Self-defense Seminars

[Tom Yum]

The problem with that is about the time girls hit dating ages (15-16) they start loosing parts - they either start misbehaving, turn jaded in the heart, or loose their heads (most of the time opting for obsessions, trends, or friends instead).

Well, I'm interested in gals that are atleast in their 20's - I suppose I'd make an exception for a younger 20 something, if I could sense maturity.

With all the things that can go wrong with women today, you have really high standards, but good luck to you anyway : )

lol thanks for the encouragement.

I didn't realize that looking for a good girl meant I had high standards.

And by good, I meant good lookin' (likes to stay in shape, takes care of herself), has a good heart (a definite sense of right and wrong) and is good spirited (generally cheerfull, has some energy etc.).

[Little Apple]

yup, those are high standards. It's ok though, you go ahead and keep them.

back to the point: I totally agree with Jace, the mental bit is what gets them. When I've taught or assisted at SD things, you'd be surprised how many women just refuse to use any kind of force. At all. they refuse to hit, they refuse to actually yell or scream, IF they hit they refuse to hit hard. I get so used to MA gals I forget sometimes, but it's nuts.

As far as what to focus on, I would say it depends on the durration of the class. If it's a one shot deal, focus on telling them to be smart, and having them practice simple, loud, brutal escapes. If you've got some time to build skill, then for pete's sake build skill, fitness, and awareness. Just remember that in a one class course, you're not going to teach them any fancy skill that they will retain. Just have them practice screaming their little heads off and clawing their way into a good solid sprint. And honestly have them scream: it may not bring help, but it might make their attacker nervous.

[Tom Yum]

LOL. I have high standards? Damn, that's a first. Lil apple you're attractive and seem to be good spirited, but I don't know you that well...if I thought you were a good girl, that'd mean that you're a good catch.

And on to the main topic...

How do you motivate a group of middle class gals to attack with full force?

I didn't have to motivate the ladies in the shelter; many of them were going full power from the start!

[Jace]

How do you motivate a group of middle class gals to attack with full force?

I didn't have to motivate the ladies in the shelter; many of them were going full power from the start!

the ones at the shelter probably already had the motivation they needed. If a woman goes to live in a shelter, she already understands why she needs to learn to protect herself.

I believe the best way for the group of women who have not been in a similar situation is to take the first part of the lessen and just talk to them. Talk to them about awareness, tell them stories about women you might know who have been abused or ones you know of who were raped, killed, etc. Not as a scare tactic, but you need them to understand that this is a very real threat they are facing and thinking "it won't happen to me" will get them hurt. Build a trust-relationship with them.

You can try doing like what happend to me at the seminar - where the guy came up and verbally attacked me (this is an important part to cover since most attacks begin at this stage). It really did make an impact on me and the rest of the women at the seminar. Of course, I was one of the only women there with prior martial arts training and for the rest of the women who knew I'd been doing this for years to see me lock up, I think that put everything into perspectives for us.