I'm so weak, how can I defend myself?

Question

Is there a way that I can punch hard enough to injure or at least cause slight pain even if I don't have much strength? If so, how? I don't lift weights or anything, but if there isn't any other way to do this, I'll probably start. If I start, how long would it take for me to notice more strength and tone in my arms? Please try to answer both questions! Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

there is no quick fix that won't harm you terribly.
so just eat a lot of protein rich foods to build muscle and work out your arms for strength.

oh, and for hurting with maximum damage with the least amount of effort & strength.....learn karate

Answer 2

It sounds cliche but size and muscle mass have very little to do with how well you can defend yourself. What matters is knowing your strengths and exploiting your opponents weaknesses.
If they are bigger and stronger then you are faster and more agile.
If they are cocky and confident then they are underestimating you and probably won't expect you to fight back and won't be looking to defend themselves.
They key is to strike quick and make it count because you may only get one chance.
The eyes, nose, throat, groin, and knees are your best targets. They consist of vulnerable and soft tissue so even a little pressure will cause pain so a full on jab will drop anyone quick. A solid strike to the side of the knee will drop even the biggest opponent.
The solar plexus is the area just beneath the rib cage above the stomach, a solid elbow or knee to that area knocks the wind out of everyone.
Remember this is not about fighting it's about defending yourself and getting the hell out of there so don't think any of this is going to make you Charles Bronson. I have to say this but you should always walk away if you can, if that isn't an option stand your ground, most bullies tend to be full of hot air, but you've gotta do something do it first and do it fast. Keep eye contact with your oponant, it's basic alpha male psychology, maintianing eye contact promotes confidence. If a fight goes on long enough the bigger guy is going to land a hit at some point so make sure if something gets started you end it quick.

Answer 3

Hi Cheri,

Strength actually doesn't play a huge role in defending yourself. You can have a large amount of strength, but if you don't know how to defend yourself in the first place, that strength is irrelivant. You actually need to learn how to find, then strength is just one of the few attributes that you need to become better at defending yourself. I reccomend Wing Chun (gung fu), muay thai, Jeet Kune Do, Savat, or some other art that fights out of trapping range. Those arts fight out of trapping range which means very close, where you learn to read your opponents energy. You don't "need" strength to win a fight if you can accurately read your opponents energy. Know when to push, pull, jut, and to do what things. I take it you won't be taking any of those arts anytime soon, so all I can recommend is to be a dirty fighter. Go for the groin, kneck, eyes, and knees. Headbutting is very effective, and so is using your elbows. Biting also is VERY VERY painful. How long will it take you to notice more strength? It depends on your workout and how often you work out. I would focus on doing push-ups, pull ups, and curls. Use resistance bands instead of free-weights. They tend to strengthen your muscle all the way through. Free-weights tend to strengthen your muscles at certain points more than others. Also, if you're interested in gaining strength for punching, the best way is isometrics. Isometrics is used by martial artists because of the tendon strength. When punching, your using tendon strengths. Here is the downfall of isometrics, you only strengthen the position you're in, and you don't notice the increase in strength visually. An example of isometrics if going up to a wall, putting your fist to the wall stretched out, and pushing forward with your arm as hard as you can for about 10 seconds. The next step is to un-straighten your arm slightly, and do the same thing. More examples can be found doing a google.com search. So, weightlifters lift weight to get the blood pumping to the muscle for growth, but when you're a martial artist and in the business of "moving a body" or "hurting someone" tendon strength from isometrics is what you should do. Bruce Lee (best martial artist of all time in my opinion) emphasized isometrics very heavily. Hope that information helped, and good luck with everything!

I forgot to add - after all your workouts, make sure to have some type of protein intake. Whether it be a protein shake, smoothie, or bar. Your muscles need protein to grow and recover/repair from your workout.

Answer 4

While I am not affiliated with the program, I have taken it and have a couple black belts in martial arts. The only really effective training only takes a weekend to learn, and does not depend on strength. They even have a one day seminar which would teach you all you need to know. I learned more in one weekend from them in how to be really effective than in 20 years of karate and jujitsu.

Answer 5

just try the billy bland exercize tapes they are a good work out for the upper body and for punching skills

Answer 6

Drink a beer bro! Instant beer muscles, no hard work! Works for me.

Answer 7

learn martial Arts so that u can defend ur self.

Answer 8

yep go for the nose once you break it the kid will be worrrying more about his nose than u then just unleash furyyy!!

Answer 9

work out
not that difficult to figure out.