If you’re thinking of starting a self-defense course it’s probably because you feel like you’d be an easy target if you were attacked. So what do you learn in self-defense classes and can this benefit you?
Self-defense classes are definitely worth it and beneficial as it teaches you to recognize and avoid dangerous situations and how to defend yourself in the event that you are attacked. Self-defense classes include physical techniques as well as psychological preparation which may not be as easy to learn at home without a trainer.
Some classes are just a crash course in the basics of self defense while others are quite in-depth. What works best for you depends on how much time you have available and the kind of situation you’d like to be ready for.
What Are Self Defense Classes?
Self defense classes teach specific strategies and routines that are effectively combatting the kinds of threats you’re likely to encounter, like muggings, assault or rape. Self-defense is usually taught at a formal gym or studio set up in groups, but one-on-one training is also available at most clubs.
Learning self-defense at home is possible, although can be quite a challenge if you plan on doing this only through watching videos or reading and not attending a class, since it may lack the practical expertise and guidance of trained self defense tutors who specialize not only on physical techniques but on psychological too.
Unlike martial arts classes it’s not a sport, so the focus at first is not so much on perfecting technique as being able to react.
Aside from set moves to break out of a grip or immobilize an attacker, you’ll learn how to avoid getting to the point of having to defend yourself. Some of the skills that might be covered are:
Physical skills:
- How to position yourself when being attacked
- Different kinds of strikes
- How and where to strike back
- Blocks
- How to break free of a hold or choke
More advanced courses might teach you how to defend yourself against multiple attackers or an armed attacker, and how to handle weapons yourself.
Psychological skills:
- Awareness of your surroundings
- How to spot a threat
- Preventative behaviors
- Negotiation tactics
- How to keep calm in the event of an attack
Self defense techniques draw heavily on martial arts but they don’t follow any one particular style. A lot of the techniques that are most effective in a self defense situation aren’t allowed in most martial arts classes because they can cause serious injury or are considered unsporting. In self defense classes you’re prepared for a dirty fight, which is what you’re likely to encounter in real-life.
Objectives Of Self Defense Training
The basic aim of self defense classes is to prepare you for how to handle an attack. At the very least this means keeping calm and being strategic about your response, at a higher level it can include mastering fight techniques. How far you take it depends on your personal objectives.
A workshop or seminar might be best for you if you don’t have much time available on a regular basis but want to get an idea of the basics.
This kind, of course, is a great way to get you into the right mindset to be able to defend yourself and give you some ideas about how to get yourself out of trouble quickly, but without occasionally practicing or brushing up on your technique, you might find it difficult to apply the moves you learn in a real-life situation.
If you want to be confident in more challenging situations then you’ll probably need to sign up for long-term classes. This approach will not only teach you the basics and how to apply them but give you the opportunity to practice and develop on them.
The more you practice, the more automatic your reactions become, which will be a major advantage in a fight. Practicing regularly with a partner or instructor prepares you for what it feels like to come up against a real person.
Benefits Of Learning Self Defense
Self defense classes will help you avoid dangerous situations as well as giving you tools to escape them. With violent attacks becoming commonplace, knowledge of self defense techniques can help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Even if all you have time for is an introductory crash course in self defense, it will put you in a much better position than if you had no training at all. The more time you have to learn and practice, the more secure you will be in a dangerous situation.
Self defense isn’t intended as a fitness class. At the basic level, it should be accessible to people from a wide range of fitness backgrounds. The techniques taught rely to a large degree on using what strength you have intelligently rather than being stronger than your opponent.
Does Self-defense Work And The Classes Worth It?
The entire concept of self defense works and is totally worth it because it is based on the physical and mental preparation of a person to handle any unfortunate confrontation by an attacker, thereby being able to survive rather than surrender to panic and whatever fate your attackers decides for you.
To substantiate this,
Prof. Jocelyn Hollander’s of University of Oregon conducted a sociology study for women in 2014, it was concluded and published in the sagepub journal that:
Self-defense works because “those who participate in self-defense training are less likely to experience assault and are more confident in their ability to effectively resist assault than similar people who have not taken such a class.”
In separate research studies conducted by Model Mugging, one of which had a generous sample size of 60,000 being their self defense students, in summary, self defense worked for 78-98% of their students as they where able to either avoid confrontation, stay in control or fight off their attackers by applying their self defense knowledge (by being vocal, staying mentally in control, applying physical technique or just by being assertiveness).
If you have ever thought about it or asked yourself this question of whether self defense works, then there’s a conscious or subconscious reason why you feel the need to equip yourself for whatever reason. If how prepared you are depends on the difference between life and death, then you should lean on the side of giving the benefit of the doubt to self defense working and being worth a try.
At least basic knowledge of self-defense is a must these days. Whatever your budget and time constraints, there’s a course out there for you worth doing.
If you’ve never done any kind of contact sport before, you’ll learn a lot even from a short course.
If you have a strong background in martial arts, a course focused on self defense techniques can teach you how to direct your skills outside the dojo into a real-life situation.
Personal safety is priceless, if you can invest a little time and effort in it it’s well worthwhile.
What To Wear To A Self Defense Class?
What you wear to self defense classes should be comfortable and conducive to whatever technique you will be required to perform, without being inhibited or self conscious of your physique. In most cases, the average type of gym attire is ideal for self defense classes.
Most self defense classes won’t be too strict about what you wear if their brochures don’t specific.
Clothing:
Wearing training pants and sweat-shirts are ideal for self-defense classes, just don’t wear very baggy clothes that can trip you or restrict your movement. If you’re comfortable in lycra, it will give you great freedom of movement but bear in mind that you might be bent into some unflattering positions!
Shoes:
Shoes can make a big difference to your mobility. Unlike martial arts, you’ll often leave your shoes on for self-defense classes. If you’re going for a weekend course, stick to your normal trainers but if you’re thinking of taking up long term training you might want to consider investing in a pair of trainers especially for class. Lightweight shoes with minimal tread can help with footwork, but not too flimsy or you’ll be replacing them within a few weeks!
Self Defense Gear & Equipment:
Some classes might require additional safety equipment such as gloves, head-gear or gum guards but instructors will specify this when you sign up. Classes that require you to wear a uniform are usually martial arts classes as opposed to self-defense, and will arrange for you to buy the uniform through the club if required.
Although you might not have such luxury in your choice of outfit if you are one day attacked, you need to be comfortable enough during class to focus on the lesson at hand.
Disadvantages Of Learning Self Defense
There aren’t any direct disadvantages of learning self defense. Unlike martial arts classes you’re not often expected to engage in direct combat, so you’re unlikely to go home from a class nursing a black eye or bruised ribs.
Self defense involves a lot more than just physical defense moves, so the focus of training can be shifted to suit a person’s physical capabilities.
Any class obviously involves time and financial commitment, and this might be difficult in some situations. Intense courses are a good option for someone with little time to spare, as are “teach-yourself” videos and internet tutorials. Free classes might be available through your gym, your college, local police department or community forums.
Depending on the course you take and your personal preferences, you might find that the more intensive learning curves don’t give you much time to commit the lessons to memory. If that’s the case for you, you might want to take a course that’s spread out over a few consecutive weeks, or attend a refresher course every few months.
Remember This…
It is also important to mention that before you decide to stand your ground and fight, quickly assessing your situation and in some case making a wise choice not to defend yourself is just as important as learning self-defense.
Most times especially if you’re getting mugged, it could be worthwhile surrendering your valuables in trade for your life and others safety who are with you. Whichever you choose, the ultimate goals is to live to see another day!
