One of the ancient types of self defense is "Martial Arts". There are several defense methods taught in martial arts once you know which method is right for you, you can start taking its classes under the training of a martial arts instructor and progress upto the optimum level of expertise. The foundation of martial arts has begun from the ancient regions of China, its main purpose was to defend ones self against physical attacks.

Martial arts is commonly divided into two types of techniques, one is performed when the person is armed (typically with a stick) while other is performed as unarmed.

The aim of either of these methods of martial arts is to achieve self defense and physical power to overcome the odds and defeat him.

Apart from a typical stick the weapons used as part of self-defense in martial arts are swords, knives, and daggers. Since the purpose of martial arts is to achieve self defense, hence these days the use of lethal weapons has been reduced and a person is rather trained to use wooden weapons so that a permanent damage is not done to your nemesis/attacker. In the defense mechanism of martial arts you are trained to aim the vulnerable body parts of your opponent and strike them when it's best appropriate to do so. Karate and Tae Kwon Do are also one of the self defense techniques that use the striking arts, and it uses various kicks and punches to the body of your opponent.

Hope this article was luring enough for you to register for one of the classes of martial arts so that you could also learn to self defense yourself :)