Self Defense Instructor

Scratching

Scratching is another self defense technique that does not require a lot of strength but a lot of intensity. When fighting off an attacker one of the mental things that is important to consider is the psychological advantage. If just go absolutely nuts and don’t give up the attacker is less likely to stick around and will move on.

Scratching is not the most powerful self defense move but can be effective when combined with other moves or in the right time.

So when should you scratch? It should not be your first self defense move because it is not very powerful but if you attacker grabs hold of you and you can reach any exposed skin, especially the face, then start scratching. This should be used to free yourself and distract the assailant setting up a more powerful move like a groin kick or breaking a finger.

Scratching technique: There isn’t any special technique to scratching that works best, simply make sure that you do it with intensity and really dig in your fingernails. You may also want to make short quick swipes to do more damage. Long sweeping swipes will give your attacker that chance to block your attack or grab your arm.