#self defence classes

When my dad first proposed the idea, we were in a car, driving somewhere, though I can't quite remember where. What I do recall is me and my dad alone in the car, talking about my extracurriculars. I had been taking swimming lessons for about seven years now and wanted to try something else because I was getting bored. I had tried other things, but me and my dad were discussing things I could try out. He had done some previous research and found out about the WE (Women Empowered) program and that there was a CTC (certified training centre) near me where I could participate in said program. I watched that very same introductory video right there in the car.

At that moment, I made one of the best decisions in my entire life.

I decided to take a leap of faith and try it.

We called the CTC to confirm and, then and there, my first class was reserved. I showed up, nervous and without any knowledge of any martial art whatsoever, unaware that my life was about to be changed forever.

Walking into that CTC, exactly 15 minutes before the class started was terrifying and exciting. On one hand, this was a completely new place with strange (and also potentially dangerous) people. It was very intimidating.

Upon walking in, I was immediately greeted by B, whom my father and I had spoken with over the phone. He showed me around and I went to get ready for my first-ever experience on the mat.

Here's a quick overview of how your first class will most likely go:

You will be introduced to the instructors and led onto the mat. You will line up with the other students. The things instructors say at the beginning of their classes will vary. Still, it will be something like ''Let's start, everyone who has been here before, please practice what you've learned previously and first-timers please join [Instructor's name] over there for the first-time brief.''

The brief is just the basics: analyzing an attack (how victims are picked, different phases of the attack, etc). You're also taught the most fundamental techniques, like a basic grip release. After the brief is over, the actual class will begin. I won't go into too much detail about this part because it's different every time. Some of the classes will be a bit awkward, but you will get used to it. The techniques you will learn in that class will first be demonstrated by instructors and then you will be paired up with a more experienced partner who you can practice with. My first class was number 14 and I had a very supportive partner, who has since gotten her pink belt and is now a certified instructor.

Now, about some more milestones in your journey to a pink belt:

First stripe: After attending 15 classes, you will receive a white belt with one pink stripe. This will feel like such. big achievement, because it is! You now learn to tie your belt by yourself and are officially around 1/4 of the way to your pink belt!

First RD (reflex development) class: RD-s are the most challenging type of class. You do a rapid-fire review of all the ground or standing techniques (depending on the type of RD) and a 2-minute fight simulation where you do multiple techniques in a row (don't worry, you won't get punched!).

Second and third stripe: Awarded for attending respectively 30 and 45 classes, also a huge milestone.

Fourth stripe: After you have attended 60 or more classes, you will receive your fourth and final belt stripe. Then, you start practising for your belt exam, which you can take after having done all of the classes four times. I personally am at this milestone.

Belt test: the final step in your journey is to take the test, where you will perform all of the techniques in succession. There is a sample testing video on the Gracie University website.

My journey has not been easy, but it has been extremely gratifying and helped me a lot with confidence and self-esteem. Self-defence starts with the belief that you are worth protecting. I hope this hasn't sounded like a sales pitch, because it is not one. I am writing this because this program is something I feel the need to share with other people. You are worth protecting.

The intro video is fairly easy to find as it's on YouTube.