Self-Defense!

Team- Great job these past two weeks.  Kudos to all in completing your 5K try out last week. I was impressed with the times. That just demonstrates that you have been training other days of the week.  Your endurance will continue to improve.  Special thanks to my Assistant Coach Marguarite "Roadrunner" for training these past two Thursday's.  As always I leave the team in good hands. Remember to join Coach ACT team on Saturday: 3.3.12@8am@Bob Bullock Museum to walk/run the Texas Round-Up Route.

 

I also want to commend those who have been walking/running out of their comfort zone around UT campus, Congress, Lamar and downtown area. Walking/running through downtown you have to watch out for light signals, cars, bikes, dogs, bats, people, curves, etc. This brings me to the next topic. If someone attacks you while walking and/or running can you defend yourself? Think about it. After reading MJ's self-defense lessons experience I am trying to be a little more aware of my surroundings. They are great tips for your safety. You should definitely take a self-defense class soon or some sort of boxing or kickboxing class. Thanks for sharing your experience MJ we look forward to you teaching us some of the moves soon.

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MJ Martinez wrote: 

 

Classes attended @ www.txkungfu.com 

 

I wanted to share my progress report (The classes are free for 2 months. New ladies are showing up.) As you have may seen in the local news, violence against women has been on the rise in Austin, Tx. Since I do spend a bit of time by myself, one of my biggest fears is being attacked. Women actually have shared their horror stories of attacks in their home! I do not want to be a statistic and if the need does arise, I want to do every thing possible for me to escape alive. These classes are about empowering me to take control.

 

Day 1: We learned about the stance of your feet, the straight arm - closed fist punch (which was captured by KVUE).  However, my punch didn't look too scary.The drills we do are to make the punch a reflex move. And, we are going to build on the simple punch. Classes run about 2 hours, with preliminary introductions and lectures on techniques for any size of woman. The instructors are very informative and answer any of our questions.

 

Day 2: More women are showing up for the basic self defense classes. This particular training facility is offering classes 2 times a week, Tuesday and Thursdays. You can pick either a Tuesday or Thursday night class for free.  At this session, we worked on getting out of a choke hold around our necks with a follow through punch to the nose or throat. The instructors demonstrated the moves from being attacked in front and from your back. Always protect your throat by placing your chin against your throat to avoid losing oxygen. We practiced the punches and choke hold. I did notice that my arms are strong. However, continued slaps to the forearm begins to sting as we work on our offensive and defensive moves.

 

Day 3: Today's lecture was a discussion on date rape and how not to put yourself in a vulnerable situation. Consuming alcohol quadruples your chances of getting raped. Getting to know a man or trusting a man that has severe mood swings, arrogant behavior, belittles woman or waiters/waitresses are a few of the signs that this person could possibly sexually assault you were identified.

 

We practiced punches aimed at counter-punching to shove off the perpetrator. Our instructors demonstrated how woman are grabbed from behind and how you can help yourself get out of the hold. All of our bodies have soft spots, they were identified and are vulnerable during an attack. We have to try to position our self to hit those tender areas. Different body sizes has advantages for the grabs, punches and elbows. All  you need to know is how to use what you have to help yourself.

Class 4:  The resistant training is kicking in for the self defense moves with our arms. The technique is to use your arms as a weapon with quick strong moves along with defensive strategies using both arms. The training is giving me confidence in learning to use the tools I have to defend myself. The goal in training is preparation. However, it will be up to each individual to use the tools when the time comes for you to defend yourself. Once you are attacked, your self defensive training and instinct will kick in and each person will tap into the training. 

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Remember, when it comes to fitness. I want to see results...not excuses...it's for your health!

-Coach ACT