Self Defense Classes: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Self Defense Classes: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

Have you tried a self defense class? If not, why not? If you’re reading this post that probably means that something about self defense has piqued your interest, but have you gotten into a class yet? While Japheth is the Self Defense instructor and carries years of experience, certifications, and medals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, Muay Thai, and other martial arts, I also feel strongly that Self Defense should be a part of everyone’s fitness, health, and general safety routine. We all deserve to have the knowledge and skills necessary to defend ourselves and our loved ones should we encounter an unsafe situation. What would you do if you and your child were walking home and were approached by someone who held you at gunpoint? What if you were at a bus station and someone grabbed you? What if you are assaulted in a parking lot after work? What if someone invades your home? These scenarios are not meant to scare you, but to bring awareness to things that CAN happen to anyone, and can happen anywhere. What would you do? If you’re drawing a blank, or have a few uncertain responses in mind, it’s probably a good idea to get into a self defense class, and one that is ongoing.

Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

One thing we’ve noticed through the years is that Self Defense can be intimidating for someone new to martial arts. Jiu-Jit-what?? Krav-Ma-Who? And what is this wrestling thing that you make us do with people that we just met?! We hear a lot of nervous giggles, concern about hurting the other person, and tremendous uncertainty in the movements. For many, Self Defense is counterintuitive to how we were raised: to be kind to others and not to hurt others. We’re asking you though, to step out of your comfort zone for a bit and come back to what piqued your interest in the first place: safety, empowerment, and confidence. Self Defense Classes are a great workout, and with the right instructor can even be fun, but the purpose is to empower yourself; to learn how to be safe, and how to be confident in order to protect yourself. And remember, everyone else is there for the same reason, so no one will think you’re mean if you hit the pad hard. They will probably think that’s awesome!

A Typical Water and Rock Studio Self Defense Class

At Water and Rock Studio we believe that this is your time and your class, and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. So if you want to sit out or watch any part of class you are welcome to do this, and can rejoin us at any time. With regard to class structure and knowing what to expect, every class may be a little different, and sometimes even themed around recent events or questions related to Self Defense.

Typical Class Structure
1) Warm-ups: While each class may be a little different, we will always begin with warm-ups, which typically include fun whole body movements like running, jumping, crawling, etc.
2) Standing Work: Our work from standing may include a striking drill (holding pads for each other to hit), situational techniques (i.e. what to do if you’re being choked or grabbed) and/or weapons defense techniques
3) Transitional techniques: We then often practice techniques that move us from standing to the ground (ie take-downs, throws, or safely falling). Falling down or being thrown down is very common in self-defense situations so we need to know what to do if that happens.
4) Ground Work: We then move into ground work, such as learning how to defend yourself in situations that happen from the ground (i.e. You fall down while attacked, are thrown down, or if an attacker is on top of you on the ground). This is a critical piece of self-defense training as it is often overlooked.
5) Yoga: We usually end class with a few yoga postures and deep breathing. We believe that yoga is an important aspect of self Defense as it not only improves flexibility and coordination, but also improves focus, concentration, and the body’s ability to handle stress. It is also a great way to end a high energy class to bring us back to a steady relaxed state.

If you’ve made it through this post then I hope you will step outside of your comfort zone and find a self Defense Class and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Contact us to try our online self defense services, or if local to Philadelphia, a class or private session.