Women’s Self-defense: How to Choose the Right Program

As someone who has spent a lifetime and a military career as a security specialist I am continually amazed at what is being pawned off as “self-defense” programs for women.  

There are many “self-defense” programs being offered by martial arts schools, women’s center and even wellness centers.  The problem is choosing the right program.  Understand that just because someone is a martial arts instructor, former or current police officer, is “post certified” or bills themselves as a  “world champion” does not mean they are a qualified expert in any aspect of self-defense or personal protection, especially when it comes to the need of women's.  

I read an old blog post on the Lake Elsinore-Wildomar Patch titled “Self Defense for Women: Train Like A Soldier”, Feb 6, 2011, in which little or no information or tips were given about self-defense for women.  Instead there was one little blurb froma a soldier and the rest was an advertisement for Gracie-Barra Jujitsu, a sport art that has a lot of hype and nothing to do with self-defense or the operations and duties of soldiers.

To be truly competent in self-defense one must invest time in a continuous training program and no one can seriously be trained in, especially as an instructor, self-defense simply by taking a weekend seminar. However, some programs can teach specific survival techniques and the student can gain confidence in their application in a very short time the problem this is, can you use them effectively under duress!

How does one choose a quality self-defense program?  First and foremost you must examine the instructor’s credentials and qualifications.  Does the instructor have certifications from a credible program or source such as: Federal Law Enforcement or the Military?  Ask to see the instructor’s service record or Department of Defense Form DD-214 if they claim a military background (especially if "Special Forces" are mentioned) or other documentation if former Secret Service or FBI agents.  Others credible sources include organizations that specialize in the training of Executive Protection and Physical/Personal Security Agents.

Self-defense is not about fighting, its about using your head! Sure some instructors are good fighters but you’d be surprised at how many have little or no practical experience in situations involving actual single or multiple attacker combat or "the cycle of violence".

Is the program “reality” based and does it cover all aspects of domestic violence and violence against women or is it a “if he does this, you do that” program?

How many years has that instructor taught self-defense and not simply run a: Jujitsu, Karate, MMA or other “martial arts” school.  There is a difference and yes, some arts and their teachers are far superior to others in this capacity.

Second is the examination of the program itself.  Self-Defense and Personal Protection is not about physical confrontation though this seems to be the focus most programs.   Physical confrontation is the last event in the cycle of violence when all other protective measures have failed. The superior and truly effective programs introduce and teach psychological preparedness and how to develop the emotional mettle that allow one to detect, avoid and when necessary counter an attack. They should include study topics such as:

• Situational Awareness
• Threat Assessment & Risk Factors
• Home and Vehicle Safety Search Techniques
• Psychology of an Attack 
• Profiling Techniques
• Understanding and Dealing with Stalkers
• Advanced Defensive Driving Techniques
• Self-defense and the Law

As well as the physical aspects of:

• Vital Point and Nerve Point Striking
• Improvised Weapons
• Firearms Safety and Use

The list can go on and on.

Reality training is a must.  Women must train against men and both should wear some protective equipment.  This is where many “reality” based programs fall short.  Men do not just stand there and let women beat on them in the midst of an attack.  In some programs the man wears a big protective suit that makes him look like the Mr. Staypuff from Ghost Busters and then allow women wail on them.

This is a good confidence building tool and allows them to practice technique but the “reality” is the Predator is not Mr. Staypuff nor is he  stupid and he will hit back! Often they hit first!  Do not confuse reality training with “sparring” as done in martial arts schools that focus on sport and athleticism.  This more often than not leads to a false sense of security and is extremely dangerous.  Your self-defense and personal protection is by no means a sport.

Another aspect of reality training is technique.  Are the techniques functional, effective, easy to learn and easy to employ (including weapons) or are they intricate and complicated requiring a great deal of understanding and time to perfect?  Ask for a demonstration.  There is no valid reason why any self-defense program instructor cannot arrange for a demonstration of what you will learn should you decide register.  And always ask questions.  If you are unsure of something presented in a program, ask!  The only dumb question is the one never asked.

If a self-defense program is offered by a martial arts school and is used as an introduction to their regular training programs you should be allowed to observe all levels of their curriculum without restrictions or having to purchase lessons!  Some martial arts are far more effective for self-defense than others.  If you elect to join a school, try to get an unbiased opinion of the style first and do some research of your own.  In any case, continued practice of learned self-defense techniques is a must.  In the military we have an axiom: “You fight like you train”!

This brings up online and DVD courses.  Think of it this way, where do you go ahdn who will you ask when you have questions? Will an on-line instructor have the time to answer not only your question but possibly those of a hundred other students? How do you know you are executing the techniques properly if you are learning on-line and from DVDs?  More importantly is the instruction valid?  Remember credentials are everything in the Personal Protection Industry. The best programs are those where you directly interface with an instructor and receive immediate feedback.  If the program you choose offers DVDs or booklets as part of your package these can be used to review and enhance your continued practice of learned techniques and other skill sets.

Safety Tips:  Here are some tips to help you prevent the occurrence of a violent encounter.

- First, know your environment.  At night stay in well-lighted and populated areas.

- Keep your senses ”alive”.  Actively scan your environment for possible hazards (hiding places).  Objects such as dumpsters, delivery vehicles and vans are ideal cover to conceal a predator.

- Be aware of building corners when walking or shopping. You neve know who has been watching you.

- If alone walking, jogging or taking the kids for a stroll, avoid persons who appear out of place and trust you instincts!

- Keep eye contact and conversations to a minimum.

- If confronted do you best to keep objects like shopping carts, trash cans, etc. between you and the attacker.

-Yell “FIRE” not help.  This will get more attention something predators do not want.

- NEVER LET THE PREDATOR TOUCH YOU!

- NEVER GET IN THE PREDATOR’S VEHICLE even under the threat of harm or death!

Remember perceiving a threat before it occurs is the best self-defense of all.

As our Valley community continues to grow more of the negative and criminal elements grow with it despite the best efforts of our law enforcement professionals.  Though their motto is “Serve and Protect” they cannot be everywhere and response time can be 5 minutes or more. 

The responsibility for your safety and personal protection is in your hands. Empower yourself with the knowledge and the skills necessary to defeat the threat of violence.  Ask you employer if they sponsor programs for self-defense and personal protection. 

And remember-“Don’t be a victim-be the victor”!  

Stephen McGovern is a retired Navy Anti-terrorism Instructor, Military Law Enforcement Officer and a Personal & Physical Security Professional with over 20 years military service and 40 years teaching martial arts . He is the owner and is the Chief Instructor of Tenkobushi Budokan Martial Arts. In addition to martial arts instruction as a member of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) he consults in matters of physical security and personal protection, industrial security, threat assessment and evaluation.