I had a chat with some of the other BadRep guys recently, and mentioned that I’ve done some martial arts when this topic came up. I did quit Ninjutsu because I’m just not evil enough (in the same way you describe, Franz!) and I know what people mean about most classes being too focused on learning an art instead of defence.

Steve’s feminist self-defense class syallabus, weeks 1-20: The Testicles.

But yeah, what really impressed me from people’s reports of this one was the emphasis on space, awareness, dealing with panic etc. and not wasting time on the “don’t put yourself in that situation” rubbish. This is all much more important than wristlocks…

What was really nice was that after the session I went and spoke to the woman who was running the workshop, because with my social phobia my personal space is a hell of a lot smaller than most people’s tends to be. She gave some great advice about how to handle my anxiety and I felt really confident that if something did happen, I’d have all this knowledge there to help me and that I would be able to use it.

To an extent that probably depends on the art. There’s a vast gulf in practicality between a sport style like Tai Kwon Do and something like Krav Maga. Krav Maga probably does require being a bit of a sociopath to actually use in self defence though, since you’re probably going to cripple someone which generally is something people are averse to doing even in defense.

Thanks for the fab post, Jenni! As wonderful as being involved with Ladyfest Ten was, I really feel like I missed out some fab classes and workshops being being involved elsewhere, so it’s great to get the lowdown from someone who was there.

I think Russell’s right that the aspect of training for competitions or to pass exams and get to the next ‘level’ of a martial art really does detract from the valuable skills that would serve you well in the real world.

For years when walking alone at night (I know they all tell you not to do it, but when it gets dark at 4pm in winter, short of having a chaperone to escort me to and from work, I don’t have much choice!), I walk with my keys between my fingers (a tip from my Mum, who when she was a student was attacked by a would-be mugger – she scraped his knuckles with her keys and kicked him the bollocks, and he soon scarpered). I mentioned this at a one self-defence class when asked what we do if attacked, and the attitude was very judgemental and dismissive – not ideal in a situation like you say could well be traumatic or upsetting…

It’s heartening to learn that there are self-defence classes which exist which teach people, be they men or women, actual practical skills for taking care of themselves which don’t include altering their behaviour (living in fear). Too often I fear so-called martial arts and self-defence classes are focused on training for competitions and not on the actual practical aspect of having to look after yourself.