Everyone one should have at least a basic understanding of self-defense. You never know when you are going to need to use it. Having some skills in self-defense will give you the confidence to go about your day without fear. You'll be able to protect yourself and those you love when the time comes. Common sense says to not walk alone at night, don't get into a stranger's car, and don't let strangers come inside your home. Life is unpredictable, this makes it both interesting and dangerous. Let's go over a few basic self-defense tips to keep you safe. SING  Use the SING method to attack the 4 sensitive areas of the body and make your escape. Remember to breathe out when you land a blow, this will keep oxygen flowing and help propel your attack.

• Solarplex: a solid punch or elbow to the gut can knock the wind out of your assailant
• Instep: an impact to the foot makes walking difficult
• Nose: the eyes will tear causing a moment of blindness allowing you to make an escape
• Groin: this puts the attacker on the ground so you can get away

Self-defense Tips 

• When punching, clench your fits with the thumb in front of the fingers to prevent injury.
• Allow extra room when being tied up. Keep your hands clenched and breathe in to expand your diaphragm.
• If your hands are tied with duck tape, raise your hands above your head and bring them down with a lot of force to rip the tape and escape.
• Be unpredictable and aim for the sensitive areas of the body. Don't think about it too long.
• Red Button and other smartphone apps track your location and send a distress call with your location at the push of a button. Help is on the way.
• Sometimes your ability to get a message out limited. Have a code word so friends or family members will know you are in trouble.
• Jackie Chan was famous for using an object he could find in his martial arts moves. When being attacked use everything at your disposal. A backpack or purse could shield off a knife attack or be thrown at an attacker to surprise them and give you time to escape.
• Carry your keys in your fist with one or more keys between your fingers. If necessary this could act as a knife and help ward off an attack.
• Keep your pepper spray or other self-defense tools where you can get to them quickly.
• Rotate your hand quickly and forcefully towards the attacker's thumb. The thumb is the weak point and can be forced open.
• Most women are grabbed by the ponytail. Place both hands on their hand and then step hard on their foot.
• Go for the eyes or groin. The pain will make the attacker loosen their grip.
• Stand with your back towards the buttons in the elevator. Keep control away from a would-be attacker.
• Make sure someone knows where you are. Attackers will be less likely to do something if the trail will lead right to them.
• First Aid training could prevent excessive blood loss after an attack before help arrives.
• Just like driving a car, look around to all sides and be aware of whats going on. Are you being followed? Where can you get help?
• Keeping your hand in front of you, this is both defensive and non-confrontational.
• Scream to get help and confuse the attacker.

Get free, disorient the attacker, escape.