Self defence classes for girls in schools?

[SingToTheSky]

DD1’s tutor group have been discussing women’s safety a lot and the subject has been handled really well (she told me her tutor hasn’t stood for people laughing it off etc).

She’s been so worried and we’ve talked about doing self defence classes (she was great at tae kwon do but ironically left as she didn’t feel comfortable with some of the male teachers - not due to any behaviour, she just would feel more confident in an all female class). So I’ve emailed her tutor (in the event she’s a mumsnetter... hi! 👋😁) asking if something at school is a possibility, when Covid safe etc.

But it would need to be just for girls really (whether they also offered a boys’ class). Is that likely to be something they’d get into shit for? It’s actually a sports specialist school, and DD1 informs me they do separate PE classes by sex.

I just wondered if anyone knows of schools who have done this, whether in the past or recently in light of recent discussions? Thanks

Should add / the taller and heavier your attacker, the more you can leverage his own size against him.

Another vote for krav maga. It's extremely practical, no-nonsense self-defence. Particularly good, imo, for women and girls.

Martial arts are fantastic fun and great for fitness. But they aren't designed to get you out of a dangerous situation. Krav Maga is.

Teaching teenage girls to stand and fight, with an aggressive man, in a few lessons at school is likely to get the girl (even more) seriously hurt.
Teach them how to stay safe, how to escape and run. Fighting 'techniques' takes years of training to become instinct and of any use.

What about the other stuff though. We also need Verbal Self Defence and also how to deal with a male creep.

@Babdoc

I can recommend krav maga. It specifically DOES teach 5’ girls how to break a hold when grabbed by a 6’ man, and how to floor him and incapacitate him long enough to run away! DD did a full krav course, and now volunteers as security at feminist meetings and marches.

Oooh I might have a go at this.. it’d be nice to throw a big bloke to the floor the next time he says something leery 🤣🤣🤣

Ask a 12 year old to try to and fight a fully grown man.

I feel it should be clarified- proper self defence is not about teaching children or women to stand and fight. It's about deflection, manoeuvering, one strike techniques - designed to give you time to get away.

I agree 100% that you have to spar with men, with aliveness, if you want to gain skills

From a self defence point of view, there's not that much point in formal sparring with rules and a time limit, like Shodan says one strike and run is better.

There is however something to be said for learning how to carry on after you've been punched in the face, it's a useful skill but not fun or easy to learn...

And sparring also has a place in a ground based art like BJJ, where you can actually learn to get out from under someone stronger and heavier than you... the catch being you need to be about two belt levels above them

@Babdoc

I can recommend krav maga. It specifically DOES teach 5’ girls how to break a hold when grabbed by a 6’ man, and how to floor him and incapacitate him long enough to run away! DD did a full krav course, and now volunteers as security at feminist meetings and marches.

Agreed. Krav maga is great. Really boosts confidence