To learn self defense at home or anywhere for that matter, it’s important to understand the difference between fighting and self-defense. In self defense the goal is to survive the encounter, not necessarily to win a fight.
In the video below we introduce the basics to understanding the concept of distance in a fight. When you’re first starting martial arts and even when you’re experienced, the best option to survive self-defense situation is to get away. If you can avoid or get away from a violent confrontation, you’ll win every time!
The technique we cover in this video is a simple shin kick. A shin kick will help stall your opponent and hopefully provide an avenue of escape so that you can survive the encounter.
Also, an additional technique that can allow you to end a confrontation physically if that is your best option for survival.
Think of distance as three blocks of space.
- The first block is at great distance, you cannot strike your opponent and they can not strike you.
- Second block is middle distance, or “in the pocket”.
- The third block is in a clinch or grappling, this includes being on the ground.
The easiest way to “win” or survive the encounter is to maintain the first block. Stay at great distance and avoid the assault coming from your attacker. Use this distance to run away or to yell and stall for help.
Techniques
- Use a shin kick to maintain a safe distance from your attacker, hoping to stall or stop his advancement.
- If the opportunity arises or is the “correct” course of action to survive this encounter strike your opponent to end the altercation. Use a 1-2 combination with the shin kick followed by an overhand right.
I love using the B.O.B. (Body Opponent Bag) quite often and feel it’s a perfect tool for drills like this. What equipment do you practice with to learn self defense at home?
What other techniques and drills would you like to see?
Are there any self defense situations you’d like to address in upcoming articles?
Bam, shin kick and get the heck out of there. Great advice man. I studied some martial arts for a while and I love how you explain that self defense is different then fighting, this is so true. Defending your self and getting to safety is not like learning to win a MMA fight. Great distinction to understand and your post really nailed it. Cheers man.
Thanks, I really appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment. One of the biggest misconceptions people have on self defense is they need to “win” a fight or altercation. Avoiding a physical altercation is always best, but learning how to survive and escape when possible is paramount.
Great article on learning self defense at home and so important. Just some simple education could help someone survive an attack. Thanks for sharing such great info here.
Thanks for the kind words, avoidance and awareness are the best ways to defend yourself. If you can avoid or get out of the situation, that is always your best bet.
Hi Lee,
Great article, thank you! I think it’s a great idea for everyone to learn at least basic self-defense. Unfortunately, most of us – myself included – don’t know where to even start to try and learn it.
Hopefully, I’ll never need this information, but in case I do, I’m glad I have it!
Thanks,
Jade
Thanks, if you are new to martial arts it can be very hard to learn self defense at home. At some point you need an instructor and some direction. Optimally you will needa partner that you can work and spar with.
Here is another article you may enjoy on the subject.
https://sushifitness.com/learning-how-to-fight-from-videos/
Short and yet powerful post. I’ve never been in a situation where I need to defend myself and consequently have never learned any techniques for self-defence, but I will now! Your video is awesome and helps a lot to digest the information given. I like how you have explained all three distances and how to approach each situation differently. This was very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
If you have never been is a situation where you’ve had to defend yourself that’s a blessing and something every martial artist should aspire to.