Self-defense training for small woman
June 8, 2015 1:20 PM Subscribe
What would be the best self-defense training for 40-something, small woman in moderately good shape?
I am 44 and on the rather small side (5'2' and 117lbs.), in pretty good shape, some mechanical issues (bum knees, creaky shoulders), but I still run some and work out a couple of times a week.
I taught (indoor) rowing and spinning for about 4 years up until I had my child at 40.
I know it seems late in the game, but I would like to take some type of self-defense training, on-going training, not just 1 or 2 classes for basics, but I do want to start with the basics and work slow and steadily.
I am completely clueless about martial arts and the like. Need practical suggestions, please.
I am 44 and on the rather small side (5'2' and 117lbs.), in pretty good shape, some mechanical issues (bum knees, creaky shoulders), but I still run some and work out a couple of times a week.
I taught (indoor) rowing and spinning for about 4 years up until I had my child at 40.
I know it seems late in the game, but I would like to take some type of self-defense training, on-going training, not just 1 or 2 classes for basics, but I do want to start with the basics and work slow and steadily.
I am completely clueless about martial arts and the like. Need practical suggestions, please.
Honestly the best form of self defense is running the fuck away. The second best would be general self defense classes specifically targeted towards women learning how to break out of holds by any means necessary.
posted by poffin boffin at 1:30 PM on June 8, 2015
posted by poffin boffin at 1:30 PM on June 8, 2015
I recommend Jujutsu as it combined all forms of self defense. Karate and kickboxing are only good if you are at distance. Plus your bummed knee is not going to help either.. Jujutsu adds Judo to the mix.
Further a revolver is a great power amplifier...
posted by Mac-Expert at 1:32 PM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
Further a revolver is a great power amplifier...
posted by Mac-Expert at 1:32 PM on June 8, 2015 [2 favorites]
From personal experience, with dodgy knees, I'd be very careful. Used to do karate and kickboxing a lot, but some of the drills were murder on my knees with the pivoting. Opt for something with a lot of controlled movement, like tai chi, which is really good. At least to start. I had to give up because I was worried I'd wrench my knee, and I'm valuing my knees quite a lot these days!
posted by 3kidsonedog at 1:37 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by 3kidsonedog at 1:37 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]
If you're actually looking to learn how to defend yourself, Krav Maga. It's not a martial art - it's a combat technique. There's no art to it; it's designed from the ground up to teach you to fight a bigger, stronger, better armed attacker. The first thing you learn is how to most effectively knee someone in the groin.
posted by Itaxpica at 1:38 PM on June 8, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by Itaxpica at 1:38 PM on June 8, 2015 [9 favorites]
So there are a couple of factors here. One of them is any martial art you stick with is better than one you don't, so finding an environment you're comfortable in and enjoy trumps just about any other consideration. (This is assuming we're not conflating "martial arts" with, like, "kickboxing aerobics classes," which is another beast entirely.) Depending on where you are, you may have relatively few options, but taking an intro class at a couple and seeing how you like the vibes may be the way to go.
Secondly, in terms of women's self-defense, the numbers are in favor of what is generally called "empowerment-based" self-defense. This tends to focus on recognizing situations and developing a variety of tools to get out of them safely. Most of those tools are verbal, not physical, although certainly the physical is a valuable component. This is generally *not* what's taught by the local police department or Krav Maga school (but if those are what you have access to, getting some experience punching people and breaking holds is no bad thing!) The NWMAF is a solid organization and the schools they link to are likely to be worth checking out.
Once you're into checking schools out, a couple of things to ask about. First, what is their competition focus? You probably aren't going to want a school that has a million trophies on display and concentrates on getting people ready for point-sparring. Second, find out where they're extracting money from you - a school that turns out to have a huge financial commitment to get a black belt (especially if that's the *primary* qualification) is not one you want to get involved in. Recouping costs for all-day testing is one thing, but if that's the school's primary source of income, it's not what you're looking for.
I know a couple of good, feminist, non-profit schools, but if you're not in either Chicago or Austin, that won't help. Check out the NWMAF link, and otherwise, poke around your area and see what's available. The specific style is much less important that compatibility and general philosophy if practical self-defense is your goal.
posted by restless_nomad at 1:42 PM on June 8, 2015 [8 favorites]
Secondly, in terms of women's self-defense, the numbers are in favor of what is generally called "empowerment-based" self-defense. This tends to focus on recognizing situations and developing a variety of tools to get out of them safely. Most of those tools are verbal, not physical, although certainly the physical is a valuable component. This is generally *not* what's taught by the local police department or Krav Maga school (but if those are what you have access to, getting some experience punching people and breaking holds is no bad thing!) The NWMAF is a solid organization and the schools they link to are likely to be worth checking out.
Once you're into checking schools out, a couple of things to ask about. First, what is their competition focus? You probably aren't going to want a school that has a million trophies on display and concentrates on getting people ready for point-sparring. Second, find out where they're extracting money from you - a school that turns out to have a huge financial commitment to get a black belt (especially if that's the *primary* qualification) is not one you want to get involved in. Recouping costs for all-day testing is one thing, but if that's the school's primary source of income, it's not what you're looking for.
I know a couple of good, feminist, non-profit schools, but if you're not in either Chicago or Austin, that won't help. Check out the NWMAF link, and otherwise, poke around your area and see what's available. The specific style is much less important that compatibility and general philosophy if practical self-defense is your goal.
posted by restless_nomad at 1:42 PM on June 8, 2015 [8 favorites]
I really liked RAD self-defense when I took it-and supposedly if you save your booklet you can take the class again for free.
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:18 PM on June 9, 2015
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:18 PM on June 9, 2015
I am about your size. I took Model Mugging in high school. It's so ingrained in my muscle memory that I have no doubt I could defend myself if need be. In fact, about 6 months after that class, someone at my job thought it would be funny to sneak up and grab me from behind in a darkened stockroom during a power outage. I promptly stomped his feet and threw an elbow back into his face. I bloodied, but didn't break, his nose, and nobody ever attempted to touch me at work again.
Our class met once a week for about 2 months and there are further classes beyond the basics if you are interested. I highly recommend it.
posted by Fuego at 9:10 AM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
Our class met once a week for about 2 months and there are further classes beyond the basics if you are interested. I highly recommend it.
posted by Fuego at 9:10 AM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]
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posted by straw at 1:27 PM on June 8, 2015 [1 favorite]