Emotional Training

Quite frankly, all of the martial arts technique in the world is useless if one is not prepared or conditioned to put those techniques to use when the stress of a self-defense situation takes place. When faced by an attacker who, on average, is larger than she, it is no wonder that fear often masks any knowledge of a "neat" technique that has been taught time and time again in the numerous self-defense classes available. A common denominator among many who have been confronted with the task of defending themselves, one thing is clear, there is often little time to think. Any physical response to aggression must be trained to the point where it becomes a natural response. This response must also involve a measure of accepting fear. Too many incidents are on record where a trained female martial artist (yes...it happens to some guys too) "freezes" when faced with a real life attack. The fear management that must accompany self-defense training is, too often, neglected and the price...too high.

Selecting a Suitable Women's Self-Defense Program

Are you looking for a women's self-defense class? If so, what is your criteria in selecting that class? Often, the "window dressing" does the best job of attracting students into the class. Surely you have seen the headlines: "Women's Self-Defense Training by 6th Degree Black Belt....". The high rank associated with the instructor is often taken as the barometer for assessing the quality of the program. First of all, in questioning this criteria, we are not necessarily questioning the martial skill of the instructor. This instructor may indeed have earned every thread of that black belt in a given art such as Taekwondo, Karate, Jujitsu, etc. However, training to be proficient in a martial art does not, necessarily, guarantee success outside of the friendly confines of a dojo (martial arts school) nor does it guarantee his or her ability to provide you with the necessary physical and emotional tools to defend yourself. Granted, it is quite possible that the 6th degree black belt instructor may also be very proficient in defending him or herself during a real life confrontation, however, you are the issue here. Unfortunately, the instructor will not be at your side should the unfortunate need arise to defend yourself so further examination into the skills that this instructor is giving you must be examined carefully. Do you truly believe that those awesome "cardio-kickboxing" classes will prepare you for the realities of a physical attack?

The Instant Solution

Just like we go to the pharmacy to get that bottle of aspirin to cure that nasty headache, the "self-defense in 5 easy lessons" program is often seen as the miracle pill to cure a nasty case of "I am being attacked". When planning your quest for self-defense proficiency, resist the "quick fix". That is not to say that you should avoid the weekend seminar. Even the shortest of seminars can provide you with valuable self-defense tips even if it is as simple as "look in the back seat before you get in the car". Nevetheless, take the time to repeat classes, even if they cover the same material. Skill requires putting knowledge into action and this requires practice.

Seek "Manageable" Amounts of Stress

Professional athletes often differentiate between "game" situations and "practice" situations. In other words, they can attempt to work just as hard in practice, however, a real game calls upon skills that practice-alone would have trouble duplicating. In practicing self-defense skills, is it not reasonable, therefore, to practice under some duress? Naturally, duplicating real life stress cannot be (safely) duplicated in a class or dojo, however, accepting a "manageable" amount of fear goes much further in developing your ability to defend yourself than does training complicated maneuvers in a totally relaxed atmosphere. We stress the term "manageable". We take self-defense classes in order to avoid traumatic situations and not to be placed into one, however, a good instructor will find creative ways to challenge students and push them beyond their own perceived limitations. This should involve fear management to a degree. A common approach to self-defense training is to train among your peer group. In the case of a women's self-defense course, is it logical to train only against other women? Against whom are you training to defend yourself? In other words, if you truly believe that the odds are stacked higher that a male would attack you rather than a female then isn't it logical that you experience (to a certain extent) the power of a male? Many instructors, as mentioned earlier, bring in volunteer bad guys and for good reason. To what degree you will seek certain elements of realism is entirely up to you and taking time to watch a class could go a long way in preparing you for a class. The bottom line is that the fear, which inevitably accompanies an attack against your personal space, must be chanelled towards action and this involves controlling, not eliminating, the stress of the situation.

Women's Self-Defense Tips: Training

• Train both verbal and physical skills. Remember, predators more often than not, prey on the weak. In applying physical force, using your voice (similar to a martial arts kiai) adds power to force directed towards an attacker.
• When training for self-defense, seek training which allows you to "feel" the execution of full power. Training should involve practicing powerful strikes against pads or better-yet, a well-padded "bad guy".
• Physical movements should focus on natural motion and gross-motor movements such as powerful strikes with your hand, elbow, and knees. Fancy or delicate movements seldom work on the street and requires years of training to execute, particularily under stress.
• Attacks to "sensitive" areas such as the eyes, bridge of the nose, and groin, although difficult to practice safely, should be used in a self-defense situation. Well protected volunteer "bad guys" can facilitate this practice, however.
• "Repetition is the mother of skill". Repeat classes that you found useful to you and challenged you.

Women's Self-Defense Tips: In The Home

• Install deadbolt locks and viewers on each door.
• Never indicate to strangers (on the phone or at the door) that you are alone.
• Unexpected repairmen should not be allowed to enter unless proper ID is shown and a phone call is made to the business to confirm his presence.
• Keep a flashlight in your house and in good working order.
• If you feel you are being followed to your home, go to the nearest police or fire station.
• Remember, many of those regular household items can be used as weapons if passive resistance (eg. talking your way out of a situation) doesn't work. Kitchen utensils, sprays, decorative items are just some examples.
• If you are moving into a new home, change the locks automatically.
• If you live alone, use only your first initial in the phone listing, apartment indexes, and mailboxes.

Women's Self-Defense Tips: Away From The Home

• Avoid walking alone or, at least, walk in areas which are surrounded by other people.
• Avoid walking through parks or other "shortcut" paths and driving through backstreets or alleys.
• If you are approached by a vehicle while walking, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
• Do not get close to a vehicle if being asked for directions.
• Whether you are approaching your car or your home on foot, have the key ready to open the door and not sifting through your purse for it.
• Keep your car doors locked while driving.
• Keep enough gas in your car to complete your journey and then some.
• Keep your house keys with you when leaving your car keys at the shop for repairs.
• If you do much driving, in particular, on highways, keep a cellular phone with you.
• Check under the car and in the back seat, especially when the car has been sitting in a quiet or darkened area.

Choose from an excellent selection of women's self-defense books and videos from the links below.