WMMA Certified Self Defense Instructors

Want to learn self-defense? You’ve come to the right place! Instructors certified by the  World Mixed Martial Arts Federation are skilled in both physical and verbal self-defense skills, knowledgeable about violence against women, have strong backgrounds in the martial arts, and support empowerment as a goal of women’s self-defense.

Contact them directly for more information on classes and workshops in your area

How to Choose a Self Defense Class

A good self-defense class teaches skills in awareness, assertiveness, verbal confrontation skills, safety strategies, and physical techniques. These strategies can help you prevent, escape, resist and survive assault, abuse or harassment. A good self-defense course provides training in psychological awareness and verbal skills, not just physical strikes.

In choosing a class, look for a program or an instructor who:

Knows the facts about abuse and assault aimed at women, and tailors her classes to this reality. For example, a good class will address situations involving acquaintances and romantic partners, not just attacks by strangers.

Knows the realities of women’s lives and is able to work with each student where she is. For example, a good teacher is able to adapt verbal and physical techniques to each student’s strengths and challenges; she will not have a “one-size-fits-all” program.

Respects women’s decisions on how to handle dangerous or threatening situations and does not blame or judge survivors.

Offers techniques, knowledge and strategies to help students make their own decisions about how to handle situations. She does not tell students what they should or should not do.

Takes an empowering approach not only to the practice of self-defense but also to teaching the program. For example, students should be able to determine their own levels of participation in the class, and no one should feel pressured into doing specific exercises

Learning  Martial Arts  Martial Arts By Sensei  Arezou Babri

Avoid the 10 Most Common Mistakes Martial Artists Make In the Dojo

* Training one side of their body more then the other:

Students do that becausethey always face their opponent with the same foot forward, and they think they will be able to make the same choice on the street.  They do not know that always fighting from the same stance will make them predictable in the dojo, and it can ruin their ability to respond to unorthodox attacks on the street.

*Solution

Train your weaker side first.  In sparring, try to launch an attack using the arm or leg you normally don't use.  Merely switching your stance frequently in a match can help keep your focus and techniques sharp.

*Using excessive force:

Many beginners try to punch or kick so hard that they lose control of their body and set themselves up for injury.

*Solution:

When you learn a new technique, try to focus on the proper body placement from the beginning to the end of the movement.  When you have mastered that, you can add power.

*Moving too quickly:

Lower-ranked students sometimes observe the speed with which higher belts perform and try to duplicate it before they are ready.  That can lead to improper technique and increase the risk of injury.

*Solution:

Ask advanced students to show you a new move slowly, then try to duplicate their movement in slow motion.  As the technique becomes second nature, you speed will improve.

*Stretching too far too fast:

This is a big problem, especially for older students just getting into the martial arts.  When their motion exceeds what their body can handle, it can result in torn tendons and ligaments.

*Solution:

Stretch at home or in the office before you go to class.  That will give you an edge because your body will be partially warmed up before you begin stretching in class.

*Holding their breath or exaggerating their breathing patterns:

Many beginners do this so frequently that they become lightheaded or dizzy.  They also subconsciously reduce their energy levels and disrupt their concentration.

*Solution:

Relax.  Breathe while you move and exhale at the climax of your punch, kick or block.  Try to breathe from your stomach, not form your chest.

*Drinking too little before, during and after a workout:

The martial arts are one of the most strenuous aerobic and anaerobic workouts on the earth, yet many students don't drink ant fluids because they think sweating is good and replacing lost water is unnecessary.

*Solution:

Drink water before, during and after class.  It will keep your muscles - which are 70% water - functioning at maximum capacity and shorten your recovery time.

*Overdoing it too soon:

Most martial artists fall prey to this trap.  They throw one too many punches into the focus pad, blast one too many kicks into the heavy bag or execute one too many break falls on the mat and find themselves sidelined with an injury.

*Solution:

Make your workouts 90% physical and 100% mental, saving some energy for your next training session.  Focus on control and precision.

*Practicing only their favorite moves:

All martial artists tend to practice the technique=es they are good at more than the techniques they need to improve.

*Solution:

Perform all your techniques using both sides of your body.  In friendly sparring matches, surprise yourself and your opponent by executing a difficult move you have never used before.

*Training only once a week:

Some martial artists are so busy they can't find time to work out more than once a week.  They train one day, and over the next six days their memories fade and their technique falls apart.

*Solution:

Try to get to the dojo at least for times a week.  On your day off, do your martial arts homework.  If you think of your training like attending high school, you will improve more quickly.

Learning the Martial Arts requires an understanding of the

"Few Step Process" which includes: observation,

perseverance,technical knowledge, repetition,

experimentation & self-evaluation:

OBSERVATION:

A student of the Martial Arts must focus on all key essential elements of his or her Sensei's Teaching Points (Explanation & Demonstration). To begin trying a technique without careful observation will often cause mistakes or bad habits to form early in the learning process. These mistakes or bad habits can cause delay & possibly injury to the participants when careful observation is not included in learning the Martial Arts. It is noteworthy to mention that the student should watch for all aspects of an each technique, both what your sensei explains & what he or she may not explain. Certain elements of every technique, such as timing & distance are not easy to explain, but must be observed by the "watchful eye" of an astute & dedicated student.

PERSEVERANCE:

Any student of the Martial Arts must display a strong sense of perseverance in his or her studies. As your Sensei will surely tell you, it requires many steps to climb a mountain. The same is true in studying the Martial Arts. In most cases, there are specific paths or steps that must be followed. Learning a technique completely will generally mean taking the time to allow the knowledge & skill to "Soak In" and remember, everyone learns at different speeds.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:

Learning the Martial Arts requires having a Qualified Instructor. Students must take  the time to "hear" what their Sensei is explaining so that they gain a complete understanding of each technique. 

By AREZOU BABRI

Sensei Arezou Babri’s Kickboxing/KarateFight Part 1

Sensei Arezou Babri’s Kickboxing Fight Part 2

Sensei Arezou Babri’s Kickboxing Fight Part 3