Self-defense course

Module 3 — Hands-On Basics

Lesson 21 of 50Your stance and your base

12 min

Dr. Mira explains · Module 3 — Hands-On Basics · Lesson 21

Dr. Mira explaining lesson 21: Your stance and your base

Dr. Mira's selected Voice Calibration voice

Transcript

Hi, sweetheart. It's Dr. Mira. Welcome to lesson 21: Your stance and your base. Standing so you don't get moved — the foundation for everything. Let me walk you through this properly, the way I would if we were sitting together. Everything starts with your base. Feet about shoulder width, one foot slightly back, knees soft. From that stance you can push, turn, or run. Go slowly. Do each movement ten times slow before you ever do it fast. Speed comes after the movement feels natural. Break grabs by moving against the thumb — that is the weakest point of any grip, every time, on both sides. Strike with the heel of your palm, not your knuckles. Your hand stays safe and you keep it available for pushing off and running. These are escape moves, not fighting moves. The goal is always to create one second of space and use it to get away. If you go down, tuck your chin and land on the meat of your arm and hip, never your head or a straight elbow. Practice with someone you trust, or in front of a mirror. Ten slow minutes a week beats one hard hour a month. Now here's how I want you to practice. Read the lesson once, picture yourself doing it, and then do it for real one time today. One repetition is enough to start. If it feels awkward the first time, that's normal. Awkward means new, not wrong. That's all for this one. Watch it as many times as you need. I'm so proud of you for being here.

What this lesson covers

Standing so you don't get moved — the foundation for everything.

Module goal: Build a few simple physical skills that still work when you are scared and shaking.

What you'll be able to do

Build a stable base you can act from.

Key points

  • Feet shoulder-width, one foot slightly back.
  • Knees soft, weight centered, chin down slightly.

Step by step

  1. 1Set your feet.
  2. 2Soften your knees.
  3. 3Hands up at chest height.
  4. 4Breathe out.

Common mistakes

  • Locked knees.
  • Feet in a straight line — you tip over.

New York City scenario

Someone bumps you hard on a crowded platform. Your base holds and you don't stumble toward the edge.

Practice drill

Have someone push your shoulder gently while you hold the stance, ten times each side.

Quick check

What makes a base stable?