Customized Self-Defense Training

Custom defense training is a process that tailors techniques according to every student’s unique needs and skill levels. Reality based martial arts (RBMA) training can be customized for each student.  During RBMA training, the degree of realism can be dangerous to some students for different reasons, some of which are safety, situational needs, physical limitations, and level of proficiency and conditioning. However, when self-defense is taught with compassion and encouragement, customizing self-defense scenarios can create life changing experiences, especially for survivors of assault.

When students have physical limitations from prior injuries, techniques and self-defense scenarios need to be modified accordingly. During Model Mugging classes, students are able to overcome their physical, mental and emotional limitations. As these students become more proficient with the skills they are learning physical and psychological limitations are expanded through a progressive application of speed and stress in subsequent scenarios within customized self-defense training.

Customizing Self-Defense Scenarios

There are many factors when customizing scenarios and teaching self-defense for women. Sometimes realism must be delayed when customizing self-defense training. For example, special attention during defensive skill building and scenario tailoring training may include working with a student’s prior injury(s), movement or joint limitations, weight, blindness, other medical conditions or disabilities, equilibrium or balance difficulties, headaches, and PTSD. Self-defense scenarios may be modified to ensure physical safety such as not pressing a student with prior injuries or momentarily stopping a standing attack so the student can safely get on the ground to prevent possible injury, and then resuming the fighting when she is ready.

Customized self-defense scenarios may be beneficial for survivors of crime working through their personal fears. Through each student’s self-defense journey, Model Mugging helps each student builds self-confidence and provides empowerment when they courageously address personal fears and other personal tough emotions.

In our supportive environment for self-defense, students that realize their fears are common and shared among other classmates. Together they build a supportive group that carries them down the path toward personal empowerment. Each class is different, and in a way each group customizes its supportive nature during the course.

Custom Self-Defense for Survivors

Most therapists who work with survivors of violent crime are familiar with Model Mugging Self-Defense classes, because our program is the original full-force self-defense program. It has received significant press since the late 1970?s when the first article was published in Human Behavior Magazine. During class, self-defense scenarios are effectively customized according to a survivor’s past history and personal fears, so they become victors who “slay the dragon of fear”.

Students often experience a sense of freedom when reenacting scenarios that resemble prior traumatic events or personal fears. For students suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), survivors should consult with their therapist before taking a self-defense course. Sometimes the realism of the scenarios can be psychologically intense and can occasionally impair fluid fighting performance. However, when an instructor team works with survivors, survivors can effectively work through past traumas and find empowerment.

The Model Mugging program is not counseling or therapy. This self-defense program can enhance counseling therapy for many survivors of rape, intimate partner abuse, molestation, incest, sexual harassment, bullying, and stalking. Many psychologists attend our program as students. Some students have attended class with their therapists, who are allowed co-participation in the training environment in order to assist with their patient’s healing (from past previous traumatic events) and help overcome their fears.

Because Model Mugging graduates are familiar with our curriculum, many gain additional insight and empowerment by re-taking the Basic self-defense course. Survivors may wish to work with instructors and customize scenarios according to individualized needs and focus upon personalizing their self-defense skills.

Other Custom Self-Defense Options

Model Mugging may provide customized self-defense training for men, children of different ages, and special needs populations. Often mothers want their daughters to attend and are recommended to assess their daughter’s age and maturity level before enrolling them into a Model Mugging course. Parents considering enrolling their girls should first review the section self-defense class for girls. Girls with special needs should have the class curriculum customized for their group’s abilities that are dependent upon cognitive, social, and physical concerns.

Customized self-defense also includes hosting a program for private groups or conducting courses at convenient locations.

The self-defense and crime prevention curriculum may also be customized a particular group’s needs. For example, special needs groups will have class curriculum customized according to cognitive, social, and physical concerns.

 

Return to Choices in Self Defense for more suggestions.