Self Defense for Women and Children
Personal safety can be a controversial issue because people sometimes feel that personal safety tips or self-defense classes are a way to place the responsibility for preventing sexual assault or intimate partner violence on the person who is least responsible. While it is true that the only person responsible for the violence is the person who commits it, there are things that we can do to keep ourselves safe and take back the control that the rapist or violent partner is trying to take away.
Often, the experience of taking steps to protect yourself can make you feel more powerful and in control and can also be part of the process of healing for those who have been assaulted previously. Although there are no guarantees that certain techniques or actions will prevent an assault, they can decrease the risk of one or help you to escape an assault in progress. It is also important to remember that if you are assaulted, this does not mean that you failed at protecting yourself or in some way are responsible for being attacked. The blame lies solely with the attacker, whether that person is a stranger, an acquaintance, a date, a partner, or a family member. Furthermore, if you are attacked and do not use the techniques outlined here or in a self-defense class, this does not mean that you deserved it or didn't resist enough. A physical response to an attack may not be safe in some situations. Only you can be the best judge of how to respond to an attack, and no one has the right to question your actions or the decisions you made that allowed you to survive the assault.
It is important to note that many people find themselves becoming more fearful and hyper-vigilant when they begin to focus on personal safety. Although the risks are real and there are steps you can take to increase your personal safety, these steps are intended to increase your sense of empowerment and safety, rather than a sense of victimization and fear. If you find yourself becoming very anxious and fearful about sexual assault, or compulsive about personal safety, it may help to talk to someone about your fears. This may be especially likely if you are, or someone close to you is, a survivor of an attempted or completed sexual assault.
Protecting Yourself from Sexual Assault
Contrary to popular belief, most sexual assaults are planned. The assailant may not plan to sexually assault or rape a specific individual, but they usually do plan to assault someone. This plan may range from a specific plan to find someone to rape to a general intention of "scoring." Although this fact can be disheartening, it also gives us an edge in protecting ourselves from sexual assault. Because assaults are usually planned, there are typical behaviors and patterns that you can be aware of and watch out for. This section will outline some of these typical patterns and suggest various things you can do to keep yourself safe. There are three areas to consider in thinking about personal safety - the environment, the assailant, and yourself.
Why Should I Take Self-Defense?
Taking self-defense is a way of taking care of yourself. By learning self-defense techniques you are sending the message, to others and to yourself, that you value your safety. Learning and implementing self-defense is like locking your doors at home to prevent robbery. It can't guarantee your safety, but it can certainly enhance your chances of remaining safe.
Stop by the Twin Dragons Sport Center in La Jolla, California and try a class. You must sign up in order to attend a class.
On the day of the class bring your20% off Coupon printed from this web site and go to the location - be sure to wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in, sweats and regular workout clothes are acceptable.
Each class differs in the exact information, but the general outline is the same. During the first part of the class the instructor will warm up the class with excercise for basic fitness, talk about Awareness, learn practical self defense moves during your warm-up. Then you'll learn some self-defense techniques that can help you avoid an assault. Finally, the last half of the class will focus on physical self-defense techniques and work with advanced students and assistant instructors. During this part you'll learn how to get out of different types of grabs, perform strikes and kicks, and techniques for fighting on the ground.
What if I'm not Very Strong, or Have a Physical Limitation?
You don't have to be a bodybuilder or have experience in a martial art. The instructor will help you learn techniques that you feel comfortable with and can easily do, within your range of physical strength or abilities.
Participants Self-Defense Experiences
"I hadn't been to a self-defense class in a few years, so I decided to go to one provided through the Twin Dragons Self-Defense Lessons. I really enjoyed the class and learned a number of new techniques - now I know how to get away if someone tries to choke me, grab my wrist, or pin me to the ground! The instructor was very knowledgeable, explained things clearly, and was patient in helping everyone learn the techniques. Overall, the class was really empowering and made me feel that I could defend myself if I needed to." - female grad student, age 25
"I thought it was really self-empowering. I felt like in going in.I was really always scared to walk by myself at night, or go into a parking structure alone, even in my own apartment building. I would bring with me pepper spray, my roommate's field hockey stick, just hoping I wouldn't be attacked. After the class, I still have some fear going out by myself without someone with me, but I do feel a little bit more secure and, like I said, empowered. I feel like I have the ability to know what to do if I was put in a situation where I needed to act fast." - female undergraduate student, age 22
"I was hesitant to take the class because I am someone who has a hard time picturing myself using fighting techniques. I had always pictured myself giving in to the attacker. Taking the class really did give me a greater feeling of confidence and the belief that I would be able to defend myself if necessary. Not only was this an empowering experience, but the educational component about avoiding dangerous situations helps focus on avoiding situations in which we are more likely to have to defend ourselves." - female graduate student, age 26
"I am a middle-aged woman with very limited upper body strength. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to keep up. I realize now that the techniques I learned aren't dependent on strength. I can't tell you how glad I am that I went. I know now that I could have a real impact on protecting myself if I have to. I also learned important information about avoiding a physical confrontation in the first place." - female staff member, age 51
Yes! The self-defense techniques themselves are fun and easy to learn - many find the class not only empowering, but also truly enjoyable. The classes are friendly, fun and welcome to everyone.