Are Women Doomed on the Street?

I've received permission from Fran Joseph to post her article here on MAP here in this forum ... many thanks to you Fran !


Are Women Doomed on the Street?

By Fran Joseph [Fran Joseph has been training in martial arts since the age of seven. She holds black belts in hwarang do and taekwondo.She is a Senior Instructor of Jeet Kune Do and Eskrima/Kali & an expert in nunchuku, (which she taught to "DRAGON" star, Jason Scott Lee), Fran has choreographed fight scenes for several major films along with her partner, Jerry poteet. She also works with various law enforcement agencies. ]

The following article originally appeared in Real Fighting Issue #6

Imagine a tennis player judging the power and accuracy of her serve solely by its form. Visualize a volleyball player sharpening her "spiking" skill by hitting only air. Also finally, picture a pole-vaulter competing in today's event while refusing to use a fiberglass pole? Ridiculous; you say? As farfetched as the above scenario may sound, many women martial artists, unlike their female counterparts in other sports, have not availed themselves of modem training methods. Instead, they are still relying on so-called "traditional" training methods that are all-but obsolete when applied to sell-defense situations on today's urban streets.

What's wrong with tradition? Nothing at all, as long as we distinguish between stylized forms of kicking and punching, with their emphasis on pre-arranged or choreographed kata, and combat-oriented martial arts that stress actual contact over aesthetic or ceremonial considerations. Furthermore, most classical martial arts have a preponderance of "passive" blocking movements that women can ill afford to use against much larger, stronger opponents when precious seconds can mean the difference between life and death. So we can further distinguish between "blocking-type" martial arts regimes, and hitting, or "striking-type" martial arts training.

At this point, it should be understood that we are not discussing "this" style versus "that" style, but rather, evaluating a methodology of training. This approach to training has an underlying premise: All martial arts training should parallel actual combat as closely as possible. With this premise in mind, we now have a checklist with which to analyze whatever martial art we are presently studying, so we can be confident our training is truly applicable for someone of relatively small stature in realistic fighting.

Women's martial arts study must incorporate impact-training from the inception of the program. After all, how else can you know? How hard you kick and punch unless you are making solid contact with something? Impact training can be broken down into three progressive stages. At the first stage of training, the practitioner develops power by striking (or kicking) stationary targets, be it a focus glove, air shield, heavy bag, etc. which will also acquaint her with her own reach (distance) and body mechanics.

The second phase of impact training requires the female martial artist to hit moving targets, such as the top and bottom bag, air shields, focus gloves, Thai pads, etc., which an alert coach or training partner can move randomly at a variety of angles, thereby compelling the student to deliver strikes while moving. Unlike the performance of forms, nothing in this stage of training is pre-arranged, since the coach moves her targets in an unpredictable manner. This phase not only enhances mobility and precision, but also acquaints her with the attribute of timing, since the targets are constantly moving. The third phase of impact training is the unrestricted force brought to bear on an "opponent" who a wearing full body armor. This is not a self-defense mode of training, because the partner wearing the protective gear will not cooperate, but rather be hitting, kicking, and striking you as well. The "assailant" is not a model "mugger," but an aggressive adversary changing the combat ranges with no consistent pattern of attack.

This brings up another item on our checklist of combat-oriented training; a method of training that encompasses all four ranges of combat. How often has a well-meaning male martial arts instructor encouraged female students to develop their kicks since the "legs are much stronger than the hands?" Yet, statistics show that most assaults on women occur in the "in-fighting," or close-quarter range of combat. While back-spinning kicks may-be beautiful in the gym, it is unlikely that you will have time to even launch any kick, since the range of combat closes in less than one-tenth of a second. To restrict oneself to a martial arts method that emphasizes long-range kicking is to limit one's coping abilities in the other ranges of a violent confrontation.

So important is this in-fighting range for women that it is imperative we have the necessary "tools" to deal with aggression in this "war zone." Strikes that convey the most damage in the shortest time must be perfected. This means hitting, and not blocking, on the first move. Since no referee will say, "break" when the combat range closes, women must launch damaging shockers so that the assailant cannot continue his attack. (This concept eliminates most restraining-type arts that were developed when professional warriors were clad in armor, thus prohibiting striking or kicking of any sort.)

Some of the most efficient (if not artistically pleasing) strikes are: the finger jab, which should be cultivated on something harder than a pillow since you will likely run into facial bone. (You can build up to striking padded diving goggles by starting to finger jab your shower curtain.); elbows, knees and headbutts can be perfected on focus gloves or Thai pads; low kicks (below the waist) should be directed to the groin, knees, femur bone, or shins and can be practiced on a partner wearing shin guards or long "banana bags."

Now that we have discussed impact training and range familliarity, let's examine another cornerstone of combat-ready martial arts training - contact conditioning. This is the phase pf training that most women (including myself) would rather avoid. Contact conditioning is the progressive and controlled willingness to absorb impact, and can only be obtained by a willingness to don gloves and headgear and "go for it" Taking a punch is critical, because women have not had the exposure to full-contact sports, such as football, in which most men have participated. This is not an endorsement of two partners standing toe-to-toe and "duking it out," but enough conditioning in your martial arts training that will allow you to continue past the shock of pain and impact in a real encounter.

While we are on the subject of conditioning, you must realize that you are much more likely to be struck by a jab or hook on the street than a sidekick or ridge-hand. A familiarity with basic boxing will let you feel confident in effectively dealing with it Rest assured that there is nothing unfeminine about women who can deliver jabs, crosses, hooks and uppercuts with explosive power. Once again, however, it is important that after you master the basic mechanics, you attempt to execute these strikes while someone is trying to hit you back. After all, it's very different shooting a handgun at a target range under ideal conditions than it is attempting to shoot with accuracy when someone is firing back at you. Familiarity with boxing will help to "demystify" realms of combat that until recently were reserved for men.

Our checklist would not be complete unless we mention two other items. It would be ludicrous to imagine a running back in football refusing to be tackled by anyone except those of his own height and weight. Yet, when women train exclusively with other women, that is exactly what they are doing. Women must experience the aggressive energy and greater strength of men in their martial arts training regimen, or else, like the runner, they will not develop the evasiveness and resilience necessary to compete. Like the professional athlete, female martial artists must take advantage of supplemental training, along with practicing just technique.

What female tennis player could hope to compete even at an amateur level without some sort of weight training program? Supplemental training (weights, conditioning, etc.) will not replace skill of movement, but will surely enhance it. Merely looking smooth, flexible and yelling while delivering a kick or strike is not enough to make it powerful. Once again, the female martial artist could do well to observe the training programs of professionals athletes, who do not rely on sheer repetition of movement to increase skill, but rather supplemental training regimens to develop "attributes" necessary for their particular sport.

Finally, a martial arts program that does not include weapons training is basically incomplete in preparing the female practitioner for street combat. No matter how diligently a woman trains, she is at a disadvantage when facing a much larger, stronger assailant, let alone multiple attackers. The ability and willingness to use a knife, stick, or other weapon will give the female martial artist an "equalizer." Just as the feudal samurai in Japan would never walk the streets without their sword, women in urban areas of the U.S. must likewise be armed and ready to protect themselves with their weapons of choice. Like empty-hand training, weapons training should emphasize hitting (cutting, stabbing), rather than blocking or wide, flowery movements that look beautiful in kata or forms, but have little or no application to combat.

Are we going to continue to pretend that the traditional methods of martial arts training are sufficient, or will we discover the hard way that our training regimens do not work against someone who is not a cooperating partner? Are we going to avail ourselves of a way that allows us to fight back?
Modem training methods will eliminate many of the unpleasant surprises that female martial artists would encounter in an actual confrontation. Ignorance on our part of modem martial arts training methods will only benefit our aggressors. So let's avail ourselves of innovative training techniques so that we have the power (and speed, coordination, conditioning, etc.) to fight back and win.

http://www.franjoseph.com

 

Great article. Good find KickChick

 

No matter how much training you have, women are almost always at a disadvantage in the street.

 

What, even Sunshine Fettkether? Yaahh, come on. We are not so defenseless as to need extensive weapons training to survive if attacked. Tell that to Amanda Monti, for God's sake. I'm not saying this just to be obnoxious, I honestly find it incomprehensible that women are doomed unless they have a huge amount of training.

Death?!

Fullcontact fighters have a hard time killing each other...yet any normal man can kill any normal woman?

I'm unfeminine full stop (thin as a rake with no hips) so that doesn't affect me :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

 

Really? .... we are not talking "extensive" and "huge" amount of training here SW.

Let's see untrained woman vs. trained woman surviving an attack....

Did you not even read this article.

Fran brings up some very good points that I would like to combine with the Womens Self Defense Course Guidelines thread.

Point #1 "to analyze whatever martial art we are presently studying, so we can be confident our training is truly applicable for someone of relatively small stature in realistic fighting."

Point #2 The necessity of contact conditioning ...." the progressive and controlled willingness to absorb impact" which not many women are comfortable with ... well, besides you & me possibly

Point #3 "Women's martial arts study must incorporate impact-training from the inception of the program." ..... training in this area is crucial IMO

Point #4 "Strikes that convey the most damage in the shortest time must be perfected. This means hitting, and not blocking, on the first move."

Point #5 Training WITH men!!!

Point #6 "Like the professional athlete, female martial artists must take advantage of supplemental training, along with practicing just technique."
Aside from cross trainingwhenever possible .... if you're outta shape you can kiss your **** goodbye! Develop some physical strength and endurance

Point #7 Weapons training is indeed an asset .... besides knife and stick training, I also advise firearm training when applicable (age/area of country)

.... and last but not least the point of traditional martial arts training being sufficient enough to protect a woman on the street?

 

There are many fundemental differentiations between ring and street that we can't pass over. Perhaps the most important one in that in a ring fight/duel there is a consent by both parties to fight. In a self defense situation, even where there is verbal and emotional contact leading up to the physical confrontation, that dual consent may not be there. So only the attacker is coming out swinging. Additionally, a lot of the pro-fighter's ability to resist damage ties back to overall training. They're physically and mentally prepared to absorb and counter damage.

I'm not saying that the average Jane (or Joe) is a delicate flower. And most people take take a lot more than they realize. However, they're not used to it and losing initative and control of the situation, for even a moment, puts someone at a significant disadvantage. Said disadvantage needs to be made up quickly, and that's a lot of inertia to overcome to reach a point of domination in the confrontation. So I think the "second/life/death" statement is a good one.

As for the article, I dig it based on a quick read.

- Matt

 

Nice article... thanks for posting it KickChick.

 

There's a lot of food for thought in this. Thanks for sharing it!

 

This articles not just for women....

 

For the most part, the article is right. Full contact training, fighting in all three ranges, fighting with men, these are all good things.

I do disagree with the eyes and groin as primary targets.

And the "Life and death" part is a little cartoonish.

 

Good article KC. Most people underestimate the damage that a larger stronger person can do to a smaller person. If you look at the cases where a female was struck by a larger male one or most likely repeatedly you get the idea of what type of damage can be done in a short time. This however does not mean that this only happen to females. We had a recent case here where a guy was killed when he was struck and went out on his feet. Hitting the pavement with his head did him no good. This does not mean a female can not defend herself (or a guy for that matter) you just must have a realistic view of what that means and train for it.

 

You have to consider the majority, not the extremely talented few.

 

I think a trained woman would actually have an advantage over a mugger. The element of surprise when she clocks him one would be greatly on her side.

 

i think not.......did you ever watch that jackass episode where that Muay Thai chick kicked that one dudes ass. Im just saying that the average stalker/mugger doesn't practice MA's, but might be more street oriented, but thats not to say a well trained Woman can't defend her self

 

Why might I ask? I think, as long as those are taught to not be cure alls they make a lot of sense. Especially the eyes. My broader objection is to the idea of finger strikes. A raking motion across the eyes is equally effective, especially considering how easy it is to scratch a cornea, and a much lower risk technique. It can also be easily integrated into a palm strike scenario.

As far as the groin, while no one should rely on a groin strike as their only line of defense, it's still useful. Especially in cases when that's one of a flurry of techniques. While a blow to the groin should never be considered enough to put someone down, it may be enough to help create a pause or loosen a grip enough to buy time or extra hits.

What would you propose as primary targets?

- Matt

 

crotch grabbing could be effective, hairpulling, nose picking, all those cat fighting techniques.

 

Many Chinese families have their children train from a very young age in martial arts, so I have a friend who is a young Chinese woman who has completed the Eagle Claw and Wing Chun systems of combat (and now teaches them in Singapore). She is currently studying Russian Systema and she had an interesting comment about womens' self defence:

"I am of slight build, barely over one hundred pounds, and I can't compete with the strength of Mironov (her Systema teacher), nor can I cover as much groundly as quickly as he. My defense is weaker than his offense and my reach and ability to grapple are inferior. However, I possess several advantages and methods by which I may succeed. First: the finger jab to the eyes. My elongated fingers are my furthest reaching weapon, save my knife, and they give me an extra inch and a half to strike a target. They can also strike a small target such as the eyes, or attack the shoulder pressure point, leading into an elbow. Secondly: the Eagle Claw, as long as I attack with precision, the Eagle Claw is a fighting ending tool. Grabbing the throat or the ear, or grabbing weak spots along the arm and a few other applications ends a fight very quickly. I can't use it for all of the uses a man could, because I'm not strong enough physically to make it a controlling device. Third: Low kicks. A kick that makes a ninety degree angle out of your two legs is the longest range my body will ever reach, and it does it quickly and effectively. Against some opponents it will hit them in the gut, for some it can even be turned into a groin strike. Kicks below that, to the thigh and to the knee usually, are also very effective. The lack the reach of a straight side kick, but can be executed very quickly and with very good results. I do not favor many Eagle Claw style high kicks because against many opponents they won't be high enough to effectively and quickly reach their head, also, they require that I limit myself to a shorter range using a slower attack.
Women like myself can also use our slighter build to make ourselves harder to hit, when I stand in a fighting stance I will make a smaller profile than many men, and it's easier for me to make small adjusting movements. the System's shifting motions are ideal for me at my size and can allow me to make any number of knife strikes or other attacks."

 

Primary target implies that it is the first thing a student learns.

1:The eyes are a small target, not easily struck or even raked.

2: Gouging the eyes is hard to do without the ability to grapple (you are trying to hold onto a moving target). Pulling the wrist is a natural reaction, and from there your wrist can be pushed to the ground. As a defense against mount, it's moronic.

3: He may be wearing glasses. He may simply blink or close his eyes, and if you've already gotten to clinch or ground (which is pretty damn likely for women), you don't need to see to continue fighting at that range. Even the cornes thing is unworkable with contacts.

4: Does everything in WSD have to have "scenario" at the end of it?

1: Expecting a soccer mom to outstrike a rapist with a "flurry of hits" is asking for failure. Unless the woman has invested signifigant time in learning to strike powerfully(read: muay thai, boxing) the rapist is tougher, he hits harder.

2: Men instinctively protect their groins. We're taught it from an early age, it's reinforced in movies etc. Any women's self defense book will show it, and I would expect many would-be rapists have seen such books.

3: Most importantly, it's pain based. Some people will respond to pain. Some won't.

If we're talking about women, I doubt the ability of a woman with only a few weeks training to outstrike a man.
However, if I were teaching a specific striking program (hypothetically, since i'm not a ranked thai boxer), It would be much the same as anyone else:
Primarily the jaw (proven for KOs), the rest of the face, the thighs, possibly the back of the neck if she's gotten good at clinchwork. After those are well ingrained, maybe we'll start with body blows, ribs, liver, etc.

 

Nosepicking??

Eeeeeeeeeewwwwwww!!

 

Uber,

Couple counters. One of the key lessons to first impart in Women's self defense is the need to maintain distance at all times. The more distance, in most cases, the more you are safe. However, if the situation has escalated to physical encroachment then, like it or not things are going to be escalating in close, and sometimes the best path for the defender is literally through the attacker. At that point, people need to be used to close quarter combat.

As far as the rakes, we're going to need to disagree. From my experience and review of training material, they're not that hard to do or teach. Even with eyes closed, the sensation of having fingers run over the eyes is disorientating. If it causes glasses to come off, even better. Again, I'm talking raking as a component of striking rather than gouging.

Now as far as the issue of outstriking your opponent, that's an over complication. Again, I'll fall back on the police profile data that suggests that most attackers are afraid of two things:
1. getting hurt
2. getting caught
A flurry of targeted resistance can be enough to prevent an attack from going forward. Or enough to build escape space. The last thing people expect is for a victim to go towards the attacker (in fact, there are branches of tactical Kali that base their "oh crap" knife defense on literally running over the attacker).

As far as the male protection of the groin. that isn't a bad thing, because to cover one area you open another up. Hence why I specified FLURRY.

As and far as scenario, it's a solid place to start. The fact is that things can be reduced to a couple major scenarios. If you have limited time to train, you play the averages first and then scale out. And before anyone calls me on that idea, the fact is that's how all fighting arts work. It's just self defense programs tend to be a bit more explicit about it.

- Matt