Guidelines For Choosing A Self Defense Course
Questions To Ask When Evaluating A Self Defense Course
1.
What is self defense?
Self defense is a set of awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills
with safety strategies and physical techniques that enable someone to
successfully escape, resist and survive violent attacks. A good self
defense course provides psychological awareness and verbal skills, not just
physical training.
2.
Does self defense
work?
Yes! Self defense training can increase your options and help you prepare
responses to slow down, de-escalate, or interrupt an attack. Like any
tool, the more you know about it, the more informed you are to make a decision
and to use it.
3.
Is self defense guaranteed?
No. There are no guarantees when it comes to self protection.
However, self defense training can increase your choices/options and your
preparedness.
4.
Is there a standard self defense course?
No. There are many formats for training. They may be as short as two
hours or as long as 8 weeks or a semester. Whatever the length of the
program, it should be based on maximizing options, simple techniques, and
respect for an individual's experiences.
5.
Is there a course I should stay away from?
Only you can answer this question. Find out about the philosophy of the
program and the background of the instructor. Observe a class session if
you can, and talk to an instructor or a student. Is the instructor
knowledgeable and respectful of your concern? Is it a length at which you
can commit to and a cost that you can afford? You deserve to have all of
your questions answered before taking a class.
6.
Who's better, a male or female instructor?
For women, there is an advantage to having a female instructor as a role model,
who has similar experiences surviving as a woman. Some woman feel having a
male partner to practice with can add to their experience. The quality of
the class depends on the knowledge, attitude and philosophy of the instructor,
not necessarily on gender. The most important aspect is that the
instructor, male or female, conducts the training for the students geared to
their individual strengths and abilities. Feeling safe and building trust
come before learning.
7.
Must I train for years to learn to defend myself?
No! A basic course can offer enough concepts and skills to help you
develop self protection strategies that you can continue to build upon.
Self defense is not karate or martial arts training. It does not require
years of study to perfect. Many people have successfully improvised and
prevented an assault who have never taken a class. People often practice
successful self defense strategies without knowing it!
8.
If I use physical self defense could I get hurt
worse?
The question to answer first is what does "hurt worse" mean?
Rape survivors speak eloquently about emotional hurts lasting long after
physical hurts heal. Studies show a physical self defense response does
not increase the level of physical injury, and sometimes decreases the
likelihood. Also, going along with the attacker does not guarantee that
you will not be brutally injured anyway. Just ask yourself, "Are they
doing any of this for your convenience?" The point of using self defense
is to de-escalate a situation and get away as soon as possible. Knowing
some physical techniques increases the range of possible self defense options,
but the decision to choose a physical option must remain with the person in the
situation.
9.
What does "realistic" mean?
Words like "most realistic", "best", "guarantees
success", etc. are all advertising gimmicks. Choosing a self defense
class is a serious decision and is preferably based on some research. No
program or instructor can replicate a "real" assault since there are
so many different scenarios, and because a real attack would require a no-holds
barred fight which would be irresponsible and extremely dangerous to re-enact.
Responsible self defense training requires control. It is important that
each student is able to control their own participation in the class and never
feel forced to participate.
10.
What is the role of pepper spray or other personal
safety devices as self defense aids in harming an attacker?
Any device is useless to you unless you understand how to use it, and you have
it in your hand ready to use at the time of the attack. There is nothing
"guaranteed" about any of these devices. None are
foolproof. None of them can be counted on to work against all possible
attackers everytime (no matter what the labeling may state to the contrary). Realize
that anything you can use against an attacker can be taken away and used against
you. While some of these devices have sometimes helped women escape to
safety, it is important to receive instruction in their use and to be aware of
their limitations. Only proper use makes these implements effective.
11.
How much should I pay?
Paying a lot of money for a course does not mean that you automatically get
better instruction. On the other hand, don't assume that all programs are
the same and just go for the cheapest. It is always beneficial to be an
educated consumer. Shop around the same as for anything else you buy that
is important to you. But do understand that anything of quality is worth
the price you pay.
12.
Where can I find a self defense class?
Check with your local police department. Some provide self protection
classes or can refer you to one. Local enrichment programs sometimes offer
classes. Some martial arts schools provide seminars and workshops. A
word of caution on martial arts schools, they are more likely to try to sell you
a membership to their school than to teach you effective strategies. Check
the phone book. If there isn't one in your community, get involved and try
to organize one.
13.
Am I too old? Out of shape? What if I
have some disabilities?
You don't have to be an athlete to learn how to defend yourself. A good
program is designed to adapt to every age and ability and provides each student
with the opportunity to learn. Each individual is unique and students
should be able to discuss their own needs. Some programs have specialized
classes for specific groups.
14.
How can I tell a "good" course from a "bad" course?
A good course covers critical thinking about defense strategies, assertiveness,
powerful communication skills, and easy-to-remember physical techniques.
The instructor respects and responds to your fears and concerns.
Instruction is based in the belief that we can act competently, decisively, and
take action for our own protection. Essentially, a good course is based on
intelligence and not muscle. It offers tools for enabling a person to
connect with their own strength and power. These courses are out
there. Good luck in your research. Taking a self defense class is
one of the most positive things you can do for yourself!
To see the courses Citizen Defense Training
offers Click Here
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