Morning,

I just finished taking a self-defense course run by our local police here in my area, and wanted to urge everyone (women, men alike) to consider such a thing.

While I'm sure it's not even close to the reality of a true attack, the techniques taught (as well as common sense) are extremely valuable in helping to keep you and your loved ones safe.

My last class yesterday was awesome - each woman was attacked by the two instructors when she was by herself. I'd love to say I wiped the floor with them, but the truth was, after 5 minutes (in which I did decently) I was flung to the ground and pounced on. It happens sooooo quick you lack the time to react. I was quite furious with myself....but it was a great learning experience.

I've been researching self-defense online and have found:

No Nonsense Self Defense - Reliable information for dangerous situations

Women's Self-Defense

SafetyForWomen | Self Defense Tips & Tricks for Women

It's really good stuff to learn.

Enjoy,

Barbara

I am not the biggest fan of these self defense classes, if you are taking them with the idea of actually defending yourself. They are great for helping women rebuild themselves and their confidence after being victimized, but as far as applicable training, there is very little you can / should be taking home from these. They promote the thought of fight over flight. I say this in a completely non-sexist way, but as a girl, there is very little you are going to be able to do to a man that outweighs you by 80+ pounds, and has the mind of a predator that the self defense class can teach you. I would rather a woman reach for her mace than thinking about some judo move that the women's self defense instructor taught her at the Y.

I would rather people promote safe thought and being prepared. If you are leaving a bar, and have any doubts about the safety of your walk to your car, travel with a group, or ask a bouncer or policeman to walk you to your car. Small things like that. Taking precautions to keep yourself out of situations like that is way more effective than training to be in them.

I had my brown belt in taekwondo before my kneecap started dislocating.. but that was alllll the way back before sixth grade. I now just carry pepper spray in my purse wherever I go. Taken a few classes, but generally find them not to be very good for anything except statistical information.