From: LGOODIN@WORLDBANK.ORG (Laura Goodin)
Subject: Re: Model Mugging (long)
Organization: World Bank
Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1992 20:32:59 GMT

In article <12510007@hplsla.hp.com>, kra@hpcndxyz.HP.COM (~K. R. Albitz) writes:
> 
> 
> Interest has been expressed for the Model Mugging classes,
> this list was compiled in 1990 so I don't know how up to date 
> it is,  but here it is.
>                  Natalie

Thank you for your information on Model Mugging.  I'd like to update it, if I
may.  (I'm an instructor with DC IMPACT, formerly DC Model Mugging.)

About a year and a half ago, a number of the MM chapters decided that they
wanted to ensure quality control and technique standardization, as well as
provide for a consistent, comprehensive process of instructor certification
for female and male instructors.  These chapters, of which DC IMPACT is one,
have formed IMPACT International Inc., an organization that oversees training 
and certification, advises on technique and class procedure, and establishes
and monitors adherence to quality standards in member chapters.

The national, toll-free number is, as you noted, 1-800/345-KICK (the Los
Angeles chapter manages this number).

> 
> - Model Mugging asks its graduates to report back to them if they are
> ever attacked. Of the women who have reported back to M.M. of attacks,
> all those who chose to fight, knocked out their attackers. 

In fact, two women who have reported back said that they chose not to fight
because their assailant had a knife.  However, they experienced significantly
*less* post-traumatic stress syndrome than assault survivors generally do,
largely because they had *chosen* what was safest for them to do at that time,
as you noted.

> - Women from ages 12 to 65 have been trained by Model Mugging. Just
> recently a blind woman was trained. You need not be physically
> fit to take this course.

The blind woman actually went through instructor training (she and I were at
the same training). In the DC chapter we trained a woman this year who has
a muscular disease that makes her barely able to walk.  She completed the 
course confident that, despite the special circumstances of her condition,
she was able to fight effectively.  

> I have taken the class, and I am confidant now that if I choose to fight 
> an attacker, I could knock him out. This does not mean that I think I
> am invincible, that is unrealistic. There are indeed situations where I
> might very well choose not to fight in order to survive. I trust myself
> to make that decision and if I choose to fight, I trust that I can knock
> the attacker out and avoid being sexually assaulted.

I'm glad to know you got so much benefit out of the course.  I find it 
immensely rewarding and challenging to teach, and I keep learning a lot
too!

> The best way to get an idea of what this class teaches is to arrange to
> see a graduation class (open to the public) or a demonstration. Call or
> write MM to find out how. Especially if you are skeptical, seeing it will
> show you what I can only inadequately describe in words.
> 
 
I agree:  going to a graduation is a very powerful experience!

IMPACT Personal Safety (Los Angeles)
> 13550 Roscoe Blvd. #7
> Van Nuys, CA 91402
> (818) 509-8166
> (800) 345-KICK (nat'l info)
> 
> 

-- Laura

LGOODIN@WORLDBANK.ORG