Self Defence Class Good Or Bad Idea?

[NoWhereKnowWhere]

So for my New Years resolution I've decided to practice more self care and generally be kinder to myself. I know I do and feel a lot better when I'm physically active so this is one of the self care stratagies I've been looking at.

I wanted to join a self defence class or kick boxing, something along those lines. I would really like to feel safe again, like if anything happened I could take care of myself (not in like a I'm gonna kick some ass way but like I'm gonna get out of this and run for help).

Just the thought of if I was in this scenario how would I get out of it makes me feel quite anxious although I think I could push through that.

Has anyone here that's been sexually or physically assaulted and taken a self defence class? And how was it? Do you feel it helped you?

I'm a bit worried it might make my hyper vigilance worse or I might get a fright and floor somone (I've almost done this before) but at the same time I think it could be very helpful and they generally teach discipline along with it.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[deer_in_headlights]

Yes, yes, yes!!!
Best thing I've ever done for myself!

The padded instructor style classes are the best. The IMPACT Model Mugging courses are designed for people who have been traumatized.

I've taken several courses in Boston (I live in a different state), and Austin, Texas, and each was a profound, healing, empowering experience!

I'll put several links here for you:

Palm Strikes:

After my first course in Boston, I was walking in a city, and met the eyes of a distinctive man. Rather than look away or cower, I was very strong emotionally and it showed outwardly. His body language changed, and he moved back. 2 days later he was arrested. I won't go into the traumatizing details, but he kidnapped and kept women captive. His crimes were so horrific, that the city bulldozed the property. I KNOW that course saved me that day.

San Francisco IMPACT description of fighting:

Tony Blauer (based in Ottawa, Quebec, Ontario Canada) is fantastic! He, and his team, travel around the world. I took a course from one of his team instructors. They teach you really neat ways of protecting yourself (including from weapons) using your own body's natural flinch responses. This dovetails in perfectly with the IMPACT system.

The flinch response:

 

[Biz]

Yes, I was sexually assaulted by an ex and I currently take judo classes. The dojo I go to is great and the teacher is also a yoga teacher so he integrates a lot of breathwork in to class. Sometimes, we stop mid class to do a breath exercise called shi-go-q, I don't know the actual spelling, it's an extended exhale to kick in the parasympathetic system. I'm really glad I found a place that has such an emphasis on calm mind and de-escalating yourself as you engage with others.

I think judo, in general, has this approach and I hear aikido too has a calm, centered approach. I watch classes frequently when I don't feel centered enough to participate without triggering and I've talked to my teacher about it. He's very calm and supportive. It's been a great challenge and is VERY empowering. I consistently feel safer knowing that I know what to do to protect myself.

 

[Suzetig]

Yep, I did karate to black belt level - it was an excellent way of learning to defend myself in a controlled, supportive environment and it too incorporated breathing exercises which helped calm me. I didn't find myself triggered in classes because of the very structured way of instruction.

 

[ShodokanJenn]

Yes for sure. I assist with teaching a women's self defense class. We have way over 3000 graduates, and not ONE has been successfuly attacked post graduation. I also hold a black belt in Shodokan Tae Kwan Do, and do a lot of instructing in that, too. Kick boxing is great for cardio but mostly useless in self defence. Regardless,I hope you find something useful for YOU to do.

 

[Ocean5]

I'm a bit worried it might make my hyper vigilance worse or I might get a fright and floor somone (I've almost done this before)

Has been worry of mine too. I'm a guy, non-violent, but when pushed to my edge as kid I seriously fought back against other guys much larger than me. They went down.

I like @deer_in_headlights advice padded instructor.

Also, consider Krav Maga. Used by police and military around world. What I plan to take. But can be hard to find classes. But I still worry how I will react.....

Any other suggestions specific self-defense classes or programs. I'm not female, but slim build and light weight.

 

[Ed Norton]

It's probably always a good idea to take some self defense.

 

[Lionheart]

I think it is a great idea!!! I took Shao Lin Do Karate at age 13. I have a 3rd degree brown belt. It really helped me to feel more confident and I even had to use it a couple of times....it worked well!! But it is for self-defense only and that is why I liked it so much!!! You are not the aggressor, only defending yourself.

 

[NoWhereKnowWhere]

@deer_in_headlights thanks for the videos very informative and kick ass. I've been looking at some self defence videos on YouTube and practicing in my SO don't worry I don't actually hurt him or anything.

@Ocean5 when I was on YouTube I stumbled on some Krav Maga and it looks great and a bit brutal and I've actually found a class they have an intro course it's quite expensive...actually it's very reasonable I'm just skint. So I'm going to save some money and do that one I think. I couldn't find a self defence course near me only martial arts stuff really so I think I'll go for the Krav Maga.

Thanks for all the replies everyone. It felt like a good idea but I was having one of those day where I feel like my gut instincts and mind can't be trusted. You know what like.

Before I was diagnosed I used to carry a knife which is stupid cause I had no idea what I was doing with (people often end up stabbed with their own knife) and illegal in the UK. And you know it made me feel worse and less safe. Ah well a lesson lived, is a lesson learned.

I think this should be good though, scary and new but also empowering and challenging.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Loved the videos and it brought back memories because I also took Impacts Model Mugging. I went from being in a frozen state to a warrior woman. It was a real learning experience for me and the guys who wore the padding are my heroes because they are so great and yet have a very tough job to do. The scenios were all quite real. It really raised my confidence.

 

[Changing4Best]

I went to one for a semester or so and it helped me a little. I was unable to learn a lot of the things, but I did learn a few of them enough that I feel I could use them in a threatening situation if I had to. Even to know just one move is a blessing!