I (21f) am 5’5" and skinny. I recently attended a self-defense class, and there I was tought how to use a pocket knife. And as I have some male friends 6’5"+ tall, I thought that that height actually makes your belly particularly vulnerable in case of a fight (in comparisson with short people):

  1. a short person’s shoulder height is around the same level as your belly making it easier to stab/hit;
  2. your belly is proportionally a larger target.

And in general, if a 6’5"+ guy stands in front of me with his stomach released (even if he has just a bit of a belly) it feels like having an exposed, large and squishy punching/stabbing bag right in front of me, into which, if needed, I can easily harshly and deeply plunge anything straight away.

I also practice historical fencing (rapier) and most of the times I stab tall opponents into the belly - my favorite thrusts are ducking counterattacks when I duck while they attack, go low and impale a tall guy’s unprotected belly right onto my rapier.

What do you think about it?

  • JustinTheGM@ttrpg.networkEnglish
    5·
    2 days ago

    The main problem with the belly as a target in a self defense scenario is that it’s too slow. If you’re being attacked, you want to end the fight and escape as quickly as possible. Wounds to the belly kill via blood loss and sepsis, which takes at least several minutes during which the attacker can keep causing you damage.

    The femoral artery in the inner thigh is what you want to aim for. Also, the tendons along the inner wrist are responsible for grip strength; if severed, that hand can’t hold anything. Take a good look at the anatomy of those areas and you’ll have a good start.

    Your reaction times and agility from fencing will help you in a real fight, but the actual techniques not so much. Stick to slashing attacks, as stabbing can result in your blade getting stuck in or between bones.

    • anneSong@lemmy.worldOP
      22·
      1 day ago

      Thanks for advice!

      Though I think it would be more difficult to stab such specific targets which you describe. So, yep, slashing is an option - but then still: wouldn’t the belly be a perfect target for a kind of combination between a stab and a cut? For example if I plunge my blade into a tall guy’s gut and then instantly move the blade up disemboweling him, or just immediately slice his belly open with my blade. My idea is that in contrast to just a stab, such a disembowelment will likely immediately incapacitate the tall opponent and also will be pretty easy and realistic to perform.