Making the Right Moves: Choosing the Right Self-Defense Course

It may have been nothing more than a small article in the local paper, pointing out a rise in crime in your neighborhood. Or maybe you've become acutely aware of your surroundings and worry that maybe you could become a victim yourself. So you open your phone book and begin to search for a good self-defense course - but where do you start and what should you be looking for?

One of the first decisions you need to make is whether you want to seek training in the martial arts or self-defense. Believe it or not, the two are not the same and should never be seen as such. A martial arts class offers a great opportunity to further yourself physically, mentally and spiritually, but your white or yellow belt may prove to be of little help in an alley fight or if you're attacked from behind on the way to your car. While the martial arts have a lot to offer and would be a welcome addition to your routine, please consider seeking out a self-defense course that is focused primarily on dealing with real-life situations that can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Your first phone call or visit should be to your local police station. Here they can offer you information on approved courses given by professionals as well as refer you to private schools catering to your needs. These courses will have been audited and certified by the local law enforcment agencies and will prove to be the most beneficial, but possibly the most expensive.

Most times you'll find referrals to your local community center and inexpensive courses offered to the public, many of them operated by knowledgable individuals active in your community. But what should you look before you open your wallet and sign that contract?

First, drop in on a few of the classes and watch the instructor in action. See how he/she interacts with the students and if the tutoring is given in clear, concise instructions. Is there a physical segment where you put the words to the test? Are the students encouraged to ask questions, or are they simply reading the pages handed to them and shuffled out the door? How well is the teacher communicating the different techniques to the class? Is there any time for open discussion after class, or does everyone rush out the door as the teacher races for the bus? Are the situations realistic, or more along the lines of what you'd see on the movie screen?

Arrange a short meeting with the instructor and discuss what you want to learn from this class and how you're prepared to do it. He/she should be willing to answer all your questions as well as state their credentials to be teaching the course in the first place. If they appear unwilling to give this information or unable, reconsider your options at this point. A good instructor will be able to supply references as well as certificates to prove he/she is qualified to teach you and the others.

Many self-defense courses include a series of physical interactions where you will get a chance to put the theory to the test and attempt to fight off an attacker using what you've learned. Don't worry, the attacker will be wearing padded clothing and will be able to withstand your hardest blows, so don't be shy about letting loose with your full strength when asked. And don't think for a minute that you need to be in prime physical condition to begin these courses. There are plenty of techniques that can be performed by seniors right down to children with no restrictions. Of course, getting physically fit would always be a good goal, but don't let a few extra pounds keep you from moving forward in learning how to protect yourself!

Of course, that's the course - reality is a whole different matter. Even after taking a self-defense course you can still become a victim of crime unless you take to heart not only the lessons learned, but also take a wider view of your environment and learn to anticipate possible trouble.

Refresher courses are a must for any woman taking a self-defense course; at least once a year if not more. While you might think you've retained the knowledge from your last visit, the mind and body can be fickle friends when faced with a crisis. And since hopefully the only opportunity you'll have to physically attack someone will be inside the classroom, make the best of it! Most courses offer the chance to come back yearly to refresh your memory and to discuss new techniques or work on those old ones to keep them foremost in your mind.

One thing to remember is that in the end the final decision of whether to fight or flee lies with you, the possible victim. Many courses deal with simply extricating yourself from a dangerous situation as well as offering you the option to attack your opponent. But no matter what your instructor says or does, you are the only one who can decide what option to choose. Many will say to go with an armed attacker, some will say to fight him/her right there and then. But in the end the only one who can make such a vital decision is you, not your instructor nor the other members of your class.

Choosing a self-defense course doesn't need to be a hunt through the phone book, fraught with possible frauds and financial loss. With a little research and a little work you can find the right course to help you feel more secure and take charge!