Consider the legal consequences of your actions. You must be absolutely sure you are in danger and there is no way of escaping before you strike a would-be attacker. Otherwise, you cannot justify your actions as self-defense, and the other person may win a civil suit against you. [2] X Research source
The best technique is to grab your opponent by his or her ear and press your thumb across the entire nearby eye. Push down forcefully. This move is much more painful than a simple poke to the eye and may buy you enough time to get away. [3] X Research source
Throw your head back to bash the nose with a head butt. Your skull is a lot denser than the cartilage of your attacker’s nose and can do a surprising amount of damage. Aim for the bridge, as a blow to it will be the most painful. Rake your foot forcefully along your attacker’s shin bone. This is an especially good option if you are wearing high heels. Alternatively, you can simply try to kick backwards against his or her shins. While less painful than a hit to the nose, a shin kick is much easier to land. [4] X Research source
An uppercut to the jaw under the chin will twist the head quickly, potentially causing a loss of consciousness. A jab to the temple is the most surefire way to knock someone out. This spot is very vulnerable and can easily cause internal bleeding. Keep in mind that this type of blow can seriously injure or even kill the other person. [6] X Research source
High heels are an especially good choice for an improvised weapon. If you can, pull them off your feet to give yourself more maneuverability. [9] X Research source If the fight is taking place on sand, soil, or gravel, grab a handful and throw it at your attacker’s face. If you manage to get grit in your attacker’s eye, it will temporarily blind him or her. You will have time to get away while your attacker attempts to clear his or her vision. A sturdy flashlight makes for a great improvised weapon at night. Shine it directly into your opponent’s eyes to blind and distract, giving you an edge. If that isn’t enough to get away, turn the flashlight around and hit with it. [10] X Research source
Nagashi – This simple move is best used to counter an unexpected frontal attack. From a forward-facing stance, use your left leg as a pivot and slide your left behind you in an arc. Your body should swing like an opening door. As you put your foot into position, raise your arm to strike. Hiraki – This step is best for an unexpected attack from a short distance. From a forward-facing stance, slide your foot furthest from your opponent towards the same direction. Slide your other foot closer to the first, then turn your second foot towards your opponent. As you move your feet, turn your hips towards your opponent and raise your arms to strike.
When taking a body blow, brace for impact by tightening your abdominal muscles. Shift your torso so that your opponent’s fist lands at your abdominal muscles to the side rather than at the center near internal organs. For blows to the head, flex your neck and jaw muscles and lean into the punch. Make sure the hit lands on your forehead, which is incredibly tough. Above all, never let a strike land at your temple, jaw, or nose. [14] X Research source
Weapons should also be off-limits unless they are agreed upon beforehand. While blows to the face, head, and neck are legitimate in fair fights, it’s best to avoid using them outside of officially-sanctioned matches. An uppercut to the jaw or a jab to the temple can win you a fight quickly, but these strikes can also cause permanent brain damage. Without medical personnel ready to assist a downed fighter, you should reconsider using such techniques.
