How To Kick A$$ Like You Mean It
By DHZine
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This is an article taken from my zine (Danger! hole Zine) which in turn borrows from rapeescape.com:
How To Kick A$$ Like You Mean It, or Get Your Hands Off or I Get the Mace Out
I do not condone obsessing over articles, books, or videos on self-defense “strategies” or tips for women; because quite frankly, if you are anything like me, they’ll piss you off. You can hear from hundreds of sources never to wear that skirt you love again, or never to take it upon yourself to walk to the mailbox alone, the list goes on and on. Provided here are some good tips, however, that should give you some general knowledge of what to do if the need should ever present itself (I’m hoping it doesn’t though, kids!). The one tip I get over and over again from all these articles is to consider taking a self-defense course. And I’m sold on the idea, I think you should do it! Even if it’s simply an introductory course on how to throw a hit. But not everyone has the money or the time, so these tips should give you some idea of how to manage yourself in a dangerous situation. But please, ladies, never feel like you need to change your entire existence to keep some creep off your case. We are women, not victims.
**NOTE** www.expertvillage.com/interviews/self-defense-woman This is information on a FREE video serious that’ll teach you what those hundred-dollar classes get into. Worth a look, don’t you think?
**ALSO** I have gone out of my way to remove the terms “prey” and “victim” as often as possible. I do not approve of those terms, as that would imply you are powerless and the attacker may treat you like meat. You are not meat, and there are ways to fight back.
There are certainly a few VERBAL mind games you can play with that creep at the stoplight, or the jerk whose hand does not belong on your leg, but when we get past those nuisances, sometimes sexual harassment goes to the next level. In which case, so should your techniques.
CLOTHING:
Think about this logically. No one’s telling you to throw out those heels or tank tops against your free will; but if you are going out, where will you be going? Are you staying out after work or school? Will you be walking there, or taking a taxi? If you foresee a long walk to the bus stop past the unsaid Female Curfew, consider changing those pumps for sneakers. THINK FREEDOM. Safetyforwomen.com advises “Get into the habit of leaving restrictive clothing and shoes for those occasions when you are certain that you have no reason to anticipate danger, such as large crowds, being picked up after work or going out and so forth... The best self defense techniques will not help you if you cannot run away because of tight skirts or shoes with straps and high heels.” Because as any badass self-defense instructor will teach you, regardless of your genitals, between Fighting and Flighting... flight like all hell broke loose. Unless you are forced to fight.
6 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: (as told by rapeescape.com)
1.) Stay aware of people in your surroundings. Not surprisingly, criminals exhibit predatory behavior in preparing to attack. They will look at the individual they plan on attacking far more and for far longer periods of time than social norms. They will move when she moves. They will stop and look around for witnesses.
2.) Do not ever let yourself be taken somewhere. Cops call it the “secondary crime scene” and most of the time it will be where your worst nightmare resides. If you are approached in a public place do not get in a vehicle with him. Do not walk around the building to the alley-- STAY where others can see you. His worst fear is getting caught, so you should drop to the ground if you need to in order to prevent him from carrying you away.
3.) Keep a barrier between you and the bad guy. Use a barrier to block him or use distance to gain time. Keep your doors locked. Stay in your car. Force him to get through a barrier before you can get to you.
4.) Attract attention. The first thing he will say to you is “don’t scream or I’ll kill you”. He’s telling you exactly what will ruin his plan. Go ahead, ruin his plan-- create a disturbance, scream, throw things, blow the horn. If you think you should yell “fire” go right ahead. (That tactic is far more useful than the usual ‘help!’; the tactic generates more interest and while screaming for assistance is a common practical joke, it is actually considered a crime to scream about a fire without justifiable cause). You can’t count on others coming to your aid, but you want to appeal to his fear of getting caught and make him think that someone could hear you and be coming.
5.) Control his hips and hands. This might sound strange... but the concept works. Control his hips to prevent penetration. If you can get your feet on his hips you can control the distance between the two of you. His hands are the weapons he will use against you. He will hit you, slap you, stab you or shoot you, but he has to use his hands to do the damage.
6.) Use your strongest weapons against his weakest targets. His weakest targets are those that are most valuable, yet ironically, cannot be entirely strengthened. (See the diagram on page for coloring fun!)
Now speaking of that down n dirrrty fighting, what can you utilize as your weapons?
You Sure You Want My Purse?
Unfortunately, carrying a blade on you is ordinarily seen as a big no-no; as is a shotgun, uzi, AK-47, handgranade, rocket launcher, bomb, shank, basically all the “good weapons”. While sticking a cannon in the wanna-be-rapist’s jeans could be a delicious thought, this could provide some sticky legal conflicts for you down the road. That and these weapons are bulky, conspicuous, and hard to carry. Funny thing is, you’ve got some pretty legal weapons all around you... maybe even on you right this second.
You know that mugger who wants your purse and maybe a little something extra for all that effort? Maybe the contents of your purse are his worst nightmare.
So what are some everyday weapons you can use on the attacker that won’t lead to a courtroom stab in the back for you?
Stone like objects (that you can hit with): stones, sand, coins
Objects to strike with: also stones, knives, pencils, iron sticks, crochet or knitting needles. You can also attack by using your cellular phone like a stone.
Sprays: Any aerosol can, hair spray, spray paint, pepper, tear gas.
Maybe those very clothes he wants to rip off can be utilized by you as well.
Belts may be used as a garrote or whip with the buckle
Coins may be thrown into the face of an opponent to sun and blind him
Handbags can also be used to strike or strangle
Lipstick case may be used to poke an attacker’s eyes
Hairbrush may be used to scratch across the eyes
Perfume for spraying into the eyes
I encourage everyone to go through their own purses, bags, whatever, and quickly rehearse what various objects could be used for in an emergency. Get creative. You are Nobody's victim, and you need to know that.
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Disclaimer: To gain proficiency at women's self defense you should also seek training at a live class. The owners of this website are not responsible for injuries inflicted or received as a result of practicing or attempting these techniques. The owners of this website do not claim to guarantee your safety. The views and opinions here do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the website owners. Physical techniques are dangerous and painful, they should only be used in self defense.