Womens Self-Defense

United States
March 23, 2009 2:27pm CST
Women who are interested in practical and effective self defense should seriously consider classes that teach joint locks and manipulations sometimes called compliance techniques. The reason for this is that such techniques focus more on leverage, balance, and center of gravity than physical strength or power. Such skills tend to be more effective for those who may find themselves facing a physically larger and stronger opponent, which is a common concern for womens self defense. Women can of course do well even in hard styles of martial arts, as women tend to be naturally faster, more agile, and more flexible than their male counterparts, which offers a definate advantage in actual confrontations. It is worth considering that most hard styles focus on meeting force with force. This can encourage overcoming an opponent primarily with strength and power, which make result in less focus on speed, technique, or agility. It is also a good idea to check out the classes near where one lives and sit in on a class if possible before joining. This allows one to get a feel for how the instructors and students interact and if it will be a comfortable learning environment. Avoide self defense crash chourses that make unrealistic promises about teaching you all you need to know in only a few classes or even one class. These classes tend to be too long, too short, or simply too inappropriate and unrealistic for the average person., The result is that these classes essentially teach you just enough to get yourself hurt in a fight or will likely only further aggravate your attacker. Self confidence and situational awareness are also important elements of self defense, and can help to avoid such situations in the first place. Always be aware of your environment, know where the entry ways and exit points are, keep your head and eyes forward and walk with a purpose. This helps prevent you from looking like a victim or an easy target. And bear in mind that there is often safety in numbers, especially if you are in a new or unfamiliar situation. Last but certainly not least, statistically speaking, yelling for help or even yelling rape tends to be ignored by most people. Yelling fire, however, is much more likely to attract attention and help from anyone who might be nearby. What are some other ideas or suggestions that might be helpful for womens self defense or choosing a class for this purpose?
1 person likes this
2 responses
• United States
24 Mar 09
This is a great topic! As a woman I can definatley relate to the skills learned in compliance techniques. They are actually my favorite skills because of the ease of use. I'm not all that familiar with other styles, but I know that Kung Fu has always interested me, especially Wing Chun. I think that common sense things for women are also important. Situational awarness cannot be stressed enough. Knowing who belongs or who doesn't. I also think having 911 on speed dial is also beneficial because it allows you to get help in one step. Namaste-Anora
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• United States
24 Mar 09
Good points. Compliance techniques definately seem easier to learn and execute effectively. Some thing to keep in mind while training with your partner or instructor are not to go with the moves too easily or without any resistance; this is unrealistic. A better approach might be to take it somewhat easy during the initial instruction and practice phase, and then gradually add in speed and resistance. Obviously, this also needs to be performed with caution so as not to risk serious injury to anyone involved--a good instructor can help with this transition. Kung Fu and Wing Chun in particular is a good example of a martial arts style that teaches compliance techniques, as well as Jujitsu, Aikido, Judo (though slightly less focus on joint locks), and Hapkido.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Mar 09
I would agree, if a teacher does everything in slow motion or doesn't apply full pressure you won't know what it is really like to be in that situation. I think also women should work on basic wrestling moves. I know the first time I worked with a full nelson and half nelson I had no idea just how difficult it was to focus on getting out of it. I remember panicing during the first practice session because I couldn't breathe or at least that was how it felt. It's not that instructors will hurt you, but putting you into realistic situations allows you to know how to focus during them so you're less likely to panic should the real situation ever occur. Namaste-Anora
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
Yes, that's an excellant point! Some self-defense scenarios may make one anxious during practice, but focusing on practicing correct technique as well as controlling one's breathing will help to remain more calm and level-headed. As you said, this level-headedness or "focus" in training translates into less anxiety in case of a real life encounter, which in turn means one is better equiped to respond appropriately and effectively to the situation at hand.
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@miamilady (4910)
• United States
19 Apr 09
I think it's a good idea for women to take a self defense class. Although I've always thought it's a good idea, I've never done it. I had hoped that I could get my daughter interested in martial arts when she was little, but she had no interest whatsoever. She'll be going off to college in a few years, and I think I'd feel better if I knew she had taken a course. Maybe I'll require her to take a course before she goes away... I've seen both martial arts types of courses and I've seen the basic "hold the keys between your fingers and jab the guy in the eye" types of courses shown on television. I think both ideas have their merits. I guess you just go with whatever is available in your area and what you can afford, and what you think would work best for you. I think the more ideas you have for how to defend yourself, the better your chances are if you are ever attacked. That way, if one thing doesn't work, you can try something else.
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• United States
20 Apr 09
You may a very good point. Having many techniques available gives one much more well-rounded tools for self-defense and tends to be much more realistic. Real life street fights never go the way they do in class; real fights are unpredictable, so having many tools gives you more options if one thing doesn't work. On the other hand, you don't want to have so many differant techniques in your head that you can't focus on actually doing one right when you really need it, lol! Most traditional martial arts systems are organized with a set curriculum very much for this reason, thus allowing the students to focus on a specific set of techniques and get them down before moving on. Like you said, a balanced approach is best, and definately do your homework to find out what options are available where you live. Thanks for the input!
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