I haven't had any formal training since I was about 8 and took Ju Jitsu at the same studio that my dad trained at for years, however I'd like to think that I could defend myself if for no other reason than that I don't think I'd hesitate in the least to kick someone in the balls if worse came to worse.

Verbally I'd also like to think that I'm very capable of defending myself, but perhaps this is all just wishful thinking and I should be at the dojo right now...

Justice, you always make me laugh! :) You have good points, though.

I've got no formal training, and honestly, I'm the neighbourhood creep's prime target - smaller, younger girl who tends to run/walk alone, long hair to grab onto (it's been shown that an abductor is more likely to grab a girl by the pony tail than to grab a girl with short hair), etc etc. I've got a set of lungs on me and some very capable bony joints that could do damage ... :) but no martial arts training. When I was in Jr. ROTC (Cadets), we took a bit of self defense (US Army based self defense, which is a bit of Tae Kwon Do and a bit of wrestling but not quite MMA).

Honestly, I think if I were attacked, I'd pull a Justice. 

(Insert swooning/fainting girls, multiple camera flashes, etc) .. oh wait, that was the Beatles.


:) Sadly we as a population (people on Earth) are not as safe as we "used to be". People have fallen on harder times and morals have gone out the window since the last "hard times" (See: Depression era), thus suddenly it's acceptable to mug someone and get away with it, or if you're caught, only fined/sentenced to 30 days/etc. If you mugged someone in the 1930's you had better hope her husband wasn't busy at the cucumber stand picking out vegetables for dinner, because you'd be lucky to be in one piece before the police showed up. Then... :) the whole town would know you're the scoundrel that stole Mrs. Jameson's purse! Now if you have a few minor theft charges, some DUI's and an arson charge here and there, you're the perfect candidate to work for (insert corporation).


Sigh. :)


Self defense classes could come in handy, though.

I'm going to respectfully disagree with you, Ash. Humans have always been rotten. The difference? Mass media shares the stories and the public that is more willing to talk about it. In the 1940's, smacking your wife or around whatever wasn't such a big deal - Mrs. Jameson would be unlikely to report it. Today, more women are likely to report violent crimes. Yet despite society's willingness to address these crimes and report them, the number of violent crimes in Canada is DECREASING.

I think the "remember the good old days?" stuff is garbage. People have always and will always suck. I'd much rather live in today's society as a woman than as a woman in the early 1900's.

But back to the self defense topic...

I have no taken any self defense/martial arts classes - I'd break in two if I tried. But I have lots of connections in the professional MMA world. I've been talking with them about this over the last few days actually. Their general opinion? Self defense classes are crap. If a guy really wants to rob you or stab your or whatever... its going to happen. I also think you should cooperate if you are getting mugged - giving into their demands is more likely to keep you alive. If you are being attacked, yes do whatever to try and get away, but if just being robbed please just hand your stuff over. It's safer that way.

They did say that if you are going to take a class, take boxing. You are likely to freeze up and all that training will not help you. However, its instinct to hit with your hands. If you learn to slug a guy in the head, HARD, you might have a chance.

Just my two cents of course. :)

-- Edited by Kathleen K on Saturday 23rd of April 2011 10:00:24 PM

I am also in the States. Way back when, garbage or not : ),  right and wrong were more specifically defined and managed. I couldn't get away with ANYthing in MY house : )Now, bank accounts and celebrite determine guilt/consequences. Also possibly worth noting, we have legal weaponry and obscenely inadequate gun law and control, if one wants to call it that..... You guys up North have no legal guns.

When I was a kid, the population was also closer to half of what it is today. Crime IS more openly discussed now as well as more easily applied unfortunately. People are not inherently bad generally, KK, just scared and now... too many without evolutionary balance. I wish I could disagree with you AND Ash: )

-- Edited by justice on Sunday 24th of April 2011 07:04:07 AM

Hey Kathleen, you're right about handing everything over - and you're right about freezing.

I was asking about self defence because I was wondering if it would be worthwhile posting some tips here for people to put in their pockets, so to speak. I'm a third degree black belt in karate and I often think it would be great for other women to have some basic knowledge.

The being said - the FIRST piece of knowledge is RUN AWAY or if stuck, give your wallet, watch, etc. Don't be a hero!!