You can be safer &
more confident in 2010!
Learn self defense basics in three hours:
- Self defense for high schoolers on Sat., Feb. 27, 1:30-4:30 pm
- Self defense for middle schoolers & moms on Sat., March 30, 1:30-4:30 pm
For info on workshops for the rest of the year, or more on these workshops, go here or contact us.
Hey baby, nice [body part!]
Defend Yourself instructor Farah Fosse was a guest on a radio/blog show on street harassment. For a thought-provoking and wide-ranging discussion of the topic, including some tips and strategies, take a listen.
What is self-defense?
Many people think of self-defense as what they would do if someone jumped them in a parking lot or dark alley.
We do teach ways to fight off an attacker. But self-defense is much more than that! It is a set of skills--verbal, emotional, mental, and physical--that you can use to keep yourself safe, claim your space, set limits, say no, heal from past abuse or attacks, and live the life you want to live. more»
Why self-defense?
Whether or not you live in a high-crime area, attack is unfortunately a possibility. For women especially, most assaults don't come from strangers in parking lots-they come from friends, acquaintances, romantic partners, or family members. more»
“Tips” are
bad for you
Most “advice” for women on how to “stay safe” comes in the form of lists of do’s and don’ts. A typical one, even from sources educated about how violence against women really happens, includes such things as:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Do your best to always walk with a friend
- NEVER EVER leave your drink unattended.
- Avoid passing too close to big bushes, dark doorways, alleys or any other places of concealment.
- Try not to park next to any type of van.
- Never pick up a hitchhiker no matter nice or safe they may look.
- Always check the back seat, floor and under the car before approaching and entering your vehicle.
[These are real; I just grabbed them off the Internet.]
There are so many things wrong with lists like this: the focus on cars (most attacks happen at a home and in social situations), and on strangers hiding, ready to jump you (most attacks are by people you know), are just two. Read the rest of why tips are bad for you...
