BUILDING GIRL'S CONFIDENCE WITH SELF-DEFENSE     
By Aaron L. Banks, Assistant Professor in the Health & Exercise Science Department at Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, Minnesota

INTRODUCTION
The incorporation of a self-defense unit of study within secondary physical education programs is becoming commonplace in 21st century curricula. We are living in a world where the threat of crime to one’s self, belongings, or home is not only perceived as extremely high, but very real. It has been estimated that five out of six North Americans will be the victims of violent crime, either completed or attempted, at least once in their lifetime. This is particularly concerning to youth, as teens and young adults experience the highest rates of crime as reported by the United State government. In response, parents, administrators, teachers, and even students are interested in learning more about basic strategies for self-defense. Taught within a physical education program, these lifetime skills are easily transferable from the gymnasium to the streets.

Self-defense instruction provides participants with a fun and unique experience. Throughout this unit of study, students are able to be physically active, all the while discussing and examining various issues relevant to the world in which they live. It is this combination of physical skill and cognitive knowledge that provides participants with the confidence necessary to live and exist safely in the 21st century world.

DEFINING SELF-DEFENSE
Modern self-defense is described as a mixture of basic protection skills and common sense. Simple physical skills are employed that can be learned in a short time frame and effectively executed by any individual. These skills often are rooted in traditional martial art formats. In addition to physical skill development, modern self-defense curricula educate students with awareness and prevention tactics. In other words, the goal of self-defense education is to help students make good choices, recognize potentially dangerous situations, and take action to prevent a physical altercation.

The necessity for personal protection is a basic human need. When individuals feel specifically threatened or generally uncomfortable, the resulting anxiety decreases the opportunity for personal development. This concept is theoretically supported by Maslow’s theory of human motivation, also known as the ‘Hierarchy of Needs.' As Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’ indicates, an individual cannot fully self-actualize until his/her basic needs are met, including personal safety and security. It is vital that human beings exist in an orderly world where injustice is addressed, and a sense of security radiates.

In modern times, American’s tend to worry about their safety. This is particularly true for girls and young women, as females exist in a society where vigilant attention to one’s environment and the actions of others is a daily reality. It has been estimated that more than one-third of Americans chronically worry that they will be assaulted at any given time. Through participation in a self-defense unit of instruction, females generate knowledge and develop skills related to personal preservation that allow an individual to live a confident and purpose-driven life.

WHAT EVERY YOUNG WOMAN SHOULD KNOW
Self-defense education should introduce young women to relevant knowledge, information, and statistics within a comfortable setting. Often times the best self-defense is not the use of physical skills, but the application of knowledge to avoid or deflate dangerous situations. By teaching general awareness concepts, educators are able to help students not doubt their intuitive messages, hesitate, or freeze in the event of an impending assault. The realization that crime can and does happen, even in the most remote of areas, should be a basic tenet of all self-defense instructional units. Important topics of concern for today’s young women that could be addressed within the gymnasium include:

  • Know the Facts – Understanding who your attacker is likely to be decreases one’s chance of becoming a victim. Most American’s possess a fear that the unknown stranger will be their random attacker. Although this may be true for men, it is not the case for women. Statistically speaking, males are more likely to be victimized by a stranger, while females tend to be victimized by a friend, relative, or intimate partner. Furthermore, it is important that women realize their assailant will most likely be a man. Many studies have revealed the only reliable variable to aid in the identification of a potential criminal is that of gender.
  • Dating Violence – Approximately 1 in 3 teenagers or young women have experienced violence in a dating relationship. Violence is often used to maintain power and control over another individual. Early warning signs indicating potential abuse include jealousy, controlling behavior, unpredictable mood swings, the use of alcohol or drugs, intense anger, a belief in rigid sex roles, or verbal and emotional abuse.
  • Sexual Assault and Date Rape – Another serious issue facing young women is that of sexual assault and date rape. By the time females graduate from college, it has been estimated that 25% will have been the victims of a sexual assault. Worse yet is that fact that nearly 90% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim. Knowledge of the dating violence warning signs, amongst others, is important as early action may stop an impending sexual assault.
  • Domestic Violence – According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 50 % of American women will experience physical violence in an intimate relationship within their lifetime. Domestic abuse is a serious issue challenging the emotional and physical health of women.
  • Alcohol and Drug Use – The use of alcohol and recreational drugs is common amongst today’s teenagers. These types of drugs tend to decrease one’s inhibitions and increase risk taking, aggression, and controlling behaviors. It has been estimated that 80% of men and 70% of women had been drinking when a sexual assault occurred.

GENERAL SELF-DEFENSE TIPS
As previously mentioned, the threat of becoming a victim is always present in modern society. Even when an individual has utilized general awareness and prevention strategies in their daily life, any situation could escalate to one of physical violence. In the following Self-Defense Escape Skills Link (Word '07 ) (Word '97-'03) (PDF document), many physical skills are presented that effectively target vulnerable body parts in order to incapacitate an aggressor. Once the threat is lessened, the immediate goal is to escape from the present danger and find safety in a secure environment. Prior to discussing these techniques, however, it is important that students comprehend general knowledge related to the utilization of physical skills. The following information will aid in this endeavor:

  1. Basic Elements – Effective self-defense includes four basic elements, including accurate strikes, forceful blows, speed associated with timing, and an active follow-through.
    1. Accurate Strikes – It is important that your strike actually hit the intended target. Often times you will only have one opportunity to strike a specific body target. If the target is missed, the situation could escalate to a higher degree of severity as the assailant becomes enraged. Therefore, accuracy is imperative.
    2. Forceful Blows – Self-defense curricula includes physical skills that can be utilized by anyone, regardless of their physical strength, size, or limitations. The more physically strong an individual is, the more force he/she can generate. Nevertheless, an all-out effort combined with accuracy can yield devastatingly positive results. When practicing skills and refining technique, it is important that students engage with a full effort. Although progression from slow, medium, to fast is appropriate and recommended, students must be encouraged to practice at full pace in order to develop appropriate motor patterns.
    3. Speed and Timing – In any altercation there is typically a “window of opportunity” that presents. This would be defined as the opportune time to employ a physical technique to immobilize an assailant. Since speed is an element of good timing, it is vital that the individual wait for the appropriate moment to employ an accurate and forceful strike. Should the individual be gripped by fear and unable to physically respond, simply wait. Re-establish your breathing pattern, attain proper body posture, and act when you are able.
    4. Active Follow-Through – When attempting to incapacitate an assailant, it is crucial that the individual follow-through with active strikes and blows. An active follow-through will increase the force of the blow and is more likely to yield the intended result; incapacitation of the perpetrator. To reiterate, your goal is to avoid and de-escalate a situation from becoming physically violent. However, if you must engage in physical contact, do so with full effort. Students should be reminded to follow-through whenever practicing their basic skills.
  2. Make Some Noise! – A very effective strategy to utilize prior to and during an assault situation is to make as much noise as possible. Yelling and screaming brings unwanted attention to an assailant. Furthermore, the assailant typically chose the victim because he/she assumed this individual would not provide any resistance to their advances. Making noise has been shown effective in countless attack situations, as even the most determined assailants become unnerved. Specific words that individuals should say are “no,”“fire,” and “hey.” The word “no” is particularly effective. The use of the word “help” is discouraged by most self-defense educators, as onlookers either tend not to want to get involved or assume others will come to the aid of the victim. This phenomenon, known as bystander effect, has been well researched and replicated within the field of social psychology.
  3. Vulnerable Body Parts – There are seven vulnerable areas that exist upon the human body that may be effectively exploited to incapacitate an individual. These areas include the eyes, nose, chin, throat, solar plexus, groin, and knees. The physical skills contained within the Self-Defense Escape Skills Link (Word '07 ) (Word '97-'03) (PDF document) target these seven areas of vulnerability, in addition to other useful tips. When appropriate accuracy, speed, force, and follow-through are initiated, even the most petite of individuals may successfully incapacitate their aggressor.
  4. Know Your Rights – It is important that young women know and understand their legal rights and responsibilities regarding the use of force for personal protection. If she is in a life-threatening situation, this individual has the right to use physical force to keep an aggressor at bay or to disable the attacker. Once the threat posed by the attacker has been minimized, the victim should cease the use of force, remove oneself from the situation, and call police for help. It is not within an individual’s rights to “teach” the assailant “a lesson” by continuing to physically strike the attacker once incapacitated. Remember, the ultimate goal is to prevent and avoid a physical altercation, but if the situation escalates to the point that one’s safety and life is threatened, the individual should not hesitate to take immediate and decisive action.
  5. Belief in Yourself and Never Give Up – Once the physical altercation has begun, the victim is fighting for her life. Strike as often, and as viciously as possible to disable the aggressor. It only takes a few seconds to disable an individual in an assault situation, whether it be the victim or aggressor. Therefore, it is important that students not only focus on technical accuracy, force, and follow-through in skill practice, but become proficient with the deliverance of successive blows.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!
There are many reasons why predators choose their victims. Whatever their motive, research indicates that most assault situations are thwarted when the victim simply takes one or two actions, such as communicating with a direct, clear voice and establishing a powerful body position. By discussing relevant awareness information, preventive strategies, and practicing appropriate skill techniques, young women are able to develop an “action plan” that will decrease their fear and increase their safety.

 

(pelinks4u home)


 

 
 
 

home | site sponsorships | naspe forum | submit idea or experience | pe store | calendar | e-mail

Copyright © of PELINKS4U  | All Rights Reserved