I’m Coach Belbin. If you were standing in front of me at BigB MMA right now and asked, “Coach, what are the few self‑defence moves I actually need?”, this is exactly what I’d teach you first. Keep it simple, make it reliable, and practice until it shows up under stress.

Before we jump in, bookmark the full foundation here: Complete Guide to Self-Defence Training in Coimbatore. This page is your quick‑start playbook; that guide is your full roadmap.

First lesson: The mindset that keeps you safe

Here’s what I tell every beginner:

• Keep it simple. Fancy fails when adrenaline spikes.
• Hands up and eyes up. If you can see, you can move. If you can move, you can exit.
• Create space, don’t chase hits. The win is getting home, not “winning a fight.”

If you remember nothing else today: calm breath, balanced feet, eyes scanning for an exit.

1) Guard stance and movement (your base)

Think of this as your seatbelt. Hands up (open palms), elbows in, chin tucked. Feet shoulder‑width: lead foot forward, rear foot slightly angled. Glide—don’t bounce. Small steps keep you stable so no one can shove you over.

Coach cues:

• Show your palms: non‑aggressive and protects your head.
• Don’t cross your feet when moving.
• Keep your head over your hips—no leaning.

Drill (60s × 3): Forward/back/left/right on a slow count. Hands stay glued to your guard.

2) Palm strike (nose or chin)

Why palm and not a fist? Your knuckles and wrists aren’t conditioned yet. With a palm strike, you still deliver strong force without risking your hand.

Coach cues:

• Drive from legs and hips, not just the arm.
• Aim through the target, not at it.
• Land → guard back up → create space.

Common mistake: Reaching with the arm and leaning. Keep the spine tall; step your body in.

3) Elbow strikes (close‑range power)

When space is tight, elbows do the talking. Horizontal and diagonal are your best friends.

Coach cues:

• Opposite hand guards your head.
• Turn hips like a hook.
• Short and sharp—no wild swings.

Reality note: Elbows aren’t for “winning.” They’re for creating a gap to leave.

4) Knee strikes (clinch range)

If someone ties you up, you own the knees. Target the thigh or body to break posture and posture.

Coach cues:

• Control head/neck or biceps with your hands.
• Lift the knee straight up; no big wind‑up.
• Plant back into stance—don’t get square.

Pad drill: Partner holds a shield. 3 knees, step off, reset. Exhale on each strike.

5) Wrist‑grab release (thumb‑side escape)

Most people squeeze strongest with their fingers, not the thumb. Rotate toward the thumb gap and step back.

Coach cues:

• Don’t yank where they’re strong. Turn where they’re weak.
• Step back as you release to rebuild distance.
• Hands back up immediately.

Add‑on: If they re‑grab, cycle palm strike → step off.

6) Basic choke escape principles (standing + ground)

Keep it high‑level so you remember it under stress.

Standing front choke:

• Frame both forearms against collarbones/neck base (not the throat).
• Step back, hips forward to break pressure.
• Turn slightly and walk out to the side.

Ground awareness:

• Hands to wrists/forearms to relieve pressure.
• Posture your spine—don’t try to bench‑press someone off you.
• Bridge hips and turn to create space, then stand.

Reminder: The goal isn’t a submission—it’s a safe exit.

7) Low‑line kicks (disrupt and disengage)

Tap the shin or outside knee to break balance. You’re not “knocking out a leg”; you’re forcing a reaction so you can leave.

Coach cues:

• Keep it low and quick.
• Eyes up, hands up.
• Kick, land back in stance, step away.

How we train this at BigB MMA

I won’t throw you into chaos. We build step by step:

1. Solo rounds: stance/movement and shadow reps (2–3 rounds)
2. Pads: palm/elbow/knee with simple combos and resets (2–3 rounds)
3. Controlled grabs: wrist releases and choke frames with progressive resistance
4. Short scenarios: parking lot, elevator, crowded space—clear goal is exit

Common beginner mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Over‑swinging: shorten mechanics, drive with hips
• Dropping hands after hitting: drill “hit and hide” (strike → guard)
• Forgetting to breathe: audible exhales on each action
• Freezing when grabbed: rehearse three‑step scripts your body can follow

What to practice at home (no equipment)

• 3 minutes stance + movement
• 3 minutes palm mechanics (slow and clean)
• 3 minutes elbow mechanics (hip turn)
• 3 minutes knee mechanics (lift and place)
• 3 minutes wrist‑release reps (thumb‑side turns) 15 minutes total. Do this 3–4×/week and you’ll feel different in two weeks.

Learn the bigger picture in our Complete Guide to Self-Defence Training in Coimbatore.