What are your recommendations on a basic class for Civilian women self defense?

[Laurie Dougherty]

I'm looking for some input from you guys.   Rich and I are now certified NRA Basic Pistol Instructors.  I am a Refuse to Be A Victim and Pepper Spray instructor.  I'd like to add a very basic class on physical tactics to get away to our offerings of classes.  This would be a civilian class of course.  I have taken a RAD class myself, like it and considered becoming an instructor.  I've been told that it gives woman a false security, that could be dangerous.  Do you agree?

Lastly I have no martial arts background.  There has to be a way to get basic physical self defense tactics to woman.  Is the best thing that I don't even try to teach it and just bring in a martial arts expert annually?   What has been your experience.  I feel that if I am going to teach anything, it has to be a "program" of sorts that has been proven, a well defined path for instructor certification and has some support system and documentation. 

I am teaching a Refuse to Be a Victim Class this coming Tuesday night.  It will be the memorial workshop for Toni Keller, the NIU Student that was found murdered in Prairie Park.  Toni's mother asked me to try and get the workshop on campus.    We are expecting between 30 and 75 college age students.

If you want to come to the class on Tuesday in Dekalb, you are welcome to.  Just shoot me an email.

Laurie Dougherty

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[Kim Heath]

I wanted to suggest to you that when you teach whatever it is you decide to teach, try to prepare the women for just how fast and how violent the real thing is going to be.  Most women go through those types of classes and learn basic moves, but I don't think they realize that they have to meet potentially overwhelming violence with absolutely overwhelming violence.  They may have to stick their thumb in an eye socket and rip that little sucker right out, or bite out a chunk of jugular vein.  Hopefully, some screaming and very hard open hand strikes to the snot locker will do the job, but they may have to get evil.  Be sure to give them as much mental preparation as physical.

[Katie Connolly-Staffelbach]

Hi Laurie--I'd check into Krav Maga instructor training.  It's a simple and effective combat system designed by the Israelis. I've been teaching it for years to people of all ages and abilities.  If you have any questions, please feel free to message me.