Sawyer’s
Survival Kit

EVERYTHING SAWYER NEEDED TO #ESCAPERUSTCREEK

Sawyer’s Survival Toolkit is an at-home watch guide that will take you through the world of Rust Creek. See how Sawyer defended herself and explore thought-provoking questions about survival themes and real-life situations.

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SAWYER’S MOVES

Check out her tactics step-by-step below.

FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY.
NOT INTENDED AS A SELF-DEFENSE GUIDE OR SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLICATE ANY SURVIVAL TACTICS WITHOUT FIRST SEEKING PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTION AND REVIEWING APPLICABLE LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAW.

Knee Strike To The Groin

Sawyer is cornered when Hollister grabs her inappropriately and shoves her against the car. In order to get away, she must immobilize Hollister. Being in close quarters and facing each other, the Knee Strike To The Groin proves to be effective.

Sawyer In Action!

Step 1: Sawyer identifies her target.

Step 2: Sawyer brings her leg back.
Step 3: She places her hand on the attacker’s shoulder for leverage and raises her knee.

Step 1: Sawyer pulls back and thrusts the heel of her palm up into the attacker’s nose.  If the attacker was behind her, she could strike the nose (from the side of front) with her elbow.  She aims for the nasal bones.

Open Palm Heel Strike To The Face And Nose

After the knee strike to the groin, Sawyer goes for the second most-sensitive area of the body; the nose.  She uses the palm of her hand to forcefully hit up and back into the attacker’s face, breaking some nasal bones.

Sawyer In Action!

Open Palm Heel Strike To The Face And Nose

After the knee strike to the groin, Sawyer goes for the second most-sensitive area of the body; the nose.  She uses the palm of her hand to forcefully hit up and back into the attacker’s face, breaking some nasal bones.

Sawyer In Action!

Step 1: Sawyer pulls back and thrusts the heel of her palm up into the attacker’s nose.  If the attacker was behind her, she could strike the nose (from the side of front) with her elbow.  She aims for the nasal bones.

Double Leg Kick To The Solar Plexis

Sawyer is thrown onto her back when Buck attacks her, but that doesn’t mean she’s overcome. Using the strength of her legs, she is able to kick Hollister back far enough to get off the ground. To successfully complete this move, Sawyer engages her full lower body and hips in a thrusting movement that generates more force than a standing kick.

This takes the target’s air and the ground provides the leverage to launch him backwards.

Sawyer In Action!

Step 1: Sawyer determines where her kick will have the most impact: knees, groin, or face.

Step 2: Sawyer pulls both legs back into her chest and stabilizes her back against the ground.

Step 3: Sawyer thrusts both legs at once, lifting her hips off the ground in one forceful movement.

Universal Moves

There are two useful survival moves Sawyer can use no matter the situation she finds herself in.

1. Sawyer can scream for help to draw attention to the situation and to scare her attacker.

2. As soon as she is able, Sawyer can run away from the situation to seek help.

Special Thanks to Self-Defense guru (and Rust Creek featured extra) Tony Ford (Sandan third degree blackbelt Judo/Jujitsu, Nidan second degree blackbelt Karate, Police defensive tactics instructor, Ky state certified (retired)).

BE PREPARED

Engage in a group discussion around self-defense and themes from Rust Creek. Use these questions about as a jumping-off point in a larger discussion about how to mentally prepare for any life-threatening scenario.

1. How did Sawyer protect herself throughout the movie? How did these tactics evolve/impact her chance for survival?

2. What was the smartest thing Sawyer did? Most dangerous?

3. If you were in a similar situation, how would you respond to a Buck/Hollister threat? Would you choose to fend for yourself in the woods… or trust the stranger who’s kidnapped you?

4. Trust is a major theme of the movie. When is trust a beneficial character trait? When is it dangerous?

5. Do trust and politeness ever impact your safety?

6. What can you personally do to prevent yourself from encountering a dangerous situation on the road? At a party? In a professional setting?

7. What did you learn from Rust Creek about self-defense?

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Visit these websites for more information about self-defense moves and classes.

  • Model Mugging – Women’s self-defense training videos.
  • R.A.D Systems of Self Defense: A self-defense program offered to women, children, men, and seniors who need to empower themselves against unsuspecting attacks.
  • S.A.F.E Program: The National Self-Defense Institute provides the S.A.F.E. Program to help equip and empower people against violent attackers.
  • Krav Maga Worldwide: The official site for those interested in taking Krav Maga classes for self-defense.

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