How pressure points can level the playing field in women's self defense

Most intensive self defense classes for women will cover a number of topics. Typically, you will be taught to recognize potentially dangerous situations so that you can avoid them. You will probably be instructed in the use of non lethal self defense tools, such as stun guns, pepper spray and personal alarms. You will likely also learn several physical self defense tactical moves that you can use to get away from you attacker long enough to get to safety. This might include elbow jabs and shin kicks.

The one area that seems to be lacking in many self defense classes designed for women is the use of pressure points. Pressure points can be used to either loosen your attacker's grip, or to cause sufficient pain which will cause the attacker to let go.

A pressure point is defined as a point on the body that has a prevalence of nerves in it. Applying pressure to any of these points will trigger what is known as a pain withdrawal reflex. When pain is felt, natural reaction is to move away from the source of the pain.

• The cartilage under the nose. Press your flat, opened hand against your attackers mouth and bring it upwards towards the nose, shoving it up and inwards. This will cause the head to go up and back.
• Jabbing a person in the stomach slightly below the chest bone will cause them to back away quickly or turn his body away in the opposite direction.
• The indentation just above the elbow is another good point. Grab the back of the arm and push your thumb into the small recession. This will cause the arm to straighten.
• Apply pressure to the area next to the collar bone. This will make your attacker move downward to relieve the pain. While he is going down, take advantage and bring your knee up to his face.

Kubotans are a very effective tool you can use to assist you with pressure point compliance. They are easily kept on a key chain and can also be used as striking or flailing tool.

You can also try to hyper extend the muscle or joint that you have applied pressure to. Extend it away from its natural bending direction. This will cause extreme pain and possibly dislocation. Don't forget the classic groin kick. Regardless of how big he is, this will bring any man extreme pain and will disable him long enough for you to run to safety.

The advantage of using pressure points is that they do not rely on size or strength. Even a petite woman can take down a big brawny guy with a few moves. Remember, the goal of this type of self defense is to disable or distract your assailant long enough for you to get to safety.

Learn and master a few pressure points. This knowledge may someday save your life.

Stay Safe!

Kubotans are one of the most underutilzed, but effective self defense weapons. Click here to learn more about them.

Wendy Megyese is a Deputy Sheriff and a Self Defense Expert. Her passion is educating and empowering law abiding citizens with self defense tools and techniques so they can be victors and not victims. Visit her website at http://www.bestlinedefense.com to find the best self defense and survival products.