PHED 156 - Self-Defense for Women

An introduction to basic self-defense skills. The course includes an exploration of escape and avoidance strategies, offensive and defensive postures, defensive techniques, and simulated attacks. The course will also examine community services available for both violence prevention and victim abuse services. Finally, fitness principles, such as strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness, will be addressed, particularly in regard to the impact of personal fitness on one’s ability to perform the self-defense skills presented in class. Assessment Level(s): ELAI 990/ELAW 980/ELAR 980. Two hours each week.

2 semester hours

Course Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

Recognize the widespread occurrence of violence against women and recognize how race, age, or socioeconomic status does not limit such violence.
Identify local organizations that deal in violence prevention and crisis management.
Identify common myths and misconceptions regarding rape and violence against women and explain how such myths may interfere with violence prevention.
Differentiate between self-confidence, assertiveness, and aggressiveness.
Examine his or her own habits and how such habits interact with safety issues.
Identify his or her personal strengths and physical limitations regarding safety and self-defense.
Identify his or her personal weapons and demonstrate defensive skills using these weapons.
Identify vulnerable locations on an assailant and suggest defensive skills to attack these locations.
Demonstrate and perform the following defensive skills: block, parry, strike, hammer fist strike, knee strike, straight kick, sweep kick, snap kick, hammer fist (to forearm), finger rolls, heel stomp, breaking wrist grabs, escaping bear hugs, high elbow strikes, escaping choke holds (front and back), and ground defenses.

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