Women's Self Defense - the real deal

Last night, we hosted our second Women's Self Defense workshop at Elements Academy. We wanted to hold an event in recognition of International Women's Day which would raise money for WAVAW (Women Against Violence Against Women). Our first one filled up fast, so we held a second workshop last night. I am very happy with the numbers and the success of this special event.

I really enjoyed watching the way the women progressed during the two workshops. The energy and confidence increased as the women got more familiar and proficient with the moves. Since I have regular exposure to self-defense, I forget that most women have never experienced what it's like to have someone grab them in a bear hug, or choke them up against a wall. This can be extremely scary and without practicing escapes, it can feel like a hopeless situation. The women in attendance showed strength, courage, and determination. They became quite proficient with the moves and I feel very positive about arming them with a little bit of knowledge and experience. I hope to be able to reach as many women as possible and encourage them to put the practice of learning how to defend themselves into their regular schedule.

I don't think there is enough really good self-defense courses for women out there and I'd like to change that. Instead of just doing one-off workshops/seminars, we have opened a regular class that runs weekly on Tuesday nights. It is strictly for women and focuses on defending common grabs and holds and realistic situations such as being underneath someone on the ground. Practicing these scenarios in a safe setting with other women allows for retention of the techniques. Over time, there is a greater emphasis on a more realistic struggle and challenging scenarios. Like anything you want to become proficient at, you have to practice.

Every woman is welcome and I encourage you to try it - you never know when you might need it.

Women's Self Defense
Every Tuesday at 7pm
Elements Academy of Martial Arts

It's Fight, not Flight.
Emma

RUNNING IN THE DARK

I really needed to go for a run last night. After a long day of administration and sitting at my desk (not my favorite place to be), I was itching to get out. I am used to squeezing my workouts in around my hectic life. Running a Martial Arts club, which means being head instructor and CEO, and raising 2 kids on my own does not leave a lot of free time. But training always maintains a high priority in my life, especially with my goal of competing in a boxing fight this year. Sometimes I wonder if I'm crazy to be juggling so much but who am I kidding, I LOVE my life!

On my run I use my time to process the day's work and motivate myself for the next hurdle in my business. I'm trying to stay in the zone and focus on my fighter's mind. But I also have to keep my wits about me; after all I'm running in the dark by the ocean in Vancouver. I can't ignore that I might be seen as a target. Could someone pop out and jump me at any moment, and if so, would I be ready for it? These questions are always in the back of my mind, and some might call it paranoia - but I call it preparedness.

I have a lot going on in my head and my body, but all the while I keep aware of my vulnerability and my responsibility to keep myself safe. I don’t have my headphones on, and I’m certainly not distracted on my cell phone (2 big No-No’s). Perhaps I shouldn't run in the dark (and mostly I don't), but sometimes the day just gets away from me and I still need to do what I need to do...for me.

But the real question is, could I protect myself if that creepy dude did turn around and start chasing me or if that distorted stump up ahead turned out to be my worst nightmare? I believe I can. I don't know exactly what it is, it could be the countless hours I've spent struggling under men almost twice my size at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class, or it could be the knife attacks and chokes I've had to fend off from the lovely (but extremely tough and resilient) women in my Women's Self-Defence class. What I think it boils down to is that I believe in myself and I'm not afraid to fight for my life because, as I mentioned, I LOVE my life and anything I love is worth fighting for!

If you are interested in learning self-defence, I encourage you to come out and try the Women's Self-Defence class at my club. It is a fun, positive and constructive hour spent with wonderful, strong, supportive women. Why not try it out? There's a self-defense workshop on Tuesday, March 8th at my club from 7pm - 8:30pm in recognition of International Women's Day. It's by donation and proceeds go to WAVAW.

It's fight, not flight.

Emma