Your local police department Local rape crisis centers Nearby colleges and universities Gyms and fitness centers.
Age Gender Disabilities Style of defense Weapons
That isn’t to say that you shouldn’t continue training with more advanced courses if you want to. Rather, self-defense classes should aim to teach you basic concepts right up front, unlike martial arts classes, which are typically taught as lifelong journeys.
Martial arts classes might teach tactics that could be used for self-defense, but only as a small part of a broader program. They also won’t teach tactics that aren’t part of their particular martial art. Martial arts are not guaranteed to work in real-world situations.
Since people who have already experienced assault often seek self-defense classes, a respectful instructor should be patient with prospective new students. If they refuse to let you observe the class, or push you into taking part before you’re ready, consider this a possible red flag.
Is the class practical? Do the techniques seem useful in scenarios you might actually encounter in life? Are the students able to execute them effectively? Do the moves seem too complicated for you to execute?
Do other students feel more empowered by this class, or more afraid or certain of being attacked in real life? Are the simulations too reminiscent of actual attacks you may have suffered? Are the students supportive of each other, or too competitive?
If you are a woman, you may prefer another woman as a positive role model. Or you may prefer a man so you can train against them. If you are a man, you may feel reluctant to fully engage with a woman. You may also consider being attacked by one in real life less likely than being attacked by another man.
There is no way to safely replicate a real-world assault in class. This means that techniques learned in simulations may not always work in real life. Instructors should be honest and forthcoming about this important point.
Awareness of your environment to avoid confrontations. Verbal techniques to de-escalate situations.
If the techniques being taught are too complex or require physical abilities that you do not possess, choose a new class if the instructor continues to insist on them. [8] X Research source
