"Theresa, cities like Los Angeles are the devil's playground."

That's what her father, a Nebraska farmer, said when she told him of her plans. Wanting to be an actress, taking a chance and heading out west, going to college at USC in case her dreams didn't work out, these were all part of Satan's master plan according to him. In fact, since that conversation her father hadn't really spoken to her, save hellos and goodbyes (plus that one hug on the way to the bus stop that left her in tears).

It had been about four months..

Her mother had been a tad more understanding. After all, she'd seen the way her little girl's face lit up everytime she was on stage. From the dance recitals to the high school plays, her mom had always commented on it. Her father had enjoyed all of it too (at least that's what her mother often said). It was just that his little girl's joy scared him, primarily because he knew that it meant she'd eventually leave the farm that generations of Cains had tended to.

The devil's playground. Theresa always thought of those words after Tuesday night classes on her way back to the dorm in the dark. Was LA the devil's playground? Not really- she'd met some very good people here over the past couple weeks. But there certainly was danger at every turn. Murders, rapes, and all types of felonies were daily topics on the news.

Theresa Cain, you're a long way from Nebraska, she thought.

Then suddenly she felt two powerful hands snake around her from behind. One covered her mouth; the other closed on her hips like a vice. Then a soft but agitated voice echoed in her ear.

"Do what I say and I won't kill you."

It was not lost on Theresa that the man hadn't said he wouldn't hurt her.

Suddenly, she was up in the air. Her attacker twisted her around up there and brought her down hard on her back. The shock of it all almost caused Theresa to forget to fall correctly, but she did manage to slap the hard sidewalk and roll a bit with the fall. It was this that kept her from being knocked out.

Then the man, who had a black ski mask on, said, "quiet or I'll kill you," as he took his hand off of her mouth while simultaneously showing her the box cutter in his right hand. Soon after he dipped into her pocket and grabbed some loose cash. Next, he tore her pocketbook off her shoulder.

Theresa hoped he'd leave then. If not, she knew what was coming next. Unfortunately, he didn't leave. Rather, he stared at her for a moment before throwing her pocketbook to the side.

Fortunately for Theresa, his box cutter got caught on the pocketbook strap and fell from his hand. He whispered a few swears as his right hand immediately went for the lost weapon.

And that's when Theresa's training took over.

First, she grabbed his right hand with hers by the wrist. Then her left arm slid up to his elbow, securing the arm. Her attacker immediately tried to pull away, which straightened the arm she'd secured. Then as he struck her in the face with his left hand- boy did it hurt- she pushed off of his hips with her right foot and transitioned her left leg to the other side of the man's face.

Then using her core and hip strength, she pulled his arm to her while using both legs to in essence push his body away. The man's arm straightened dangerously. He yelled as he fell onto his back. She both heard and felt three distinct cracks as the man screamed. With his broken arm in hand, Theresa yelled, "fire!" Then she yelled, "help."

And then she got up and ran away as her attacker writhed in pain on the ground. When Theresa got to a set of dorms (not hers) before she knocked on someone's door, called the police, or did anything, she said a silent prayer that her father had decided to enroll her in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class three years ago.

He may not have agreed with the move she'd made. But in the same breath, he was the one who'd gotten her ready for it.

Let's face it: larning hand to hand combat skills can help you survive

In the aforementioned fictional excerpt, a woman was used. However, the fact is that this article isn't necessarily about female self defense alone. What it is about is learning how to defend yourself in a hand to hand combat situation.

First, a one time self defense class is not the answer. Why? That's simple. Self defense is about reacting to a situation without much forethought. When taking only a class or two, instructors will generally go over a couple of hypothetical situations that could occur and a few ways to deal with them. Usually, maneuvers are taught from the standing position only and involve a strike or two. Sometimes, they even involve a one strike and flee mentality.

Let's put it this way- there are too many ways one can be attacked for just a couple of maneuvers to be the answer. Further, it's pretty impossible for someone to react in a self defense situation quickly when they've only been practicing defending themselves a couple of days.

So, for real self defense skills one needs to actually train regularly. Thus, if you're serious about learning hand to hand combat and protecting yourself, finding a martial arts school is the answer.


How to choose a martial arts school

In the previous fictional excerpt, Theresa was able to defend herself from her own back using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills. To be frank, learning how to defend one's self involves learning how to fight on the ground as well as on the feet (not just standing up as many self defense classes teach). After all, a very high percentage of fights end up on the ground. Further- particularly when it comes to women- their attackers are stronger than they are. Thus, learning to fight from one's back is essential.

And that my friends is what Theresa's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is all about.

However, stand up fighting is also important. After all, if you're able to punch or kick an attacker in a crucial area (the groin, neck, eyes, etc.) it could get you out of harms way quickly. Further, learning how to fight on your feet may allow you to avoid heavy strikes by an opponent.

Thus, when looking for a martial arts school, here are some questions to ask.

1. Do you teach how to fight on the ground?

Please note that some disciplines known for ground fighting are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Catch Wrestling, and Russian Sambo. Judo, depending on the instructor, might also teach true ground fighting. However, make sure that the instructor's definition of ground fighting is not takedowns alone (some schools teach you how to take people down and avoid being taken down without telling you what to do once you get to the ground).

Further, make sure that the school teaches submissions (joint locks, armbars, and chokes) from the guard. Generally, the guard is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu concept that has been adopted by several other disciplines and involves wrapping your legs around an opponent from your back in order to limit their movement on top of you.

2. Do you also teach striking or stand up skills?

Stand up skills are important to know. Further, ground fighting won't do you a bit of good if you're up against multiple attackers, whereas a striking art might. So look for a school- and there are several of them today- that teaches a wide variety of skills. A fight can end up anywhere and you need to be ready for that.

3. Are classes co-ed?

This question is really only for women to ask. Yes, it seems true that females prefer to learn hand to hand self defense around females. However, think about this one before deciding. After all, what are you afraid of- an attack from a female or male? Unfortunately, if you've never gone up against the strength of a male in training, it will be a surprise when the real thing shakes down. You may want to limit the surprises you're forced to endure in a real life combat situation.

4. Does the self defense ever get real?

Some martial arts schools teach fighting without ever fighting. This is rather absurd. In reality, self defense is about learning how to deal with combat situations. If you've never been hit, actually hit someone, or grappled with someone, the real thing is going to be a shock and quite different regardless of how much technical knowledge you have.

In other words, the martial arts school you go to should periodically have you test your skills in at least semi- real situations. This will leave you both more ready and confident if a problem occurs.

Said another way, if you go for a month and don't walk out at some point with at least a couple of bruises, the training may be lacking.

5. Do you teach how to fight with / against weapons?

There really is no hand to hand defense against a gun. In these situations, it's best for you to use your brain. However, there are ways to defend against a knife, box cutter, etc. Further, there are school that teach you how to use weapons to defend against attackers.

6. Do you teach psychological ploys (and/ or what to say)?

If you're in a situation where an attacker seems intent on stealing from you, are there things you can say or ways you can act that might help? Further, if someone seems intent on raping you, should you yell? What should you yell?

When choosing a martial arts school, ask if the instructors teach the answers to these questions.

7. What is your training?

This is a simple one. It is absolutely appropriate to ask what kind of training your instructors have. Don't sign any agreements that day. Rather, go home and research the credentials that person says they have.

You can even ask for references.

In sum, hand to hand self defense is about being ready. The only way to really be ready is to train regularly. Further, real self defense involves learning aspects of both the striking and grappling arts. Anything else is only half an answer at best.

And if you don't get credit for half answers at school, you certainly won't on the street. Happy hunting!

REFERENCES:

Women's Self Defense