Hello Charlie !
On Sunday I went to a self-defense course at the Planning Familial on Boulevard National. It was for 14 to 16-years-old girls (I'm sorry guys, I think that's not fair and boys would have really benefited from it too...), led by two women, and it was great.
What we did was alternate sessions where we were talking, listening to stories and giving ideas of what to do in certain situations, and sessions where we were learning gestures and attitudes to either defend ourselves or to be able to run away.
It was very well explained, the moves were simple and when practicing on each other (not the parts where it involved hitting to be able to run away, but for example a part where one is holding the other's wrist and the other has to get out of her grip) we realised that they barely require any physical force and that it is basically impossible to keep holding, so they are VERY useful. I'd like to explain them but words are clearly not enough.
We also learnt to use our voice in a very firm and deep tone to impose ourselves and intimidate a potential agressor, and all the easy targets of the body, and what they can lead to.
We really looked at a very wide array of possibilities, going from one unarmed person to a group who is putting you in danger, facing bullying or problems in families or relationships.
I absolutely loved it and I recommend it 100% to everyone, because it really brings a lot of confidence and undoes certain clichés (no, there aren't more chances of being assaulted during the night than during the day, no, it doesn't matter on the way you are dressed).
The link of the association :
http://www.leplanning13.org/Stage-d-autodefense-pour-femmes,438.html (they haven't planned their next season yet).
Stay safe ! (and if you're curious, I'd be glad to show you certain things if you ask me)
Judith
If I wanted to do politics, I would propose a law about a self-defense day where every teen would go at one point! It can help a lot as in this kind of situations you can't really think.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone should know at least the basis of self-defense, and take a bunch of courses if they live in a shady neighbourhood, or something like that.
ReplyDeleteWell, the real great thing would be for us to not fear any attacks in the streets, but as of know, self-defense classes are already great...
*now, not know, I can't speel
DeleteI have a firend who does self-defense and she loves it! I'd rather do Kung-go though but self-defense seems good too ;P
ReplyDelete*friend
Delete*kung-fu
Hey ! First thing I got to say is that I went to a self-defence class as well, and that it also was for women only. So I get the fact that most women can't face a possible (male) aggressor with only physical abilities, but a lot of men are actually in the same case …
ReplyDeleteWhatever, I TOTALLY share your enthusiasm about this kind of courses, it is really interesting and enjoyable, moreover it could be pretty useful any days (as we're not living in some Care Bears' world ). Recommending these is surely a great idea, and I guess that anyone wanting to feel like a “badass”, or as if they were acting in an action film would easily be interested ^^ . Obviously, literally anybody can do, and, appreciate it !
Haha don't worry, the wrist thing is not risky at all, otherwise we wouldn't have practised it that much x) I'd be glad to show you ! We'll just have to find each other without knowing what we look like ^^'
Deleteoops I replied to the wrong comment, I was talking to Dana ^^' (but as I said at the very beginning, I find it unfair too that it was for women only)
DeleteI've wanted to try but I didn't know where to go and since this "club" is quite near to my place, I guess I'll try to participate! Also, I would like you to show me your "wrist attack" (I didn't know how to call it :D) but please don't break mine. ;.;
ReplyDeleteJokes apart, I think that it's really interesting and will be helpful for a lot of girls, because it's true that nowadays, we aren't completely safe anywhere, which is really sad so it's a good thing that these kind of clubs exist and make us feel more confident.
I've always wanted to join a class like that but I've never thought it would be that accessible and still be at the same time usefull. I also thought it was only the practical side without all of the explanations. Guess I was wrong. However, I'm dissapointed of the fact that it's only for women. What can you do if you're a boy who wants to take class of self-defense, you just don't? Overwise, I'm going to see if I have the time to do it because it seems very entertaining. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteI really want to at least attend one class of self defense. I think everyone should. We never know what can happen and need to be ready to defend ourselves in need. I watched a buzzfeed video about self-defense and tried to recreate the moves at home haha, it was not quite it. I really want to learn to fight like a true "badass" you see in movies (lara croft etc...) learn special moves and everything. But for now my friend taught me some moves she learned when she was still boxing. I think that will do for now I guess. Also I'm really thinking about buying pepper spray and carry it around with me everywhere just in case ( I sound like a freak ). Someone is acting weird? Boum pepper spray. It can be really useful haha.
ReplyDeleteThe self-defense course teaches practical rather than aesthetic moves, so it's not really movie-like ^^ but it still feels really empowering *-*
DeleteAs for pepper spray, I think it's illegal to carry it around in France, as it's considered an arm and so it's under regulation... I'm not sure though, but check that if you're really thinking about buying some ^^'
I think that self-defense is a good idea because it can help a lot ( I'd like to join one ) but I also find it extremely sad. Let me explain myself: it means that we need to protect ourselves, that we aren’t really safe ! In a “developped” country !Can anybody understand this ? I really don’t. So, thanks to all people trying to change this in creating self-defense and taking time to talk about it.
ReplyDelete