

So, wild thought. If you can’t brace from the front to prevent tipping, the other option would be to lock down the back. It also sounds like you need a smoother surface for your desk chair.
What if you laid down a sheet of plywood and attached the rear legs to it? If the rear legs can’t lift, the desk can’t tip to the front.


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.