SOME PRACTICAL HINTS ON UNARMED
SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN

U

NARMED self-defense activities help to prepare women to take care of themselves under all circumstances. The occasion may never arise where such tactics are needed; but if it does, the women are not defenseless, though unarmed. Unarmed self-defense training is essential for military police groups and overseas contingents, but should be presented to as many women as possible.

INSTRUCTION MATERIAL

INSTRUCTION should take place on the basis of FM 21-150, "Unarmed Defense for the American Soldier." Consult this manual for methods of teaching. The following techniques are recommended for inclusion in unarmed self-defense training. The instructor must remember that the content of the course should be determined by the time allotted for the whole course. A little knowledge is dangerous. Plan the course so that all instruction is thoroughly mastered.

The following references are to FM 21-150:

1. Basic principles — Section II

2. Wrist escapes — Section III

Defense against two-hand overhand grip on both wrists — Paragraph 8.

Defense against two-hand underhand grip on both wrists — Paragraph 10.

Defense against left-hand grip on right wrist or right-hand grip on left wrist — Paragraph 11.

Defense against two-hand grip on one wrist — Paragraph 13.

3. Escapes from body holds — Section IV

Two escapes from bear hug — Paragraph 17.

Escape from first rear underarm body hold — Paragraph 20.

Escape from fourth underarm rear body hold — Paragraph 23.

Escape from first overarm rear body hold — Paragraph 25.

4. Defense against choke holds — Section V

Second defense against two-hand front choke hold — Paragraph 28.

Second defense against two-hand front choke hold against wall — Par. 33.

Third defense against two-hand front choke hold against wall — Par. 34.

5. Taking prisoners — Section VII

Handling a hand-squeezer — Paragraph 41.

Ejecting a troublesome visitor — Paragraph 42.

A simple come-along — Paragraph 43.

Alternate for simple come-along when meeting resistance — Paragraph 44.

Taking an approaching man prisoner — Paragraph 45.

Fingers come-along — Paragraph 46.

Lock come-along — Paragraph 47.

6. Incapacitating an opponent — Section XV

Source: FM 35-20 War Department W.A.C. Field Manual "Physical Training",

Washington, 15 July 1943.