Self Defense Tip #5
Fighting stance and position

by Thomas Kurz, co-author of Basic Instincts of Self-Defense and author of Stretching Scientifically, Secrets of Stretching, and Science of Sports Training.

To read the previous installment click here.

Here is what you must do when facing strikes and kicks. Put your arms “on guard,” your left leg forward to keep your liver (which is on your right side) further away from the attacker. A good shot to your liver could temporarily paralyze your diaphragm, or even cause internal bleeding, or rupture your gall bladder (which without surgery leads to death). Protect the liver with your right elbow, but since you need to protect your face and neck at the same time, hunch to your right so your right fist shields your right jaw. Leading with the left lets you protect face, neck, and solar plexus with your left shoulder and arm while your right arm performs the same service for your liver, the right lower part of your face, and the right side of your neck.

Use minimal shifts of your forearms and elbows to block punches or, in the worst case, to shield yourself with elbows, forearms, and fists.

Position yourself at a 45° angle off anybody's center line, whether you face each other or you are behind. If you stand in the line of the attack, even if you block it, your counterattack will be that much more difficult. Keep a minimum distance of one leg length (the attacker's leg length) between you so it is hard to surprise you.

To read the next tip click here.

This article is based on the video Basic Instincts of Self-Defense.
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