At Gracie Barbara Santa Barbara, we’re committed to helping everyone learn how to defend themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. Aside from Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing, one of our most popular classes is our Responsive Self-Defense Class For Women. 

Men, women, and children all can benefit from martial arts and self-defense skills. However, according to statistics, women are far more likely than males to be the victims of assault or violence. According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in 3 women worldwide has experienced intimate partner violence. In 2005, an average of three women per day were murdered by an intimate partner.

Although these are facts that we don’t like to think about, the high rate of violence against women is something that all of us must work to decrease. We believe that the more information you have (including stats), the better prepared you are and the more quickly you can react.

Please continue reading to learn a few of the essential self-defense techniques women can use to protect themselves if they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation.

Run

All self-defense skills are made to get you out of a situation as quickly as possible. And the best way to do that is to run as soon as you are able. If running is an option, take it.

Focus On Vulnerable Areas

Even if you aren’t using a specific technique, you can aim for the areas of maximum impact. Be aggressive. Don’t aim for the chest. Instead, use as much force as possible to hit:

• Eyes
• Nose
• Throat
• Groin

Be Loud

When an attacker comes after us, one of our first reactions is to freeze, when instead we should do the opposite. Part of taking a self-defense class is to teach your body to react differently. But even if you’re immobilized, you can be loud.

Making noise attracts attention and intimidates your attacker.

Watch The Thumbs

A good mantra for self-defense (and Jiu-Jitsu) is “the thumb points to the exit. When someone grabs you by the wrist or arm and tries to drag you away, look at their hands.

 The thumb is the weakest point in a single-hand grip. In order to get away, you should yank your wrist wherever the thumb is pointing. If your other arm is free, you can use it to pull twice as hard on your restrained arm.

The Right Of Self-Defense

We believe everyone should know the right of self-defense: Every person has the right to use reasonable force when defending their own life or the lives of others.

Essentially, the use of force — if it is justified — is lawful. Though we don’t condone violence, we think that you are more willing to use appropriate force to defend yourself if you know your rights.

Gracie Barra Santa Barbara Women’s Self-Defense Classes

These are just a few Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense techniques that can help women (and men) defend themselves in an attack. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact us to sign up for one of our women’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Gracie Barra Santa Barbara is the premier Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in the area and we’d love to help you become more confident and prepared.

We offer women’s self-defense classes in our studio along with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Kickboxing. All our classes are taught by trained professionals who will watch closely and ensure that you’re using the correct techniques and form! Our gym is a clean, safe, and friendly environment. Come train with us today!