Do you sometimes feel unsafe when walking streets? Sometimes, especially at night there is that fear of being attacked, robbed or even raped? If this is the case then learning to defend yourself would be a great way to feel safer and prepared in case that something will happen.

There is not a big difference between women's and mens self defense but wom

en are often more at risk than men are. There are a number of reasons for this. Men are generally stronger than women and predators (the attackers) are always looking for what they consider easy prey. If you are prepared though, you will not be easy prey, in fact you will not be a victim at all. An attacker has the advantage of surprise, but if you are prepared for him you can turn it around to your advantage by responding in a way which he is not prepared for.

The first thing you need to learn is awareness. You have to be aware of your surroundings. This will make you alert and observant of anything around that does not look and feel right. Trust you instincts, if something does not feel right, it probably isn't.

If you don't have company, stay close to other people. For a potential attacker getting a victim alone is precisely what he is aiming for. By sticking close to other people you will be safer and less noticeable. If something does happen, help will closer as well.

If being attacked. Make a lot of noise. This might get you help from other people and it also helps to scare an attacker off. There are two reasons for this. Your call for help might get the attention from other people and/or the police, somthing he of course wants to avoid. Also when a victim is screaming and shouting it shows that he or she will give some resistance and render the attack or robbery more difficult.

If you do get attacked, act immidiately. This will give you an advantage as the attacker will be caught by surprise (victims don't usually act this way) Acting and counter attacking might give you the time you need to get away to safety. Always escape as quickly as you can and get help.

So how do you counter the violence of a dangerous thug. Maybe a big guy weighing in at 240 pounds while you weigh half of that? What can you possibly do? You can do a lot more than you think. As human beings we all have week spots, body parts that are very sensitive. If you can reach and strike one of those you have a good chance of escaping. A few examples would be the groin, the eyes and the throat. Any method you can find is good for doing this. Kick the groin, use your knee, use an umbrella or your keys as a weapon. Any un protected part of his body will be your target. Strike it and run.

To be really well prepared, a course in self defense would be a good a idea. There you will practice what to do in a variety of different situation until you response becomes automatic. During an attack the level of stress will be very high, but by being well prepared you stand a good chance of escaping unharmed.