship to Bayonet Fighting: Jacomb (08/01)

Air Police Control and Restraint Techniques (07/01) This manual describes the basic principles in the application of control and restraint techniques. The application of these principles is necessary to the development of those combative skills essential to air police personnel in the performance of their official duties. Corollary benefits will be the development of self-confidence and the promotion of physical fitness.

Combative Measures Instructor Training (Judo): Air Police Techniques (06/01) This student study guide was designed to guide you through your study assignments in the most logical sequence for easy understanding. The supplementary information section contains additional material required to keep you up-to-date in this subject. Answer the self-evaluating questions so you will better understand and retain the material you have studied.

The Secrets of Jujitsu, A Complete Course in Self Defense Military Hand to Hand manual, by Captain Allan Corstorphin Smith
Book I: (07/00)	Book II: (08/00)		Book III: (09/00)		Book IV: (10/00)
Book V: (12/00)	Book VI: (02/01)		Book VII: (04/01)
FM 21-150, Unarmed Defense for the American Soldier, June 30, 1942 Military Hand to Hand manual
FM 21-150 Section I, General		FM 21-150 Section II, Basic Principles.		FM 21-150 Section III, Wrist Escapes.
FM 21-150 Section IV, Escapes from Body Holds.		FM 21-150 Section V, Defenses against Choke Holds		FM 21-150 Section VI, Defenses against Kicks
FM 21-150 Section IX, Defenses against Blows with Club, and Techniques of Club

SELF DEFENSE: Knives, Forks and Toothbrushes: Davis (09/00) The thing to remember about a knife is that it is inherently no more dangerous than a fork, a spoon or even a toothbrush. It's just an object. And it is not the object that should worry you, but the situation that you are in.

Military: Close Quarter Battle: Hawkins (12/00) Close Quarter Battle (CQB) is a subject that engenders as many opinions as there are people who teach it, and the last thing I want to do is confuse you with my own brand of what technique works best. But what I do intend is to give you a better understanding of what CQB is, and then give you a few hints on how to find a good instructor.

Self-Defense Basics According to the National Crime Prevention Council, young people ages 12 to 24 are the group most likely to be victims of crimes such as rape, assault, and robbery. Read this article for tips on defending yourself, so if you feel threatened you'll know what you can do about it.

Howstuffworks "How Verbal Self-Defense Works" Lots of people think verbal self-defense means fighting back. Their image of verbal self-defense is a collection of killer smart cracks plus strategies for using language to wipe the floor with their opponents. It's not an accurate image. In this edition of How Stuff Works, I'd like to show you a different way to relate to other people, especially when you disagree. Let's talk about it a minute.

Avoiding Criminal Assault By: Goshin. 25 June 2003. While a criminal assault is unquestionably the "fault" of the criminal, it is rarely mentioned that the *victim* was usually chosen because his behaviors said "I'm a good victim" to the criminal. Let's learn how not to be a good victim then.

Choosing a Martial Art School By: Goshin. 20 June 2003. Most people interested in Hand-To-Hand self-defense choose a local martial arts school for training. Martial Arts training has many good points, but here are some things you need to carefully consider when "shopping" for a school.

The Empty Hands of the Filipino Martial Arts. To most people and martial artists, the Filipino Martial Arts purely concentrate on the use of Sticks, Knives and Edged weapons. To those who have some knowledge of the arts they know that it contains a large section of empty hand fighting skills. Very interesting text by Scott Wiggins.

Improvised Self Defense Weapons. Many of us in our Martial Arts practice how to use traditional weapons such as the Staff, Sai etc., but how many of us think about what we would use as an improvised weapon if we were facing an armed attacker. It's all well and good saying that my empty hand skills are so good it won't be a problem, but a little prior knowledge can go a long way and you don't have time to think when you are on the firing line. The place for practice, research and to make mistakes is in the training hall. Excellent article with some interesting suggestions for a variety of circumstances. Great job, Scott (Wiggins)!

FM 3-25.150 COMBATIVES, 18 JAN 2002 , SS FM 21-150, 30 SEP 1992 (Hand to Hand Techniques) includes purpose & basic principles of combatives training, train the trainer, unit training, training area set-up, and teaching techniques including warm-up and stretches. Close range combatives include takedowns & throws, choking & strangulation, counter choke techniques, grappling. Med. Range include vital targets & striking principles. Long range includes natural weapons, defensive & offensive techniques. Field expedient weapons, transition techniques, sentry removal, pugil & bayonet training. Much more.

"Legal Aspects of Self-Defense" A Business Week article on the legal aspects of self defense - how far to go, when to act, etc. I may not agree with everything in the article, but it is definitely worth a read. Personally, if attacked, I plan to do everything in my power to destroy the attacker(s) - permanently.

"Basic Self Defense Techniques" Written in a style that can only be considered condescending, it still contains much good information. Never mind the spelling and grammar mistakes. The guy appears to know what he is talking about. Worth checking out.

Self Defense Tips, Tricks and Advice for Women! Website has articles on-site & links to other resources for women's self defense. Also available here, free download of two self defense books.

FOUR Self-Defense Tips (Just in Case). Most people will do anything they can to steer far clear of situations that may take a violent turn. But there is always the chance that violent behavior can erupt -- uninvited and unexpected.

Self Defense For Women It's a wonderful world, or so they say. But it can be dangerous sometimes. As a woman, you especially need to protect yourself. Here you'll find some women self defense tips. Read them through, and most importantly, use them! You will be glad when you return to your warm home safely every time!

Self-Defense Against a Grab by Bernd (Bernie) Weiss, Ph.D. The self-defense described here actually happened to to a man, herein called 'Bob', who had some training in a form of karate called Shotokan.

An Introduction (To Self Defense) by Bernd (Bernie) Weiss, Ph.D. Very few of us can say that we nor any of our friends, relatives, or acquaintances have been free of violent crime. In fact recent surveys clearly show that crime is of major concern to most of us.

A Worst Case Scenario - Knife Attack from Behind In this column Dr. Weiss addresses a situation which we hope we never will find ourselves in. The point is that with some self-defense training, you can increase your chances of surviving even the most drastic of situations. Future articles will deal with more common situations you may encounter.

Prevention: Telephone Tips How to avoid common telephone pitfalls.

On Domestic Violence Recognizing the cycle of domestic violence can be an important step in getting help.

Defense Against an Unusual Weapon An actual defense against an assailant wielding a sharpened fork.

Posture and Attack Prevention Proper body language and voice can be an effective self defense strategy.

Body Usage in Self Defense Body usage, or how you hold and maneuver your body, contributes to your ability to perform a specific skill such as a kick, parry, etc., but often we forget how fundamental our body usage is to the effectiveness of the technique.

Child Safety Helpful tips on child safety in the home and a discussion of child molestation and its prevention.

Self Defense Against a Crowbar Attack A successful defense against an unprovoked crowbar attack taken from a real life situation

The articles listed below used to be on the "Self Defense Now" website which appears to be defunct. This was a pretty good website created by Greg Treloar, who used to allow reproduction with an appropriate back-link. We are reproducing them here and, while the credit is still given to Greg, there doesn't seem to be anywhere left to link back to. If anyone knows where Greg has wandered off to, please let us know.

How to Control an Attacker Have anyone, with hair, do anything you want. What you can expect your attacker to do if you grab him by his hair. The most important thing you should do, and a link to a good article called: "Hair and Self-Defense."

Head Butt - Standard The head butt sounds pretty straightforward, but if the head butt is carried out incorrectly, it will hurt YOU more than it will hurt your attacker. Learn how to do a head butt properly, some tips and tricks, and why the head butt should be low on your options list.

Two more Head Butt Techniques You are about to learn two variations of the standard head butt. The side swing and the backward head butt. You will also pick up a few tips and tricks. If you haven't already done so, please take a look at the Standard Head Butt article before you read this article.

The Pepper Spray Stunt Double This is probably the safest and definitely the easiest technique to master, because once you have read this article, it will be in your memory forever. There's only one problem, like all weapons, if you haven't got it, you can't use it. However, the pepper spray stunt double is well worth mentioning anyway.

Every Day Items - Powerful Weapons By the time you have finished reading this article, you will see the world and the items that surround you in a very different way. Natural weapons are all around you - you just have to know what to look for.

How to Give an Attacker a Ruptured Eardrum During the next few minutes we are going to look into the ears on the human head. We will learn a quick and simple way to cause great pain, while at the same time, disorientate your attacker. You are going to learn how to give an attacker a ruptured eardrum.

Self-Defense Technique Throat Strikes The self-defense technique you are about to learn can kill. The first self-defense technique is a strike called: "The chisel fist." The second is an open hand strike to the throat, and the third self-defense technique involves the use of a natural weapon. You are going to learn three ways to crush an attacker's windpipe. You will also have the chance to learn CPR.

The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword Learn three ways to use a pen for self-defense. Also learn how to use your finger, or a knuckle, to ward off a potential attacker.

Breaking a Finger Made Easy The following finger breaking technique - although it could stop an attacker - should be seen as a method for slowing someone down. Breaking a finger will make it very difficult for the person to use that hand - whether it be for grabbing, holding, or for hitting.

Control Point Pressure tactic Control point pressure tactic. If someone tries to take you somewhere by grabbing your arm, hand, hair or any other part of you, they can be persuaded otherwise with this control point pressure tactic. Plus, a link to a control point pressure tactic interactive tutorial.

How to Break a Knee This is a fairly simple, yet powerful, sidekick to the knee technique. You will do two experiments, so you understand what you are learning. Plus three important tips.

Mastering the Art of Foot Stomping How to damage the foot of an attacker so he can't chase you. Learn what parts make up the human foot, and then you will fully understand what you are doing. How to practice the stomp. Plus, increase speed and timing.

Hiding Game - Don't Be a Target Why you should hide. If your car breaks down late at night, or you have to walk for whatever reason, learn to play one of the following two hiding games. Become invisible and don't be attacked.

How to Stop an Attacker Starting on You Are you like a weak animal just waiting to be preyed upon? Is there a "Hurt Me" sign on your back that's clearly visible to a skilled and violent attacker? Are you dead easy prey for an attacker?  You are about to learn some very simple tricks and techniques that can stop an - unknown to you - attacker, before he starts his assault on you.

How to be Safe in Your Car  I'm going to tell you a story, give you a simple way of reminding yourself to practice safe driving, and take you a little further down the road to an attack resistant you.

Should you Rely on a Weapon or Yourself To arm or not to arm, that is the question? Three good reasons why you should not rely on a weapon for self-defense. Plus three more self-defense information articles to help you decide whether to carry a weapon or not.

Don't Stop Thinking Understand where your best chance at defending yourself will come from. Learn one of the most important things about defending yourself.

Timing and the Element of Surprise Element of surprise: How to use distractions and decoys. Why timing will increase strike technique effectiveness. Three simple examples to help you understand how it works. Timing your escape, and how an attacker's way of thinking can give you a chance to use good timing and the element of surprise to strike back.

Home-Defense - Home Invasion (This one is different) Home-defense is pretty important. After all, you probably spend a lot of time at home. Let's take a look at some simple things you can do to make your home, a safer home. We will also look at natural weapons that you can use, and probably already have scattered around your home.

What to do when Someone Picks a Fight  What to avoid, and what to ignore if you are aggressively approached by someone. How to change the subject, and why I call this kind of person a brave coward. Turn a brave coward into a friend, and why you should go along to get along.

Walking & Public Toilets - Avoid surprise Attacks How to be more aware of what is going on around you while walking in public. What to do, and things to say if you think you�re being followed. How to avoid surprise attacks while entering a public toilet.

Why Dreamers make Good attack Victims Learn how being in a dream-like state can make you stand out from the crowd as an easy target for violent crime? Discover the recipe for an attacker's ideal plan of attack. How to remove the first two ingredients from the attack recipe, so the remaining three are of no use.

ATM Thieves - Don't be a Victim Learn how thieves can get your money while you are using, and after you use an ATM. ATMs, traveling, and thieves - how to avoid being robbed while traveling, and a great little gadget that you may find useful.

Why Drunks should carry a White Towel This article was written to demonstrate how being drunk, decreases your ability to think clearly. If you can't think clearly, how can you ever hope to effectively defend yourself? We will look at how, security workers, in nightclubs use this knowledge to their advantage. But first, let�s start with the most important thing to remember...

Verbal Self-Defense (Parts 1 thru 3)  Verbal self defense has three special words. When you use verbal self defense, you can put a stop to an argument before it turns into something strikingly unpleasant. Most, if not all, arguments tend to be about something trivial or even silly. Let's look at a silly example that demonstrates the defusing power of three simple words and verbal self defense in action.

Not Just For Women

What is Self-Defense - The Big Picture You do not need to be strong, brave or male to be able to defend yourself. Awareness, confidence, verbal skills and physical self-defense techniques are skills we can all learn. There IS a lot more to it than just physically hitting someone in order to protect yourself. This article will give you the big picture.

Why Learn Self-Defense - Because you Can If you do not have attack victim scars, you do not want them! Is your life worth fighting for? Self-defense is only 10% physical. Learning self-defense will make your mum and dad feel better, and you will feel good knowing that you can protect yourself!

Defending Yourself is Losing an Option If you are attacked, will losing be an option for you? If you have to fight, will you fight to win, or will you be prepared to lose? My definition of not losing a fight, which may surprise you, and what is the right fighting attitude.

Abductors - What to do if you are Taken The following article will arm you with escape options. You will notice that the word "if" is used a lot. There are a lot of things that could go wrong during an abduction. Let's take a look at how to escape by jumping from a car, or causing it to crash.

Catch an Attacker with his Pants Down An interesting short story where you put yourself in the shoes of an attack victim. We will look at what you did right and what you could have done better. There is no "one" technique that will guarantee a successful outcome in every situation. Learn why you should arm yourself with awareness and options.

What to do About a Fear of Being Attacked What is fear and why do we experience it? How it can help or be unhelpful during an attack. Do you imagine yourself being hurt during an attack, and is it productive or not? How to use your fear of being hurt in a more productive way.

Keep your Mouth Closed Why you should shut your mouth if you think that you are about to be attacked. It is so important that it should be at the top of your awareness/options list.

How to Protect Yourself if you Can't Fight or Run What can you do if you are attacked, out-numbered, can't fight, and can't escape? How to protect your head and most of your body. What causes brain damage, and how to avoid it.

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