Yesterday I went to a self-defence seminar on pressure points and ground fighting. The seminar was for people of all fighting abilities including newbies like myself and my unsuspecting victim friend.
I am 5 ft, 6.5 stones, have a slight build – and I’ve always thought I stand no chance against any attacker. That said, the seminar inspired some confidence. It was an amazing feeling to be able to get someone twice my size to back off.
The 3 hour class focused on different techniques that can be used. The instructor gave the example that a fighter can withstand a severe beating, and being kicked on the shins mid-fight – but will still feel pain at 2 o’clock in the morning when he walks into the coffee table in the dark. It is all about expectations – he is not expecting to bang his shins therefore it hurts – he has not mentally prepared for it. We tried out a number of attacks that can surprise an attacker to allow you to fight, or run. We then practiced this in a number of situations such as face to face attacks, being in a headlock, being on the ground and being pinned against the wall. Obviously we were practising with friends and trying to not hurt them too much – but it worked – I can only imagine the effect if you tried it when scared and fighting to hurt and get away.
I had never considered self-defence classes before – but I would say I’d recommend one to everyone to prepare for anything that may happen. Practical benefits aside – it was also a great chance to unwind, and meet new people.
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Sounds good. I have been in three seriously situations where something like that would of paid off big time. Im going to take a marshal art up in September, but after reading this if a self-defense seminar comes up I will defiantly go :)
ReplyDeleteLooney,
ReplyDeleteI had been toying with the idea of taking up an art or kickboxing or something. But due to lack of funds, and time had not got round to it - this seminar seemed to hit the nail on the head with what I wanted to get out of it. One off with a lot of great content and the option to go back for more one of classes on a range of topics. something to look out for even as a top-up of any class you may take up.
Hi! Reading the blog for a while, just wanted to comment as someone who has done a fair bit of this kind of stuff.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good couple of hours fun! If you are seriously looking for something of the same kind of ilk (self defence based) then I would really recommend taking up something like JuJitsu (various spellings) or krav maga. The TJF for instance have Jitsu clubs all over the country, and I have really enjoyed their style. Both of these are really self defence focused and are not based on size of strength. Try lots of things and see what you enjoy the most; everyone will like and hate different things! I found doing a martial art hugely rewarding, and great fun. The people always seem to be a great laugh too, wherever I have been.
Good blog!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I am considering taking up something - just keeping my options open at the moment. A lot of people who went to the seminar had done jujitsu before.
ReplyDeleteonce again thanks for reading.
My Dear TT,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to see that you derrived a good deal of benefit from your self defence class; I would go so far to say that ALL such classes are very well worth it; though I've been extremely lucky with regard to personal safety even when in some hairy scary situations ( lone midwife out in Peckham at 3 O' clock of a Saturday morning) I did feel empowered by the knowledge dispensed at such classes as you describe, and fully believe I would be able to defend myself were I to be emobroiled in a worst case scenario.
I think you would be wise to take this class further, and fully explore the possibility of some marshal arts training; I believe it would be a very useful excerise in building up your self confidence and general physical strength and agility.