FitSugar

Have You Ever Had to Use Self-Defense?

TresSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 -0700

I have to admit that I've never taken the time to enroll in a serious self-defense course. Luckily, I've never been in a situation requiring it (knock on wood!), but I think it's about time I sign up!

Yesterday I posted a comical vintage ad for a book on secret self-dense tips. It got me thinking: how many of you have taken a self-defense course and had the unfortunate opportunity to test it out?

Flashback: Self-Defense Made Easy

TresSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

This book promised to make self-defense so easy that you could do it with a smile, while standing on one toe no less! Now that she knows the secrets to self-defense, half-pint can show the big bad wolf who's boss.

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Self-Defense Video or Comedy Routine?

GiggleSugar — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:00:00 -0700

As soon as I try to focus on a self-defense technique I could actually learn from, these dorks do something weird that makes me laugh. So I guess my answer to the question above it. . .comedy routine.

Are Taser Parties Too Much?

DearSugar — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:00:02 -0700

As women, it's important that we think about safety, particularly those of us who live in cities. A lot of women I know carry pepper spray in their purses, while others go so far as to take self-defense classes. But I was a little shocked when I heard about Shieldher, a company offering "Taser parties" - sort of like Tupperware parties, except at these home gatherings, women learn about and shop for Taser-brand stun guns.

Founded by an Arizona entrepreneur named Dana Shafman, Shieldher sells Taser C2 models ($350 each), which are not considered firearms but which are prohibited for citizen use in many states. The Tasers use laser pointers to aim and can stop an attacker from up to 15 feet away. For details on the Taser parties, read more

Though the company mostly sells Tasers - some complete with leopard-print cases! - on its website, it has also started offering Taser parties in certain US cities, and by the end of 2008, Shieldher wants to have parties being thrown in more than 30 states. Oh, and in case you're wondering, no alcohol is served at the parties!

Would you attend a Taser party? Do you own a Taser or some other kind of self-defense tool?

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Class Act: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

FitSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

If you're looking to try a martial art for both fitness and self-defense, you may want to give Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a try. Jiu-Jitsu stands for "flexible art" and is considered by some to be the oldest form of martial art. It originated in India, spread throughout Asia into Japan, and eventually landed in Brazil.

Even though this combat sport is practiced mostly by men, it's especially great for women to learn to defend themselves in unsafe situations. Why? It's all about the belief that it doesn't matter if you are small or weak. As long as you master the techniques of gaining leverage over your opponent, then you'll be able to protect yourself against an attacker who may be larger or stronger.

Check out this video to see what it's all about.

Want to hear more about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Then read more

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) focuses on grappling, which basically means you're holding, gripping, and controlling your opponent without kicking or punching. It's a lot like wrestling where you're rolling around on the ground trying to obtain the dominant position over your partner. You'll learn chokeholds that affect your opponent's ability to breathe, grappling holds to control your opponent, and joint locks where you're holding a person's body in such a way that their joints reach their maximum point of motion. With BJJ, it'll work your entire body, enhance your sense of balance, flexibility, and strength. It will also benefit your cardiovascular and respiratory health, and build personal courage and self-confidence.

Fit's Tip: If you're looking for a good place to learn, go to BJJUSA.com and click on Affiliated Schools. These centers usually offer hour long beginner classes.

FemDefence Against Rape

DearSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

Okay ladies, I just found something that I have to share with you. Let me first say that as women, it's incredibly important to do everything we can to keep ourselves safe. Some women carry mace, others a cell phone, and some women I know are even learning Kung Fu. Here's another idea for self-defense: It's called FemDefence.

This “product" (which is presently just an idea) is a kind of protection for women against sexual assault. It's similar to a tampon in that the user inserts it into her vagina, but it has a sharp pin on one end, which has a penetrating effect on a perpetrator’s penis in the event of a rape. The construction is such that the pin cannot injure the woman wearing it.

Whoa. When I first saw it, I thought it was something you kept in your purse - not in you! What do you guys think? Would you put this inside yourself if it meant you'd be more safe, or do you think this product is going too far?

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Don't Light Up Around Gramps

GiggleSugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 14:00:00 -0700

Don't watch the golfer in the foreground, watch the scene happening behind him. An elderly man is enjoying his day in the sun while watching the golfers play around him, when some punk decides to take a smoke break right next to him. In the name of self-defense, the elderly gentleman does what any polite, respectable, decent person would do- Go, Go, Gadget Walking Stick!

Exercise Safety Tip: Take a Self Defense Course

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:15:00 -0800

I recently polled you guys about skipping workouts due to not feeling safe, and I've been giving you all sorts of tips on how to make your outdoor exercises safe.

User nikodarling shared her own great safety tip that I wanted to make sure everyone saw:

"Ladies - if you do go out running or walking at night, or even during the day I hope you will take a self defense course. I took one when I was in college at the urging of a friend. I hated feeling like everyone was out to get me when I first took it, but it is really good to know how to handle certain situations. And some of the tips they give you are so obvious and simple, yet we rarely put them into effect in day to day life. Even if you feel like your neighborhood is safe or you know what to - please consider it if you haven't done so."

Great tip, thank you for sharing. Still dragging your feet? Well you'll end up burning a ton of calories while learning the basics of defending yourself. Have you ever taken a self defense course?

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Have You Ever Taken A Self Defense Class?

FitSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 03:30:00 -0700

There are many classes out their designed just for women to learn self defense skills. I have even seen boot camps designed especially to train women with defense skills. These classes seem like a good idea and I am wondering if you have ever taken a self defense class.

Source

Burn a Few More Calories: Take a Self Defense Class

FitSugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Some of my favorite kinds of workouts are the ones that kill two birds with one stone. For example, I love getting in 30 minutes of cardio while watching the last episode of TopChef (yes, I watch that show too). I also love doing pull-ups and dips on the monkey bars while I am at the park with my kids.

Another way to get fit and accomplish something (aside from plain ol' getting healthy) while you're exercising is to take a self-defense class. Here's why: Your first defense in self-defense is to run (run Forest, run...), and we all know how good running is at burning calories. Your next defense in self-defense is to try to fight off a possible attacker, which means you'll be learning how to protect yourself with specialized moves. Perfecting moves such as the Hammer Fist and Elbow Shots is an excellent method for burning calories as well as empowering yourself too. Check around for self-defense classes near you. A lot of local YMCAs offer them as well as community centers, and even gyms, nationwide.