What Strikes Work in Self Defence?

Punch or palm strike which works better for self defence?

Introduction

When it comes to learning the physical skills of self defence it is important to under which strikes and techniques are safest to use in the context of self defence violence, which is very different to the violence found in combat sports. That said, a good punch is still a good punch and being proficient in martial arts techniques will definitely translate to self defence.

This article will break down the most effective strikes and tactics we teach at Brixton Self Defence.

Fists vs Palm Strikes

Each techniques has its pros and cons:

• Fist strikes- punching with your fists is an effective way to strike and may be more familiar/automatic especially if you train with boxing gloves. However, without gloves there is a higher risk of breaking the bones of your hand against a criminals skull. We would suggest using punches to the body to reduce the risk of injury to your hand. If you find yourself using closed fist strikes in self defence and you get out while reducing harm to yourself then it is definitely a win.

• Palm strikes- palm strikes are safer on your hands when striking the head but not useful for striking the body. As most of your shots in self defence should be to the head in order to disorient your opponent and increase chances of escape, we would recommend palm strikes be your primary form of attack outside of the clinch and for your preemptive strikes.

Kicks That Actually Work

Kicks are risky in self defence because you balance on one leg, making you likely to fall, which is dangerous. An attacker could also grab your leg to control you. However, there are a few ways to effectively use kicks in self defence:

• Avoid kicking above the knee- In order to avoid your opponent grabbing your leg you need to kick at or below the knee line. Stomping the knee can be a highly effective way to incapacitate a criminal and reduce the speed they can follow you.

• Kick when you are against a wall- If a criminal grabs you against a wall, like when trying to choke you, it's a good time to kick. The wall helps keep you steady, so you won't lose your balance while kicking.

Clinch Work

The clinch is where you or the criminal has hold of the other. You are too close to use palm and long strikes effectively. In this case you need to use a different set of skills to strike and escape effectively:

• Grips- When you are in the clinch you need to use grips to control the criminals posture and body to dominate the position so you can reduce the amount they can strike and you and increase the opportunities for you to hit them.

• Frames and Posts- You can then use frames and posts to create space for longer strikes and to escape.

• Strikes- longer strikes such as jabs, crosses and kicks will not work in the clinch instead you need to learn how to use elbows, knees, hammer fists and body punches.

• Anti Clinch- it is important to learn how to defend against bear hugs and lifts so you do not end up on the floor being pinned.

Throws and Takedowns

There are a few throws and takedowns that work in self defence. They are simple throws such as hip throws, trips and sweeps. You want to avoid takedowns where you end up underneath the person such as a double or single as we do not want to be pinned by a heavier person. Throws can be effective as you can use the time it takes them to get up to escape or incapacitate them when they are on the floor by stomping on their thigh and then escape.

You want to avoid going down with your opponent as it is a high risk place to be - being pinned, very dangerous and also being on top as you don’t know if other people will join the fight (see below)

Ground Game: Last Resort

You do not want to end up on the floor in self defence. There may be friends or even strangers who come and stomp on your head and the criminal may have a hidden weapon. You still need to know what to do on the floor so you can escape from a bad position and escape. Remember the goal is not to win on the ground but survive and escape.

Conclusion: Simplicity Wins Under Pressure

In real world self defence, the goal isn’t to win a fight, it’s to reduce harm to yourself and escape. That’s why the most effective strikes are the ones that give you the opportunity to disorientate your opponent, create space, and allow you to escape. Simplicity under pressure is key. You don’t need a black belt to throw a solid palm strike, land a low kick, or break free from a grab—you just need the right training and mindset.

There’s no single "best" strike in self defence. What works best depends on the situation, your environment, and your ability to stay calm and confident. That’s why we focus on building real skills that anyone can use whatever your size, strength, or experience level.

If you want to learn how to defend yourself, come and try a class at Brixton Self Defence. You’ll learn effective techniques, build confidence, and become part of a friendly community that’s got your back.