Individuals take martial arts training for a multitude of reasons. Some do it simply to get physically fit. Others prefer it as their means of attaining a better connection between mind and body. However, one of the reasons why many women look to martial arts training is to learn self- defense techniques they can use should they be attacked or assaulted. It’s a sad fact that rape and sexual harassment continue to plague American society. As a woman, it has never been more important to be prepared for such an unexpected attack, regardless of how scary it may seem. Knowing the proper responses could save your life or that of a loved one.

When an individual displays aggression towards a potential victim, if untrained, victims commonly freeze in fear – capable of neither fight nor flight, simply because they do not know what to do. Martial arts training helps individuals calm their minds during these periods, keep their wits about them, and put into effect counter-measures. Typically, a victim might have just a brief moment to perform a self-defense technique before becoming overwhelmed by superior strength. What is important to remember is that these techniques are particularly designed to provide you with an opportunity to escape the situation you are in.

Integrated training

Self-defense techniques are developed keeping in mind a number of factors, such as one’s environment, biological processes, and speed of thought. If one is able to keep these factors in one’s own control, it is possible to escape a serious situation such as rape. The first thing to realize is that if you are being attacked, the situation has already escalated beyond the point of non-violent reasoning, and you should be prepared to defend yourself physically.

Self-defense techniques need to be performed quickly, so that you are able to take your aggressor by surprise. Most self-defense techniques incorporate just two or three simple moves that work toward disabling, immobilizing, or disarming an aggressor. When performed correctly, you can guarantee a speedy escape.

Battling fear

The truth is the most difficult part about putting training into practice is dealing with the fear. Regardless of how much training you have performed, it is impossible to actually know for sure how you will react in a real-life scenario. As such, the aim of martial arts and self-defense training is to allow you to learn techniques so well, that when a situation arises, your adrenaline will let muscle memory and automatic reflex take over, leaving you with no time to think about fear.