Maybe you were bullied in school, or maybe you live in a rough
neighborhood whatever the case you just want to know how to
defend yourself. Self-defense training is a way to take back
control of your life, rather than cowering when a dangerous
situation arises. Many people will take self-defense courses,
or arm themselves with weapons or other self-defense tools.
No matter which course of action you take, there are some key
things you need to understand about self-defense. Here are a
few things that will help you in evaluating your self-defense
needs.
If you choose a self-defense course, do your research on the
course. Not only should it offer physical techniques for
defense, but it should show you how to handle aggressive
conflicts, being aware of your surroundings, and what you need
to do to be safe. All good courses are a combination of things
to not only help you fend off a physical attack, but to avoid
them if you can.
Whatever option you choose for self-defense, learn to execute
it properly. If you have a can of pepper spray or a pen knife,
find out everything you can about the application of these
products, what they can do, and maybe most importantly what
they cannot do. If you are learning verbal avoidance and
awareness, learn as much as you can and apply what you have
learned regularly. The more you make self-defense a part of
your life, the greater the chance of it saving your life when
the time comes.
Learn several options for self-defense. You may not be able
to get that can of pepper spray or the Taser out of your jacket
or purse, so an alternate strategy is important. It might be
worthwhile for you to take a brief course to learn the awareness
and resolution strategies, and a few close combat physical
techniques, along with carrying a self-defense product.
If you like the idea of learning a discipline and perfecting
it over time, then marital arts classes might be the right idea
for you. You will be taught several physical techniques for
defense, along with personal discipline and in some classes you
will also learn simple escape techniques.
Not one method can guarantee success, as each attack is
different. Dont let anyone tell you that they can guarantee
that you will get away from attacker with their system or their
self-defense weapon. This is impossible. No one can ever
predict or re-enact your attack when it happens. Being taught
how to respond is the only thing they can guarantee.
Realize that any self-defense method, whether it is a weapon,
or physical defense strategy, is meant to merely provide an
opportunity to escape never to continue engaging with an
attacker. If you are being taught to prolong your defense, or
to make the attacker pay longer than they should, then you
might think twice about that option. The longer you are with
the attacker the more jeopardy you put yourself in, physically
and emotionally.
The options are there: weapons, physical defense such as karate
or other martial arts, and avoidance techniques. Find the right
one for you one that you are most comfortable with, and stick
with it. Once you learn to defend yourself from attack, you
will feel empowered in the face of danger, rather than shying
away and being taken advantage of by your attackers. Confidence
and peace of mind are a much more enjoyable feeling than fear
and angst any day. Empower yourself with a self-defense option
you wont regret it.
