When I ask the question
in Self Defense classes, “who can tell
me any effective techniques we could use
in a Self Defense situation? The most popular answer by far is “groin kick” or some other preferred term for the same technique.

Virtually everyone knows this as an effective target to go after. Any man can tell you that it certainly does hurt and could leave you incapacitated for quite some time. Even very light strikes in these areas can have a long lasting effect.

In a Self Defense situation, you would imagine that a groin kick would be a sensible option. However, there is a drawback. The human body is equipped with an instinctive reflex mechanism that will help protect this area at lightening speed.

The groin kick can be stopped by simply lifting a knee, lowering the hands or jumping back out the way to protect against the groin kick. Most men can protect the area very quickly, even subconsciously.

The best way to gain access to this sensitive area would not be with a groin kick but at close quarters using the knees, the back of the hand, a cupped hand, side of fist and so on. These strikes can come in from out of vision so would be very difficult to stop or counter.

The bottom line would be that the Groin is a very effective target in Self Defense that will certainly help level the playing field. The crotch cannot be accessed effectively by coming in from a normal punching / kicking distance with a groin kick but would have to be during a close quarter struggle, either standing or on the ground.

The general rules of striking still apply to increase the effect such as aim through the target, use multiple strikes, use distractions. An example of a distraction would be spitting, or the use of a verbal distraction, which can be used in certain situations where you can ask a simple question to engage the assailants mind before striking.

One thing to keep in mind is that strikes to the groin can cause serious and permanent damage. Be sure that the attack justifies your action. If you feel that your life was threatened, you would certainly be justified in doing whatever it takes to preserve it.

In training sessions, we use protective padding on the attacker. A protector is worn to protect the groin and headgear complete with a visor is used to protect the eyes. You have to build up to a point where you are training with aggression and ferocity and not just going through the motions.

There are so many other weak points on the body and simple striking methods that are so effective that you do not have to concentrate your thoughts on the groin kick as your only option. Our online course, “Targeting and Striking” teaches you 12 of the most easily accessible targets and exactly how to access them for maximum effort. It is part of a Self Defense course series called “The Essential Elements of Self Defense”. Go to

www.fightwize-self-defense.com

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