Gracie Barra 5 Best Women's Self-Defense Techniques
Many of the Bjj technique videos that we see in our social media feeds are sports Jiu-Jitsu in nature. The sweeps and advanced guards are a lot of fun to practice in rolling, but many of the positions may not seem applicable to self-defense situations.
The number one reason many women start training in Bjj is they are looking for self-defense.
Women who start training in Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu will begin their learning in Jiu-Jitsu, focusing on self-defense Jiu-Jitsu techniques that address the most common real-life situations. Specific techniques that provide solutions for what someone is likely to encounter in an incident of a physical confrontation.
Check out the Top 5 Self-Defense Techniques for Women on GB Online
GB Online talked with Professor Dawn Korsen and Professor Jodi Walshe (who both started training together since white belts and graduated to black belt simultaneously) about women's self-defense at Gracie Barra. Both black belts teach women's classes at GB San Clemente, California, and share their thoughts about the Jiu-Jitsu techniques for women's self-defense.
GB Online asked: Why is training specifically for self-defense necessary for women?
Professor Jodi Walshe says, "After trying new self-defense techniques and being exposed to the concepts, the ladies in our class often express feelings of empowerment and confidence."
What is the difference between self-defense techniques and the sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques taught in many BJJ schools?
Professor Dawn Korsen says, "The power of the self-defense techniques is uniquely different from sport Jiu-Jitsu because of the key component of distance management. In the sport Jiu-Jitsu, the key is to stay engaged with your opponent and to maintain or regain control of the match. In self-defense, the distance management looks quite different in that the goal is to escape safely."
Professor Jodi Walshe says that the students in her Gracie Barra women's self-defense classes tell her, "The techniques today were simple yet effective, and I can definitely see myself being more prepared and confident if a situation arises."
Knowing what to do in a bad situation
"When a woman learns self-defense techniques, it begins to build a set of tools she can use in the event she needs them," says Professor Dawn. "Techniques are often combined with mindset training to teach women that they are stronger than they think and to not willingly accept the role of 'victim.'"
Check out the Top 5 Self-Defense Techniques for Women on GB Online
Self-defense for women begins with building self-confidence and not presenting oneself as an easy target.
Projecting a confident mindset immediately makes a woman less likely to be seen as an easy target for potential trouble. Equipping a woman with practical self-defense techniques provides her with a sense of preparedness in the event of a bad situation.
"Our number one theme is always about the mindset behind being in a position to use the techniques. Beyond physical skills, we emphasize the importance of mental preparedness and assertiveness," says Professor Jodi.
Professor Jodi sums it up best: "We've heard feedback such as "now I will feel more equipped living my daily life, watching my surroundings and really observing people & my environment."
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