Whether you are walking through a dark alley unaware of your surroundings or simply taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood, it is beneficial to know self-defense. At any time, an attack can occur, and there are some self-defense essentials that everyone should always keep in mind in case they find themselves in a difficult situation.
One of the common mistakes people make when learning self-defense is not an action failure but rather a mentality error. Often people overthink their actions when it comes to movement, thinking it should look a certain way, as often depicted in action movies.
Angwin, who is a Sandan, in Isshinryu karate, which is a style focused on self-defense and the practical application of techniques, has been teaching self-defense and karate since he was twelve. Angwin has been performing karate since the age of four. With fourteen years of experience in karate, Angwin proceeds to teach others how to defend themselves.
“[People should keep it simple.] Punches, kicks, eye gouges, anything like that. If you’re defending your life, it’s okay if it’s dirty. It doesn’t have to be fancy wristlocks or anything like that,” said Richard Angwin.
Something else to keep in mind is that, while clearing one’s thoughts can be helpful, it’s not always realistic. The best thing to do in the moment is to follow one’s instincts.
“If you can, take a breath and try to think about things logically. If you can’t, don’t overthink it. If somebody is grabbing you, don’t try to break the hold necessarily. If you haven’t been taught how to break a hold, just hit,” Angwin said.
Another step of safety precautions regarding self-defense would be to always have accessible carry-ons on you, including pepper spray, mini taser, alarm keychain, and even jewelry that can be used as a form of protection. Companies like Invisawear create jewelry that sends the current location of the product to the owner’s chosen contacts and the police.
Additionally, basic training in self-defense remains a good idea for everyone, especially people who often find themselves in unsafe areas or walk or use public transportation in their daily transits. It can teach fundamental concepts, such as how to plant oneself properly in the ground, and techniques, such as how to break a wrist grab, as well as simply teach on-the-spot thinking when it comes to situations that lead to physical confrontations.
Still, whether someone has never taken a single self-defense class in their life, or they have reached the title of Sandan in karate, the best way to come out of these situations unharmed is always to try to avoid conflict that might escalate to violence. Not engaging in verbal altercations and not traveling alone when it’s avoidable are both important when protecting oneself. Staying away from dark, empty alleys and opting for more crowded streets can keep a person from appearing vulnerable to people who could view them as potential targets.
Laura Pinto//Staff Writer
Jade Prieto//Social Media Editor