Types of Self Defense
Self Defense
There are many different types of self defense. It is recommended that everyone, even youngsters who have reached an appropriate age, learn some form of defending themselves. It should also be said that if one can get away from danger rather than fight against it, to run and get help is the best strategy.
Because this is not always possible, there are many self defense programs out there. Some are for kids, some are for women only, and some are for everyone. Many are types of martial arts.
Probably the most well-known form of martial arts is karate. But this is only one of the many. Others include Kung Fu, Jujitsu, Aikido and Kendo just to name a small fraction. Krav Maga is a type of self defense used by the Israeli army that is gaining popularity around the world when it comes to programs and classes. Some classes take weeks, or much longer, to complete. For example, the journey to get your black belt in karate can take years. Then there are self defense programs that are brief and may only be a few classes to teach you the basics of defending against and escaping from an attacker.
For example, some of these shorter classes may teach you techniques such as how to get out of a hold when grabbed from behind, where to strike an attacker to render them vulnerable, how to use self defense tools such as mace or pepper spray, even potential methods of escaping from a locked vehicle trunk. The number one thing you will learn in a self defense class is to always cooperate with your attacker when possible. For example, if you are mugged at gunpoint and told to hand over your wallet, do so. It is likely the mugger will run away after getting what they were after. Yes, you’ve lost your wallet, but kept your life.
The price of various programs for self defense will range from free or very cheap (for brief community classes) to expensive depending on the class you’ve chosen and what you’ve chosen to learn. Many forms of martial arts, which are definitely used for self defense, can also help you build mental discipline and get in better physical shape. Do some research about what is available in your area, maybe even observe a class or two, before you make a decision about what you want to sign up for.
