I have been doing a lot of reading to prepare for my trip. One of the websites that I think will be most useful is couchsurfing.com. One of the recommendations was to take a self defense class. I decided to do just that and talked to my friends Shannon and Trish. They know people in the martial art community and generally people who teach self defense. Trish said I should just be taught by Shannon because he is the best.
At first, I really enjoyed the classes. I still do but there is a difference now. Before, I kinda wanted to use the moves and beat the crap out of someone. I have always had a temper and a violent side. I have vigorously kept that side in check, maybe even suppressed because I did not think it was a good thing. Self defense class has brought that side out and I will admit it. I have missed the angrier parts of myself. I think I can keep it under control without getting hostile like I was when younger.
I have done about four weeks of self defense and have learned quite a bit. The biggest lesson was that I do not want to ever have to use these moves. I love fighting so I will keep up with this when I get back and spar with folks. I just hope that I never have to fight off a rapist or fight for my life. This should have been obvious but this class has cleared it up even more. I am small and weight freaking matters. I have thrown my body weight on top of Shannon and it truly does not affect him. Also grappling with someone who out weighs you is really hard.
Also, all the moves I'm learning will only truly buy me time. If I put myself in an unsafe place where no is willing to help me, I will have a very hard time. For the geeks out there, I do have ranks in intimidate but I rather not use them at all. Shannon often likes to say make them think that "the squeeze is not worth the juice". I can get this look in my eyes that says I will go ape shit crazy and not make it worth your time, but I usually get that look when I willing to sacrifice some of my own well being. I do not want to worry about hospital bills or injuries. I will keep myself in safe locations.
So in summary, I'm leaving in like 4 weeks and this scares me. It scares me a lot when I think about it. Self defense has been good because I can protect myself a bit but really it taught me how self defense needs to be a last resort. I hope to have fun, see odd and different things, and be safe. Wish me luck.
2 comments:
It's always good to know how to defend yourself, but I am also a firm believer that the majority of people are good. Really. You stand more of a chance being killed every day on a Phoenix street just driving your car than you do being molested or assaulted in a foreign country. Don't worry, and have a good time!
I was not that clear. I'm not scared of being hurt in a foreign country. I agree with you. I believe most people are good as well. I'm just scared of going because I will be all alone and it will be a big change.
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