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
