Striking Fundamentals.

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We prefer not to engage with an assailant.   Avoidance is the best self-defense. There are situations, however, when you must physically protect yourself and to protect yourself you need to strike effectively.  Strikes can be used to create distance, to distract or disable an attacker, to help you escape a hold or choke, to defend against a weapon assault....

Here are some basic striking principles.

Strike a vulnerable area:  For an overview of vulnerable areas to strike go to:  

http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2014/12/striking-vulnerable-points-to-overcome.html

Distance: Why would you take a step to elbow when you can punch?  After all, our hands move 
faster than our bodies.  Learn what striking tools you can use for various distances. For an overview 
of striking tools go to: http://ikmfto.blogspot.ca/2013/02/effective-striking-using-right-tools.html

Direction: If for example, you need to protect yourself from an assault from the side, it

makes little sense to turn to the attacker then punch.  Strike with the closest striking tool. If they are
very close, perhaps a sideways elbow.  A little further, a hammer strike... Further yet, a sidekick.  

Angle: Horizontal, vertical, diagonal...whatever offers an effective strike and a better chance to 
protect yourself. 

Recoil:  Don't let your hand linger.  You need to defend and might need to continue to strike.  

Hard or soft striking tool?. A finger strike to the eyes or throat make sense but to the
 head or ribs? Nope.  A palm strike would be a better choice.

Finger strike to the eyes.

Hands Up!:  Keeping your hands up allow you the better attack and better defend.