Offender's who perpetrate crimes against women use very specific methods. Their goal is to gain power and control. Their strategy is to use their size to overwhelm their victims. Choking, pinning you to the ground, or attempting to pick you up are some examples.
To an untrained eye, the mere concept of someone attempting to physically injure them is terrifying.
But let's look at this from a properly trained perspective... because as a woman, as the smaller opponent, you have boundless advantages in these circumstances.
To begin, the majority of your attacker's approaches will place you in what is usually known to in the combat industry as: close range.
Here is an eye opener: A smaller opponent has more advantages in a close range scenario than a larger opponent.
Here are the 11 advantages of a smaller opponent:
Close range advantages:
Shorter arms are required for compact and medium hits, which are significantly more forceful.
Subtle foot and upper body movements are used to manipulate or control the outcome of the altercation. Again, these body mechanics are better suited for shorter arms and legs.
The smaller opponent gains access to an unlimited number of key targets while the larger opponent loses access to them.
Leverage is easier to achieve. When you use leverage to counter or defend yourself: height, weight, size, and strength become a non-issue.
And that is just the start..smaller opponents are:
5. Lighter - which equals better stamina, and efficiency of movement
6. More agile
7. Quicker
8. Have a lower center of gravity - better balance
9. Are generally more motivated to succeed because their sense of challenge is greater.
And your bonus advantages:
10. Gifted with the "element of surprise" - most attackers are not going to expect you to effectively defend yourself
11. Larger opponents often underestimate a smaller opponent - which leads to overconfidence, mistakes, and opportunities for the smaller opponent.
If an attacker places you in a close range situation - you have immediate proof your attacker is not trained, and the overall advantage goes to ...you!
The most essential skills needed in self defense are: mental readiness, balance, speed, accuracy, power, and technique - all of which have been proven, over and over again, to be more important than size and strength. With the right training, all of these skills are easily achieved.
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