Targeting and Striking in Self Defense

Good targeting and striking is a fundamental aspect of self defense that will stand you in good stead for many other elements of self defense.

A good knowledge of effective targets on the body and some practice of some real simple striking methods will help boost your confidence.

Always keep in mind that self defense must be simple to be effective. In a high stress situation, you are simply incapable of carrying out complex or fine motor skills, therefore, all of our techniques consist only of gross motor skills that virtually all people are capable of carrying out.

There are so many effective targets on the body, such as pressure points or motor nerve areas. Simple strikes to these areas can have a temporary disabling effect and also cause unconsciousness.

Pinpoint precision is not required either, for example the lateral femoral nerve is located in the outer thigh, its nucleus is approximately six inches above the knee on the outside of the leg. The effectively area is approximately five inches in diameter. This offers you quite an area to land your strikes.

Using simple strikes with the knee or simple kicks with the foot are extremely effective on the outer thigh. If you have ever experienced a dead leg or Charlie horse by receiving a blow on the outer thigh, then you know exactly what I am talking about.

There are many areas on the body, that can be targeted and have a similar disabling effect.

Let's also not forget that self defense is not about fighting, it is all about survival. This means doing whatever is necessary for you to preserve life and get to safety as quickly as possible.

Effective targeting and striking will allow you to quickly develop a hit and run strategy. The idea being that your strikes will be effective enough for you to at least stop your attacker and give you enough time to create some distance between you and the attacker and get away to safety.

In learning targeting and striking, effective stances on taught to give you a firm that striking base and a body position that will allow you to defend yourself with ease.

It is in developing natural movements that you are already capable of and making you more aware of your instincts is what makes it possible for anyone to be effective in Self Defense.

Instructor - Malcolm Bale - Alberta Self Defense

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