WOMEN'S SELF DEFENSE

TAKING CHARGE OF YOUR OWN WELLNESS ALSO MEANS ENSURING NO OTHER PERSON PUTS YOUR BODY IN JEOPARDY. THE MORE KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE, THE MORE TOOLS YOU CAN USE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

MARCH HIGHLIGHT: FINGER PEELS

When it comes to stranger attacks, most grabs come from behind, where you can't see your attacker. He often grabs around the throat, or around your arms, pinning them to your sides. One of his hands is over his other, locking them in place. If you can't move your arms, you are still NOT HELPLESS!

First of all, try to remain calm. If you panic and struggle, his arms are just going to tighten up. Remember, he is expecting you to cry and struggle and beg for mercy. Don't give him any of that.

Considering you are a woman and he is a man, he is probably larger than you. His arms are strong, but that doesn't mean you can't overpower his fingers. There are twenty-seven bones that comprise the fingers, palm and wrist: the carpals in the wrist, the metacarpals further down, and the phalanges that make up the fingers. The strength of one finger is less than the strength of your hand and wrist, and where you pull one finger, the rest of the hand follows.

Keeping calm, look down at the offending hand. If his right hand is over his left hand, use your right hand. Reach up with your right hand and, instead of grabbing his wrist or entire hand, simply grab his finger. The weakest fingers in an average person’s hand are the pinkie and the ring finger. Use this knowledge to your advantage. Wrap your hand as best as possible around the pinkie and, with a sharp motion, fold the finger back over on itself, in the direction the rest of his arm is pointing. You must do this quickly and forcefully.

Don't hesitate. If the opponent has time to realize what you're doing, he has time to react and fight back. Don't be squeamish, or you won't have the physical strength to break this hold. Remember: he intends to do all kinds of unspeakable acts to you. Use that knowledge against him. Hurt him back.

If you can't a good grip on the pinkie or ring finger, try the index finger or the thumb. You will have to pull a bit harder, but it will still work.

Just because you have gotten his hands apart, the battle isn't over. If you don't throw in that second move NOW, he will just grab you again, and hurt you more. Stomp your heel down on his foot, or thrust your elbow back into his stomach, or swing a hammer strike down at his groin.

Once you are out of his grip, RUN! Keep running until you are in a public place, around witnesses, or otherwise safe from him.

HOST A SELF-DEFENSE CLASS

In the art of Ninjutsu, Kunoichi (women) are taught everything the men learn, plus special moves to compensate for the difference in strength against a male attacker. These moves can be physical or mental. Above all, the women are taught that their mentality makes the difference in being an victim versus a survivor.

Blackrock self-defense classes are taught by Missy, who has been practicing the art of Ninjustsu since 1995 and has been teaching women's self defense classes since 1996. Currently, she offers classes within the Reno/Sparks area on an outcall basis. If you would like to host a self-defense class, contact Missy at
m-ames@blackrockwellness.com for details.

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Unless otherwise credited, all articles are written and published by M. Ames of Blackrock Wellness
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