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[tashabear]

I'm trying to write a brochure for a Women's Self-Defense Class. I got some input from the instructor, but he's a bit of a fear-monger, so I'd like some more positive, empowering reasons why you might want to take self-defense. Not necessarily traditional martial arts, but a sort of street strategies and awareness course with some physical response

Comments

[timestep]

My first thought was "Walk With Confidence."

That and "It's okay Mom, Women's Self Defense will help take care of me when you aren't here." (because any time I would go out for a bike ride, a run, a hike, my mother would tell me all the reasons it wasn't safe -- never mind when she was going to grad school (when she was 50), she had an apartment in the city - but I couldn't have one there).

[measanan]

I agree with the "walk with confidence" comment completely.

Though I have no martial arts training at all, I do have other suggestions based on my time as a business traveler. I was often in cities or countries where I didn't speak the language. Sometimes I couldn't even read the alphabet...

Would that kind of thing interest you?

[tashabear]

Sure, hit me!

[measanan]

OK, I consider this common sense stuff... but then, I grew up all over the place, then was a business traveler for eight years, almost always by myself.

Always walk with confidence.
Pay attention to what's around you.
Avoid places you know are dangerous if you're alone.
When possible, have a native guide when in a new place.
When that's not possible, if you're walking, study a map before you go. Never consult a map in a street. If you must look at a map, go into the corner of a shop to look.
Plan your route. Note landmarks that will tell you you've gone too far.
Carry directions in a discreet way, if walking. I always wrote mine on the back of a business card that I kept cupped in the palm of my hand.

I'm sure there are others I'll think of later.

Anyhow, these have worked for me. I was even stopped in Budapest by two French ladies who couldn't find the Metro. As it happens, I speak French, and had passed the sign two hundred meters previously. :)

Don't know if that's useful, but.....

[tashabear]

I was more looking for reasons why to study self-defense than actual tips, but I appreciate it. I actually got it done early this mornings so I could get it printed. I'll post what I wrote when I get to the land of good Internet, tomorrow morning. Thanks so much!

[kestrel127]

I think that's the sort of thing that would make anyone feel more comfortable and in control in any situation, from the college campus, to simply walking to the grocery store at night.