Women, who are often taught to be passive, have to develop an assertive attitude which will help them recognize early warning signs (such as an aggressive body posture taken by an assailant or verbal abuse), and act upon them decisively, without fear. Self-defense techniques are based on using leverage, surprise, and inflicting pain in order to escape the assailant rather than on physical strength. Training basics in self-defense cover relaxation, projection, and balance. The chapter on developing self-defense reactions includes information on basic stance, appropriate distance, pivoting and changing direction, blending, entering, and falling. Methods of striking and kicking, releases from body grabs and holds, and weapons defense are described. Finally, self-defense for health and exercise is discussed. Photographs, questions and answers concerning self-defense, footnotes, an index, and approximately 50 references are provided.