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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2003-08-01 11:28:00

:  As a female, what are some basic tools I can use to lessen the chances of being attacked if I am walking alone?  

ANSWER: First of all, don't walk alone in isolated places! Common sense is the key here. To further answer your question however, the best thing to do is to carry a cell phone, be aware of your surroundings, stay away from headphones of any kind and above all, do NOT walk in isolated places or at night by yourself. It is helpful if you can play out possible scenarios in your mind before walking on your own, therefore, you will have a plan when and if something happens. The optimum choice is to walk with someone else or even walk your dog for further protection. If you are unable to come up with a plan in your own mind of what you would do if a situation should arise, you could always invest in a self-defense class which would not only heighten your awareness, but also give you plausible solutions; mentally and physically.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2003-06-01 10:13:00

: Are group or private lessons the way to go when learning self-defense? Is there much difference in price?

ANSWER: It all depends on what you are looking for. Private lessons are much more expensive than regular group sessions; as you are getting that "one on one" work with the instructor in a private lesson. If you want to learn with a group of students whose knowledge is comparable to your own, I would suggest a group situation. Some people like to start out in a group session to learn the basics and then flip over to the more in-depth study in a private lesson. If you are wanting or needing to learn quicker for one reason or another, a private type lesson is the way to go. However, keep in mind, as with anything, practice makes perfect and repetition is the key. You want the ability to defend yourself to be a reaction rather than a thinking type process. When it comes down to it, it is a personal and financial decision.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2003-05-01 12:08:00

:  What would be good criteria to judge the worthiness of a self-defense class?

ANSWER:  If you are looking for a beginners self-defense course the criteria would be the following:      - A clean and space-efficient facility.      - An Instructor who presents himself/herself in a very professional manner.      - An Instructor who can demonstrate not only the very basics of self-defense, but one who is also proficient at an advanced level - CHECK THEIR CREDENTIALS.     - A class where the "basics" are taught, not advanced or complicated techniques that could get you hurt.      - Being taught that staying out of a situation, either walking away or talking your way out is the best solution.  However, if that does not work, being taught what to do in a variety of circumstances.     If you have taken a self-defense course and cannot recall what was taught weeks later, then it was a waste of your time. If this was the case, perhaps the class was something the Instructor rushed through or you did not take seriously and invest the time to practice, whether mentally or physically. However, if you experienced a change in your mindset and awareness or learned something you could take with you, you are miles ahead of the normal individual who doesn't take the time to gain the knowledge. One technique could save your life or the life of someone you love.      A good self-defense class is one where a person does not have to think about what to do but rather just react with something simple and effective. If you have to think about it, you are going to be a victim for sure. A physical confrontation only allows one moment to react, use it wisely.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2003-03-01 13:26:00

:  I would like to have my child learn self-defense, but I am worried about it making him too aggressive. Is this a legitimate concern?

ANSWER:  The only reason it would be a legitimate concern is if the instructor does not enforce the reality that self-defense is in fact, defense of oneself, not something to be used to start trouble with others. If it is taught correctly and the rules specifically addressed and enforced it should never be a problem. At most good schools, each new student is told that they must never use Taekwondo to start trouble and if they do, they get one warning and then they are out.  That is NOT what Martial Arts is about. If approached however, we encourage them to try to walk away from a situation, talk their way out of it and that the last thing we ever want a situation to become is physical. However, if someone is trying to do you harm and you have tried everything else, use the force necessary to get home safely. Remember, it is much better to have the knowledge and never have to use it, than not have it and wish you did. 

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2003-02-01 13:49:00

:  What is the difference between judo and karate?  Does being proficient at one help you with the other?

ANSWER:  All martial arts have similarities and yet were created for different purposes. Judo, from Japan, is the "gentle way" and it emphasizes throwing and falling techniques and is quite similar to Jujitsu, which is grappling. Karate is considered the art of "empty hands" from Okinawa, it has both punching, kicking and take downs as a part of it's style. It is not a grappling art. Taekwondo is the "foot, hand way" and is Korean Karate, but it's emphasis is on kicking techniques. Each martial art has it's own emphasis and each one is deadly in it's own right. The more knowledge we gain can definitely be a plus. However, if you are a competitor in one of the arts, it is best to study one at a time so you keep the rules of each art separated.  It is better to know one thing very well than it is to know many things mediocre.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2003-01-01 11:30:00

:  Is sparring and contact always necessary in Martial Arts in order to attain proficiency?

ANSWER:  In my opinion, the answer is "yes". To be proficient in any sport you must take on all levels to experience the aspects of the subject at hand. In Martial arts, as with anything, you get out of it what you put in it. There is a lot more to the art than just grace and technique. To be proficient at grace and kicking techniques you can forego contact, but to be proficient at Martial Arts, you must spar or put yourself in a contact situation, otherwise it is not realistic. You do not have to sustain injuries by doing so, however, you must know what it is like to be in a situation of fear, fatigue and pain and know that you can handle it and defend yourself. Think of it as in basketball, you can learn how to handle the ball, dribble and shoot, but if you don't put yourself on the line by playing the game, there is no way a person can fully comprehend, understand or be proficient at the sport. Martial Arts is mental as well as physical, that is what is so unique about the art. To know both the physical and the mental one must gain the knowledge it takes to be one with both attributes. To be proficient at anything one must seek the answers to all questions, not just pick and choose what is in their comfort zone.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2002-12-01 09:12:00

: What are the roles of mace, pepper spray and other devices as self-defense aids?

ANSWER: They are just what you called them in your question...self-defense aids. These items are to be used in close proximity to deter someone from further attack. However, you can encounter problems when using them such as: If you are down wind you will also feel the effects of the device .They may deter some attackers but only temporarily.   They are not as effective on certain individuals (someone under the influence of certain drugs,etc.)If you choose to protect yourself with such devices, remember to make sure the pepper spray or mace is not out of date and that it is working properly. One of the advantages to using these types of aids is that you will not permanently harm the attacker. This can be considered and advantage or a disadvantage depending on your viewpoint.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2002-11-01 14:20:00

:  What is GAVSD when it comes to self-defense?

ANSWER:  GAVSD or "The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense" is one of the first steps an individual should use in Self-Defense. Awareness of your surroundings, staying out of those places and trying to walk away from a situation are the initial steps to successful self-defense. However, if these options do not bring about the result you are looking for, the art of verbal self-defense is a must. Using verbal skills could be your last step to diffuse a situation before it becomes physical. When you think about how many physical confrontations you have encountered personally in your life, they can probably be counted on one hand. Verbal confrontations are the most common types of problems we face in today's society. If one can develop their verbal skills, physical confrontations can, in most cases, be diffused. By the tone of your voice, the choice of words, the look on your face and the body language used can determine whether or not the confrontation will escalate to a higher plain.

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Self Defense

Tammy Stamps

2002-09-01 10:46:00

: I read about crime much of the time and how much of it is perpetrated against the elderly. I am a 63 year old widowed female.  I am 5'3" and weigh 135. I don't think I'm going to scare anyone physically. While I look and feel okay, I'm not ready to get into a wrestling match with anyone.  Is it possible to learn a little something in self-defense (other than how to yell) that might actually help me if I am ever confronted?

Tammy Stamps Question: I read about crime much of the time and how much of it is perpetrated against the elderly. I am a 63 year old widowed female.  I am 5'3" and weigh 135. I don't think I'm going to scare anyone physically. While I look and feel okay, I'm not ready to get into a wrestling match with anyone.  Is it possible to learn a little something in self-defense (other than how to yell) that might actually help me if I am ever confronted?Answer:  The answer to your question is a resounding "YES". I am very pleased that you are concerned enough about your safety to inquire about self-defense. The usual mindset of an individual is that "it will never happen to me" or "it always happens somewhere else, to someone else"...this is WRONG. Crimes against the elderly, children and women are increasing everyday.  It only takes one time for you to become a victim of a violent crime and your life may be changed forever. Knowledge is power. Self-Defense is the knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones against harm. The age of an individual does not matter when it comes to self-defense, but their mindset does. Yelling does draw attention to the crime, however, it will rarely save you from a criminal and their bad intentions.  A good self-defense class will not only teach you awareness, attitude and how to avoid a physical confrontation, but will also teach you what to do if a situation does indeed become physical. If you are thinking of defending yourself against someone by what we call "Muscle -vs- Muscle", you will probably lose every time. Muscle -vs- muscle implies using your  physical strength against an attacker who is bigger and stronger than you are.  An older individual must rely more on common sense to be safe .Very few people are aware of the natural weapons that were given to them at birth such as voice, body language, mindset, fingers, feet;  the list goes on and on. I would strongly suggest that you check into well established Martial Arts Academy's, especially those who offer personal self-defense training.  Take the time to observe their self-defense classes and check the credentials of the instructor before signing up.  Some Academies emphasize self-defense training that is unrealistic, complicated and potentially dangerous to the person being victimized. Check the program out thoroughly. You might also check with the local Police Department as they sometimes have programs for the public.