Self Defense with Alpha Martial Arts

Our last meeting was loud and unlady-like, and that was exactly the point. We heard from Annie and Allyson and their team from Alpha Martial Arts about how to defend ourselves in unsafe situations and how to follow through when we know something isn't right. They were badass and firm and gave us permission to be the same if our wellbeing is threatened. In case we forgot, they reminded us that we deserve to be safe at all times, are worthy of respect, and in the event someone decides differently, then their eyes/nose/throat/groin/knees will pay the price. #sorrynotsorry

 Click HERE for the recording of Annie and Allyson's instruction.

Enjoy!

Concepts and Techniques:

You are worthy of love and respect

Use your voice and body (hands up, step back) assertively to set your boundaries

Hit hard and viciously to EYES, THROAT, and KNEES or other vulnerable areas on the body.

USE WHAT’S FREE: the hard part of your Palm, Knees, Eye Gouge, Elbows or Kicks to get away

On the ground keep your feet in between you and the attacker and kick like crazy

BE LOUD and USE WHAT’S FREE - Keep fighting until it works

Tell somebody you trust about what happened 

And remember, it is never the survivor’s fault if an attack occurs. We have the right to our own voice, our own boundaries, and to our own safety! 

A few notes from the Q&A...
How do we teach our kids to be safe without scaring them?

• "Stop or I'll tell": whether it's a schoolyard bully or an adult with bad intentions, these words have profound affect when said to those who make our kids feel unsafe. Teach them this phrase to use if they feel threatened.
• As you go through practice scenarios, ask them what they think so you learn how much they know. "Who can you talk to if _________ happens?" "What about the people who work there? How would you know who that is?"

What if we're observing something happening to someone else? What do we do?

• Direct: Intervene yourself.
• Distract: Dance around, cause a scene, get loud. Distract the perpetrator.
• Delegate: Grab the hand of your buddy and get those around you to act. Call 911.

Further Discussion

1. What was your favorite drill? Why?
2. Did you learn anything about yourself that you didn't know before? If so, how has that impacted your perspective?
3. As women, what social pressures/gender constructs have you struggled against the most? How do you think that has affected your inner voice/intuition?
4. How does self defense demonstrate God's love for yourself and others as fellow image bearers of Christ, clothes in strength and dignity?
5. As Christians, women especially have been taught to act in a very specific and limited way. How has your perspective been impacted today, regarding your identity as a child of God?
6. If you could teach one thing to your friends or family, what would it be?
7. Homework: go ahead and teach them!

Alpha Martial Arts

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