Some more handy ideas ...
metoo4 said:
And there's many more like that.
I guess you can call this "Streetfighting 101" :
1) Instead of a knife a key ring makes a convenient weapon. You do need to have at least 3 or 4 keys to make this work, though. Hold the key ring in you palm and let one key fall out between each of your fingers, then make a fist. The target to go for is the guys eyes, either jabbing or slashing depending on whether you're approached from behind or head on.
2) For a forward-facing attack, pick up one foot and scrape the inside of the sole of your shoe down the guys shin. It sounds silly but it's so excruciatingly painful it will distract him for the split-second that it takes you to make your next move ... either running or something like the eardrum-pop mentioned above.
3) Go for the solar plexus ... what's that?
It's kind of a proverbial "Achille's Heel", a weak point that everyone has.
Where your ribs rise up & meet the lower portion of the breastbone (sternum) - that's the solar plexus. Your diaphragm follows the outline of the bottom of your ribcage so this point is just below the diaphragm & in between your lungs. Even a slight punch in the right spot will knock the wind out of someone. Not being able to breathe for a second is enough to catch someone off guard like the maneuver above. It buys you time - that split second where you are in charge.
A quick jab works best ... but even better if you invert your fist so that your are punching upwards when you hit. If this is done the right way this will not only immobilize someone but, if you hit hard enough, the cartilidge at the lower end of the sternum can tear the lining of the diaphragm or puncture a lung and actually kill someone.
And it is a universal weak spot because, regardless of someones size, there is no fat tissue or muscle to protect this spot. So the guy's size doesn't have to intimidate you. All you need is one clear shot.
Now, fortunately, I've never had the occasion to use any of these tricks but knowing that you have some sort of a plan in case of emergencies is reassuring.
I should tell you, though, that my buddy who showed me the shin-splint trick taught me by demonstrating ... on my shin!!! My friends got a good laugh but holy shit that hurts like a motherfucker!
(excuse my French - don't be offended, anyone, I said French, not Quebecoise)