Self-defence does not have to be complicated to be effective. In this video lesson I share top tips to help make your self-defence as water tight as possible. It is for anyone who wants to be able to look after themselves, whether you have trained for years or never thrown a punch.

The Golden Rule

Remember this above everything else: never let a self-defence situation become a fight situation.

Self-defence is about protecting yourself and getting to safety. A fight is two people trading blows to see who wins. They are not the same thing. The moment you start trying to win a fight, you are taking risks you do not need to take, and you may be going beyond what the law accepts as reasonable force.

Deal with the threat. Get away. That is the job.

Why Simple Is Better

Under real stress your body changes. Adrenaline kicks in, your hands shake, your vision narrows and your fine motor skills get worse. Complicated techniques that look great in training tend to fall apart.

So the best self-defence is:

  • Simple, so it works under adrenaline
  • Fast, so it ends the threat quickly
  • Built on gross-motor movements, not fine detail
  • Followed by getting away, not staying to finish it

Awareness Comes First

The easiest self-defence situation to deal with is the one you avoided. Pay attention to where you are and who is around you. Trust the feeling that something is wrong. Keep some distance from anyone who makes you uneasy, and know where your exits are.

Most situations give you some warning. The people who use it are usually the ones who never have to defend themselves at all.

How To Practise

Take each tip and train it with a partner. Start slowly, then add a little pressure: noise, movement, a partner who does not stand still. Train with control and a cooperative partner so you can practise often without injury. Little and often beats one big session.

Take It Further

My Pressure Point Self Defense Course builds a complete, simple self-defence system step by step. If you are older or less athletic, Fight Like An Old Man was made for you.