#13 - Self Defence Classes
I’ve heard stories of women standing up to male attackers and imparting serious injuries. This isn’t to be played around with!
The why:
When I was younger, I fell in love with the Rocky movies. There was something about the idea that you could come from nothing, and make the big time. I loved the idea of boxing, and the training involved. However this was not something that was available to me or as part of my upbringing.
I also had a feeling that I needed to know how to defend myself in the instance something was to go wrong. I needed to know how to fight. This fear of not knowing what to do in the event of a hostile altercation is the catalyst behind becoming proficient in this area.
The glitz and glamour (thing MGM Pay Per View, attractive models and mouth watering pay days) associated with being an in ring competitor sometimes humours my 23 year old ego.
Perhaps a watch this space on the progression of this skill.
The how:
When it comes to taking classes, I research thoroughly.
I need to make sure I'm getting a coach who aligns with my requirements.
Thankfully, in the area of self defence, I have found this, and am progressing well.
My coach specialises in Krav Maga, and also incorporates other styles such as boxing and Muay Thai The style taught is to defend on the streets if $#!t gets real and also to understand threat awareness.
Recently after a training session, a drunk man started $#!t with me at 1pm on a Saturday afternoon out the front of a shopping centre. He yelled a lot of vile, incoherent abuse and then set a course aimed at my entire being. He hit my chest and bounced off, continuing to slur his abusive vitriol. Thanks to training, I was able to remain calm in the situation, and stand up to the aggressor.
(I was also waiting for a shirt grab, in that case I had a move ready to counter.)
For 2 months of training, this was a huge positive and I was really stoked with the outcome. One thing my coach warned me about was the bottle (when I mentioned the story to him) that he was holding, and how this can be a potential weapon. He also stressed that as I increase in skill I will become more aware of these situations.
All in all, we never really want to have to use our self defence skills, but in having them we are just a little bit prepared in the instance $#!t is about to get real.
Lessons learnt
Find an instructor who is not reckless
Prepare to get physical with your instructor
Sparring requires a mouthguard and headgear
If one on one lessons are too costly -> consider group training as an alternative
Status
Progressing exceptionally well
1x training per week / 2-3x practise sessions in personal time