In every self defense situation, awareness is key. It is not enough to be just aware of your surroundings--that is the first step. Sometimes, people forget that aside from being conscious and aware of the environment, we must also have knowledge of defense strategies.

Knowing how to use your body in self defense is like carrying a deadly weapon, specially if you understand the extent of damage you can cause to someone who attacks you. Always use self defense techniques responsibly.

Today's artcle will deal with the different parts of the body that are vulnerable.

EYES: Contrary to what most believe, the most vulnerable part of the body is not the groin (well, it's a given that when you hit almost anyone there, they'll fold) -- it's actually the eyes. I always consider this as one of the imporatant targets in life threatening situations. If you attacker is temporarily disconcerted because he cannot see, you will hav enough time to run and call for help.

NOSE: The nose has the softest cartilage in the body. Punching someone's nose can causea lot of discomfort, bleeding and could result in a break as well.

THROAT: Hitting the throat hard enough and in the correct manner wil allow you to temporarily close your opponents air passage. It will be difficult to breathe for a few seconds.

EARS: Hitting someone square in the ears with your open palms could cause temporary deafness. But it will only last a few seconds. If you do it really hard, the pressure could cause some dizzyness to your attacker.

SOLAR PLEXUS, GROIN: Having access to these areas can cause some temporary to permanent damage to your attacker depending on the amount of pressure and strength that is applied. Kicking or hitting someone in the groin could cause exreme pain (specially for guys).

SHIN, TOES and FOOT: These are normal targets for people who get abducted from behind. They are hit so that the abductor lets go of the abductee.

OTHER AREAS (2nd photo): These areas become targets when your attacker turns his back to you. This is unlikely to happen though specially if they are on the offense. Not counting the back of the neck or nape, hitting the other areas will mostly imbalance you attacker. If you hit someone on the head or nape, depending on the strength involved, you could make this person unconscious for a few minutes.

Never start a fight. If you can help it, run away from a potential attacker. Don't stay to fight unless necessary. Don't forget that when you need to defend yourself, you now only need to know where to hit but you must also know how to protect your own vulnerable points.

_*DISCLAIMER*

_{The article you read is not meant to be the one-all-say-all of self defense. All martial arts and self defense practitioners have their own ways and means on how to handle self defense situations.}

_{The author will not be held liable for any actions taken by the reader/s of this article and will not be held liable for any accidents or lawsuits that may arise from using the techniques illustrated in this article.}

_{The techniques illustrated in this article may be dangerous, the reader/s must exercise caution when practicing or executing these techniques.}