Self Defense Classes: Who can benefit the most?
 

I've always wanted to take self-defense classes. Sometimes back home, the law enforcement would have classes on it. Years ago, while working in the banking system, we had FBI that would come in and give us women a few tips on how to be observant, and use what we had at our disposal for defense.

I never got a chance or took the time to take some of these classes in the past. But, now I'm thinking serious about taking some.

Who can benefit from taking self-defense? How can one go about asking for a program to start in your area? And how many weeks would it take to actually learn to be sufficient in defending yourself against a preditor?

I'm thinking many people, young/old, men/women....could benefit by knowing some tools to defend themselves. I would probably check with law enforcement in my area for any programs. I'm not sure how long it would take to be self-sufficient in defending oneself, since I have never taken a class, but I'm sure someone here might know. And that is why I wanted to start this thread.

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but maybe this will give us a new awareness of what goes on around us. We all listen to the news everyday and can't help but wonder what we can do to prevent these preditors from violating us and our children.

I came across this site in my internet trawling, and reading it changed a lot of my thinking about self defense. Might be worth a look, especially if you've not really thought about the topic before.

I think everyone can benefit from at least the basics of self defense. Common sense comes into play for a lot of it - knowing how to avoid situations where you'll need to defend yourself, instead of relying on a technique to escape when it's likely too late.

"Self-defense" classes have always been a double-edged sword, in my book.

I've seen too many women who think that they can suddenly stop any assailant, regardless of size, because they've taken a self-defense class at some point. Unfortunately, this makes them take more chances, and consequently put themselves in more risky situations.

I think that a little natural fear is good - I'd never say that self-defense classes shouldn't be taught, but only a reminder that regardless of how great your class was, a 100 lb woman is not going to stop a 250 pound assailant who hits you from behind.

That site is neat Hulk. Thanks for sharing!

I also took this test:

https://www.rateyourrisk.org.secure....om/beaten.html


Here were my results:

Your total is 12.

(0 to 50) This score shows a low risk of assault. You are either highly cautious or a poor target. You should not be foolishly overconfident however. Keep up the precautions and take the test again next month and don't fudge on your points. Don't open your door to strangers. It puts you at risk.

Yes, I know it's more of a common sense type of thing and that is what I have learned in the past. But, I still think some basic physical skills surely wouldn't hurt.

Your total is 4.
(0 to 50) This score shows a low risk of assault. You are either highly cautious or a poor target. You should not be foolishly overconfident however. Keep up the precautions and take the test again next month and don't fudge on your points. Learn how to change a tire. Tire changing is not rocket science and can get you out of a tight spot.

I once took self defense and feel safer knowing what to do in the event of an emergency.

My mail man will tell you that if you knock on my door and I am not expecting you and you do not want to be greeted with a sword or other sharp pointy object in hand you yell who you are when you knock. Thankfully he has a sense of humor and knows how the world is today and wasnt offended. :)

For most people (especially people on this board), the best benefit would probably be just to be observant and act when you get that creepy feeling instead of ignoring it. I think it's not in ANYONE'S best interest to get to the point of violence unless that is what they intend.

By the way, I scored a 63. Apparently being a black male between 16 and 26 is an auto +15 points. How silly. That's a culture thing, not an either\or. I don't really care enough to see which other answers are rated which way.

Your total is -17.

(Negative score) A minus score indicates that the criminal would be in danger FROM YOU. The greater the negative score...the greater the danger.

I don't put myself in too many situations where I would need to defend myself, however if I find myself in one, I am well prepared.

I thought of that when I saw it. And I wondered how that might swing. And I wondered about the youth part. It's almost like the insurance on a male under 25 yrs of age. But, it's going by the law of averages, I suppose. And since some large crime areas are highly populated with minorities, I guess that is how they came up with that one. I really don't know.

I don't remember seeing what part of the country/world you live in as being part of the rating though, did you? I really hate it when you can't get a good statistics on some things though. But, then again.....there would have to be a thorough research.

BTW, I never would have known you were black and between the ages of 16 and 26. Toaster should have been enough of a dead give away, but I just got hung up on the avatar!! LMAO! I sure hope you see my humor!!! :D :D :D

Your total is -25.

(Negative score) A minus score indicates that the criminal would be in danger FROM YOU. The greater the negative score...the greater the danger.

Thank goodness for concealed carry laws.

Sugah, most martial arts schools teach classes exactly like the one you're looking for. Most of the schools I've seen emphasize how to get away from your attacker, and what to do during an attack. IMO everyone should know a little about self defense.

Depending on the student, two-four months of training should give you a reasonable idea on the basics of self defense.

You will benefit from it.

I've got to agree. Check nearby martial arts schools. Our Karate/Self Defense center here focuses on getting away from the attacker, and being aware. It also shows how to get out of certain holds (ie, someon grabbing your arm or shirt).

Yeah, the survey means well, but when you break it down it's just some random thing on the internet.

Hahaha, yeah, I've gotten the "OMG Toaster is a guy" before, but I hadn't gotten the "OMG Toaster is black" before. It does lend some credence to whenever I talk about race though, since I get flak from both blacks and whites due to my mixed heritage. :lol:

FYI: I think Shesus and NgDawg are the only ones that make a practice of having their avatar actually be a picture of them... and even that isn't 100%. I will say that I'm 100% of the people that use a picture of a porn chick shoving a toaster down her panties. :)

Chi' and Kurty: Yes, I think so too. But martial arts???? Oh man. I guess I can ask the sub teacher if he has anything like that or would be willing to start one. A real nice man though. I might ask him.

:D I'm sure. Sorry about that.

And guess what happened tonight???? I take that test, right? And I know not to answer my door (because I don't have a peephole) but the door bell rings, it's dark outside, and I yell behind the door, "Who is it?" There is nothing but mumbling and I don't understand. So I flick on the light for the front porch, open the shades, and there stands a black man. Now, I certainly am pushing my luck here(with you), but my eyes are huge and I have no idea who this man is! He isn't my neighbor behind me and I have no idea what the black man looks like that works with my husband.

The boss is in the bathroom and I say, "I'm not answering the door dear! There is a black man out there and I do not recognize him!" A second later the boss comes out, goes to the bar and grabs something! What? I don't know. Opens the door and the guy says he is looking for a street that is two streets over from us. After a few seconds, the boss comes in and I said, "Did you know him?" He says, "No dear. But you did the right thing. He is a stranger to both of us." I then see the knife he had in his hand and died laughing! He smirks and says, "Hell, you had me going on an adrendaline woman!" [/quote]

HA!!!! You are a riot buddy! Love it! :D

I'm not allowed to have an avatar though. My stuff is waaaaay too much for here. Heh.

I really wonder how you would've acted if it were a white man in a suit. :(

If I don't know who they are, I ain't answerin' the door.............PERIOD!

But, what really scares me is if he was wearing a cop uniform. Black, white, green, purple.........I might answer the door. THAT's the scary part!!!

In that case, you ask for their badge number and police department, call the police department's non-emergency number, and verify that the officer with that badge number is genuine and is verified by dispatch to be in that area, since the police call dispatch with every stop they make.

Ditto. The answer to that question, if answered honestly, will reveal something about the person who answers.

By the way, every (sane) person is racist, classist, and sexist. It's whether you can see your own behaviour and admit to them that ends up being important.

I scored a 53 on the risk test, but I also live in a small town of 20,000 which cuts down the risk.

I am also highly athletic, am 6'5 and weigh over 200 lbs with a bmi of 11, in other words, in this area I'm one of the biggest guys around.

When I go to Vegas (which is the nearest big city) I am very careful and alert.

I'm alert enough to consistently recognize concealed weapons (I assume that most of these are legally carried based on the appearances of the people, and that they are probably concerned about the recent wave of gang violence in the area.) I'm 6'8" and around 300 pounds, and I'm getting around to getting my concealed carry permit soon.

There are a few things I know about self defense. First, if we're both unarmed I'd beter be a hell of a lot bigger than the other guy to be sure I can win. Second, stunguns and tasers are useless. Third, pepper spray is worthless unless you have a knife to back it up. Fourth, I wouldn't trust anything smaller than .40 to protect me. Fifth, never bring a knife to a gunfight.

I hate guns.

i posted on this in tilted parenting. i think kids could be the greatest beneficiaries of self defense classes. not only does it give them options in the event of being bullied, it instill the discipline and eastern philosiphies of compassion and connection with kids who so lack it in these days of shooter video games and horror movies.