Ever tried learning self-defense?

[felines are superior]

I think learning self-defense moves is excellent for aspies. Think about it: we get bullied a lot, self-defense can boost our self-esteem, and it can help control rage attacks.

On the other hand, there are many problems aspies can face in self-defense classes. I've tried it and loved it, but it was very challenging at first. Here's what happened when I started. Aspie girl blog: Can aspies learn self-defense and Martial arts

What's your experience with learning self-defense?

 

[Mr Allen]

I started Japanese Karate when I was 14 (in June 1990) at a local Sports Centre, and then carried on training for about 3 years till I had to give up when I left Home for College.

Then in 2003, aged 27, I started back in Japanese Karate at a local Leisure Centre 2 nights a week, got up to blue belt (5th Kyu) before I had to retire due to injury.

And then last October I started Taekwondo, which is South Korean Karate, and so far I've passed 2 gradings up to yellow belt.

 

[NothingToSeeHere]

I started doing Tae kwon do age 7, and got quit because I was bored with it age 21 at which point I was a 2nd Dan black belt. I enjoyed it as a child but it never helped me with bullying as it was always verbal/emotional rather than physical.

 

[WereBear]

I think it helps with assertion. And it's good to know some moves, like blocking a blow or how to knock an attacker off balance. In case of emergency, we are prone to panic if we have no clue what to do. However, if we have the slightest scrap of a plan in our memories, our brain will leap to that, and be a great help.

I recently read about a study where very few people survived a plane crash that did not injure that many on landing, but was fatal quickly due to smoke. Every one of the rare survivors had done one thing that the scientists thought had been instrumental in their escape: they had read the card showing where the exits were. Even amid the mayhem and fear, their brain knew what to do, and was able to save them.

I took a self-defense class in college, where the final exam was three levels: verbal intimidation, blow blocking, and offensive move. Maybe the guy who was our "practice dummy" was tired by the time he got to me. My intense body language and voice tone when I told him to "back off!" was so impressive he stepped back -- "Pass. She's going to be fine."

 

[Ambi]

When I was obsessed with Tae Kwon Do, I had the spirit needed to be quite good - maybe my strength and technique were not masterful, but my determination was very high. Then I just lost interest and spirit - and it was a disaster. In either case, I couldn't have defended myself on the street with it - I couldn't even defend myself against my older brother. But I think that depends on the type of martial art, some are more practical for street defense.

 

[Flinty]

When I was in Grade 7 one of the Grade 9 teachers offered karate lessons.

These lessons initially attracted dozens of my fellow students. Then when most students realized that they were not going to turn into Bruce Lee any time within the next few hours, they dropped it. By the end of the year there were five of us left, so of course it was not going to be offered the next year.

Not that the teacher was qualified to teach anyway, but when you live in a small isolated town, you get what you get.

 

[Major Tom]

I am a black belt in both Aikido and Karate. I think martial arts is one of the best things I have ever tried in my life. It gives me focus and allows me to get out of my head EVERY time I am practicing. I have a couple injuries now that prevent me from doing my kicks, at least above knee level, but I still frequently do my forms and hand work. I think any martial art can be a great thing for people on the spectrum or anyone in general.

 

[Butterfly88]

I took a kickboxing class once. I didn't really like it. I also found the gloves they made me wear to be very uncomfortable and sweaty. If I was to try self-defense again I'd have to do something without gloves. Karate seems kind of cool but the uniform seems too stiff for me.

 

[DogwoodTree]

I started a women's martial arts self-defense class last spring. Had to take a break for scheduling conflicts the past couple of months, but plan to get back to it in January. I've loved it and done very well. A couple of challenging parts: it's very loud in the studio, I don't like being touched, I don't like being watched (like when learning something new or when being tested). I could totally skip the whole testing and belts thing, and just focus on learning the skills.

However, the benefits have far outweighed the challenges. I feel more confident in myself, more assertive, more aware of the space around me in a way that doesn't feel quite so overwhelming. I can more easily be around groups of people without feeling like I'm going to lose myself if anyone makes any sort of move towards me--I know I can hold my space both physically and emotionally a little better now. I still have a long ways to go, but even my instructors have repeatedly pointed out how much progress I'm making and how different I am now than I was when I started.

 

[Rayner]

I do some martial arts at a local community gym, I've learned some basic tactics in defense really basic stuff. Now also if you been on AC long enough you may know also I practice defense tactics with a handgun, on a fairly regular basis.

 

[Benjamin Dover]

I did. If someone ever comes up to me with a rubber gun in their right hand, and they grab my shirt in a very specific way with their left hand, then I'm all set to kick their rear-ends.