Danger Zone One

[The following is an excerpt taken from Tashida Kom’s guide, Self-Defense Tactics 101.]

Going for the Groin?

A strike to the groin—when all goes right—can succeed in temporarily disabling your attacker. A well-placed blow will send your assailant to the ground in excruciating pain, plagued by shortness of breath and, depending on the force of impact, have them convulsing long enough for you to safely vacate the area.

But what happens when a strike to the groin goes wrong?

Let’s take a situation where an assailant targets you: it might be on the street, in the subway, or near your home. The attack will be sudden and unexpected. It will throw you off guard. However, the attacker is already anticipating resistance. They may even expect you to put up a fight. Their posture is likely primed to take defensive measures during the attack. A subconscious reflex for many attackers is to pivot their body in an effort to guard against a strike to the groin—their perceived point of weakness.

If you spot an opening, do you take it? What if you miss? What happens when your attacker is faster and blocks your blow?

Maybe you do achieve that pivotal groin strike. Was there enough force in your attack? Is your assailant wearing padding? Some assailants may have a higher pain tolerance, especially if they’re under the influence of certain drugs. The sheer amount of negative outcomes cast doubt on the effectiveness of this attack.

Your defensive arsenal should be wider and more permeable than one move. In short, never assume an attack to the groin will put down an assailant.

Danger Zone One. Story by Midnight. Art by Salaiix.