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I learned 8 self-defence moves to help you protect yourself from assault

Amir J. Khan taught me the art of Krav Maga, a self-defence system. Here's how you can benefit.
Updated 09 Mar, 2020

This story was first published on 7th March 2017.

Ask yourself: Do I feel safe? Safe on the streets of my city? Safe from people at work? Safe at home?

I'll go first. I don't.

I never feel safe unless I'm within my home in Karachi. Even then I'm acutely aware of household objects I can use as potential weapons against intruders in case of a break in. Keys? Yes, I can wedge the teeth between my fingers and attack the face. Vase? Yes, can break it on the head and use the shards to stab. Glass of water? Throw water on the face. Distract. Then break glass on the head. Yes. That should work. Books? Shield? Hmm, maybe.

Call me paranoid but my guard is always up.

It could be owing to the recent break in at my aunt's house — the robbers pushed and shoved the poor woman down a flight of stairs with complete disregard to her age or health — or it could be a reaction to news of harassment at Atif Aslam's concert, or the fact that since an early age, each time I've stepped foot outdoors I've felt like a hapless prey shrinking under the weight of penetrating stares of predators on the streets.

Feeling safe is a luxury we don't have, at least not given the current situation in Pakistan. Women face harassment at work, on the streets, when using public transport and some, even in their own homes.

And although we may not be able to stop molestation from taking place at large or even in the home, we can, however, fend for ourselves by learning self-defence.

So when gym and studio, MUV Base introduced self-defence classes by personal safety and self-defence (Krav Maga) instructor Amir J. Khan, needless to say, I was instantly interested.

It's best to learn these self-defence moves from a professional and then practice them on a daily basis so they become second nature. You shouldn't use them without practice and training.

As Amir stressed to me, these moves are meant to weaken the assailant and give you enough time to get away. It's not advisable to keep attacking the assailant, which will reduce your getaway time and attract bystanders and/or the assailant's companions.

Here's what I learned during my sessions - ways to block aggression which is most likely to occur in real life.

1) Bear hug

When grabbed from behind in a bear hug, use your elbow to strike the groin multiple times till the assailant's grip loosens.

Shift your hip to one side and move your leg behind the assailant's to wedge it in between his. Simultaneously, stick your elbow out parallel to the assailant's chest and push him back so he trips on your leg and falls to the ground — this requires a lot of force. Make sure your leg between the assailant's is grounded with full force to trip him. Once he's on the ground attack with punches.

2) Arm pull

One of the most common ways to manhandle a woman is the arm pull.

Instead of tugging and pulling your arm — the assailant's grip will only tighten — open your palm, twist it around and jerk it out from between the assailant's fingers and thumb. During the hand pull, pivot 180 degrees to the side for an elbow attack to the head. (If you're tiny and your assailant huge, jump to strike).

3) Hair pull

Another common way of controlling women is by pulling their hair.

In all probability the assailant will tug and pull at your hair for physical dominance. To regain balance, take both hands, grab a hold of the assailant's hand clutching your hair and hold it steady, turn to face the assailant, grab his neck for stability and kick the groin repeatedly till the assailant's grasp on the hair loosens, then either punch the face or go for an elbow strike.

4) Wall choke

If an assailant grabs you by the neck and pushes you to the wall, pull your chin in so that the head doesn't hit the wall. Once against the wall, drop one shoulder to the side (do not bend your knee) lift the opposite arm in a 90 degree angle and twist to the other side. Push your tricep down the assailant's arms with all your might to break his clasp on your neck, strike his face with your elbow, with the same arm grab the back of his neck and ram the head into the wall.

5) One arm choke

Take the opposite arm and dig your fingers under the palm of the assailant's, peel it away from your neck and outwards rotating it to the other side, keep holding the hand and twisting while grabbing a hold of the assailant's tricep.

Hit the area under the tricep (weak spot) with your knee and continue to twist the tricep in an upward motion and push him to the ground.

6 & 7) Ground choke/rape

There are two ways to do this:

One is when the assailant is choking you while he sits atop your pelvis, use your pelvis to thrust him up with full force. He'll fall face first behind you.

Second is when the assailant is choking you with his legs in-between yours. Clasp your hands together, place your legs inside his and lock them in. Move your arms up and out with full force breaking his grasp on your neck, the assailant will either fall on top of you or drop his hands on either side to steady himself.

In a swift move, place a palm on one side of the assailant's nose and grab the back of his head with the other -- now this is important, the placement of the hands depends on the side you're going to rotate the assailant, If you're going for the left side, then place your left hand on the right side of his nose and your right behind the head -- with your legs still locked in his twist him to one side and get on top of him and strike his face.

8) Pipe or danda attack

If an assailant swings a weapon at you, assess whether it'll make contact or not, if not, run towards the assailant, open your arm at a 90 degree angle, take it over his arm holding the weapon and pull his arm in. Grab the back of his head and strike the groin with your knee multiple times.

Grab the base of the pole with the arm holding the neck and dislodge the other arm to grab a hold of the pipe from the other end, twist and break it out of the assailant's grip and swing. Hard.


Amir J. Khan is a former Security & Law Enforcement professional, as well as a personal safety and self-defence (Krav Maga) instructor. He's a certified trainer in Unarmed Combat and Impact Weapons and is currently working at Aga Khan University as Campus Manager and also offers private self-defence classes.

All gif photos have been taken by Umair Khan, ex-military, divemaster and underwater photographer and videographer.

Note: This guide is informational and is not a substitute for professional self-defence coaching.

Comments

AYZA Mar 07, 2017 09:42am
Some helpful moves for female self-defense. Another alternative is to have a pepper spray necklace or small pen knife which can be placed in ones pocket and quickly accessed as needed.
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Puma Mar 07, 2017 09:51am
oh Gawd. Those gif images are showing something that isn't possible without upper body strength. Women will have to build loads of muscle mass if they want to do any of these moves. Time to start pumping Iron ladies .... She Hulk time.
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STUDENTSINDHI Mar 07, 2017 11:19am
Yes ! This should stave off all males , even the ones with decent intentions .
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Helping Hands Mar 07, 2017 11:30am
@Puma Agreed!!!
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ali Mar 07, 2017 11:37am
oh gosh... very painful
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Farrukh Arshad Mar 07, 2017 12:10pm
@Puma Was thinking the same, in addition to building the strength, enough self control to apply these moves in real world scenario (in that case the situation will become entirely different) than this controlled environment. But every woman should have such training.
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Raj Mar 07, 2017 12:17pm
The only way in which anybody can learn to defend oneself is by properly learning a martial arts which will take years of hard work and dedication. There is no short cut and the steps mentioned in the article can be properly executed by a trained martial artist.
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nabiha Mar 07, 2017 12:52pm
I really appreciate Munnazzah Raza's efforts. She is just wow. I try not to skip her pieces as she always writes over something very unique and outstanding love u loads Munnazzah.
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PRO Mar 07, 2017 01:02pm
Indians will benefit more from this article than Pakistanis.
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trainyourself Mar 07, 2017 01:12pm
@Puma loads of muscle mass? not really upper body strength? no, it starts at the core and with the legs strength? nope, power 1.balance/stabilization/correction of muscular imbalances (evident in postural problems) 2.basic strength/hypertrophy 3.max strength 4.power 5.most importantly training in all planes of motion use NASM, NSCA, ACE and then pick up a few books on exercise physiology/kinesiology/physiotherapy, a few years of learning for an entire lifetime
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Asif Mar 07, 2017 01:32pm
Cool, Krav Maga, developped by Israel Defense Forces.
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Mudassar Mar 07, 2017 01:42pm
@Puma they should start building muscle mass, which is quite possible. Bicep curls, bench presses and squats are quite useful and already you can see them in gyms working hard on it
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El Cid Mar 07, 2017 01:45pm
Foolish antics! If a full grown women hits me with all her might she will only hurt herself. If the twig modeling here tries it she'd break her own arm or worse. A female using male's weapons will always fail. But win if she uses her own. That is how Evolution arranged it. No amount of training or practice can defeat millions of years of evolution. Period.
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NAJUM Mar 07, 2017 01:53pm
These moves are meaningless, if both men and women, do not have the body strength to endure the pain, that comes with performing these acts. Calisthenics, weight lifting - anything that builds the muscle - should be the "first priority. "
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ali shah KHATTAK Mar 07, 2017 02:59pm
It's not as easy as seems in the videos-like pictures, although may prove to be of some help.
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Farrukh Kayani Mar 07, 2017 03:35pm
There is a lot of height difference thou.
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Manji Mar 07, 2017 03:58pm
It is very ironic that all such self defense techniques are of no use when the law in Pakistan still doesn't protect women.Hudood law is still prevalent which claims that a person can be convicted for rape only if there are 4 witnesses or rapist confesses himself. Worst part there is no law that defines domestic violence and measures taken for the encouragement towards reporting of such cases by women. Yet most of the people think there is nothing wrong that is happening here.
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Imran Hanif Mar 07, 2017 04:17pm
I'm bound to highly Appreciate the Writer for bringing it up to everyone's attention and awareness. A Big Thank You!
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Imran Hanif Mar 07, 2017 04:17pm
@PRO you're Right
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Amer Rao Mar 07, 2017 04:46pm
Thanks for sharing this self defence moves.
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John Mar 07, 2017 04:58pm
@Asif - Krav Maga is over rated. Just a hype. I am a black belt in Jiu Jitsu if you are doubting my qualification to make that comment.
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norbalm Mar 07, 2017 06:35pm
Great stuff Amir, more awareness needed for people on how to protect themselves.
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Ismail Mar 07, 2017 07:13pm
Very interesting article and comments here. Couple of points: 1) Good to know a Krav Maga trainer is in Pakistan. Incorporates a lot of judo, jujutsu and combat wrestling moves. 2) People making the point about basic fitness and bare minimum muscles are right, as most Pakis of both genders are lazy. 3) Biggest takeaway is the placebo effect of street confidence. More than half a fight is the confidence to be calm in the situation and not hyperventilate. 4) No one style of self defense is effective in every situation, particularly with multiple attackers but KM has good street cred. 5) Arming women with guns and combat techniques is no excuse for state neglect of security and societal harm of women by way of anti-Islamic laws which defy logic, common sense and a society with negative norms about women.
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N_Saq Mar 07, 2017 07:15pm
Agreed, it is good stuff not just for women but men too. Also, this should encourage women to workout and participate in games and physical activities, so that they have the strength to do what is shown here in this article. It is never too late.
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Najam Mar 07, 2017 08:00pm
Who is teaching in Karachi? Is there an institute
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Sameer Mar 07, 2017 10:50pm
Excellent feature. And the trainer is truly a professional. Thank God important issues and solutions are being highlighted.
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ahmed Mar 07, 2017 10:58pm
Go Girl! (and this is coming from a man). Never underestimate yourself and it's probably best to be on-guard at all times. A little bit of paranoia in a country like Pakistan is perfectly ok. Bluking up muscle takes time but is great for your confidence in general. Another simplest thing is to stat doing sprints. Run fast and avoid the situation if you can. Some other good ones worth mentioning are poking the eyes or grabbing the nose or hitting a chop on the throat. and screaming..screaming works too.
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Umair Mar 08, 2017 01:56am
Only good in GIFs/images until you are fully trained with years of experience and got some power with agility.
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Jebe Mar 08, 2017 09:40am
Why don't you honestly disclose upfront this is the "martial art" developed for Israeli defense forces? It's clear you are intentionally trying to hide this fact and that takes away from all you assert.
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ISMAIL Mar 08, 2017 11:29am
It's 100 times more important for an Indian woman than a Pakistani woman.
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Ammy Mar 08, 2017 12:49pm
I'm a Karate black belt holder and I can say that the most important thing is spontaneity to react in such dire situations. Usually a person when first attacked goes into a shock mode, keeping your mind, body and soul healthy to coordinate would help you in reacting quick after which you can act based on the situation. Even in martial arts/WWF/wrestling or in fact any other sport men and women are categorised into two as they have different strengths. Girls, these moves can really be painful for you too and there are high chances that you might fail as nature build men physically stronger and women mentally, instead try to understand your own capability and act accordingly. Yes, poking the eyes, attacking the groin, pulling out nose and ears with your maximum strength, give tight punches on both front and back parts of the neck, this is a bit dangerous but if you feel yourself in a really dangerous situation aim at the heart by giving continuous tight punches until you are let free.
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Ronnie Mar 12, 2017 10:38am
Small packet of Chilli Powder in pant/jeans/hand bag pocket is all that is needed!
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rakrl Jan 16, 2018 09:33am
in real life i have learned that just burst eye of opponent with your nail in very first attack and try to run.... as this in not a movie show otherwise you will loose whatever u try....
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Alba Jan 16, 2018 09:34am
One problem. Men are stronger than women. Better to poke your assailant in the eye or smash him in the nose and run for your life screaming to draw the attention of other people.
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El Cid Jan 16, 2018 09:58am
Wishful thinking. The fragile girl in the picture vs the man shown would only fracture her own bones or worse in any confrontation between the two. You use the weapons Nature has given men, you lose. A woman should use the weapons Nature has given her. She will not lose. Evolution has guaranteed this. Physical fitness, awareness, confidence, guile and wisdom are the best of these. Use them and survive.
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H.A Jan 16, 2018 11:02am
@Manji This is what Musharraf amended in hudood ordinance! i.e., a woman assaulted can go and straight away lodge her complain w/o the condition of 4 witnesses. because, first of all, the men of such character cannot be found 'today' and if the woman is being assaulted, she might immediately notify and evidences could be obtained ( like semen of man remains only for some hours then goes away.) so meanwhile she finds '4 witnesses' she would lose one very important evidence. And dawn admin please, you are here to review the comments whether they contain any improper things. You are not to decide what people write and whether you should post or not!!! pleas stop playing with your authority.
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pkdr Jan 16, 2018 11:07am
@Alba one problem, your soch
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ali Jan 16, 2018 12:05pm
Carry a licensed firearm and know how to use it.
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A Jan 16, 2018 12:40pm
Even if it's hard to learn or beat the attacker, it's very important to become aware that one should not freeze in fear, but try to defend. Women and girls need to be trained. How about additional courses in schools? Also to talk about and become aware of these things is a good step forward.
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naveed Jan 16, 2018 01:27pm
These moves dont work in real life. I am a black belt in taekwondo. In real life it is best to run away. the best place to hit is the eye. so just hit in the eye and run as fast as you can
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krav maga PRACTITIONER Jan 16, 2018 10:17pm
i have taken some krav maga classes and found it to be extremely helpful. Yes you should be physically fit but you don't necessarily need a lot of upper body strength or muscle mass. The biggest challenge is to summon the skills learned in the classroom environment and apply them when (may Allah protect all) the real world violence happens.
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raj Jan 17, 2018 08:38am
Reading about self defence moves is like reading about a few cricket shots and going to play a cricket match. People who are able to use it are the people who have been practising the moves for years, more the better. If you are really serious about you self defence, seriously take up a martial art and practise it religiously.
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Muqtadir Jan 17, 2018 05:59pm
Are you sure this will work if incident happens? Childish attitude if she is not trained properly for self defence tactics, no use..
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Faisal Ahmed Sep 27, 2018 04:32pm
A much needed art to learn by every kid of this society.
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Wajeeh Hasan Sep 27, 2018 04:36pm
I reckon women to learn the techniques to safeguard themselves in a bad situation. In addition to this I suggest women to keep a knife/dagger and firearms (licenced), of course, not in their purses but wear on themselves.
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Alba Sep 27, 2018 04:52pm
@AYZA ..... A pen knife?? Better aim for the eye or know where the clavicle artery is located. You won't stop a charging gorilla with a pen knife? A loaded 9mm pistol would be much better. A pen knife will only make him angry.
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Alba Sep 27, 2018 04:57pm
@Puma .... True. Men are much stronger than women. Self defense courses are helpful. They build confidence and do teach ways to fight back using less strength --- this is a means to escaping an attack.
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khurram Sep 27, 2018 05:38pm
a minigun can be more effective and satisfying
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ahamed Sep 27, 2018 06:56pm
@AYZA Not necessarily female but males can use them as well.
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ahamed Sep 27, 2018 07:02pm
@Manji Get rid of hudood law which has no place in today's world. Everyone is equal under the law.
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Jet lee Sep 27, 2018 11:20pm
This is an Israeli Martial arts.
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Terminator Sep 28, 2018 01:06am
The only way such a weak female can save herself is if she kills the attacker, and the only way she can do that is a blow to the neck..
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Sara Sep 28, 2018 04:33am
Can you please upload videos instead of gif? Videos will be much more helpful.
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Zohaib Sep 28, 2018 09:24am
Good to see you Amir teaching the ladies skills of self defense. Keep it up!!
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pervez Sep 28, 2018 09:55am
to all parents, brothers, and husbands please make sure the ladies in your life learn these tactics.
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pervez Sep 28, 2018 09:56am
@El Cid you have no idea what Karv Maga can do.
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Sahir Sumalani Oct 04, 2018 12:26pm
Strengthen the LEAs, surveillance etc, or let everyone to keep a gun.
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Uzair Mar 08, 2020 03:44pm
Pepper spray, taser, firearms are things that actually work. With the strength differential between the two in gifs, there is literally 0% chance someone of that size succeeding against someone of that size in hand to hand combat. Help yourself, avoid circumstances where this is a possibility as much as possible. Or at the very least, go in medium to large groups.
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Sajjad Mar 08, 2020 04:23pm
Practice, practice, practice. These moves all work based on muscle memory. And you have to do them with conviction. Practice with a real partner, ideally someone a lot bigger and heavier than you
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Deepak Rao Mar 08, 2020 08:20pm
True. Pakistan women cant even report it police. She will killed for letting someone rape her
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N abidai Mar 08, 2020 09:20pm
This is how you give empowerment to women,girls ,children . Prevention,,protecting your self,self defense , empowered,do not be a victim !
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imtiaz Faruqui Mar 09, 2020 06:02am
Women should carry a box cutter type small slide razor or a knife , pepper spray is very effective there are also personal alarms , my daughter is always armed with these,
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Alih Mar 09, 2020 09:29am
Pick the point which makes the male helpless for ages.
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Ahmed Mar 09, 2020 10:14am
It should be mandatory for all the ladies to learn Taekwondo or Karate. Bring it in our school system!! Remove stupid subjects and bring in the real art.
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fairguy Mar 09, 2020 11:14am
They regularly train their school-girls, women, housewives. in fact, any woman who wants to learn self-defence can learn it free. They are taught how to use even the things like dupatta, pen, books etc to protect themselves. Anyway, most men nowadays, don't look at them .
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Indian Mar 09, 2020 11:55am
Very good article, appreciate the writer.
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Rizwan Mar 09, 2020 12:35pm
Good article. To all those who think women lack the strength, here are 4 things that do require minimal strength. 1. Kick/ knee to the groin area if you're facing the assailant. 2. Kick to the foot if he has you from back. 3. Punch his nose. 4. Slap on both ears.
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Laila Mar 09, 2020 05:17pm
You clearly don't understand the concept of self defense. It works. And much needed to be an obligatory training for all females.
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Laila Mar 09, 2020 05:17pm
Go to YouTube or Google it.
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Laila Mar 09, 2020 05:19pm
So? Tai Chi, Karate etc isn't Pakistani or south east Asian or Pakistani, so we can't use that either?
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Laila Mar 09, 2020 09:13pm
Ladies, don't believe the comments discouraging you from learning self defense and telling your aren't strong enough or need this or that. They are wrong. The society you live in is dangerous. You need to know how to protect yourself. These techniques ARE helpful and you can find more on youu tube or gogle for free. You can practise at home with your sister or a friend. This can mean life or death. If you live in a larger city and can afford it, then go to self defense classes. And teach what you learn, to others who can't attend or afford to. Always keep a small sharp knife or ice pick in your purse/hand when you're walking in public especially alone after dark. Also buy cheap deodorant which can spray in their eyes. If you have a mobile phone, activitate your GPS and link it via an app to your parents or siblings phone so you are traceable and can be found. Stay safe. Trust no one.
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