Introduction
Before diving into the details of “why a wellness program should include this training, what a program should include and how to design/implement a program, I want to define both “personal safety” training and “self-defense” training. Understanding the differences between these two types of training will help you to interpret and understand the information provided in the following articles in this series.
Personal safety training focuses on educating the mind – providing information that should help an individual make better decisions regarding potential or real conflict or violent situations. Some example subject areas covered in personal safety training should be:
- Why Learn Personal Safety and Self-Defense
- Legal Liability of Self-Defense
- Self-Defense Training’s Impact on Confidence & Fear
- Assailants – Who Are They?
- Preparation For and Understanding the Consequences of Conflict & Violence
- Principles of Personal Safety
- Pre-emptive Self Defense
- Self-Defense Training versus Martial Arts Training
- Self-Defense Training versus Kickboxing Fitness Training
- Awareness (Mental, Emotional, Environmental & Physical) – the Offensive Weapon
- Interpreting Body Language
The words ‘self-defense’ appears frequently in the preceding list of potential personal safety subjects. The purpose of that is to relate the information to the potential for physical conflict or violence. But there is no physical skills training included – only education. The purpose of personal safety training is to enhance the individual’s knowledge to a level that would provide the capability and ability to recognize & avoid, prevent, de-escalate, or exit from a potential or existing violent situation, without the need for engaging in fighting.
Personal Safety training can be delivered as a live event (in-person seminar or virtual webinar) or it can be provided in an online format, like other onboarding or recurrent annual training courses (i.e. harassment training) required for employees. Online course training formats do provide greater flexibility for both companies and employees, and should include the following:
- A method for employees to ask questions and get relatively quick feedback.
- The content is available 24/7 so there is no need to schedule the training for specific dates or times.
- Content should be available to review at any time, even after completing the course.
- Brief knowledge verification (quizzes, exams) methods.
- Live seminars typically don’t provide this option.
Oftentimes, an online course is more cost-effective for a company. Logistics, cost, availability of information, and objective verification that the employees gained knowledge from the training – these are all solid reasons to consider an online Personal Safety training course.
Self-Defense Physical Skills Training
Self-defense training provides the opportunity to learn, practice, and improve the physical skills necessary for a combative situation. Physical self-defense training does not make a person invincible – it is more of a “discovery” experience. An individual, through the training progressions, discovers what he or she is capable of, if confronted with potential violence. This newly discovered knowledge and awareness of physical skill abilities and capabilities can improve the decision-making process during a confrontation.
Some example subjects that should be included in self-defense physical skills training are:
- Distancing & Personal Space
- Skill Performance Conditioning
- Self Defense Stance/Body Positioning
- Evasion Movements
- Re-Direction & Blocking Techniques
- Striking – Primary Target Areas
- Striking – Elbow Strikes, Palm Heel Strikes, Knee Strikes, Front Kicks, Side Kicks
- Loosening Technique Target Areas
- Loosening Techniques for Grabs & Holds (chokes, shoulder grabs, bear hugs, etc.)
- Ground Fighting
- Multiple Attackers, and more!
Now, as you read the rest of the articles in this series, you will understand the differences between personal safety training and self-defense training. However, there is a “gray” area where education about physical skills training can be provided during personal safety training – it would be informational only, no physical skills practice time. I include that “gray” area in my personal safety training. A few examples of what I educate my participants about include the following:
- The right way versus the wrong way to perform evasion movements.
- The pros and cons of each kind of strike.
- Primary target areas for strikes.
- Primary targets areas for loosening techniques.
- Everyday items that could be potentially used as a self-defense weapon.
- How to use those weapons.
- And much more!
The next article that provides guidance on, and information about what should be included in a corporate/organizational personal safety and self-defense training program.