3 things to AVOID in a Self-Defense Program

Upgrading in life is extremely important; otherwise, we will soon be obsolete. We try to upgrade our gadgets to stay on par with the technology; then why shouldn't our teaching and learning evolve as per the advancement?

Many training programs still teach the same old techniques which are no longer effective or useful. Imagine using the cell phone your parents used when they were your age? Would those phones be as effective as the one you are holding right now?

WHAT 3 THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID?

Before engaging in any self-defense program, look out for the following 3 things. If it has them, then you should probably avoid it.

1.  Avoid combat only training programs

These programs are very combative. You are taught how to kick, punch and fight back in every possible way. Such programs aren't effective for the following reasons:

• They don’t teach strategies to de-escalate a situation. For example, if a co-worker gets aggressive with you and yells in your face, you wouldn’t want to kick or punch him and become an aggressor yourself. Instead, you should communicate effectively, stand strong and speak powerfully to ensure similar incidence doesn’t happen again.

This means a proactive approach should be taken instead of a reactive approach (which is mostly taught in self-defensive classes).

• They are unable to develop the self-worth and confidence of a person since these combative training program's focus is mainly to defend oneself physically.

80% of the time when women get into self defense situations, they are created by the people who already know them. They know how low their self-confidence and self-esteem is, therefore they target. Traditional self-defense programs are unfortunately unable to address issues that deal with soft skills.

 2. Avoid in-person training programs

We all have this idea that training works best when they are in-person; this again is an outdated idea. Let's take an example of a person who returns from late-night shifts. She may feel insecure by strangers walking past her or a person who stalks her every night. However, she cannot simply put up a fight against this stranger as apparently, he hasn't harmed her yet. So what to do? Here comes the empowerment training which does not necessarily have to be done in an in-person class as this concept requires time to soak into a personality and application of empowerment ideology by the trainee in her personal life. 

3. Avoid generalized training programs

We all are programmed differently so are our learning paces and styles. A generalized training program would mean there is no room for distinction and everyone has to follow a set of instructions; when we all need a bit of customization as per our needs. An online training program in combination with a coach ensures your needs are met, where you get a chance to open up to your coach and share what really bothers you and what you are struggling to achieve.

So we all need to change the mindset that things or skills can only be learned when taught in-person. Concepts like empowerment need reflection --> application --> reflection, and this does not require a four-wall classroom.