Beware of Outdated Self Defense Methods
Self Defense Research
Criminal Analysis in Self Defense
Be cautious of outdated methods applied to self-defense, particularly for women. Unfortunately, there are many self-defense for women programs still teaching impractical methods of self-defense for rape aggression defense or rape escape classes claiming to be well researched.
For example, teaching women to assume a combative stance and then block a man’s punch as a viable option of protection can be dangerous. Compounding the situation to fighting him standing toe-to-toe, exchanging punches and kicks to disengage and escape, can further be hazardous for women. Such content violates the two basic strategies when protecting yourself from violence, “don’t fight his fight” and “don’t meet force with force.” Taking a combative stance, clenching a fist, and blading the body can violate these two basic self-protection strategies (see the picture as an example of one type of combative martial art-like stance).
Showing a guarded hand or any clenched fist can be confrontational and counter-productive for women.
Such courses also fail to take into account criminal behavioral patterns while teaching women to protect themselves with methods that are inappropriate to the reality of violence and are contrary to simple research on how women are attacked. Often, such programs apply methods used in one set of conditions to a new set of conditions without first analyzing the differences and realities of the latest situation or condition.
Studying other women’s self defense classes and incorporating what one likes into their program is not a new approach. The answers to helping women prevent rape are not going to be found in other self defense classes. The answers are found when studying sex offenders and their work product. Finding answers is part of the first principle of the Five Principles of Self Defense©.
Model Mugging has been called “Too expensive” or “cost prohibitive.” The question then becomes, “Compared to what?” How much should proper training cost? Copycat groups claim to do it cheaper, but the information they provide is not thoroughly researched, unrealistic, and less effective. The highest cost in women’s self-defense training is labor costs for the trainers, which are relative.
No one will blow the whistle on the street or keep a score of points. Fighting for your life when no officials are present to blow a whistle requires proper and realistic training that is also informed by research for no-nonsense “street” effectiveness. A single seminar or short course will not establish the level of competency you need against a violent rapist. Quick fix items are mostly ineffective for women to rely upon, and taking a martial art or typical self defense class is not going to give women the skills necessary to stop real-life attacks.
No one can guarantee safety with training or weapons. Model Mugging Self Defense offers women the most realistic opportunity to practice self-protection, utilizing a padded assailant as a culmination of Eastern and Western training methodologies.
Model Mugging is the most thoroughly researched self-defense training system that has worked for women. The Model Mugging System teaches martial science, applies first-source research, and helps students realistically assess situations and determine the best options to use in a threatening situation.
Other related links to assist in considering what to look for in a self-defense program: