The Neck Grab and Throat Punch

So we touched briefly a couple weeks ago on awareness, which is hopefully going to keep you out of any potentially harmful situations. But what happens if you do eventually find yourself in a disastrous situation, and all the mental preparation and scenarios you’ve been visualizing suddenly seem all too real?

I talked to Brandon (former Navy SEAL) and got some more great tips to share this week! Check it out….

(Photo Credit: Helmut Newton)

Let’s face it: We’ve all been caught in some situations that have left us thinking “Man, I sure was lucky nothing bad happened”, or maybe even made some stupid decisions, causing us to say to say to ourselves, “If Mom knew what I was doing right now, she would have a heart attack.”

You know the moments I’m referring to: That time you hitch hiked down coast highway with your girlfriends (not mentioning any names!), or the time you went for a run in the middle of the night because you couldn’t sleep, not realizing until you were four miles from home that it was the stupidest idea you’ve ever had. (Don’t worry Mom, I’m not speaking from experience!)

The list could be endless. I know that in those instances, I’m sure as hell glad my mom doesn’t have a magic crystal ball on her nightstand! The point is, it’s important to be prepared on as many levels as possible, whether you’re (foolishly) putting yourself in the situation, or you’ve found yourself there by mere chance.

Brandon gave you a few great pointers on some easy self-defense moves in this post, and we’re going to add to that list for you to slip into the back of your mind, just in case.

1. Throat punch

THROAT_PUNCH_SOFREP

Taking a blow to the neck and adam’s apple area can do some serious damage if it’s hit hard enough, but it doesn’t take much pressure to ruin someone’s day. This can be done by using either the backside of the hand (the edge along your pinky) and taking a quick, sharp strike to the throat area, or making an L-shape with your hand and having the area between your thumb and forefinger jab them in the neck. (Jab your “hitch hike-ee” and tuck and roll out of the car! Ok, maybe not quite there yet.) Or just a straight punch to the neck!

“A quick throat strike will affect your attackers airway and breathing. This buys you some time to get out of dodge. I also am a BIG fan of women carrying a good 200+ Lumen self defense flashlight in their purse. Blind them with light, strike and escape. Plus you can travel with this in a carry on “- Brandon

2. The Neck Grab

What happens if you are grabbed from behind? No problem. Use your hips, momentum and surprise your attacker….

The Neck Grab for Women's Self Defense: Take control of your attacker — The Neck Grab for Women’s Self Defense: Take control of your attacker

The Neck Grab for Women's Self Defense: Put the hurt on him — The Neck Grab for Women’s Self Defense: Put the hurt on him

I hope these were helpful, and remember; Be smart! We can all think of those times that may be funny stories now, but could have really taken a turn for the worst—and fast—if we weren’t so lucky. Stay aware, and be sure to keep these tips and pointers up your sleeve for those “I’m-so-glad-Mom-doesn’t-have-a-crystal-ball” moments.

Special thanks to Brandon for kicking down his Navy SEAL knowledge for us!

-Laura