I’m an old fart and not in good shape, but I learned how to pack a serious punch long ago.
With the left promoting violence, I live in a pretty tame area, but I still carry, legally, keep a sturdy walking cane in thd car, and a 3 cell mag light, and if it gets rough, I’ll start to bring the shotgun along. I also have one of those hickory sticks truckers use to check tires, need to find it...great head knocker too.
A couple of things that might help many in a physical, up close confrontation. A knee to the crotch is dirty pool, but it works, and will get an attacker of any size off you quick.
If you’re up close and face to face, pull him in. Yep, real close...then raise your foot, feel for the shin with your heel and stomp straight down HARD. You’ll hit the arch of the foot, probably break some bones, and he’ll be too busy screaming in pain to fight much.
Use your knees and elbows as much as possible. Knuckles are too easily damaged and your elbow is a much better weapon. Also, not many people know how to deal with a person THAT close...they are expecting the typical arm’s length fist fight. Grab the shirt at the top button, yank him in, slam the elbow into his face. Not hard to break the nose, even the jaw if you hit it right. Most people can’t deal with you when you get in that close. No room for a good punch...great for elbows though...
Knee to the side - Kidneys are on the side. (right side? can’t remember) but either side will work, ribs are there too and not hard to break. And a hard blow to the side is painful, and distracting. If you watch boxers, they love to pound an opponent’s sides. Hurts and wears you down.
Eye gouge. Hey, it’s highly likely you are in a life or death situation. Poke your finger into the corner of the eye. Or both fingers to both eyes. Remember Moe of the 3 stooges? That was all carefully faked, if it’s done for real, you can blind a person. He’s sure to stop the attack though.
Grab the right wrist with your right hand, push against the elbow with your left. Very painful, not hard to break the elbow. Try to use this as a hold, while using the knee to pound away at the side and stomach. And face if you can make him double over with a kick to the belly.
Point is, you are not defenseless, if you know what to do. These tips are especially helpful for women facing a potential rapist. Don’t run, let him pull you in close. Right where YOU WANT HIM...then your foot stomps down on his, and he forgets all about sex...your knee has easy access to his testicles. He forgets about sex.
From behind, ram your knee into the back of his knee, chances are he’ll fall down. Kick the side of the head, try for the ear. Then run...screaming...if you feel brave, beat the crap outta the guy but do not let him get up. You can also kick his foot sideways and he’ll go down. Done to me several times as a kid by school bullies just for fun. Works from front or back or side. Be quick.
Open palm to the ear HARD is also useful. It creates intense pain, and can damage the ear drum. Just a HARD, open palm slap, directly to the ear, cupping your hand. It creates a sudden increase in air pressure, similar to a mini explosion...inside the ear..
And then there’s a good hickory walking cane...
Easiest way to incapacitate and even kill someone is to grab them by the shirt or hair and let their attack on you lunge them towards you while you use your hand between the thumb and forefinger to smash their throat, crushing their larynx. Easy and very effective.