Women's self defence | ||
Taijiquan syllabus | ||
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Self defence
Women often seek to learn self defence.
They want to acquire the same fighting skills as men.
These skills are useful but they do not typically address the fact that men and
women face rather different self defence scenarios.
Scenarios
These situations illustrate that women often face specific types of
threat/conflict:
• Domestic violence
• Adult bullying
• Unwanted persistent sexual advances (physical or verbal)
• Sexist, insulting remarks, jokes, malicious gossip, banter, innuendo,
swearing, name calling
• Abuse of power or position
• Mugging
• Sexual assault
• Rape
Women are far more likely to be attacked by somebody they know rather than a
stranger.
Size and strength do not necessarily determine a
person's ability to defend themselves - small women have been known to
successfully fight off a bigger and stronger attacker. Many women are
fitter, brighter and quicker than their male counterparts.
(Barry Davies, SAS)
Women-specific?
Self defence is taught as part of the overall taijiquan syllabus, but we do
also offer occasional Girl's Night classes that specialise in training
women-specific skills and scenarios.
These sessions explore realistic scenarios and a wide range of practical
fighting skills that work.
Female students learn how to intuitively target vulnerable areas on a man's
body. Counter-intuitive but logical, the training methods explore effective
ways to 'reverse' dangerous situations.
Learn how to become dominant, rather than the victim.
Use what you have
The training is a mixture of psychology, anatomical knowledge, positioning,
accuracy, opportunity and a willingness to actually do what is necessary.
Women are bottom-heavy; with large
hips, thighs and strong legs. This is where your power lies. Self defence
for women is all about using your body effectively and comfortably.
Empowerment
The ability to defend yourself is important in modern society. There are
many ugly situations in which conflict may arise.
Having the confidence and the fighting skills to handle aggression, bullying
and violence is invaluable.
Clarity
The side effects of unpleasant situations are fear and panic. These
immobilise the body and prevent clear thinking. Self defence training
encourages composure and mental clarity.
Instead of feeling vulnerable and exposed, you become integrated and
focussed.
Male/female
Many martial arts classes separate men and women. They even impose weight
categories. In real life you cannot choose who will attack you.
In order to cope with a male attacker, women's self defence must address
attacks from both men and women.
Julia: "You think she'll get
hurt?"
Dudley: "Probably, but she'll love it."
(The Bishop's Wife)
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Page created
18 April 1995
Last updated
30 June 2022
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