Reimagining Women's Self-Defense: Protective Offense

Reimagining Women's Self-Defense is where self-defense meets common sense, where self-awareness, situational awareness, strategy, and problem solving intersect. n nTwo-thousand-years ago, when the martial arts were evolving, women's empowerment and freedom of movement weren't high on the agenda. Yet women are still learning ancient self-defense concepts originally designed by and for men. n nReimagining Women's Self-Defense is a daring reexamination of protective training for instructors, safety professionals, and seasoned martial artists looking to broaden their understanding of self-defense for women and vulnerable populations. The book discusses how to break down the criminal process; recognize tells and tricks of emotionally abusive people and violent criminals; and respond early if engaged by multiple assailants. It considers weapons-how they are used and how to use them-and covers important legal ramifications of protecting yourself physically. You will learn to vet a litany of self-defense techniques taking into account size, strength, skills, and lifestyle; include specific considerations of parenthood in your self-defense practice; and heal intelligently after a violent assault. Finally, you will come away with teaching tools and resources to help you pass the knowledge on to your students and loved ones. n nTèja VanWicklen navigates the unpredictable terrain of predators and their unsuspecting targets in the presence of perplexing, unanswered questions: n n What is self-defense really? n Are some techniques better than others? n Should I rely on pepper spray? n What if my kids are with me when I'm attacked? n n Reimagining Women's Self-Defense rebrands self-defense as protective offense, addressing the shortcomings of a purely defensive mindset during a violent encounter and including others the self in self-defense leaves out. Protective offense is context-based and personal. It empowers women to discover their own answers and even their own questions. n nAmong other things expect to learn to: n n Break down the process of violent crime n Stay off the criminal radar n Recognize signs, tells, and tricks of emotionally abusive people and violent criminals n Respond as early as possible to a confrontation by multiple attackers n Understand how weapons are used and what your options are if confronted by one n Learn ways to navigate confusion and shock n Vet a litany of self-def