Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense
Conflict Resolution Through Self Defense
The gentle art of verbal self-defense and conflict resolution, or de-escalation, is a by-product of having a realistic fighting experience. The goal of the Model Mugging women’s self-defense course is for women to defend themselves without resorting to physical violence. This goal is often described as the gentle art of verbal self-defense or boundary setting. Model Mugging graduates around the world report using their boundary setting skills and de-escalation skills to defend against rape aggression. Their awareness of the environment is also a critical factor in how women if threatened, can win without fighting.
Gentle art of verbal de-escalation is used in Model Mugging self-defense courses to avoid potentially violent encounters.
Overall, a person’s ability to negotiate and verbally de-escalate stems from a strong body language position gained through fighting experience acquired while progressively learning skills in full-force or full-impact simulated scenarios. People negotiate every day. Negotiation means to deal or to bargain, to arrange for or to bring about a discussion, to de-escalate conflict, and/or to try to reach an agreement. In a supportive environment, the applied skills allow women, especially survivors, to find their voice against aggressive individuals. Students practice setting boundaries and work toward resolving conflicts.
In a combative situation, verbal negotiation is also a method of buying time and learning information we did not know before so we can ultimately make the best choice possible. We can learn information about the rapist or assailant’s background, health, fears, and strengths and ultimately identify his greatest vulnerabilities that will often coincide with his motivations and desires. With more information, we can make better decisions.
In some cases, the time for negotiation women face with a rapist or assailant will be on the ground and in the middle of the attack. Negotiation can work to increase options and opportunities to inflict injury and/or to simply escape a rapist, abusive partner, or other type of assailant. Verbal self-defense or verbal negotiation also involves patience, de-escalation techniques, flexibility, and creativity.
A critical segment of the Model Mugging Course is de-escalation through verbal negotiation skills. It cannot be emphasized enough that the goal of the course is for women to win without fighting. A significant key attribute of the course is the experience women received from fighting, which carries over into their boundary setting and ability to de-escalate a volatile situation.
Most Model Mugging self-defense graduates report successfully using their boundary setting and verbal negotiation skills to de-escalate situations before they reach the physical level. This is evident in the body language and demeanor of Model Mugging graduates. Graduates will have more energy, more bounce, joy in life, and a subtle confidence that shows “my bite is going to be a lot harder than my bark.” Aggressors usually feel the cue and realize this is “more woman” than they can handle, and they move on.
Model Mugging Self Defense graduates report using boundary setting and verbal negotiation skills to de-escalate situations before conflict escalates into violence. Fighting is dangerous for anyone who participates, but winning without fighting is safest for all. Graduates have gained fighting experience, which translates into confidence in their boundary setting body language, discouraging further predatory aggression.
Other links as to what makes the Model Mugging Self Defense program different:
Supportive Designed Self Defense Program
Muscle Memory / Operant Conditioning
Progressive Training & Controlled Stress