The dragon and the tiger met as the wind and the cloud.

 

Mui Fa for Choy Lee Fut




Hung Sing Choy Lee Fut

 

Self-Defence


While we all hope to never be in a situation where these skill will ever be needed, we also know that life doesn’t always work that way. You just never know where and when you will need them.

I always maintain that it is better to have the skills to defend yourself and never have to use them than to have no skills and needing to use them.

As there are many texts and web sites out there that give a lot of tips on personal safety and what to do, I will steer clear of that area.

Always, walk confidently and with your head up. Do not slouch, look at the ground or walk like a victim.

I am going to focus on Awareness, Avoidance and Survival (Self-Defence).

AWARENESS starts with being aware of your surroundings, your situation, and what you are doing and when you are doing it. Don't walk and text at the same time. It can be dangerous.


There are 3 phases of a potential dangerous situation:

Phase 1: Awareness

This can be a result of bad planning/choices, bad communication or bad luck/timing. You find yourself in a situation, or place that you shouldn’t be in when you are not careful.

This is the Awareness phase.

You need to identify and defend against the occurrence of risks and problems before they happen. You must use your brain. It is your best self defense.

Listen to your instincts! If something does’t feel right - pay attention and do something. Get out of there.

Again, your brain is your best self-defence weapon.

Phase 2: Avoidance

Try to use AVOIDANCE to try to get out of the situation without conflict or have it escalate into anything further.

This is not a time for indecision and procrastination.

“Read” his body language, if you can. Try to defuse the situation. You must remain calm and assess the situation.

Phase 3: Survival

If you find yourself with your back against the wall, then you must commit 100% to defending yourself. You must follow through.

Remember, fighting a little bit is dangerous.

THINK

Where are his vulnerable points? Where are my body weapons?


Vulnerable Points/Targets

Body Weapons


Resources

I have put together a pdf of information getting out of grips, holds and locks that I received from a 1991 self-defence course that I took. It contains useful information in a clear, easy to read format. You can download here.

I have also added a few pdfs on the subject that I have downloaded from the net. There is a particularly ‘cute’ one dating back to the 1929 about women’s self defence based in Jiu-Jitsu.

And a few useful links.
http://attackproof.com/10-best-self-defense-tips.html
http://attackproof.com/martial-myths-what-works-what-doesnt-in-self-defense.html
Five-krav-maga-moves-techniques
https://www.washingtonian.com/2016/11/07/feminist-self-defense-teaching-women-how-to-defend-themselves-all-wrong/
https://blackbeltmag.com/techniques/self-defense/10-self-defense-strategies-every-woman-needs-to-know-to-survive

Also, a lot of good information on this site.
SEPS Women's Self Defense - A Free Course in Women's Self Defense.


Bibliography:

Self Defence in 30 Seconds by Rob Redenbach
Tough Target: Every Woman’s Guide to Personal Safety by Samson Ross
1991 Self-Defence for Women class