Protecting Your Hands for Self-Defense: A Balanced Approach

Let's be candid about this…Take a look at your hands…You have one of the most incredible precision instruments bestowed upon any life form on this planet. Those hands are capable of performing delicate and carrying with control a heavy load...picking up and holding the most delicate of things and doing it a reassurance and affection to someone in a song with an instrument...writing a masterpiece of a love...

God only issued you TWO hands. Once they’re fouled up, that’s pretty much it—they’ll never be the same. You wouldn’t hammer a fence post into the ground with your personal computer…So, let me submit—you’d be wise NOT to use your hands in a percussive fashion to break building materials to scrap nor to knock out bozos. There are ways to use your hands in defense of your life that DO NOT require them to be ‘specially conditioned’ or ‘toughened.’

Palm heel strikes work wonderfully and can visit great damage on an adversary while not sustaining great damage in the same stroke. This is where the common sense concept of ‘fitting the tool you use to the job you’re trying to accomplish’ looms very large. Palm heels for strikes to the head…elbows for strikes to the head and body. Both palm heels and elbows are a LOT more durable than a hand is. Certainly, learn how to punch properly…how to make a fist properly, and how to use it if you’re striking a soft area where the chances of hurting yourself are minimized while the chances of hurting your adversary are maximized.

But if you can use a palm heel or an elbow and be effective, do it. Your hands deserve for you to take good care of them and not to sacrifice them needlessly. But, that’s just one man's opinion…coming from a man who used to LOVE throwing punches at hard things…until I had an epiphany and recognized how much I was risking for so little gain.

The Benefits of Hands-Only Self-Defense Techniques

The techniques mentioned—such as palm heel strikes and elbow strikes—can be effective for self-defense without causing minimal to no harm to your hands. These methods use the natural durability of your hand structure to deliver impact. Instead of relying on your hands to take the brunt of the force, you are distributing the impact across a larger area. This approach helps to preserve your hands from the permanent damage associated with repetitive palm strikes or fists on hard surfaces.

A Balanced Approach to Self-Defense Training

A Balanced approach to self-defense training emphasizes not just the aggressive methods but also the preservation of one's body, particularly the hands. Here are some key points to consider:

Focus on legal self-defense methods that align with the law and community standards.

Understand the differences between hands-only methods and those that involve weapons.

Learn about the risks of overtraining and the importance of resting your hands to prevent injuries.

Incorporate stretching and exercises that strengthen the entire arm and shoulder to enhance overall hand protection.

Seek out specialized self-defense classes that include the use of padding or gloves to protect your hands during training.

Protecting Your Hands from Early Wear and Tear

Here are some tips to help you protect your hands and prevent early wear and tear as you develop your self-defense skills:

Warm-up and Cool-down: Before and after training, do a thorough warm-up and cool-down to prepare and relax your muscles.

Use Proper Technique: Ensure that you are using correct form to maximize effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury.

Avoid Hardcore Training: Reduce the frequency and intensity of hardcore training that puts stress on your hands.

Wear Protective Gear: Use hand wraps, gloves, or other protective devices when training to absorb shock and prevent direct contact with hard surfaces.

Stay Hydrated: Keep your body, including your hands, well-hydrated before, during, and after training.

Conclusion

Your hands are invaluable. They are not only tools for survival but also a means of expressing love, creating art, and living your life to the fullest. By adopting a balanced approach to self-defense training, you can protect yourself without compromising the health and integrity of your most precious instrument—your hands.