3 Valuable Self-Defense Strategies for Women in the Wilderness

PRACTICE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS

Perhaps the absolute best piece of advice for keeping yourself safe is to practice situational awareness. Make a habit of noticing everything around you, everywhere you go.


  • Ask yourself simple questions: Did a group of men just start up the trail ahead of you? Was there anything that made you uncomfortable about them? What cars are parked at the trailhead alongside yours? Does anything stand out as unnatural?
  • Identify potential threats: Asking these questions is a great way to get feedback from your instincts and identify threats before they can get close.
  • Use all your senses: Never hike or bike with headphones in, as this negatively impacts your ability to perceive what’s going on around you.
  • Stay alert: Always look up and forward down the trail, noticing what is ahead of you well in advance. Don’t forget to pay attention to what is going on behind you, listening for footsteps or odd sounds.
  • Communicate: Always let someone know where you are going, when you will be back, and when to become concerned.


ALWAYS TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS—ALWAYS

One of the best ways to protect yourself is to do away with the idea that you are being rude or paranoid when you get a bad feeling about a situation or person. Put aside this feeling of discomfort and always trust your instincts instead.


  • Don't ignore the "why": Did that hiker who went up the trail just ahead of you make you uncomfortable for reasons you can’t quite pin down? Don’t be afraid to get in the car and drive away, saving the hike or ride for another day.
  • Choose safety over politeness: Does that man walking toward you up the trail seem dangerous or out of place? You can always turn back and head in the other direction. Or at a minimum, keep your head up, make eye contact, and be ready for any potential threat.
  • Listen to your subconscious: These instincts are generally very good, and failing to trust them can lead you into dangerous situations.


TRAIN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU REGULARLY

Let’s be honest, you knew we were going to throw this one in! But in all seriousness, if an attack happens and you're alone, are you truly prepared to defend your life?


Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t rely on physical strength or brute force for success. Instead, it depends on using leverage, timing, position, and strategy to OVERCOME a deficit in size and strength. This makes it the perfect martial art for women who want to protect themselves from larger men.


  • Consistency is Key: There is no "get-safe-quick" magic pill. You will need to make the time to consistently practice against live resistance for months or years to build the instincts and technique needed to protect yourself.
  • Beyond Self-Defense: Fortunately, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes with a host of other benefits, including fitness and community!


By learning to enjoy the process of training and making it a part of your lifestyle, you can take responsibility for your personal safety. Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is perhaps the most powerful of our three valuable self-defense strategies for women in the wilderness.


Are you ready to take that first step towards arming yourself with the world’s most powerful self-defense system,  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Click the button below and get started!

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