Self-Defense for Women: Inside and Out

If you have never taken a class in self-defense you probably envision a crowd of angry women kicking the crotch of a well padded perpetrator while shrieking loudly. This is a typical portrayal on television and is not very accurate. Most self-defense classes and courses teach women many valuable lessons that are about a lot more than fighting back physically. Self-defense is just as much about the inner self as the physical.

For women, self-defense begins with self-awareness. I emphasize women because they are ten times more likely than men to be victimized.*

Every two and a half minutes in America someone is sexually assaulted.* There are countless crimes committed against women every day. Women are most often assaulted and abused by someone they know. As a result it is important for women to learn how to defend themselves in many different situations. A well taught and informative class or course can help foster confidence, awareness, and pride. The lessons taught can also help women who have suffered abuse or assault to begin to overcome their feelings of helplessness and pain.

We all have tools and weapons at our disposal of which we might not be aware. I'm not talking about guns, knives or mace. Our most important weapons are our voice, our eyes, our brain, our anger, and yes, our fists, feet, head, arms, knees, fingers, elbows and legs. We can scream, we can observe, we can be aware and plan, we can be angry, and we can fight back.

One of the most important components of self-defense is the way you present yourself to the world. It is vital to always be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Our body language conveys volumes to a potential attacker. Criminals look for certain behaviors and opportunities when victimizing somebody. They watch for women who seem unsure of themselves and are not paying attention what's going on around them. Walk with a proud posture and scan the area with your eyes. Walk swiftly and confidently, without hesitation. The more you try to convey self-assurance and confidence the more natural it becomes, until you are confident.