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Photos showing basic self-defense for the nighttime runner

By Myron Madden October 1, 2016 2 min read

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Basic self-defense for the nighttime runner

The Kubaton: Forget the pepper spray. This easy-to-use self-defense weapon doubles as an unassuming keychain that really brings the pain. The tool is most effective when striking sensitive or bony parts of the body, and with a bit of training, it can improve your chances of fighting off an attacker. Visit www.selfdefenseproducts.com/products/batons/kubatons for selections as low as $5.

1. One major concern many night runners have is getting grabbed from behind. Here's an easy counter.

2. If you stay upright, you'll be easy to control, so grab your attacker's arm and squat down, shifting your center of gravity. This will make it difficult for you to be picked up or moved.

3. Lunge one leg forward and drop to one knee. Unable to control your weight, the attacker will be pulled down with you.

4. Use the momentum to rotate one direction, causing the attacker to fall. Attack, if necessary, then disengage and escape.

1. If an attacker grabs your wrist with two hands, your first instinct may be to try to pull free. But there's a better way. While both his hands are occupied, you still have one free.

2. Use your free hand to hit the attacker in the eye, which Demby calls a trauma point. You can use your palm, knuckles or nails, just make sure to hit with a good amount of force.

3. The pain will disorientate your attacker and leave him temporarily blinded, buying you enough time to escape.

1. If you find yourself in this position, make sure to keep your head and butt off the wall. This will give you leverage and make it easier to move.

2. First, you need to breathe. Slide down on the wall by bending your knees, forcing the attacker down with you and opening up your airways.

3. Turn your body slightly, ramming the attacker's knee with your own as you go.

4. The movement will knock the attacker off of you, freeing you to escape.

If grabbed with two hands from behind, beating on your attacker's knuckles or jabbing the pressure point between his or her thumb and forefinger can offer a potential route of escape.

STREET SMARTS

You may have the skills to ward off an attacker, but hopefully, you’ll never have to use them. Here are some tips to avoid nighttime conflict.DON’T become predictable. Change your clothes, route and start time each time you head out to run.DO know the area. Before your first run there, walk through the area to look for blind spots, exit points, etc.DON’T get distracted — which means no headphones.DO use impulse tools. Like the panic button on your key that activates your car’s alarm.DO stand out. That could mean wearing reflective gear, donning strobe lights or cranking up your music for all to hear. The more eyes on you, the less willing an attacker will be to target you.

Runners must constantly be on the lookout for danger, whether it’s approaching traffic, tree roots, or sometimes even strangers. With earlier nights bringing darkness sooner, evening joggers may not see a threat until it leaps from the shadows.

You don’t have to be a victim.

Runners can prepare themselves situation by learning self-defense from local trainers like Kim Demby, founder of Women’s Intelligence Training Services (W.I.T.S) Academy. A professional protection specialist for 25 years, Demby has taught more than 400 local women his own unique fighting system called Target Point Impact Strike (TPIS) since starting the academy in 2014.

Here, he demonstrates a few simple techniques that could greatly improve your nighttime safety.