“It will never happen to me”
When I started doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu more than 15 years ago, it quickly became apparent to me that this sport is perfect for women’s self defense. There are a number of reasons why BJJ has been rated the # 1 martial art for women’s self defense.
The first reason is that BJJ uses leverage, meaning that it doesn’t necessarily matter if your opponent or attacker is bigger or stronger than you. You would be surprised how easily leverage, if used correctly, outweighs strength. I have a great group of women who train at my gym and are able to sweep or flip their opponent (including men who are bigger and stronger than them) almost effortlessly. The key is to use the other person’s strength to your benefit and get them off balance.
Secondly, in BJJ being on your back is not a bad thing. In fact; it is an advantage for most people. In BJJ, a majority of the submissions (where you make the other person quit or “tap”) originate from being on your back. There are numerous submissions that you can get someone in, especially when you are dealing with someone who doesn’t know any BJJ. Which brings me to my next point.
Most attackers will not know any BJJ or any other form of martial art and they will most likely be inhibited by some type of drug or alcohol (which is another advantage because this slows their reaction time down). If you stay aware, know some basic techniques and how to use them efficiently, you will undoubtedly have an extreme advantage over any attacker.
I believe that BJJ is the best self defense out there for women because it does not involve striking your opponent, but instead you subdue your opponent so that you can get away. In a worst case situation, BJJ can be your saving grace. Here are a few simple techniques that I want to show you: Just remember, you need to practice, practice, practice. You will not be able to pull off any of these moves in a high stress situation without adequate practice. I highly recommend that every woman take Jiu Jitsu classes. There are many gyms around the state that offer Jiu Jitsu and you can always come take classes from me at The Studio in Manoa Marketplace! http://www.thestudiohawaii.com/
Foot in Hip Sweep
Step 1: From your back, bring up knees and place both feet in attackers hips and place hands behind attackers ankles
Step 2: While holding on to ankels, push attacker away using your legs
Step 3: As your attacker falls use your momentum to sit up
Step 4: Stand up and continue to hold on to attackers ankles
Step 5: With attacker on ground run away in oppostie direction
Elevator Sweep
Step 1: From your back bring your knees up and place in attackers hips
Step 2: Grab attackers wrist and begin pulling attacker up and toward your head
Step 3: Lift attacker with your legs towards your head and continue to hold his wrists
Step 4: Using attackers momentum, roll over with him still holding his wrists
Step 5: Continue to use attackers momentum to land on top
Step 6: Landing on top of attacker...
Step 7: Imediatly run in opposite direction!
