Following a heated discussion about which martial art would be best suited for women and their self-defense, we decided to piece together an article to hopefully spark discussion and to hear some feedback about your thoughts. Women need to know when and not whether self-defense skills are necessary. The advice that officials give regarding this crime has been heard by many and we have hopefully all listened to it. Stay alert, aware, and in control of what you are doing. These suggestions will ensure your safety.
We’ll review some of the available tools, but they can have problems. For example, a stun guns is a handheld battery-powered device that sends electric current through an attacker. While a Taser sends wires that electrify to incapacitate from a distance, it also sends a stun shot. They are useful in the sense that they will allow you to flee from your attacker. Keep in mind that laws vary from one state to the next. Pepper spray aerosol is considered one of the best self-defense options for women. The blindness and coughing that you experience, as well as the choking will likely deter or discourage any attacker. This is what bothers many women. You have to stay very close to your attacker. If I were you, I’d want as much distance as possible between myself and my attacker. Other tools include the persuader or kubotan for hitting, and knives, keys, or whistles. You must also be close to your attacker to succeed. This situation could lead to a woman being easily defeated. There has been a lot of talk lately about guns. You can decide for yourself what you think about this idea. A 10 foot pole is not enough to affect gun rights.
Okay, let’s get into the meat of the article: women and Brazilian Juu-Jitsu. Also consider if this would make it an effective method to defend yourself. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu can be used to self-defense. It can also be found as one of many styles in the sport of mma. This is probably what you think. This is due to the fact that women involved in this sport aren’t as popular as men. Below are biographies about two female champions. There are many disciplines to mma, that’s why it’s called mixed martial arts. Within jiu-jitsu alone, there are many defensive tactics you can become very skilled at by going to bjj training, by taking private lessons from a qualified instructor, or through attending seminars.
The first is that you’ll gain self-confidence, self-esteem and a better body. You will want to have these qualities ingrained in your character if you find yourself in a similar situation. For women looking for self-defense, certain techniques from Brazilian jiujitsu can be very useful. Even if you’re a petite woman with little strength, learning and practicing these techniques can help you build the strength and power you need to take on an attacker. Believe me, it will pay off.
The two women below have competed at the highest levels, won championships, and given a lot back to the bjj community.
Hillary Williams comes from Arkansas. She is a middleweight in bjj which is somewhere around 150 lbs. Born in October 1988, she is competitive by nature. From volleyball, to soccer and softball to golf, she has been active in sport all her life. Her goal during off-season was to keep fit and be ready to start the next season. She decided to train at Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under the guidance of two experts. She was eighteen years old and loved her first experience with bjj. She was competitive and began competing in local tournaments along with other girls. Once in a while, she ventured out into competition with men. Always wanting to train with the best, she searched around the US to get as much training as possible, and finally went to the source of bjj, Brazil. In many competitions, she earned 1st Place. She was awarded her brown belt (the highest rank color belt) which allowed her to officially teach students of lower ranks. Hillary went on to be awarded her black belt in 2010, and then won the World Championships combining the brown & black belt Women’s division. Hillary now studies at University of Arkansas. Her training and education are combined with kickboxing. Hillary maintains a website where you can find information about self-defense and bjj. You can also ask her questions regarding med school, horses or adopting puppies.
Kyra Gracie was born May 29, 1985 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and judo are her main fighting styles. She is a 2nd degree black belt, the highest common belt within bjj and representing an expert level of technical and practical skills. She now teaches. Kyra is currently training for her debut in mma. She has also stepped into the fashion world with her own chic creations of clothing all designed with an mma theme. She hopes to inspire young girls to do the same. She runs a camp just for girls where she trains them in a variety of techniques included in mma specifically Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Kyra Gracie belongs to the Gracie clan, the ones that invented jiu jitsu. Her website contains links to other websites she has featured.