These tips I learned in my self-defense classes with Esteem have gotten me through many difficult situations in my life. The funny thing is, they don’t just apply to situations in which my personal safety is threatened. They’re guidelines for how to walk through the world with less fear and more confidence. Continue
We all deserve to feel strong and competent, set clear boundaries, and resist verbal and physical assault, and we need to stand together to make sure that feeling is realized for all of us. Continue
Many times potentially violent situations can be averted with assertiveness. In the scenario described in this blog, much of the “interview” is dispensed with; there was a little chatting, and then things rapidly turned violent when the gang believed that they were in a position of power and that there was nothing to stop them. At that point, my student needed to use a physical technique to end the interaction. Continue
Esteem for Boys teaches boys what to do if physically attacked and how to physically defend themselves, but it also helps boys think about the ego-based nature of fighting among young men. Continue
Through the marketing of these products, women are being told we need some kind of external weapon to be successful in resisting an assault. It’s just another way that our bodies are under attack. The message is that we are lacking, insufficient, and weak and must rely on a weapon like pepper spray in the absence of a strong man to protect us. Continue
A common concern for teen girls and women is how to effectively respond to being followed on the street. When in this scenario, most women are unaware of the most effective steps to take to deter their attacker. Learn what to do and what not to do to stay safe. Continue
The next thing I knew, a fifth guy came up behind me and grabbed me around the chest with one arm and around my throat with the other. At the same time, the other guys started to move closer and the only thing I thought of was, ‘Oh, no this is not going to happen.’ I don’t remember thinking anything else. Continue