YMAA South Africa - Seminars

Self Defense Workshop - Module 1

This self defence/ unarmed combat module aims to empower the individual on a psychological and physical level. This course does well to benefit an individual with any level of experience and fitness level. Previous participants have ranged from house wives to security companies’ reaction forces. Below follows a brief outline of the contents of module 1. This module requires a minimum of 18 hours to complete in order to achieve a reasonable level of skill with the techniques presented in this course. The course will be presented of three Sunday sessions of 6 hours each.

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Day 1 - Course Contents:

Theoretical:

1. Psychological Approach
   This lecture aims to empower the individual psychologically in a life-death situation.
2. Analyzing Situation/ Environment and Assailant
   90% of a potential successful outcome of a conflict situation depends on the individual’s ability to analyze the situation and fully understand his/her options. This lecture will teach the individual a habit of constant awareness and visualization.
   Exercises will have special focus on hi-jacking scenarios.

Skills Training:

1. Reaction Training, Speed Training
2. Going to the ground safely
   This teaches the individual how to fall without getting hurt.
3. Joint Manipulation
   These techniques allow a weaker opponent to overcome a stronger opponent with minimal force, especially suited to wrestling situations which may occur during rape.

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Day 2 - Course Contents:

Theoretical:

1. Forming a Fighting Strategy
   Once the individual fully understands the strengths and weaknesses of him/herself as well as the assailant/s, a strategy must be formed to overcome or escape from the assailant/s. This lecture will teach the individual to use the circumstances and environment to create a strategic advantage.
2. Primary, Secondary Targets
   This lecture is focused on anatomy. Different vulnerable areas of the body will be discussed. The knowledge gained from this lecture goes hand-in-hand with the target practice training below.

Skills Training:

1. Reaction Training, Speed Training
2. Distance Training, Angle of Attack
3. Going to the ground safely
   This teaches the individual how to fall without getting hurt.
4. Target Practice
   Training builds skill in attacking vulnerable areas on the body, accurately.
5. Joint Manipulation
   These techniques allow a weaker opponent to overcome a stronger opponent with minimal force, especially suited to wrestling situations which may occur during rape.

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Day 3 - Course Contents:

Skills Training:

1. Reaction Training, Speed Training
2. Distance Training, Angle of Attack
3. Going to the ground safely
   This teaches the individual how to fall without getting hurt.
4. Target Practice
   Training builds skill in attacking vulnerable areas on the body, accurately.
5. Joint Manipulation
   These techniques allow a weaker opponent to overcome a stronger opponent with minimal force, especially suited to wrestling situations which may occur during rape.

Subsequent modules build on the skill developed in module 1, and addresses fighting against weapons and multiple opponents.