Students Gain Self-Confidence through Self-Defense
By: Brandi SchenkelbergVul-ner-able. adj.- 1. Capable of being physically wounded 2. Open to attack or damage.
This definition is one all too familiar to many teenage girls today. While walking to cars after work, getting gas after a night on the town, or even getting the mail early in the morning, many girls find themselves looking over their shoulders. This insecurity can be avoided if girls learn how to defend themselves.
Junior Laura Mohr takes kickboxing, a form of self-defense. "It gives me more confidence and I have more control over who enters my space," said Mohr.
She says, " If you are interested in self defense go for it. I think all women should consider it if they have the time." Since many Marian girls have incredibly tight schedules and do not have time to take a weekly class, these simple tips may come in handy if ever confronted by a stranger. When you are walking anywhere in the dark put a key between your forefinger and middle finger to act as a weapon. Carry a cell phone or mase to ward off assailants.
There are many places in the Omaha area that offer self defense classes. Just a few are: KimUs Tae Kwon Do Schools located at 319 N 72nd St., Martial Arts Center located at 10801 Blondo St., or the Nebraska Academy of Martial Arts Inc. located at 3600 N 90th St.
Among these places, The Martial Arts Center offers a self-defense course called POWER. It stands for Prepare to defend yourself, Offset the attacker's balance, Weaken them with well-placed strikes, Emerge as the victor and Run to safety. In this course you will learn the seven points of pain, the seven natural weapons and the seven points of balance. Classes are 90 minutes in length. In order to pass the course, you must successfully complete the testing day. For more information, call the center at 498-9592.
"Before taking this class I think I wasnUt as confident as I am now. Now, I know the targetUs, and I think IUd be a lot more prepared if I was ever confronted," said Mohr.
Besides taking self-defense as preparation for an attack, you also receive other benefits. "You become way more flexible in the process, and you realize your strengths and weaknesses. Honestly I think it teaches you how to respect as well," said Mohr. Taking a self defense class or somehow increasing your knowledge of defense is beneficial not only in your well being but it also helps to get in shape and improve your endurance. Above staying in shape and gaining confidence, you are protecting yourself from harm.
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