How to Defend Against a Surprise Attack From the Rear

You're walking down the street. Suddenly you hear someone walking directly behind you. As you turn, a stranger lunges at you. What do you do?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Martial Arts Supplies
• Martial Arts Uniforms
• Martial Arts Videos

1. Turn quickly and shift your balance onto your rear leg and lean to keep your upper body away from the attack.
2. Bend the knee of your forward leg and pull your knee back toward your chest as you turn your side to the attacker.
3. Keep your heel close as you pull your leg back; your heel will point out with your toes pulled back.
4. Strike out directly at the attacker's knee with your heel. Your heel will be the highest point and the contact surface of the strike.
5. Pull your leg back immediately after the strike to prevent your attacker from attempting to grab your leg.
6. Run away as the attacker struggles to recover.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try to avoid a conflict if at all possible. If you can't avoid a conflict, escape at the first opportunity.
• Practice turning quickly and striking the knee as one fluid movement.
• Self-defense techniques can cause severe injury. Be cautious when you practice with a partner. If confronted by an attacker, always try to escape first.