The simplest form of Self Defense is a Hit and Run Strategy.

Lets not overlook that the goal is to get away to safety and not to stand and get into a fight situation.

Be Pre-Emptive! - Remember that you do not have to wait to be attacked in order to defend yourself, provocation is enough. If you really feel threatened enough by someone then you have the right to defend yourself. If you wait to be attacked, it could well be too late. Action is quicker than reaction!

Hit and Run - is the simplest method of physically defending yourself. Maybe the pressure, confusion or adrenalin has affected you to a point so you cannot recall even simple techniques. You have to remember here that you must strike back to weak or sensitive areas with everything you have. No physical attack on you goes unanswered; respond with combinations or a barrage of strikes.

The Hit and Run, Stun and Run, Flash Bang strategy or whatever terminology you wish to use, it's all the same. Flash Bang is a concept used by Military and Police Forces. It is a device that may be used to clear a room for example. It's thrown into the area required and makes a very sudden bright flash, followed by a very loud bang and lots of smoke. It's used with great effect to startle and create confusion before sending personnel to take care of a situation. We can use a similar concept to deal with an attacker.

Think of yourself as a small grenade, so when your pin is pulled you explode with everything you have. Strike in combinations as one strike from you will be blocked, two strikes might well be, but three strikes and beyond become almost impossible for the average person to stop, especially if they are well aimed strikes delivered with ferocity.

Targeting - Switch your strikes between various targets. Always aim for those weak and sensitive areas where you will get maximum results. The eyes, throat, nose, ears, solar plexus, groin, femoral nerves, shin, instep and so on. Palm to head, palm to nose, and elbows to mid section mixed in with kicks and knee strikes are very effective. Striking with the closest tool to the closest target gives the perception of speed, rotate your hips and shoulders into strikes to maximize power and effect. Shout as you strike startling the attacker, attracting attention and creating witnesses to the assault.

If it's a predator type of attack then this may well be all that's required for them to abort as they were not looking for a fight but just an easy meal, a quick kill or frill. Whatever type of attacker it is, react quickly, get the confrontation finished with as quickly as possible and get to safety.

Practice - When you practice, ensure to experiment with different combinations. See which combinations you feel most comfortable with and which ones you think are most effective for you. If you practice striking regularly enough, your methods of striking can become instinctive.

Shout Out! - Practice shouting out loud phrases like "Let go" or "Leave me alone". Shout anything that is going to attract attention and let other people know that you are the one being attacked. Shouting out may attract help or may become vital evidence if you end up being the one who causes serious harm to the attacker.

Train Smart - Fightwize