Basics to Self Defense

Basic Fighting Stance

This is the most efficient stance for beginners since it is easy to get into and easy to
maneuver from.
Step 1: First look forward at the opponent
Step 2: Then lift non-dominant hand chin level about 5-10 inches away from your chin. This will help to
easily strike along with quickly blocking the head. The closer your hand is the easier it is to protect your
face.
Step 3: Now position forearm (Same hand as step 2) straight up and down. This will help to better protect
the non-dominant side of your body.
Step 4: Next with your dominant hand place it slightly underneath your chin about 4 inches away from
yourself
Step 5: Then place elbow near the side of your ribs so that your elbow covers most of your torso. Getting
hit in this area can be worse than being hit in the head since this is where your vital organs are located.

Step 6: Next you’ll want to turn your torso at about a 45 degree angle with the dominant hand in the back
and non-dominant in front.
Step 7: Now place your feet roughly shoulder width apart to be better grounded
Step 8: After, turn the non-dominant foot to face your opponent. This helps a lot with stability and
mobility, along with shifting your weight to be able to adjust based off opponents movement.
Step 9: Now that your feet are in the right position bend at the knees slightly. Doing this allows for the
best mobility and stability.
Step 10: Evenly distribute your weight between your feet. If there is too much weight on the back foot it
helps the opponent move or throw you easier to the front, if there is too much weight on the front foot
you’re open to a sweep.
Step 11: Slightly slouch forward to maximize how much your arms can protect the torso

.
The Jab
This will be done with the non-dominant hand seeing that it is closest to the
opponent.
Step 12: First you want to extend your arm away from the chin towards the opponent
BE SURE TO LAND EACH PUNCH WITH THE FIRST TWO KNUCKLES OF YOUR HAND. Hitting
with any other knuckles can break your hand since the other two aren't as strong. (Index and middle
finger knuckles)

Step 13: While extending your arm shift weight of your body to the front foot to maximize the strength of
the punch
Step 14: Next reset your body into the fighting stance immediately after sending the punch whether it
lands or not. If you don't reset quickly you are prone to a counter such as a throw, a punch, a sweep, etc.
Straight Punch
Now to learn the Straight Punch, this is done with your dominant hand and is one
of the strongest basic punches you can perform.
Step 15: First you’ll want to slightly turn your hips out of the 45 degree angle.
Step 16: Next push your weight off the back foot towards the opponent slightly, not too much that it
throws you forward but not too little that it doesn’t put any force.
Doing this will help build the speed and momentum that the straight punch is known for
Step 17: Now extend your arm towards the opponent (again only punching with the first two knuckles of
your hand)
Step 18: Keep your chin hidden behind the shoulder for more protection. The chin is considered to be “the
sweet spot”, one good land on the chin and its lights out.

Step 19: Retract your arm and again immediately reset into the fighting position
Step 20: After throwing any punch you will want to take about half a second or less to evaluate how the
opponent reacts and make your own adjustment based on his/hers movements.
Congratulations you’ve just learned the basics to self-defense, remember before
any form of confrontation try to de-escalate the situation as much as possible and
stay calm. The more emotional you become the worse a fighter you become.

Another thing to remember everybody's fighting style is different even if it uses the
same concepts, one fighting stance may not work for a different person but could
be perfect for another so make sure to adjust to what's most comfortable and keeps
you protected.

If you struggle getting these down don’t worry everybody works at their own pace
and perfection should never be rushed.

References
1. Shepstone, T., Shepstone, T., & Orlando, K. (2016, May 18). Constitution Pipeline
Decision Earns Cuomo Lawsuits. Retrieved from https://naturalgasnow.org/constitution-
pipeline-decision-earns-cuomo-lawsuits/
2. Garland, T. (2019, April 3). 5 Different Punches Every Boxer Should Know. Retrieved
from https://extremestrikers.com/5-different-punches-every-boxer-know/
3. Stewart, J. (2016, September 3). Boxing Punches. Retrieved from
https://warriorpunch.com/boxing-punches/
4. Ha, S. (2016, July 22). Boxing Masterclass - How to Throw a Jab. Retrieved from
https://www.mightyfighter.com/how-to-throw-a-jab/
5. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://real-self-defense.com/self-defense-tip-05-fighting-stance-
and-position/