From: braun@wald.ucdavis.edu (Jerome Braun)
Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts
Subject: Women's Self-Defense
Date: 16 Apr 92 23:57:53 GMT
Organization: University of California, Davis


I would very much appreciate any replies to the following query,
including pointing me in the direction of archived information, 
if the question has been previously beaten to death.  It is fine to 
e-mail me directly at braun@wald.ucdavis.edu .

THE POINT
I am interested in designing a supplementary (to regular Aikido 
training) women's self defense course.  Therefore, I would like to 
know your opinions concerning subject matter, training methods, et 
cetera.

BACKGROUND
I have practiced Yoshinkan Aikido under Sensei Morita in the Bay Area 
for about 4-5 years, and I know I am no expert martial artist (but 
enthusiastic :-).  Recently, while studying at UC Davis, I have 
had the pleasure to study jujitsu (for a short time now) under Sensei 
Nelson. Sensei Nelson emphasizes the self-defense aspects of his art, 
while Sensei Morita emphasizes the Budo. 

Many of the students in Sensei Nelson's beginning class, and almost 
all in his personal defense class, are women.  I am very impressed by 
his approach, his ability to teach, and the effectiveness of his 
techniques.  I am also depressed by his knowledge of statistics 
regarding crime against women.  

Now, I have been mulling over the idea of proposing to my Sensei that 
we begin a supplementary women's self defense class, perhaps 
sometime after I've finished my schooling, or perhaps sooner.  There 
has been some desire for such a class in our dojo from the women 
training there, including my wife.  Sensei may or may not be amenable 
to the idea, and I am just kicking it around mentally.

If such a class were to go, it might be only if I volunteered my time 
and services (or if I volunteered someone else :-).  Since I am 
inexperienced, I ask your help in determining whether or not the idea 
is practical for me to undertake. 

SPECIFICS
This class would be supplementary to regular Aikido training.
1.  What are the most essential things which should be taught?
  a.  What are the most essential attacks to defend against?
  b.  What are the most common situations?
  c.  Which targets and strikes are most practical and necessary to 
      know?

2.  How should the training be organized?
  a.  What should be the focus of the class:  escaping attacks, or
      counterattacking, or both, or neither?
  b.  Should scenarios be enacted, or should training be more 
      formal?
  c.  How long should classes last?  1-2 hours or more?
  d.  How often (at least) should classes meet?
  e.  How many people should be in a class?
  f.  Should training be one-on-one, in small groups, or as a group?
  g.  Should techniques be learned en masse, or one-by-one?

3.  Teachers
  a.  Should the teachers be men or women, or both, or does it matter?
  b.  What attitude should teachers try to project?  For example,
      a "kill 'em dead and die trying" approach or what?

4.  Class Attitude
  a.  Should the class be a "fun" class, or "loose", or very 
      controlled, or grim :-( , or just normal?
  b.  Should the class be "special" extra training for more
      advanced students, or open to all comers?

Thank you very much for your attention.  Any replies or comments you 
would like to make to me are appreciated!

Osu!

Jerry Braun

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Newsgroups: rec.martial-arts