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