The statistics themselves should be enough to terrify anyone into wanting to learn how to protect himself or herself. According to the RAINN website, (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), the numbers do not lie. RAINN, which is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, reports that “every 68 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted,” while “one out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted).” 

These statistics do not only involve females, “about three percent of American men – or one in 33 – have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.” Finally, the smallest victims harmed through violence are our youth. In 2009-2013, Child Protective Services agencies found compelling evidence to indicate that, “63,000 children a year were victims of sexual abuse.” As if these dismal numbers are not enough to make anyone’s head spin, there are other reasons why learning self defense techniques are crucial. 

Reason #1: Your self confidence will get a bonus boost! While self-defense courses come in a variety of types, enrolling in a local martial arts class may be a wonderful way to start. Whether a child or an adult, anyone who participates in martial arts will talk about how much more confident he or she feels after a few lessons. Specific martial arts classes will guide students through skill levels that progressively get harder. However, as students progress, trust in their capabilities and their ability to overcome challenges increases. 

Reason #2: Empowerment is part of the process! This can be a big part of why learning self-defense tactics is becoming so popular for women. According to the article, “Five reasons every woman should train in self-defense,” females who train in self-defense feel incredibly empowered and can manage any type of adversity which is thrown at them. By learning the skills of martial arts, these students have solid and confident energy, which shows all – including perpetrators – that they are a force of which to be reckoned. 

Reason #3: Self-defense can strengthen our natural instincts. Part of learning self-defense moves and/or martial arts is being able to tap in and listen more to our natural instincts. Being able to strengthen our own judgment will help make the difference between becoming victims or victors. While part of this is developing and listening to your natural instincts, it can also mean being able to pay attention to your surroundings and being present in the moment. Prior to enrolling in classes, students may not realize how often they put themselves in vulnerable situations (i.e., sitting in cars in parking lots on phones, listening to air pods after leaving the gym late at night, rushing to get to work, not checking the car before hopping in, etc.).

Reason #4: Learning different tactical moves can strengthen the body and mind. Yes, learning self-defense moves is a workout! Not only for the body but, more importantly, for the mind. At the end of the day, these courses are a fantastic way to get exercise. After passing each level of training, the lessons become more physically demanding. This intense exercise can not only improve your mood, but can be part of the healing process, as well. This is especially true if the student is a former victim of a crime. By taking time out to do this physical and mental exercise, students can eventually recover from the psychological impact of the trauma.

Reason #5: It can be a family affair! One of the best reasons to enroll in self-defense courses is to not only learn the skills to help protect yourself from a possible unpleasant situation, but to train your family members, as well. Martial arts classes can start for children as young as three, therefore, it is a possibility that the entire family can be involved. Not only will it be comforting to know that you can defend yourself from an attacker, but you can also learn specific moves to help protect your children when needed. One of the best lessons one can take away from a course is learning how to use your body as a weapon. No one can take this away from you. Overall, enrolling in a course can help you and your family respond effectively in difficult and scary situations.