Self defense is about more than just physical techniques. It's about more than just keeping yourself safe from strangers. It should make you feel confident, and secure in the world--even though the world can be a dangerous place. So here are some thoughts about picking a class.

1. You should feel comfortable with the instructors. So ask them what their philosophy of self defense is. Do you agree with it? Do you think it will work for you?

2. Ask other people about self defense classes they have taken. If you have special needs--if you are disabled, or have a history that makes you nervous about taking the class, or have language barriers, or any of the other things that might make a class difficult, try to find out how the instructors will be able to meet your needs.

3. Can you make it to the classes--in terms of time, location, and the accessibility of the building?

4. Most important of all, decide what your needs are, and make sure you can get them met.

I personally prefer self defense that is as much about my mind, and my emotions, and my spirit, as it is about my body. I prefer self defense that operates on a feminist philosophy. I require self defense that can make allowances for my body, which won't do all of the moves that other people can do.

I dislike the classes on self defense I've had that were highly "rules" based, because they made me feel less confident. Rather than someone telling me an eight step way of making a man let go of me (I vaguely remember that I had to do something with his pinky....) I prefer a class that points out that if you strike a primary target--eyes, nose, throat, groin, or knees, whichever you can reach--the attacker will be forced to loosen their grip! Knowing where to strike, and practicing a few ways of doing it, is more useful to me than spending most of the instruction time learning a complicated move that I've never yet had to use.

I think that markers of a good class range from enthusiastic students to a solid teaching philosophy. You shouldn't have to live in fear, either before or after you've taken a class. And after you've taken a class, you should feel confident. Not over-confident, because there are still dangers in the world. But in my opinion, a good class should leave you feeling like you can either protect yourself when you're out late at night, or like you have the assertiveness to ask the person of your dreams out on a date! (My favorite personal self defense success story is that after ending my second six week course, where we'd ended with role plays, I was able to go home, and ask a very cute person out on a date. And she said yes!)

HOME