Self-defense is not just about physical techniques; it's also about awareness, de-escalation, and using your surroundings. The following table provides a detailed list of 100 self-defense techniques, categorized for clarity. While this list provides a comprehensive overview, remember that the most effective self-defense training comes from hands-on practice with a qualified instructor.
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<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Category</th>
<th>Technique Name</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td rowspan="18"><strong>Striking & Body Weapons</strong></td>
<td>Palm-heel Strike</td>
<td>A strike using the fleshy base of the palm, ideal for hitting the nose or chin without risking a broken hand.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hammer Fist</td>
<td>A downward strike with the bottom of a closed fist, effective against the collarbone, jaw, or temple.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elbow Strike</td>
<td>A powerful, close-range strike with the elbow. Can be aimed at the face, ribs, or solar plexus.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Knee Strike</td>
<td>A devastating strike with the knee, typically aimed at the groin, thighs, or head (in a clinch).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Front Kick (Mae-geri)</td>
<td>A direct, linear kick to the opponent's shin, knee, or groin to create distance and pain.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Side Kick (Yoko-geri)</td>
<td>A strong kick with the heel, delivered sideways to the opponent's knee, stomach, or ribs.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roundhouse Kick (Mawashi-geri)</td>
<td>A circular kick, often aimed at the opponent's leg, ribs, or head.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eye Gouge</td>
<td>A direct, disabling technique where fingers are used to press into the opponent's eyes.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Throat Strike</td>
<td>A strike to the trachea or windpipe, which can disrupt breathing and incapacitate an attacker.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ear Clap</td>
<td>A strike to both ears simultaneously with cupped hands, which can disorient and potentially rupture eardrums.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Headbutt</td>
<td>A close-quarters strike using the forehead, typically aimed at the opponent's face or nose.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Spinal Strike</td>
<td>A strike or pressure to the spine or the base of the skull, a very sensitive area.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shin Kick</td>
<td>A low, hard kick to the opponent's shin, used to cause pain and disrupt their stance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Heel Stomp</td>
<td>A downward stomp with the heel to the top of the opponent's foot, causing pain and forcing a reaction.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Finger Jab</td>
<td>A quick, sharp jab with the fingertips, aimed at the eyes or throat.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Groin Strike</td>
<td>A strike to the groin using a kick or knee, which is a highly effective way to end a confrontation.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rib Strike</td>
<td>A strike to the ribs, often using a hook or elbow, to cause pain and damage.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jaw Strike</td>
<td>A strike to the jaw with a hook, uppercut, or hammer fist to disrupt the jaw and potentially cause a knockout.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="12"><strong>Grappling & Clinching</strong></td>
<td>Hip Throw (O-goshi)</td>
<td>A fundamental Judo throw where you turn and use your hips to lift and throw the opponent over.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shoulder Throw (Seoi-nage)</td>
<td>A Judo throw where you turn and pull the opponent over your shoulder to the ground.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Major Outer Reaping Throw (Osoto-gari)</td>
<td>A throw where you use your leg to sweep the opponent's leg and take them down.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Foot Sweep (De-ashi-harai)</td>
<td>A quick, precise sweep of the opponent's foot to trip them as they move.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Single Leg Takedown</td>
<td>A wrestling takedown where you grab one of the opponent's legs and use it to bring them to the ground.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Double Leg Takedown</td>
<td>A wrestling takedown where you grab both of the opponent's legs and drive through to bring them to the ground.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>The Clinch</td>
<td>A close-range fighting position where you grab and control the opponent's body to prevent them from striking.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sprawl</td>
<td>A defensive move where you quickly drop your hips to the ground to defend against a takedown.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pummeling</td>
<td>A drill used to practice controlling an opponent in a clinch, using underhooks and overhooks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Breakfall (Ukemi)</td>
<td>The art of falling safely by distributing the force of the impact to avoid injury.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Forward Roll</td>
<td>A type of breakfall used to safely absorb the momentum of a fall forward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Back Fall</td>
<td>A type of breakfall used to safely land when being pushed or thrown backward.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="10"><strong>Joint Locks & Submissions</strong></td>
<td>Wrist Lock (Kote-gaeshi)</td>
<td>A joint lock on the wrist that uses a rotational motion to control or take down the opponent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Armbar (Juji-gatame)</td>
<td>A joint lock on the elbow where pressure is applied to hyperextend the joint.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shoulder Lock (Kimura)</td>
<td>A joint lock on the shoulder that uses the opponent's arm to apply pressure to the joint.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rear Naked Choke (Hadaka Jime)</td>
<td>A choke from behind where the attacker cuts off blood flow to the brain using their arms.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Guillotine Choke</td>
<td>A choke from the front, where the attacker traps the opponent's neck in a headlock and applies pressure.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Triangle Choke</td>
<td>A choke where the attacker uses their legs to trap the opponent's neck and one arm, cutting off blood flow.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ankle Lock</td>
<td>A submission that puts pressure on the ankle joint to force a tap-out.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Knee Bar</td>
<td>A submission that puts pressure on the knee joint to force a tap-out.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Finger Lock</td>
<td>A technique that manipulates a single finger to cause pain and control the opponent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verbal Submission</td>
<td>A submission technique that uses words to de-escalate a situation or confuse an attacker.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="20"><strong>Escapes & Defenses</strong></td>
<td>Single Wrist Grab Escape</td>
<td>A technique to escape from an opponent who has grabbed one of your wrists.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Two-Hand Wrist Grab Escape</td>
<td>A technique to escape from an opponent who has grabbed both of your wrists.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Headlock Escape (Standing)</td>
<td>A technique to escape a standing headlock by disrupting the opponent's balance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bear Hug Escape (Standing)</td>
<td>A technique to escape a standing bear hug by striking vulnerable points and creating space.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Choke Defense (Standing)</td>
<td>A defense against a standing choke by either pulling down on the attacker's arms or striking back.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Choke Defense (On the Ground)</td>
<td>A defense against a choke hold while on the ground, typically involving posture and arm control.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mount Escape (Bridge and Roll)</td>
<td>A technique from the bottom of the mount position to flip the attacker over.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mount Escape (Shrimping)</td>
<td>A technique from the bottom of the mount position to create space and escape.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Guard Escape</td>
<td>A technique to get out of an opponent's guard position on the ground.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pin Escape</td>
<td>A technique to escape from a pin or side control position.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ground Defense (Pushing Off)</td>
<td>A technique to use your legs to push an opponent away when you are on your back.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defense Against a Push</td>
<td>A technique to maintain your balance and create distance when pushed.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defense Against a Punch</td>
<td>A technique to block a punch using forearm or hand blocks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defense Against a Kick</td>
<td>A technique to block a kick to the legs, body, or head.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hair Pull Escape</td>
<td>A technique to escape from someone grabbing your hair by either controlling their hand or striking.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wall Defense</td>
<td>Techniques used when you are pinned against a wall to defend and counter-attack.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verbal De-escalation</td>
<td>Using calm and assertive communication to defuse a tense situation before it becomes physical.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boundary Setting</td>
<td>Using clear verbal and physical signals to tell an attacker to stop and keep their distance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pre-Emptive Strike</td>
<td>A strike delivered just before an attacker can launch their own attack, used only when a physical threat is imminent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Running/Fleeing</td>
<td>The most effective self-defense technique in many situations, as it avoids confrontation entirely.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="8"><strong>Ground Fighting</strong></td>
<td>Ground Striking</td>
<td>The ability to strike an opponent from the ground using kicks, elbows, or punches.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Guard Position</td>
<td>A defensive position on the ground where you control your opponent with your legs and can attack with submissions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mount Position</td>
<td>A dominant ground position where you sit on top of your opponent's torso, allowing for strikes and submissions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rear Mount Position</td>
<td>A dominant ground position from behind the opponent, where chokes and strikes are most effective.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Side Control Position</td>
<td>A dominant ground position from the side of the opponent, used for control and setting up submissions.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sweeps</td>
<td>Techniques from the ground used to reverse a position and get on top of the opponent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shots to the Groin (from the Ground)</td>
<td>A technique to kick the opponent in the groin while on the ground.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fighting from a Chair</td>
<td>Techniques for using a chair as a weapon or shield, or for defending yourself from a seated position.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="7"><strong>Weapon Defense</strong></td>
<td>Knife Defense (Front Attack)</td>
<td>A technique to block a knife attack to the front and control the attacker's arm.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Knife Defense (Behind)</td>
<td>A technique to defend against a knife attack from behind.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stick/Blunt Object Defense</td>
<td>A technique to block a strike from a stick or blunt object.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gun Defense (Front)</td>
<td>A technique to disarm an attacker with a gun from the front, typically at close range.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gun Defense (Behind)</td>
<td>A technique to disarm an attacker with a gun from behind.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Improvised Weapon</td>
<td>Using a nearby object (e.g., a pen, keys, belt) as a weapon for self-defense.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Redirecting the Weapon</td>
<td>A technique to redirect the weapon away from your body instead of directly blocking it.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td rowspan="7"><strong>Tactical & Awareness</strong></td>
<td>Situational Awareness</td>
<td>The ability to stay aware of your surroundings and identify potential threats before they happen.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Target Identification</td>
<td>The ability to identify the most vulnerable targets on an attacker's body.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Distance Management</td>
<td>The ability to control the space between you and an attacker to either avoid a fight or set up a technique.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Surprise & Distraction</td>
<td>Using an element of surprise or a distracting action to get the upper hand on an attacker.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fighting in Confined Spaces</td>
<td>Techniques for defending yourself in small spaces like hallways, elevators, or cars.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Using an Environment</td>
<td>Using objects in your environment (e.g., a wall, a table) to your advantage.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Survival Mindset</td>
<td>The mental readiness and determination to survive a violent encounter, which is often as important as any physical technique.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Additional Techniques (General)</strong></td>
<td>Bite</td>
<td>Using your teeth to bite a vulnerable area such as the hand or arm.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Stomp Kick</td>
<td>A kick that stomps down on the foot, knee, or shin.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Spit</td>
<td>Spitting in the attacker's face as a distraction.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Yelling/Screaming</td>
<td>A loud, forceful sound to startle an attacker and draw attention from others.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Finger Poking</td>
<td>Quickly poking the eyes or throat with a finger.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Leg Sweeps</td>
<td>A wide range of sweeps that use the leg to trip or unbalance an opponent.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Knee on Belly</td>
<td>A ground position where a practitioner puts their knee on the opponent’s stomach for control.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Back Roll</td>
<td>A technique to roll backward to avoid a takedown or to create space.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Punches to the Ribs</td>
<td>Strikes aimed at the vulnerable floating ribs.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Punches to the Solar Plexus</td>
<td>Strikes aimed at the solar plexus to knock the wind out of an attacker.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Choke from the Back (Rear)</td>
<td>Using a gi or clothing to choke an opponent from behind.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Kicking from the Back</td>
<td>The ability to kick an opponent with both legs when they are standing over you on the ground.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Pushing the Face</td>
<td>Using a hand to push the opponent's face to create distance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Throat Grabs</td>
<td>Grabbing the throat to apply pressure or to set up a strike.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Biting the Arm/Hand</td>
<td>Biting to force an opponent to release a grip.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Knee to the Chest (from mount)</td>
<td>A technique to strike the opponent’s chest with a knee from the mount position.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Elbow to the Head (from mount)</td>
<td>A technique to strike the opponent’s head with an elbow from the mount position.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Shin Kicks to the Back of the Leg</td>
<td>Kicking the back of the opponent's leg to cause pain and disrupt balance.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Small Circle Jujitsu Techniques</td>
<td>A range of techniques that use small, circular movements to apply joint locks.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Wing Chun Trapping</td>
<td>A system of techniques to "trap" an opponent's limbs and prevent them from striking.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>








Karate & Jujitsu Combined Self-Defense Belt Test
This table outlines a hypothetical belt test curriculum that combines the striking of traditional Karate with the grappling and self-defense of traditional Jujitsu. The focus at each level is to build a progressive, practical set of skills that are demonstrated in a self-defense context.
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<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Belt</th>
<th>Karate Components</th>
<th>Jujitsu Components</th>
<th>Self-Defense Scenario</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>White Belt</strong><br>(Beginner)</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Basic punches and blocks.</li>
<li>Front stance (Zenkutsu-dachi) and horse stance (Kiba-dachi).</li>
<li>Front kick (Mae-geri).</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Basic breakfalls (Ukemi).</li>
<li>Proper defensive and offensive postures on the ground.</li>
<li>Basic grips and clinches.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<strong>Wrist Grab Escape:</strong> The student must demonstrate a safe and effective escape from a single wrist grab, focusing on balance and posture.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Yellow Belt</strong><br>(Advanced Beginner)</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>More complex strikes and blocks (e.g., knife-hand block).</li>
<li>A simple kata to demonstrate flow of movement.</li>
<li>Side kick (Yoko-geri).</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>A simple hip throw (O-goshi).</li>
<li>A basic wrist lock (Kote-gaeshi).</li>
<li>Introductory ground escape from a pin.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<strong>Wrist Grab and Counter:</strong> The student is grabbed by both wrists. They must use a Karate-style block to break the opponent’s grip, followed by a transition into a Jujitsu throw to take the opponent to the ground.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Green Belt</strong><br>(Intermediate)</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Advanced kicks (e.g., roundhouse kick, spinning back kick).</li>
<li>Multiple kata and demonstration of Bunkai (practical application of movements).</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>More advanced throws (e.g., Osoto-gari, Seoi-nage).</li>
<li>Basic submissions (e.g., armbars, chokes).</li>
<li>Ground work, including passing the guard and escaping from mount.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<strong>Managing Two Opponents:</strong> The student must demonstrate tactical movement and positioning to manage a scenario with two attackers, using a hit-and-move strategy.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Brown Belt</strong><br>(Advanced)</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Advanced kata and full-contact, controlled sparring (Kumite).</li>
<li>Demonstrating power and focus in striking drills.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Mastery of a wide range of throws and submissions.</li>
<li>Ground control and escapes from difficult pins.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<strong>Defense Against a Weapon:</strong> A partner with a training stick or knife simulates an attack. The student must demonstrate a defense that focuses on controlling the weapon and the opponent's body, transitioning into a joint lock or throw.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Black Belt</strong><br>(Mastery)</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Mastery of all previous kata.</li>
<li>Full-contact sparring against multiple opponents.</li>
<li>Breaking a solid object to demonstrate power.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
<li>Free-form throws (Randori) and ground grappling.</li>
<li>Mastery of all submissions, sweeps, and escapes.</li>
</ul>
</td>
<td>
<strong>The Gauntlet:</strong> The student must continuously defend against a series of different opponents for a prolonged period, adapting to various types of attacks. The test also includes a verbal de-escalation component and a defense from a disadvantaged position (e.g., on their knees).
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>