Top 5 Self-Defence Tips Every Woman Should Know

If you clicked expecting secretive, ninja-like pressure point techniques—prepare to be disappointed. I’m here to dispel the myth that, in a high-stress situation (fight or flight), you’ll be able to perform fine, intricate movements like those shown in movies. Yes, they can work—but normally in controlled environments, or on non-resisting opponents.

When you’re faced with a life-threatening scenario, all those fancy moves go out the window. Your body becomes rigid and focused purely on survival. While adrenaline can help fuel this response, a high level of it in your bloodstream reduces blood flow to your extremities. This means less motor control for fine movements (like wrist manipulation techniques you often see in movies or traditional self-defence schools), and more power directed to large muscle groups used for gross motor movements.

Let’s put it simply: simple, non-complicated movements are your best friend.

Here’s my honest breakdown—based on personal experience in high-stress scenarios (competition, work, and real life), as well as research showing how cortisol and adrenaline impair motor function...

1) Running Away

If you have the chance to disengage early, avoid physical contact, and run to safety—this should always be your first choice. The exception would be situations where you have a responsibility to stay, such as caring for children.

Running away is the most effective form of self-defence. It taps into our primitive survival instinct—to flee from danger. In these moments, your body produces hormones that fuel you with energy, but your fitness level still matters. Being able to sustain even a short sprint (e.g., 100 metres) could be the difference between escaping safely and being forced into a physical confrontation.

2) Voice

Using your voice is a crucial tool when dealing with unwanted behaviour. I write about this at length in my book She Fights Back, explaining how body language and tone of voice matter enormously in conflict situations.

It’s not just what you say—it’s how you say it. A strong, confident, and assertive voice (combined with effective body language) can:

• Distract the attacker

• Draw attention and encourage intervention from others

• Act as a deterrent

  
  

It also signals to your brain that you are in “fight mode” rather than a freeze state. Body language and psychological state work together—each influences the other.

3) Using Objects

This is often overlooked in self-defence training but can be extremely effective—especially against a larger or stronger attacker.

Before engaging physically, using objects around you can help:

• Create a barrier (e.g., placing a chair between you and the attacker)

• Provide a distraction

• Give you something to threaten with or strike with

  
  

The goal is not to hold onto the object indefinitely, but to use it to create space and buy time to escape.

Examples:

• At home: throw an object and run

• In public: move behind a barrier (car, pole, etc.)

• In close contact: use objects to strike (as discussed in our courses)

*Remember that carrying a weapon with you, with the intent to harm is illegal - and you can be charged for possession, as well as use of such a weapon even in a self-defence case.

4) Eye Attack (as last resort)

The eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. Nobody likes being hit in the eye—even trained fighters instinctively react when it happens. Targeting the eyes can create a brief but valuable window to escape.

In Protecting the Gift, security expert Gavin de Becker describes a case where a woman used an object to target the eyes and successfully deterred her attacker.

Important: Always use last-resort techniques cautiously and in line with legal self-defence principles—only use what is necessary and proportionate in the circumstances.

5) Hitting the Groin

Against a male attacker at close range, targeting the groin can be an effective way to distract and momentarily stop the person, just to buy enough time to run.

Reactions vary—some may be less affected, while others may be completely incapacitated. The effectiveness depends on individuals' pain resistance, but also on strike accuracy and force.

This is why we teach combinations rather than relying on a single strike. One attempt may not be enough, but used correctly, it can create the opportunity you need to break free and escape.

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While these techniques may not be what you expected, they are among the most practical and effective—especially if you are not a trained fighter. In most cases, there is a physical disadvantage against a stronger attacker, so prioritising awareness, quick exits, and simple distractions is key.

Our courses are based in reality. We don’t give the false impression that you can wrestle a stronger person and win, or knock someone out with a single punch (unless you train for it).

Instead, we focus on:

• Staying vigilant

• Reacting quickly

• Breaking free efficiently

• Training your body not to freeze under pressure

  
  

We design our workshops to empower you, while also encouraging you to stay active, build confidence, and be part of a supportive community focused on personal safety and wellbeing.

Our next ladies’ workshop is scheduled for 13th June. Spaces are limited, so we recommend booking early to take advantage of discounted rates.

Feedback from one of our recent participants

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