1. Hammer strike Using your car keys is one of the easiest ways to defend yourself. Don’t use your fingernails, because you’re more at risk to injure your hands. 2. Groin kick If someone is coming at you from the front, a groin kick may deliver enough force to paralyze your attacker, making your escape possible. 3. Heel palm strike This move can cause damage to the nose or throat. To execute, get in front of your attacker as much as is possible. 4. Elbow strike If your attacker is in close range and you’re unable to get enough momentum to throw a strong punch or kick, use your elbows. 5. Alternative elbow strikes Depending on how you’re standing when you’re initially attacked, you may be in a better position for variations on the elbow strike. 6. Escape from a ‘bear hug attack’ For cases where the attacker is coming from behind, you’ll want to use this move. Focus on getting low and creating space to free yourself. 7. Escape with hands trapped If your attacker comes from behind and traps your arms (this is similar to a bear hug, but you won’t be able to move as freely), here’s what to do: 1. First reaction should be to stop your attacker’s arms from going higher into a headlock. Shift your hips to one side. This gives an opening for strikes to the groin with open-handed slaps. 2. Bring your hand back up to your arms and raise your opposite elbow to turn into the wrap. Keep your arms tight to your chest as you’re turning in. 3. Stay aggressive with your knees and other counterattacks until you can disengage.8. Escape from side headlock When the attacker locks their arm around your head from the side, your first instinct should be to avoid getting choked. 1. Turn into the attacker’s side as much as possible to avoid being choked. 2. With your hand that’s furthest away, strike the groin with open-handed slaps until you have enough mobility to turn your head all the way out to disengage. Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/stevie-zemlak/support