Women's Self-Defense Classes - The Fallacy of Women's Self Defense

There are many who say women learn self-defense better in an exclusively women-only environment. The so-called "experts" say it is less intimidating if women don't have to compete with the men, or, it is easier (more comfortable) to discuss subjects like rape without men present. So, the new trend in self-defense programs is "Women's Self Defense" classes.

I don't agree with this line of reasoning, because the overwhelming evidence suggests that this is the wrong approach. I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "I took a women's self-defense course once. But, I went home and tried some of the stuff on my husband (or boyfriend), and it didn't work!"

There is nothing more confidence-shattering than to spend the time learning all the techniques and starting to feel good about yourself, only to have the bubble burst the first time you try out your new-found skills. Women then begin to feel there is nothing they can do to protect themselves when they can't even make it work against someone who isn't really trying to hurt them.

The real shame is when someone is really attacked, and after repeated attempts, can't make their self-defense techniques work. At that point, they simply give up, and won't fight back no matter what. I can only imagine that someone in that situation would look back on the time or money spent for self-defense classes and feel that they had been victimized twice!

Why "Women's Self Defense" Programs Don't Work!

Most of the people who take my self-defense classes are women. Sometimes, I even have a class that is all women. However, that is by coincidence, not design. Women who sign up for my classes know that there may be both men and women in the class. Whether there are actually men in the class is not important, after all, I am instructing the class, so there is always at least one man in the class.

The point is, if a woman is so intimidated by men, that she will not even take a self-defense class with men, she will never survive an attack by a man. Why? Because "intimidation" is just another word for fear. Until she can prove to herself the techniques work on a man, she has done nothing to help her get over her fear of men.

If she is ever attacked, it will probably be by a man! If she hasn't gotten over her fear of men, she will immediately panic, no matter what she has learned. If she hasn't learned how to deal with the bigger, stronger, more aggressive male, she will not understand how the dynamics of the situation will change in the real world!

Women MUST practice self-defense techniques against a man! Otherwise, how will she know they work against a man? This is what we call "realistic scenario training" (more about this later). If she has only practiced self-defense techniques with other women, she gets a false sense of security that her techniques will work in the real world. But, an even bigger problem is that most of what is taught in these so-called "women's self-defense" classes wouldn't work anyway!

Poor Teaching Methods

Much of what is taught as "women's self-defense" is not only ineffectual, but insulting as well. Courses intended only for women assume they are weak, less capable of defending themselves, and therefore need different methods from men to counteract violence. Women have been told to "yell 'FIRE', carry a hat pin or umbrella to jab at him, do something vulgar to gross him out, like tell him you have VD." If any of that junk worked, we'd be teaching men to do the same thing.

The following sample of bad advice still shows up in high schools and women's self-defense courses:

"Confrontation always makes everything worse. Don't react-it might be an overreaction. Don't add to the violence by becoming violent yourself. Don't make him mad. Trying to escape risks escalating the problem."

These ideas are wishful thinking or blind optimism. Experience at real crime scenes teaches you something very different.

Imagine if the percentages of women and men raped were 50-50 instead of 98 percent women and 2 percent men. [Outside of prison, those are the true percentages.] Now imagine someone telling men, "Don't overreact to rape, guys. Go along with his demands so you won't be hurt." I think you can see there might be a double standard that is completely unfair to women.

Doing Nothing

Doing nothing against a violent attack is the biggest risk of all because it makes resistance and escape later far more difficult. Worse, statistics show it actually increases the likelihood that violence will escalate, especially when the crime is rape. The most profound example involving resisting (doing something) versus submitting (doing nothing) was a Department of Justice study of rape published in 1985:

Rapists do not normally pre-arm themselves with weapons. Only 23 percent of 1.6 million cases studied involved knives or guns. [The major exception to this are rapists who break into a residence; 96 percent grab a knife from the kitchen.]
Approximately 51 percent of women resisted in some form, ranging from screaming to fleeing, to fighting back; the remaining 49 percent did nothing.
When broken down between resistance or submission, there was only an increase of two percent in the injury level to the women who resisted.

Yes, there is always a risk involved in fighting back, but there is just as much risk in doing nothing. If you face a rapist and do nothing, he'll rape you. If you face an armed criminal forcing you into his car and do nothing, he'll kidnap you. The "do-nothing" group believes that in doing nothing, they risk nothing.

Doers, in contrast, have simple and direct reasons for taking action: "If I don't do something fast, it's going to get worse."

False Claims

Another problem is the false sense of security given by unsubstantiated claims. One direct-mail women's safety device provides an "instant and easy self-defense" video for women.... "Can you point your finger?... Can you raise your hand?... If your answer is yes, you can instantly escape anything from rape to severe attacks.... It's quick and easy." The product being mentioned here, pepper spray, almost never works this way in the real world.

One television commercial for a women's self-defense program promises "two-minute, guaranteed knockout using your feet. When your assailant tries to grab you, use the heel of your shoe to strike into his head over and over." Could you really learn to do this in two minutes? It takes years of training in karate or taekwondo to learn to effectively kick someone in the head, and even then, it's a risky move. It's just a marketing ploy to get your money.

If you buy a police radar detector that is guaranteed to work, but doesn't, the result is a speeding ticket. If you pay for "self-defense classes" or videos that don't deliver as promised, the result can be severe injury or even death. Relying on someone else's guarantee is only a false sense of security that will only have bad results!

Anti-crime gadgets, and martial arts self-defense programs marketed to women, are often too simplistic and come with unrealistic guarantees. The fact is, surviving crime requires far more mental toughness than physical abilities. Size, weight, conditioning, and upper-body strength don't make the difference. If they did, a lot of men would be in deep trouble. Crime survival takes tough-minded mental conditioning, the same for both men and women.

What Does Work

What works, as proved by the results of both police and military testing, is "realistic scenario training". Scenario training consists of learning techniques, rehearsing them in realistic scenarios, and then visualizing these actions in your mind. It is a method used in many fields, from sports to law enforcement, military to medicine.

Scenario training is a way of planning our responses. We do something similar every day in our regular lives. We plan what to say if the boss criticizes a report we've submitted, or how to appease our spouse if we've done something irritating. Often we actually rehearse the words we'll use, we do it constantly. It doesn't always get us what we want, but it gives us a better chance.

Face-to-face with violence, your first split-second problem is not what is he going to do, but, "what are you going to do?" Scenario training against violence answers that question at the right time... before it happens. You can make mistakes and learn from them before it becomes a life or death situation! Scenario training to survive violent crime draws on real-life crime cases, which allows us to analyze our own mistakes, as well as the mistakes of others, learn from them, and decide how we will respond differently.

Without realistic scenario training, people panic and freeze up; they have no way to cut through the overwhelming fear that boxes them in during a crisis. Everyone needs to train for the same scenarios, and everyone, men and women alike, need to train the same way: to develop the mental toughness needed to survive a real attack!

Summary

This is the bottom line that must be adopted by every woman, every women's self-defense teacher, and every parent of a daughter: If the how-to-survive-violence technique and advice is not acceptable to men, it's not acceptable to women.

Knowing how to handle yourself when confronted with violence is your only insurance against becoming a victim, or just another statistic in a police report. You have car insurance, home-owner's insurance, life insurance, health insurance...

What insurance do you have against being the victim of a violent crime? A long-term self-defense program offers the most comprehensive training, and therefore, the best opportunity to learn to handle almost any situation that may occur. However, if you don't have the time to commit to a long-term program, at least some form of weaponless self-defense training is better than none.

But women MUST practice techniques with MEN! The idea that women can learn to defend themselves against men, without training with men, is simply false.

Resources:

Strong, Sanford - Strong on Defense; Simon & Shuster, Inc.; 1996

Federal Bureau of Investigation - Uniform Crime Report; 2000

Mark Jordan is a 6th Degree Black Belt in Budoshin Jujitsu, Vice-president of the American Ju-Jitsu Association, and a Certified Self-Defense Instructor with the International Association of Close Combat Professionals. You may find out how to contact him for training, or read more of his articles by visiting his website:
AllJujitsu.com.

Women's Self-Defense - Why Most Programs Are Wrong

Women's self defense issues are constantly in the news and a 'hot' topic for conversations. It seems that everyone from police officers to karate instructors has his or her own philosophy and theories about the how's and why's of self defense for women and girls.

The truth is though, that many of the same techniques and tactics taught to men for self-protection simply will not work for a woman. Why?...

... because attacks perpetrated on women have, at their foundation, certain inherent problems, issues, and conditions that are often very different for men who find themselves in defensive situations. Women have to deal with things that, quite frankly, men don't.

If this is something you're really concerned about, you owe it to yourself to do some serious research to get more information about real-world self-defense for women

designed around issues specifically related to womens self-defense.

Now, before some of you start rolling your eyes or nodding your head in agreement, this is not a women's lib issue or anything of the sort. It's simply the way it is.

What kind of things make self-defense for women different? I'm glad you asked.

Well, for starters, physiologically speaking, there is a 7-to-3 strength ratio between male and female bodies. That means that if you were to stand a man and a woman, having the same height, weight, and build, side-by-side, and all things considered (health, fitness, etc.)...

... the man would still be two-and-a-half times stronger than the woman!

This is not theory or one person's belief over those of others. It's scientific fact.

Next, women are more likely to be slapped, grabbed and pinned than punched or kicked. For men, it's just the opposite. The fact is that, most of us have been conditioned since childhood to act, play, and, yes, fight with each gender very differently. And attackers are no different.

The good news is that more and more women are being drawn to the life-enhancing benefits of the martial arts and basic self-defense programs for increasing their level of self-confidence and overall feelings of safety and security. The not-so-good news is that...

... there is a shortage of:

* Martial arts instructors who understand scientific self-defense, 'and' have the necessary life experience to be able to teach from a perspective that shares that experience.

After all...

... if an instructor has never been in a real-world self defense situation themselves, it will make it nearly impossible for them to teach real self defense to anyone - let alone self defense for women. It's kind of like going to a priest of counselor for marriage counselling who has never been married themselves. They both have information passed on by others but, neither has anyway of expressing that information based on real-word knowledge.

However, there is an over-abundance of...

...so-called self-defense experts who are of the tough-guy, fighter type or the "This is Reality - Deal With it! macho-type.

These people, by their very nature are the "slugger-types" who rely and depend on speed, strength and size to win. Since self defense situations usually involve a bigger, faster, stronger attacker victimizing a smaller, less-prepared target - and, that'sexactly what most women are up against when they're attacked...

... these instructors, and their "strike-first-and-crush-them-where-they-stand mentalities, are far from being suited, knowledgeable, or able to deliver the necessary lessons needed by women to effectively protect themselves from an assailant intent on dominating them physically.

Other Considerations for Girls and Womens Self Defense

The following is a partial list of some of the other major differences between self defense for women and men. The important thing to remember is that...

... a self-defense situation is very different from a sport or competition-based contest where the individuals are willing participants. They are evenly matched to insure for a "fair fight." I have been in contests and I have been attacked and I can tell you without a moment's doubt that...

... there is nothing "fair" or "even" about a real attack. NOTHING! And, once your personal space is invaded by another human being wanting to beat you to your core, you will know what I mean and never, ever, buy into the crap that most of these so-called experts are shovelling.

With that said, please know that I have not said that every self-defense or martial arts instructor is full of it. Just that you must know what you need and make sure that that's what you're getting. Remember - you're not buying a couch that you can take back. A mistake in this area could literally cost you your life!

Here are some other differences between men's and women's training that a good program must address:

* Cultural Influences - girls have been taught from a very early age that fighting was not "lady-like."

Oh my god! What would people think!

* Situational Self-Defense - rape and sexual assault are two of the biggest differences between the genders when it comes to suriviving an attack.

The fact that men are usually dealing with the more obvious situations (muggings and competitive ("oh-yeah! let's go!"-type fighting), while women, and more and more young girls, are required to deal with subtle tactics like date-rape or being ambushed by a group.

Add to this the strength differential discussed earlier, and you have a very different situation, requiring very different self-protection tactics.

* Incorrect Information - I believe that the majority of teachers and instructors mean well. They aren't out to con you. It's just that they have no real experience to go on so they do what everyone does when they don't know any better...

... they make assumptions that seem logical and rational within their own frame of reference.

The problem is that we're talking about self-protection here...

... self defense for women...

... girls self-defense. Not...

... vegetable soup. Where, if you make a mistake, you can just dump the pot and start over.

As I said earlier, a mistake in a women's self-defense situation, in any situation requiring defense against an attack from an assailant bent on damaging you, could be very, very costly indeed.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the president and CEO of Warrior Concepts International, and specializes in teaching the lessons for effective self-protection and personal development to individuals, groups, and business organizations. He has been studying and teaching these methods for over two-thirds of his life. He is a former federal police officer, private investigator, and bodyguard - all professions that demanded that the techniques, strategies and tactics that he used in the line of duty worked, and worked every time.

Mr. Miller is the founder and creator of the EDR: Non-Martial Arts Defensive Training SystemTM. EDR stands for Emotion-based Defensive Response and focuses on teaching adults how to tap into their body's own natural defensive response system to effectively deal with over 95% of the assaults that might happen to them. And they learn in hours instead of months or years as required by most karate programs. Get more information about the EDR System, or to have him speak or conduct a seminar for you, at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

A Personal Safety Weapon To Consider: The Self-Defense Keychain

I use a generic term, "Self-Defense Keychain," to describe this device but you may have heard of it by more popular, commercial names such as "Kubaton" or "Persuader Keychain." Because, "Kubaton" is the most popular, I'll use that term interchangeably with the one I use.

The Kubaton is a light-weight metal, plastic or wooden dowel. It's about five inches long and one half inch in diameter. The shaft of this weapon is usually knurled or grooved so that it doesn't slip in your hand. On one end of the Kubaton is a ring or two holding a cluster of ten to fifteen keys.

Recently, manufacturers have attempted to enhance the Kubaton with sharpened ends, telescoping tubes, spikes, enclosed canisters of pepper spray and even hidden knife blades. I won't get into these additional "bells and whistles" and will limit my recommendation to the basic model consisting of a shaft, key rings and keys.

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The self-defense keychain is discrete, unassuming, and convenient to carry. If used properly, it can dramatically increase the odds of surviving and escaping from a serious, life-threatening assault. I discuss the keychain during my self-defense seminars because it stands up nicely to the seven evaluation questions.

I prefer to discuss and provide information about the keychain but hesitate to make blatant recommendations about it, or any other device or weapon. I believe that the decision about whether to carry a personal safety device, and which one you carry, is YOUR decision. I prefer that you evaluate and analyze the "pros and cons" for yourself. This article is to assist you in that process process.

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SEVEN EVALUATION QUESTIONS

If you missed the last issue of the Protective Strategies Self-Defense Newsletter (December 2000) I'll review the seven Personal Safety Device Evaluation Questions:

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

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1. IS IT LEGAL?

In most jurisdictions that I am aware of, the Kubaton is legal. It can be purchased over the counter in security, martial arts and sporting goods stores. I found several online merchants selling them for $5 to $25 dollars. Because they have a utility function (to hold your keys) they can be legally carried.

--- Sidebar ---

In Canada, the Kubaton is neither a restricted nor a prohibited weapon. It is therefore legal to carry providing it is not used for illegal purposes. They are also available across the U.S. However, if you are considering carrying a Kubaton, you might want to make your own enquiries to confirm if they are legal in your jurisdiction.

--- Sidebar ---

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

This is the beauty of the self-defense keychain. What is the most common thing that you carry in your hand when coming or going from your vehicle, home or workplace? Your keys! Because you carry your day-to-day keys on the self-defense keychain, it is likely that you will have it in your hand more than any other object. This increases the odds that, if you are attacked, it will be in your hand and ready to go. This is a huge benefit when considering a personal safety device or weapon.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Again, the self-defense keychain is likely to be ready to go when you need it most. It's not enough to have a Personal Safety Device in your possession. It won't do you much good in your purse, pocket or vehicle. If you keep your keys on the keychain, it is a simple matter of establishing a habit of carrying it in your hand whenever you leave your home.

4.DO I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

There are a number of "SILLY" techniques associated with the Kubaton. They include fancy wristlocks, takedowns, releases from holds and other elaborate techniques that just won't stand up in the stress and chaos of a real-world confrontation. Even if they did work (which they don't) they would require extensive practice and training to become competent.

Secondly, in a stressful encounter, only simple, large-muscle actions can be performed effectively. For that reason, a practical self-defense system must be simple and have as few techniques as possible. The system that I teach, for example, consists of three basic striking methods that are natural and consistent with what one would conceivably do during a combative situation.

Because the Kubaton is a hard object, it concentrates and intensifies the striking energy that is transferred into the assailant. Even with minimal training, a keychain strike is far more likely to incapacitate a violent assailant than an empty-handed response.

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

When used properly, the self-defense keychain is a devastating weapon with potential to seriously injure and incapacitate a violent attacker. For that reason, it should only be used in situations where you reasonably believe the attack is serious and life threatening. You must also believe that you don't have less forceful alternatives available to protect yourself.

--- Sidebar ---

WAIVER - Because of the potential consequences of using a personal safety weapon, I need to be clear that I provide this information for educational purposes only. How you use the information is up to you. Refer to my disclaimer statement at: http://www.protectivestrategies.com/disclaimer.html

--- Sidebar ---

6.COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

The honest answer to this question is, "yes." ANY personal safety weapon: a knife, pepper spray or a shoe for that matter, can potentially be taken away and used on you in the same fashion you intended to use it on your assailant.

However, the general consensus amongst my seminar candidates is that the benefits of having one outweigh the possibility of losing it. A benefit of the self-defense keychain is that the assailant may not recognize it as a weapon and, if he did gain access to it, wouldn't think to use it as one.

It is important to consider the potential of being disarmed when carrying a personal safety weapon. Acknowledge the possibility of dropping or losing it and do everything you can to prevent it from falling into the hands of your attacker.

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

This is a question only you can answer. Don't just buy a self-defense keychain, attach it to your keys and carry it around expecting that you will magically resort to it if you are ever attacked. A basic, self-defense response system should be learned and practiced when adopting this device.

Developing competence does not require thousands of repetitions and hours of training. However, you should spend some time learning how to prepare and grip the weapon as well as how and where to strike an assailant for maximum effectiveness.

Ideally, you should seek out instruction from a competent self-defense keychain instructor. However, if the system is simple enough (as mine is) I believe you can teach yourself the basic skills you need from a manual.

The keychain basics are simple and not hard to learn. Using the keychain will intensify the destructiveness of your response to a violent attack and increase the potential of escaping death or serious injury. Learn the basic concepts (mental preparation). Practice the basic strikes (physical preparation). The only thing left is to develop the emotional resolve to do whatever it takes to protect yourself and survive!

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CONCLUSION

Whether you decide to explore the issue of the self-defense keychain further; whether you decide to buy and carry one, is entirely up to you. I can provide you only with information to assist you with that decision making process but ultimately you must take full responsibility for your personal safety and draw your own conclusions about what is and isn't right for you. If you've read this far, I'm sure you'll make a wise choice.

Take care, train smart and stay safe,

Randy LaHaie

====================== So What? ==========================

Now that you have this information, what good is it to you? Before we get into that, let me be clear on a VERY IMPORTANT POINT. I am NOT an advocate of carrying a weapon or device as a "PRIMARY" self-defense strategy. A PSD is a piece of the overall puzzle but not nearly as effective as developing a comprehensive and balanced personal safety strategy.

Your "BRAIN" is your primary tool for staying safe. Your mental, physical and emotional development determines your ability to avoid and detect danger and to deal with it effectively if it does arise.

Fighting back... especially with a weapon, should be considered a last resort, not a first, and especially not the only one you have! If you must fight back, the keychain will help, but don't lose sight of the need to explore and develop the other components of self-defense that will have a greater affect on your ability to stay safe.

The keychain is just one more tool in your "self-defense tool box." Keep Looking for and developing other skills, knowledge and response options. That's why we say one "STUDIES" self-defense. It's an on going process. We can't buy it, borrow it or carry it in our pocket. Don't forget that.

================== Self-Defense Quote ====================

"Remember: it's not the weapon that counts so much as how you use it. Even the most commonplace or seemingly harmless item becomes an efficient weapon when directed toward the vulnerable parts of the human body. Household weapons are often at your fingertips, so use them!"

Al Marrewa

The Feminine Warrior

A Woman's Guide to Verbal, Psychological and Physical Empowerment

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Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his FREE SELF-DEFENSE NEWSLETTER at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

Is Your Martial Arts Or Self-Defense Program Really Teaching You the Right Lessons For Self-Defense?

Countless adults enroll in martial arts and self-defense programs every year. Likewise, it seems that there is a never-ending line of parents enrolling their children into martial arts schools. And, while many of these people - adult students and parents alike - are looking for a sport or activity, most would say they are looking for self-defense.

Why then, do most adults who have dropped out of a martial arts program within the first hundred days say they did so due to a lack of real-world self-defense training early on? Who do parents convey a sense of doubt that "Johnny" will be able to defend himself, despite the fact that he's earned his Black Belt?

Why do most women, and many men, still voice their own doubt to be able to actually use what they've learned under pressure should they ever be attacked by a real attacker in the real world.

While there are many factors that play a part in whether or not you learn any subject well enough, there are 7 areas that you can take control, or be aware of when researching, choosing, and participating in a martial arts or self-defense program; especially if your goal is the development of real-world self-defense skills.

7 Ways To Know If Your Martial Arts Or Self-Defense Class Is Worth Anything

Many people ask the question, "If I have no experience and don't know what a real street attack is like, how can I even begin to know if the program I'm in is teaching me what I need to survive?"

And that's a really good question.

Here are 7 things that you can look for that will help you to gauge the value of any martial arts or self-defense program that's promising to teach you real self-protection skills and ability against a real-world attacker throwing real-world attacks at YOU!

1. The attacks that you're practicing against are modern, street-fighter, attacks. You've seen what real, modern attacks look like. All you have to do is to watch an action (non-martial arts) movie, a boxing match on ESPN, or remember the fights you saw in school, the bar, or wherever.

Make sure that you're not defending against robotic, 16th century-type attacks that you'll NEVER see in today's world.

2. Techniques EASILY work on bigger, stronger attackers. Not because you have to be the bigger, stronger fighter, or because your partner fell down for you.

Many things will challenge you in the beginning, like where to put your foot, or which hand-does-what. But...

...in the world of self-defense training, remember K.I.S.S - "Keep It Simple Stupid!"

3. You don't have to be a super-fit athlete to do well. Again, self-defense situations are very different from the sport and competitive world. In sports, you are always matched up with someone who matches your size, skill level, experience, etc. However, in a real-world attack scenario, you are almost always the underdog.

As I always tell my students, no attacker is going to look at you from across the street and think, "They can kick my butt. I'll attack them!"

You should never have to be the bigger, faster, stronger combatant to win. Because, in a self-defense situation, unlike a sport-oriented tournament... You WON'T be!

4. You're lessons are based on principles and concepts, not preset, stylized moves that always conform to the "style" being taught at that school. It's true that there will probably be "techniques" that you'll be learning. But these should be "models," or examples of an idea that is flexible and adaptable to the situation.

An example of a principle or concept would be, "remember that the thumb is the weakest joint in the hand." So, when you learn the technique for escaping a wrist grab, you know "what" you're doing to cause the escape to happen. Not just that "pulling your hand out 'this' way."

5. Your teacher has real-world experience. Contrary to popular belief, a black belt around someone's waist, or a certification in a particular training program, has NOTHING to do with whether or not the person has ever had to use what they're teaching in a real-world self-defense situation against a violent attacker.

Is it possible that a person with no actual fight experience can still teach viable, effective self-defense?

The answer to that is, of course, "yes."

But, and this is a BIG but (n pun intended!), he or she will have to:

Have done a ton of research on what it's like INSIDE a self-defense situation


Know the body's responses to, and limitations when under the fight-flight-freeze response, or...


Have a teacher who has the experience and made sure they passed on the right lessons in the first place

6. You're seeing progress immediately and often. It's one thing to learn something. It's something altogether different to KNOW that thing. And, it's something different still to be able to USE what you know, under-pressure, when you need it most.

I've seen programs where beginning students are stuck at either of two extremes. While some are forced to endure classes where they do nothing but bow, block, stretch and exercise for weeks or months until they can move onto the "next lesson," others are at the other end of the spectrum where they are given so many different techniques that they can't get good at any one thing.

In a solid program teaching effective skill development and understanding of self-defense principles, students have the time to develop the skills they're learning, while being given a few options that will allow them to produce results in a short amount of time.

7. No part of your training is there, "just 'cause." So many programs being offered are lacking in substance, either because the person teaching doesn't have enough knowledge, or the program itself consists of little more than a few "tricks" that are guaranteed to work against every attack.

Many martial arts programs, in an attempt to maintain connection with the foundations of the lineage and remain "traditional," overload students with information that has absolutely nothing to do with being able to defend yourself. This is in no way meant to take away from the importance of a student understanding the roots of the program they're learning. But, such information should be used to valid and add value to what you're learning, not add "fluff" and substance where little exists in the first place.

It is up to you, and you alone to insure that you are getting what you need from a program that's supposed to be teaching you how to keep yourself and loved-ones safe. No amount of blind-faith, discipleship, or blaming after-the-fact will substitute for learning good, solid, and effective techniques, tactics and strategies that will allow you to be effective against a brutal assailant looking to beat, break, or kill you.

I know how easy it is to choose a school, program, or teacher because it or they are...

close to home


a friend


inexpensive, or...


they're wearing a black belt

But, none of these things has anything to do with effective self-defense. Choose wisely, and above all, look for value and the key points that I outlined above. And, in the end, if you ever have to go through the hell of a raging assault, you'll be glad you did what you needed to - not what was easy.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, and a former federal police officer, undercover agent, private investigator, and bodyguard, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through his powerful programs, you will learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help you create the life you've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it.

To learn more about real-world self-defense training and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com - For more free tips, strategies, and lessons for making yourself more safe in this often unsafe world, don't forget to subscribe to his powerful and informative online newsletter.

Most Effective Self-Defense Techniques

The 6 Most Effective Self-Defense Techniques

It was a cold January evening and the sun had already gone down. The blue glow of the parking lot lamps only made the area look gloomier and more menacing. Bettye Floridan hurried to her car after work, her eyes darting around like a mouse, her heart pounding. Suddenly she felt someone grab her from behind. This is when her survival instincts -- and her self-defense training -- kicked in. Bettye moved her hips to one side and swung her sharp elbow down towards the man's groin behind her, punching hard. With the other hand she deployed her pepper spray key chain, which, fortunately, was already out because she was about to drive home.

The combination of the blow to the groin and the full dose of pepper spray to the face made the assailant stagger back, giving Bettye time to jump into her car, lock the doors, and speed off. Self-defense saved her life and it saves thousands of lives a year. Self-defense is easy to learn and there are many self-defense aids on the market to help arm yourself against criminals.

Self-Defense: What You Can Do

Bettye did all the right things.

1. She had her keys out and ready on her way to the car.

2. She was aware of her surroundings.

3. She armed herself with pepper spray.

4. She knew where to elbow the man to incapacitate him.

But she was still attacked. Being careful won't always keep you safe, so your safety falls into your own hands with self-defense.

Self-defense is a trained skill that can be learned at many local community centers or karate classes. Police recommend RADD courses, which are extremely popular, for self defense training. But if you can't take a course, here are a few other actions you can take for your own self-defense.

1) Self-Defense: Make Eye Contact

If you see a suspicious character, make sure he knows you see him. Looking him square in the eye shows him that you know he is there. He will likely leave you alone, the element of surprise now gone.

2) Self-Defense: Arm Yourself

Guns are dangerous. They can kill. If you choose to carry a gun, follow all weapons laws and take a training course so you become an absolute expert at using it. Always keep in mind that if the attacker gets his hands on it, you will be in even more danger than you were. We recommend pepper spray instead. It incapacitates the attacker and gives you time to escape, and that is what is most important.

3) Self Defense: Aim for the Soft Spots

Target the groin, as Bettye did, or even better, the eyes. Poke your attacker in the eye with your thumb and twist. He'll be on the ground looking for his eyeball, and you'll be running for safety. It's gross, but it works.

4) Self-Defense: Use Your Hands

Aim the bottom part of your palm at the attackers face and hit his nose with an upward motion. Your wrist is very strong and you will likely break the attacker's nose.

5) Self-Defense: Scream for Help

This trick is vital. Sometimes passersby may not even know you are in trouble. Screaming "NO!" and "CALL 911!" alerts others to your plight. Let the attacker know you will not be quiet and he may run away.

6) Self Defense: Stay Where You Are

You give up all control if the assailant drives you away or takes you to another location where he could beat you, sexually assault you, or worse. Fight like hell and never, ever get into a car with an attacker. Your chance of survival is slim if you are dragged or driven someplace else. Follow steps 1-5 to make sure he gives up on you.

Above all, when it comes to self-defense, we recommend confidence. If you are strong, confident, wise, alert, and self-assured, you can protect yourself with self-defense and come out safe. Pepper spray and personal alarms are great tools, but you must also know what actions to take to enhance your self defense. Self-defense is an art form, and your life is more valuable than anything a thief might steal.

Ralph Winn has over 35 years of education and experience in the security industry. Are you one of the many Americans who have begun to look into improving their home security? This is an important matter and the Home Security Store offers the best protection against burglary and vandalism.

Stay up to speed with breaking security news and technology.

Modern Components of Reality-Based Self-Defense

There are literally thousands of martial arts, self-defense, and close quarter combat systems out there. All of them have their place and each offers a different perspective which essentially depends on the goal of the student. For example, if the student's interest is in cultural traditions and historical applications of a chosen style/system, they should choose a style/system which emphasizes these particular aspects. However, if the student's interest is in self-defense they should also choose a style/system accordingly.

If your primary interest is in reality-based self-defense, you should be aware that there are a few primary components which should make up such a system. If any one of these components is left out it could ultimately compromise your ability to protect yourself or your loved-ones.

There are 5 primary components of any "reality" system and a few secondary components. These components together represent a complete and comprehensive reality-based self-defense methodology. The components are as follows-

1) Mind-Set & Emotional Conditioning - the willingness and determination to do whatever it takes to survive a violent situation is one of the most important components of real self-defense. Before a student can successfully utilize physical skills to protect themselves they must prepare mentally. This mental preparation is the key to reality-based self-defense.

2) Awareness - the ability to observe the world around us is far more important than any physical self-defense skill. By properly using awareness skills, most people can completely avoid potentially violent situations before they happen. Awareness skills include internal awareness, external awareness, general observation skills, and common-sense strategies such as learning how to not look, act, or think like a victim.

3) Basics - this obviously includes blocks, strikes, kicks, as well foundational concepts principles, and theories. The basics include the study of weapon techniques as well as empty-hand techniques. The techniques should be based upon simple gross-motor skills which can be used effectively under the stress of a real assault.

Obviously, all self-defense and martial arts systems contain the basics. Although, there may be different basics taught by different systems...generally they all offer some solid techniques somewhere within their curriculum. The key is to learn which basics are actually functional in potential life-or-death altercations and which ones are not.

4) Skill & Combat Drills - this includes simple skill developing drills which are used to build skills and attributes that can't be developed as efficiently by other means. Attributes include things such as speed, power, coordination, endurance, flow, conditioning, sensitivity, and others.

Skill and combat drills have been a topic of debate for some reality instructors. Some of these instructors and systems tend to focus on basics and scenarios, claiming that drills have no place in a reality-based curriculum. However, the fact is that without drills these systems will never allow a student to develop to their maximum potential. As mentioned above, drills develop attributes that are needed to survive life-or-death altercations. Any system that neglects these attributes is simply neglecting the student, PERIOD. To put it in perspective it must be pointed out that all modern sports and modern athletes use drills to develop attributes. All modern military branches and soldiers use drills to develop attributes. All academic schools in this country use drills to develop attributes. If your so-called "reality" instructor is slamming drills or slamming those systems that teach drills, it's time to find another instructor.

5) Combat Scenarios - this includes scenarios and situations based on what really happens in the world. They can include scenarios involving robbery, sexual assault, and other vicious physical attacks. The key to scenario training is to make it as realistic as possible while avoiding injury to yourself or your training partners. To make scenarios realistic we need to avoid the common martial arts situations and focus on what is seen out on the street. This means minimizing the commonly taught mount and guard wrestling positions taught in martial arts ground fighting...simply because they have little functional use out on the street. We should know how to deal with them just in case but instead of training for them why not train to avoid them altogether?

Scenarios are taught by a majority of styles and systems. However, the key to realistic training is understanding how those scenarios are taught and how they are used to develop the practitioner's protective & defensive skills.

First, the scenarios need to be based on real-life attacks. The traditional self-defense scenarios versus wrist grabs, for example, are OK to teach beginners, but the truth is that such scenarios do not reflect reality. Traditional ground-fighting positions do not reflect reality, traditional defenses versus karate-style straight punches do not reflect reality. To develop reality-based scenarios we must simply study real-life attacks and build scenarios around such attacks. The key is to progressively increase the reality and intensity of the scenarios to the point of being as close to real-life as possible without the negative consequences such as injury, death or emotional trauma.

The above five components should represent the foundation of any reality-based self-defense style, system, or course. Along with these foundational components we need to include physical conditioning and crime prevention.

The study of all of these components will provide the student with the knowledge and skill that's needed to survive violent situations.

Now that we have an idea as to what should be included in a reality-based self-defense curriculum let's take a look at some things that might not be appropriate for those seeking simplistic and realistic self-defense-

Uniforms- Although uniforms may have their place in a comprehensive cultural-based martial arts systems, they have no place in reality-based training. Simply put, to replicate reality we must train in the clothes we will most likely be wearing at the time of assault, if we are unlucky enough to be assaulted.

Punches- As mentioned in other articles, if your goal is to learn every facet of martial arts then punching skills definitely have their place. However, if the goal is to learn quick methods of street survival, pass on the punching. The reasoning is simple, punching is a learned skill that takes months, sometimes years, to master. Once mastered there are still no guarantees that the practitioner won't severely damage their hands when they need them the most...while being assaulted. Remember, the head contains the hardest bones in the human body, while the hands contain the weakest bones in the human body. Even with this common-sense understanding, it still amazes me how many self-defense courses emphasize punching skills over simpler and more effective techniques.

Traditional Blocks- Although the traditional blocks taught in many martial arts systems tend to work great in a controlled training environment they seem to lose their effectiveness out on the street, especially for those with less training under their belts. Chaotic assaults tend to cause a physiological response in humans. This response, referred to as the fight or flight response, tends to override some of the body mechanics learned through martial arts. In other words, some of these blocks do not represent our natural physiological response to actual real-life assaults. This may lead to conflict between the body's natural ingrained response and the trained response found through martial arts. Simply put, this may lead to a delayed physical & mental reaction to the threat which could lead to a negative outcome...for the good guy.

Traditional Kicks- These are a necessity for comprehensive martial arts training, but are inappropriate for real self-defense. Under the chaos of an assault, the act of standing can become difficult enough without having to worry about balancing on one leg. Remember, the feet are the foundation for the torso, if the foundation is weak so is everything else. Does this mean that kicks should not be included in a reality-based training program? It doesn't mean that at all but it does mean that we should limit the kicks to simplest and most effective ones, which includes the knee strike, the stomp kick, maybe a low front kick, and possibly a low round kick.

Traditional Ground Fighting- As mentioned previously in this article, ground fighting is needed to become a comprehensive martial artist. However, the need for traditional ground fighting in real self-defense is pretty slim. If a person finds themselves on the ground during an assault their goal should be to get back to their feet as quickly as possible in order to escape safely. The longer a person stays on the ground the greater the chances of severe injury or even death. Traditional ground fighting tactics emphasize locks, holds, submissions, and just plain wrestling, while reality-based ground tactics emphasize simple and efficient survival methods designed to enhance the ability to escape.

If self-defense is your primary reason for seeking out a training course, be sure that self-defense is what you are getting. Discuss your needs with the potential instructor. Be sure to ask questions and make sure you get the proper answers to those questions. If the instructor gives you the avoids or overlooks your questions, find another instructor. If you use this article as a guideline, you can't go wrong.

Steve is a holder of multiple martial arts black belts, a crime prevention specialist, and a certified self-defense instructor. He has taught personal safety to hundreds of men, women, and children. He currently operates Personal Safety Unlimited...an organization devoted to empowering communities through personal protection & safety education.

http://www.personalsafetyunlimited.com

Martial Arts & Self-Defense Weapons - What IS a "Kubotan"?

If you do a search on the internet, there seems to be no end to what has been written about this simple, yet powerful weapon. There seems to be no small supply of writers who have used dramatic titles to add to the impact of an otherwise so-so article on the subject.

"Fistful of Dynamite," "Rod of Pain," and many others lead the way as writers share their own knowledge and insight into this inconspicuous, and yet surprisingly powerful little weapon. Unfortunately, far too many of these articles serve little to no real purpose in helping you to actually create results. And, these articles range in scope from the generalized "what it is" variety, to the overly bloated tome that includes what seems to be every single detail and supposition that the author wishes to impress you with.

Believe me, I have read a lot of what's available, and while there are certainly a number of valuable resources from real experts, they are buried in a cyber-world of practically worthless "chatter." While you can feel free to recreate my extensive research on the subject, I've brought it all together so you don't have to.

So, what, exactly, is a Kubotan (pronounced "koo-bow-tahn") anyway?

Good question. And to answer that, you can read the book titled, KUBOTAN: Self-Defense Keychain to get a much better idea. But, for now, I'll give you the short, "what's it look like and what else might it be called," version. For those interested, the above book covers the viewpoints of "where did it come from and how long has it been around," as-well-as others in its other chapters.

In my other articles, you can take a quick overview of the strengths and weakness of this popular self-defense weapon. But, for now...

The Kubotan, also known as a...

1. Pocket-stick...

2. Self-Defense Keychain...

3. Mini-Stick, and...

4. many others...

...is arguably, the most common self-defense weapon, next to the handgun, in the United States.

While many new tactical weapons continue to find growing acceptance within the law enforcement and security communities, there seems to be little change within the realm of private citizens. It appears that, once people find a good thing, they tend to "stick" with it. (Yes, pun intended!) According to many experts in the field of defense and personal protection...

"...the most popular, and quite possibly the most versatile, personal defense weapon is the Kubotan."

For simplicity's sake, I'll refer to the weapon throughout this article as the Kubotan or, more simply, the self-defense keychain. However, regardless of the name given to it, this powerful little compliance tool, carried by thousands of men and women - martial artists and non-practitioners alike - is an awesome means of deterring and controlling an attack situation.

Besides being, quite probably the cheapest weapon you can buy, in the hands of even a person skilled in only a few basic moves, the Kubotan is a formidable weapon for stopping an assailant in his tracks. And, for those with more training and developed skills, the self-defense keychain is one of the most effective self-defense tools that you can use today.

The weapon is simple in appearance, inexpensive to acquire or make, and fairly easy to conceal. While not as versatile and convenient as a clipknife like the Delica from Spyderco - my preferred weapon/tool of choice, by the way - it is definitely easy-to-learn and even easier-to-use.

Depending on the manufacturer, the Kubotan is just a basic rod made of metal, plastic, or wood. It's about 6 inches long and, as the name suggests, usually has a key ring attached at one end. The "official," patented, Kubotan weapon "invented" by a man named Tak Kubota, has grooves machined into the weapon to identify it as a unique creation. But, just like "Band-aid" has come to be the generic name for adhesive bandages and "Q-Tips" the same for cotton swabs, the bar-shaped, self-defense keychain is almost universally called a "Kubotan."

There are other variants of the basic model, including what is billed as the "Ninja" version of the weapon. This little piece of imaginative effort, created during the '80's when every weapon had it's own "Ninja" version, has two thinner spikes protruding out from the side of the weapon that fit between your fingers when you grasped the main bar of the tool.

Let me assure you that, regardless of what you ever read or hear, the Kubotan or self-defense keychain is NOT a Ninja weapon - officially or unofficially. It's ancestors that gave rise to the modern version, at least in Japan, were used by almost all trained warriors - not just the Ninja.

The more commonly recognized variants of the weapon are generally manufactured from heavy-duty plastic or aluminum. The official Kubotan, and third-party copies, are simply straight rods with blunt ends. However, many self-defense key chains have at least one tapered end with the key ring attached to the squared, blunt end. Needless to say, some of these "centerpunch-like versions, are extremely dangerous - as they have the capability of actually penetrating the target and doing more severe damage.

And, for those of you who are fashion-conscious and need to make sure that your self-defense weapon doesn't clash with your Armani, these little gems even come in a variety of colors and high-tech shapes to match just about any ensemble.

So, to answer the question, "what IS a Kubotan?"

It is a simple, easy to learn and use, self-defense weapon that can be effectively used by the smallest defender, to bring the largest assailant to his knees in seconds. Quite simply, it is the best weapon for the person with little to no formal training and who wants to be able to learn to defend him or herself with the least amount of time, effort, and money.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. He is the author of the book, KUBOTAN: Self-Defense Keychain and the best selling Safety DVD, Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro To learn more about self-defense and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-protection, personal development & self-improvement, you can subscribe to his online newsletter, at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/newsletter.html

Tough or Smart - What's Your Most Powerful Self-Defense Weapon: Mind or Body?

There are as many approaches to self-defense as there are reasons why people study it.

What are YOUR reasons and what approach are YOU using? How confident are you that your efforts will produce the results what you want?

What is it about self-defense that interests you?

You must be looking for something or you wouldn't be reading this, right?

Some people learn self-defense to defend themselves from the violent actions of others! Duh!!!) They want to satisfy the essential need for security and control.

Others are after self-confidence and an improved self-image.

Then there are those who don't care much about "fighting" at all. They're just looking for an enjoyable, functional and "cool" ;-) way to get into great shape.

Maybe you're after "ALL OF THE ABOVE." (like me ;-) Well then keep reading friend... because I've got some thoughts to throw at ya...

===== Two Approaches To Self-Defense =====

There are two broad categories of self-defense information. Whether they spell it out or not, all self-defense books, articles, classes and seminars are based on one or both of two "themes"... a MENTAL APPROACH or a PHYSICAL APPROACH.

The "Physical Approach" is based on "EFFICIENCY." It pursues physical skill development as a self-defense solution. It involves learning punches, kicks, grappling and defensive techniques. Although avoiding a physical altercation is given "passing attention," EXACTLY how to do that is often glazed over or not addressed at all.

Whether you enroll in a martial arts class, sign up for a self-defense seminar or join a boxing club, the focus is to teach you how to physically perform "fight-related" techniques.

"Fitness-based" training, such as Tae Bo, Cardio Kickboxing and Boxercise also fall in this category.

The assumption here is that your BODY is your weapon and the harder you train and the better you get at performing self-defense techniques, the safer and more capable you will be to defend yourself.

The "Mental Approach" is based on "Effectiveness." It is focused on "PersonalSafety" theories, concepts and strategies.

This theory-based approach involves gaining an understanding of predatory situations; how they happen, how they can be anticipated and recognized, how they can be avoided and how to respond if you encounter one.

Your BRAIN is considered your most powerful self-defense weapon, and this training (hypothetically) makes you "SMARTER" and more capable of wise decisions in the stress and chaos of threatening situations.

"Efficiency and Effectiveness" What's the Difference?

Perhaps the point I am trying to make will be clearer if we come to a common understanding of exactly what I mean by these two terms. Before you read on... think for a moment and come up with your own definition of these terms... Done? Here's mine...

-------------------------------------------------

Efficiency Is Doing Things Right

Effectiveness Is Doing The Right Things

-------------------------------------------------

Can you see the difference? I hope so, because it's HUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!! Here's how those terms relate to self-defense training.

===== The Physical Approach To Self-Defense ======

The Physical Approach involves learning and practicing physical skills "efficiently." The faster, more coordinated, more powerful your striking, kicking, grappling and defensive techniques are, the more "successful" you consider yourself.

There are many self-defense courses that deal exclusively with learning techniques, with and without training partners, as a TOTAL solution for all your self-defense problems.

Now don't get me wrong... I'm not criticizing this approach in any way. I teach physical skills classes and seminars myself.

Learning physical skills can dramatically improve your odds of surviving and escaping a violent situation. It can even reduce the probability of being confronted or attacked.

If done properly, on a regular basis (which I highly recommend), self-defense conditioning and skills training like sparring or hitting a heavy bag, will provide a ton of physical, mental and emotional benefits.

BUT is the exclusive practice of techniques a sufficient "self-defense solution?"

===== Benefits Of The Physical Approach =====

Physical skills training is a GREAT way to get in shape and stay there. If properly done, ongoing self-defense training is a fun and functional, full-body workout.

The self-confidence, fitness, and athletic qualities gained through regular self-defense training will have a positive influence on your "victim profile" (behavior and body language) that you project to a potential predator. It can decrease the probability of being targeted. (Dirt bags don't pick fights with people they perceive are likely and capable to fight back)

Unlike "single-exposure" self-defense training (where you learn a technique once and never practice it again,) ONGOING self-defense training is proactive.

Regular self-defense training "rewards" you in many ways, even if you NEVER have to defend yourself.

Regular self-defense training "defends and protects" you against more probable and legitimate "threats" to your life, your health and well-being. You are at more risk from poor lifestyle habits and a lack of exercise than you are from a mugger or rapist.

===== Drawbacks to a Physical Only Approach =====

If you limit your self-defense efforts exclusively to physical skills training, you also limit your response options in a volatile situation. You are limited to a "Fight/Don't Fight" decision. There are more ways to resolve a volatile situations than that (there are 5 actually). Doing the "wrong thing" well (like fighting when you don't have to) can get you injured, arrested or sued.

Regular self-defense training makes you feel great. You'll feel confident, energetic and fit. (so how is that a drawback?) Don't make the mistake of over estimating your potential of defeating an attacker and end up over your head in an encounter with someone who is tougher, meaner and more malicious than you are.

Don't think that your weekly cardio-kickboxing class has turned you into a "trained killer!"

Even the "best" fighter will be dropped like a bag of dirt if he or she doesn't develop appropriate awareness and avoidance skills and is caught off guard. Physical skills don't protect you from unanticipated acts of violence.

===== The Mental Approach To Self-Defense =====

The Mental Approach addresses the "big picture" of predatory situations. In my self-defense system for example, there are "SEVEN" separate and interrelated aspects of a comprehensive personal safety or self-defense system.

The intent of this mental approach is to make you "smarter" and more capable of avoiding, diffusing and responding EFFECTIVELY by doing the RIGHT THINGS in a volatile situation. By the "RIGHT THINGS," I'm referring to the most effective response strategies to successfully resolve a threatening or volatile situation.

Fighting back with physical self-defense techniques is only part of staying safe.

===== Benefits Of The Mental Approach =====

An accurate understanding of the dynamics of predatory situations increases the odds of anticipating, avoiding, recognizing and responding to them. The "best" result to a violent encounter is not when you manage to fight your way out of it. It's when it doesn't happen in the first place!

Not all volatile situations can be solved by fighting. Effectiveness in a self-defense situation allows you to assess and evaluate the circumstances and select the most effective response strategy to implement to gain or regain control.

A sense of control that accompanies proper mental training decreases the stress and fear associated with volatile or predatory situations. And that increased sense of control and self-confidence can reduce the potential of being victimized.

===== Drawbacks To A Mental Only Approach =====

An "information-only" approach does not significantly change the body language that you project to a potential assailant. Although some self-defense instructors imply that you can "fake" non-victim body language by walking briskly, standing straight, and "pretending to be confident." That will only go so far. Pretending to be coordinated, strong and physically fit is easier said than done.

Knowing the best response option in a given situation, be it running away or fighting back, is of little value if you can't successfully pull it off. If you haven't developed your skills and fitness levels by ongoing self-defense practice, how likely are you to out-run or out-fight an assailant?

===== One OR The Other Is Incomplete =====

You've probably figured out by now that ONE OR THE OTHER of these two approaches is an incomplete approach to being able to defend yourself. An optimal strategy is to combine and balance your ability to make smart, effective decisions with the ability to carry those decisions through to a successful conclusion. BOTH mental AND physical elements are required for optimal self-defense success.

Be effective first, then be efficient. A medical equivalent might be to "Diagnose First The Perscribe." To successfully resolve a volatile situation, you need sound judgement to decide on the best course of action AND the physical skills and ability to implement your game plan.

The degree to which you pursue each approach has a lot to do with your capabilities, limitations and the goals you have in relation to your study of self-defense.

If you are smaller, weaker, older for example, your emphasis should lean more toward personal safety strategies and be supplemented with physical skills training. If your self-defense goals are simply to avoid victimization and to stay out of trouble, then learn everything you can about the dynamics of volatile situations.

On the other hand, maybe you are fit, athletic and skillful. Perhaps you already train regularly and feel capable of "holding your own" if you have to defend yourself. If thats the case, here are a couple pieces of advice to consider:

There's always someone tougher and meaner than you are! Even highly skilled fighters and martial artists need awareness and avoidance skills. Physical techniuqes are of little value if you are set up, sucker punched, or ambushed. NOBODY wins a fight. You may defeat your adversary and "still" be injured yourself. Also, just because you didn't instigate the confrontation doesn't mean that you won't find yourself being criminally charged or civilly sued for defending yourself.

The point I'm trying to make is that the BEST approach to self-defense training is to learn to do the right thing by learning everything you can about the dynamics of predatory situations AND engage in regular self-defense training so that you can "do things right" by developing the skills and conditioning to carry out a desired self-defense strategy.

===== Two Approaches? Two Resources! =====

The questions I get by email and in person, can be divided into two clear categories... "What-Should-I-Do-If...questions" and "How-Do-I...questions." Or in otherwords effectiveness and efficiency.

It is because of these different but complimentary aspects of self-defense that I've decided to "split" the focus of my web sites so I can address each in greater detail.

I'm in the process of restructuring of my web sites to assist you in finding the information you are looking for.

http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com will continue to be "home base" for my self-defense articles and newsletter. The site will maintain a "Get Smart Focus" by dealing with the Big Picture of personal safety concepts and will address all seven components of self-defense:

=> Self-Defense Psychology

=> Self-Defense Intelligence

=> Victim Selection

=> Predatory Recognition

=> Self-Defense Response Options

=> Prevention and Avoidance

=> Self-Defense Training Methods

My new site, http://www.ToughenUp.com/ takes the "Get Tough Focus" of the seventh component: Self-Defense Training Methods to the next level. It provides specific "how-to-train" resources and advice for people who want to incorporate ongoing self-defense training for a variety of reasons.

Randy LaHaie

Protective Strategies

Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his FREE SELF-DEFENSE NEWSLETTER at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

What Does Self-Defense Really Mean to You?

When you hear self-defense, what does it bring to mind? A woman at one of my classes (Jane), told me that she had never thought of self defense as something that applied to her - envisioning karate costumes and flying arms and legs. But recently while on a weekend trip, she said that she learned some things that caused her to realize that she needed to enroll in a class to help her learn to be both defensive, and proactive in regard to her safety.

What brought about her change of mind? Well, riding with her on the trip was a real estate agent who had been in the industry for many years. She spoke to Jane about new real estate agents who were so eager to make a sale that they didn't think about following basic precautions. Two new agents had been raped in her office that year. Even though she had quite a bit of knowledge, she had recently taken a self-defense class that she found very valuable. As she shared some of the philosophies she had learned, Jane became inspired to take a class. After she did so, she learned how empowering it is for a woman to be able to protect herself. Following are some of the ideas she learned in the class:

The basic definition of self-defense is to "protect one's person/property/reputation". This is a very general meaning, however, and doesn't give much insight as how you go about it. There are two aspects of self-defense: PREVENTION, which is your attitude, awareness of surrounding and verbal skills. And then the OFFENSIVE, which involves knowing the physical skills that you will need to escape or create pain for your attacker in order to save your life.

When thinking about self-defense, keep the AAA (triple A) in mind: ATTITUDE/AWARENESS/ABILITY. These three things will contribute to your future safety.

Attitude is planning actions in case something happens. Having an attitude that something may happen and taking proper steps for knowing what to do give you an edge over the average person.

Awareness that things happen all the time, and that you can become a statistic if you aren't careful, can help prevent any unwanted instances for using self-defense. Being aware of your surroundings at all times and knowing what predators look for will help you eliminate any weak areas you may have.

Ability is the set of skills you have to both avoid a confrontation (by being aware of your surroundings) and the physical techniques that you will need to know in order to get away or to hurt your attacker if ever you are in danger.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" should be the mantra of every self-defense course. Knowing what to do to avoid unwanted advances will prevent someone from approaching you most of the time. A strong self-defense course will offer you options. You should learn how to be on the lookout for a dangerous situation, how to assert yourself more when someone speaks to you, and it should also teach you basic moves that will help you get away from a predator. Your class should also stress how to inflict pain if it is ever necessary.

So, just what makes a woman (or a man) an easy target? Women are primarily targeted because they are physically unable to defend themselves. This is not because they are not strong enough, but because they haven't been trained in proper techniques. Women will often appear more vulnerable.

Sexual assault is another concern for women. Dating situations can lead to inappropriate contact from a date, and as a result, there is a real fear for health concern reasons. Women need to be strong.

While self-defense classes are probably available in your area and may be quite good, taking an online course can be very effective as well. Online classes can teach you how to be aware and exude a confident attitude, to take charge and to control distance. You will also learn to know where safety is, and how you need to go about getting help if the first two plans fall through. Don't be afraid to make a scene - knowing what to say and do can save your life. The last resort is physically defending yourself, but you can learn this too. Find out vulnerable parts of the body and the stance you need to take if you are ever attacked.

No instructor will be able to promise to keep you safe - you are ultimately responsible for defending yourself. But being armed with knowledge puts the power in your hands.

So, where did the two women go wrong I was telling you about earlier? They just didn't take precautions. Both of these real estate agents were so excited about showing a house that they didn't take another person along or know the client they were going with. One of these agents didn't even call and let the office know where she was going to be. When the men raped them, they were powerless and didn't have any way to seek recourse.

Don't be a victim. Take the power in your hands. With a few simple steps, these women wouldn't have to live with the consequences for the rest of their lives.

Bill Valentine, MS(psychology), is an experienced Self Defense Trainer and a 5 th degree black belt, with over 30 years experience, who offers free tips on the ultimate basic women's self defense which includes resources and information on safety awareness, how to protect yourself with non-lethal weapons, and " how- to" train in Self Defense from the comfort of your home. Self defense is not Karate.
http://www.womens-self-defense-instruction-online.com/index.html

Why Thinking You Know Self-Defense is Not the Same As Knowing How to Defend Yourself

It's amazing how many theories there are about self-defense. Especially here on the internet, where anyone can freely distribute information, regardless of the truth or value of that information. Do you know what I mean?

It's true that there have always been self-proclaimed "experts" who could take advantage of the ignorance or naivity of a prospective student, even before the advent of the world wide web. However, back then, a student had to find one of these people - you had to leave your home to get with one of these so-called "experts.". Today, merely searching for self-defense using a search engine, puts you within easy reach of many more possibilities and potential huksters, than ever before.

Of course, in the age of the internet, there has also been a significant increase in the number of people who believe that they can merely sit in a chair and stare at a computer screen to learn everything they need to protect themselves in a real-world self-defense situation. Long-gone are the days when you had to actually go to the store, buy the book or video, and bring it home to read or watch. Now, all you have to do is to do a search on the phrase "self-defense," and the next thing you know, you're reading or watching something for little to nothing at all.

And, this includes...

...time ACTUALLY doing the work of learning.

Contrary to popular belief, the study of self-defense - of actually being able to protect yourself in a dangerous situation - requires more than simply reading something or watching someone else perform for you. You simply DO NOT get the same understanding that you do when you are actually participating.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you can't learn things from books and videos. What I am saying is, self-defense is not, say, math. In a dangerous encounter with a brutal assailant, you can't rely on a mentally memorized formula and then set out to answer this real-world problem like you can when you're learning to solve a math problem in school. With math, it doesn't matter what numbers they put in front of you or how the equation is laid out, you're not going to end up with a broken body part, or worse, if you get the answer wrong.

Not true with self-defense!

You must remember that, in a real-world self-defense situation, you will be punished for every mistake you make. And, never forget how high the stakes are.

What I'm talking about here is the difference between what many believe to be the same concepts. If you look up the word "knowledge," in a Thesaurus, you will also find words like "information," and "widsom." And yet, these concepts are very different. And, having one, doesn't necessarily provide you with the others.

Here's what I mean...

In the grander scheme of things, information - data - is just that... Information. It's what you get when you hear, read, or learn something for the first time. It is not, by itself, "knowledge" - the skill and ability to use that "information" - born out of practice - to where you don't have to think about it.

An example of this is tying your shoes. When mom or dad provided you with your first lesson about tying your shoes, you didn't suddenly know how to do it. It was still just information. You had to remember each step, in order, or it wouldn't work. You didn't know "why" the knot was tied that way, only that you were told to do so. And you certainly couldn't do it in a rush - under pressure - if you had to get your shoes on in a hurry because the family was running late.

Now, you "know" how to tie your shoes. You can tie your shoes quickly and even tie other people's shoes for them. In fact, you probably have "knowledge" about several different types of knots, and... You now know why you couldn't just tie the knot any old way - because you didn't want to have to grab a fork to pry it open!

But, there is a level beyond knowledge - a level where the person knows more than just "how" something is done, but "why," "when," "where," etc. This is the level of wisdom. The wise knot-tier know which knot for what job - and why that knot is best. He knows what makes for a good knot and what doesn't so he can actually combine knots or make up his own.

But, the wise person didn't get where he is by simply reading a book, did he? No... He actually had to break out the ropes and work with the knots - tying, untying, retying, dealing with mistakes, confusion, and the like. Hours upon hours of practice. And sometimes, he had to seek out someone who knew how to make the knots better than him - he had to actually put his knots to use, to know if he were really doing it right.

My point here is that, if you're really going to be prepared for what you MUST be prepared for when a situation arises, you must be able to do more than remember what you read or saw in a martial arts book or self-defense video - you're going to have to act!

Here's a brief list of what simply reading or watching a video about self-defense CAN'T give you:

1) Experience with handling the raw emotions and sheer animosity that will be coming at you in a real self-defense attack. In a good, solid, and well-structured program, there should be drills and exercises - aside from technique training - that will simulate some of this real-world energy.

2) Knowledge about what a technique feels like when it's being applied correctly. Many actively training students will tell you that, what they think they see their teacher doing from the angle they're watching from, can often be VERY different from what is actually going on.

3) Direct experience with how another human being is going to act and react to your technique. What you're seeing outlined in the pictures or video... Is the IDEAL - the technique happening with NO PROBLEMS.

4) Feedback from a qualified teacher. No matter how many times you read the same book or watch that awesome self-defense video by Sensei Joe-Cool, and no matter how well you "think" you're perfoming the technique in your self-training sessions...

...that teacher can't give you pointers or tell you where you're going wrong.

We can often think we get something, but we have to remember that, without a proper foundation and accurate knowledge about that "thing" already, we have no way of knowing if we really get what's being taught or conveyed.

I could go on and on about the benefits of getting off your duff and actually training, but I think you get the point by now. Sometimes, as in the case of learning self-defense, you can't rely on guess work and a lazy or know-it-all attitude.

Sometimes you actually have to get up and get moving. Otherwise, you're never going to know if you actually know what you think you know. And...

...thinking you know self-defense DOES NOT mean that you know how to defend yourself!

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts International. He is a highly sought-after trainer, consultant, and expert in the areas of self-defense, workplace violence defensive tactics, and personal protection. He is the author of several books, and videos, including: "The Science of Self-Defense," and the dvd, "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," and is the co-producer of the self-defense & martial arts podcast called KUDEN. For more information and to download your free self-defense report entitled, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder" visit his web site at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Women's Self-Defense - Self-Esteem Begins With Self-Defense

Pretty bold statement, I know.   The truth is that a good women's self-defense training class provides you with the tools to build your self-esteem.
Before we discuss how, let's talk about what self-esteem really is.  From a dictionary definition, it is a confidence and satisfaction in oneself, i.e. self-respect.  From a clinical definition, it is the value we place on what we believe to be true about ourselves and how we feel about ourselves.  Individuals with high self-esteem consider themselves worthy and equal to others.  The common denominator in both definitions is "oneself."
We determine our self-esteem levels based upon the feedback we get from our environment.  So, applying logic, continuous negative feedback results in low self-esteem whereas positive feedback results in higher self-esteem.  So what does all of this have to do with women's self-defense?
A good women's self- defense program builds on the adage, "success breeds success."  Meaning that the more positive the outcome, the more willing you are to try again to achieve the same if not better results.  What we find with the women that train with us is their inner sense of "empowerment" kicking in because they are doing things they didn't think they were capable of doing.  Also, the training environment provides continuous  encouragement via Instructors and students.
Overall, we find that a healthy women's self-defense program allows a student to increase their self-esteem because:

her self-concept becomes more positive - she sees herself as worth defending
she becomes motivated to set new goals and/or tackle new problems
she begins to use available resources more effectively
she becomes more proficient at identifying and solving problems
her sense of personal competence grows
she is motivated to start the process again and try new things
Why does self-esteem begin with self-defense?  Because for a lot of women, it is the first time they are in an environment that encourages them to stand up for themselves, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
What would happen if all our girls are taught these skills beginning in elementary school?  Don't you think we could reduce the number of domestic violence and date rape situations by reducing the number of potential victims?
Because an individual with positive self-esteem is:

Confident - they don't require any one else's approval
Responsible - they are accountable for their actions and decisions
Goal Oriented - they are always striving to be and do better
Love & Accepted - they love themselves first and foremost and accept who they are.  Their image of themselves is not dependent on a boyfriend/husband.
Pride - they take care of themselves emotionally and physically
Laugh - they are able to laugh at themselves and see humor in the world
Happy - they are genuinely happy most of the time







By teaching women self-defense, we are providing them with a whole new toolbox of options to increase their self-esteem and take back control of their own destiny.
Angie M. Tarighi is the CEO of Women's Self-Defense Institute at http://www.self-defense-mind-body-spirit.com/, a national leader in educating and training women about their self-defense and personal security options.