Learn self-defense

“At 2 p.m. on a Saturday in a music-less dance studio on the west side of Los Angeles, I learned to defend myself. It wasn’t a karate or taekwondo class—which would have extended years beyond a four-hour workshop; instead, the instructor went out of his way to let us know we would be learning physical moves that can cause serious, even fatal, harm to people. It was awkward, uncomfortable, and horrifying at times—I touched strangers (and was touched by them) in vulnerable places—including armpits, throats, and eyeballs. I learned how much pressure it takes to break bones, what it’s like to escape a chokehold and the best way to throw my weight into a powerful punch. It was the first time I truly confronted what it would mean to protect myself against someone trying to harm me.”

“Simulation night arrives. I am covered in pads — knee pads, elbow pads, a chest pad — gloves, and a caged helmet. So much for flexibility or sharp elbows. Beyond a set of doors, our aggressors await — three trained police officers in specialized protective suits. The first scenario is to pretend I’m walking to my car. My goal is to keep the suit that grabs me at bay, and then to escape. And I’m warned that if I don’t yell with each punch, he won’t let me go. As I stand on my mark, I am aware of how small I feel as the three men tower over me. I won’t know which one will be my aggressor until I start walking. The intimidating red padded suits obscure their faces. They taunt me, often all at once. “What time is it?” “Do you want to be my friend?” “Hey, where are you going?” Then one of them grabs my wrist.”

“After the introductory conversation about why learning self-defense is important, especially for college-aged women, we were taught how to use our elbows, hips, fists, and feet to fight back. I learned how to hit with my palm and throw a punch. The instructor taught us to groin kick and push-away kick to simultaneously hurt and get away from an attacker. We practiced scenarios like being put into a headlock and targeting soft spots around the face, groin, knees when kicking or punching. When practicing these skills I couldn’t help but smile because it was so physically empowering.”