[Survival Self-Defense] Can Lipstick and Cell Phones Become Weapons to Protect My Body?

How to Hold Self-Defense Tools... The Thumb Is the Key Point

As fear of indiscriminate random attacks, such as recent stabbing incidents, spreads throughout the nation, interest in self-defense training has increased. District offices in Seoul, including Seongdong-gu, Seocho-gu, Gwangjin-gu, and Gwanak-gu, have quickly organized self-defense classes to educate residents and safety personnel. However, it is difficult to fend off sudden attacks or overcome differences in strength with just one or two training sessions.

Experts explain that even being able to properly use small tools and self-defense items in daily life without panic can buy time to escape dangerous situations. Recently, Jeon Seong-yong, head instructor of the Korea Arnis Association Self-Defense Center (and association president), and instructor Go Kyung-ah, who conducted self-defense training at Seongdong-gu Office, demonstrated how to effectively use self-defense items and how to protect oneself by striking and quickly escaping. This series will be published every Sunday.

1. Kubotan, a pen-shaped self-defense keychain (left in the photo), lipstick (center), and mobile phones can be useful self-defense tools in emergencies. When using these tools to strike an opponent, it is most important to ensure the tool does not slip from your hand. Press the top of the Kubotan, lipstick, or mobile phone with your thumb and grip firmly with the other fingers.

2. (Straight attack) The basic stance for right-handed people is to hold both hands at chin height and step forward with the left foot.

3. Twist your waist to the right while extending your left palm straight out. Using the palm in this way strikes the opponent’s chin or obstructs their vision.

4. While retracting your left hand, twist your waist to the left and forcefully strike downward at a right angle with your right hand holding the lipstick. The target point is the collarbone.

5. Retract your right hand holding the lipstick and return to the basic stance. Repeating this motion results in multiple attack actions.

6. (Side attack) Hold the lipstick in your right hand sideways, lightly touch your chin with your left hand, and step forward with your right foot.

7. Quickly and forcefully extend your right hand holding the lipstick. The target point is the airway.

8. Bend your right elbow holding the lipstick to quickly retract and return. Practice by repeating the above motion.