Self Defense

[AnytaSunday]

Heya peeps!

 

I'm moving to the states for a year (will be in Pittsburgh) and I was thinking of joining some sort of self-defense classes. I'm not sure yet what I want, and was curious if people had any recommendations.

 

I thought of Capoeira as an option.

 

Um, and when I did a quick search I saw an Inpax program (but I've never heard of this before, so can anyone vouch for this? )

 

Basically general thoughts are welcome. I don't want to do anything competitive. Just a course a week or something to increase confidence.

 

Thanks

[Cia]

Anything that will help teach you to use that nervous flight or fight response is good. Mostly you want something that will give you a chance to face someone else with aggression and get the shock of it out of the way. Plus it helps to learn the key points. Eyes, throat, groin, knee, instep, toes. My fav combo was throat, groin, nose. The challenge is that you have to get close and most of the time if the attacker is a man that's dangerous. It's why I keep pepper spray on my keychain and practice good safety protocols. Always park under a light near other cars, keep my keys out as I walk in parking lots, never sit in the car in a parking lot, check the backseat before I get in the car, take the dog or other hidden weapon depending on the trail I'm on for hiking and never hike alone. I hope you can find something that works for you but if you've never taken any type of self-defense course before I really do urge it. It's necessary for anyone who wants to stay safe, imo.

 

 

[Marzipan]

Capoiera is so much fun! But it will not safe your life unless it makes you a better runner

 

Try basic Karate.

[JamesSavik]

Aikido.

 

[sat8997]

Check with your local police department to see if they offer a self defense class or have one that they recommend.

[Kavrik]

A picture guide to living in the United States of America by Moi :

Fresh off the plane, you will want security. Thus, you will need to procure one of these:

 

Now that you are safe and sound, you may think that you're good to enjoy a cup of coffee with a cookie

 

Do not be fooled! Soon the missionaries, salespeople, and bums will hit you up for 1) Your soul 2) Your credit card, email, phone, mailing address, and a time when they can expect you to buy their shit and 3) the bums will just want your cash and they will be at every freeway exit as well as parked out your front door, on the sidewalk, and at every out-to-eat place you frequent. It will be done in this order. When this happens, your self defense training must kick-in and you will give them this stare:

 

And finally, when you've had enough, you will say:

 

Hee hee welcome to America!

 

 

[Marzipan]

A picture guide to living in the United States of America by Moi :

Fresh off the plane, you will want security. Thus, you will need to procure one of these:

 

 

Kavrik, now I see why my timig was so perfect! I love this! Ouuuhhhhh, my stomach hurts from the laughs

[Andrew Q Gordon]

Well I take Krav Maga, which is the Israeli defense training they teach everyone. It is - for lack of a better term - organized street fighting. You don't need to buy robes or stuff, just go as you are. They have beginning classes on up. If the classes you take are anything like the ones I take, you will learn a lot of defensive technique. It isn't as visually appealing, the moves are not like you see in most disciplines but they are effective. Think of it as high on the Martial, and low on the arts.

 

Oh and it is a hell of work out.

[Sara Alva]

Krav Maga is the 'in' thing in LA.

 

Are you moving to a dangerous neighborhood or something??

[Agaith]

It really depends on what you want out of it If you want to learn a martial art whilst learning self defence then one of the other traditional ones might be good. If you want something firmly embedded in self defence go with something like Andy's option.

Look at different styles and also talk to the instructors, ask questions, make sure what they offer is what you want

 

Im biased because of the two i do but make sure it suits you, that's the best advice I can give

[Andrew Q Gordon]

Krav Maga is the 'in' thing in LA.

 

Are you moving to a dangerous neighborhood or something??

 

Or something - I'm a gang prosecutor after all, my 'clientele' isn't exactly calm and peaceful

[Sara Alva]

Or something - I'm a gang prosecutor after all, my 'clientele' isn't exactly calm and peaceful

 

I meant Anyta

[Bumblebee]

Buy a big gun lol

[AnytaSunday]

Dangerous neighbourhood? God, I hope not. Can't say for sure, but I don't think so. At least from what we've heard (and what hubs's secretary said) it's a nice place.

 

The self defense is more a confidence thing really. I'm sorta a scardy cat, LOL.

 

Sweet, thanks all for the suggestions, I'll look into them.

 

Kavrik, hawhawhaw, funny. *sound of giggles* ---will practice that stare. hehe