Everyone has heard of self defense classes. They are held at just about every gym on every corner. Though this is the case, few women take these courses. Many people may not have the time to take these classes. Others, on the other hand, may not think it will make that much of a difference in a real situations. I was one of these people. I never planned to take a class in self defense, but my mom signed me up for a class after my freshman year of college. I figured I would take it, at least to make her feel better. I never actually thought I would get something from that class.

The class I took was through Pure Performance Training Studio in Holland, Michigan. It was taught by Sensei Ac Ayala who is not only a Ju Jitsu teacher, but has also been recognized by the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Basically, he does not mess around. This is not the man I expected to be teaching the class. I expected some guy who was going to teach me some technique to make my voice louder to yell or how to run faster. Instead I learned how to throw real kicks and punches as well as techniques students in Ju Jitsu use to move their opponent. Of course these were modified to help the victim escape rather than submit the opponent. He also talked us through how to avoid situations that would put us in a place that would make us use our techniques. It was truly an eye opening experience which was definitely something I never expected from that class.

I am very glad I took that class. Not only do I feel more secure in my ability to defend myself, but I also just feel more confident overall. There is nothing like kicking the snot out of a guy who is "attacking you", even if is just pretend (shoutout to you Davin). I feel I can make smarter decisions which can keep me from situations where I would get attacked. It was a class I recommend to all women, no matter what age or size you are. We all need to know how to defend ourselves if something were ever to happen. We are not the victim, we are strong.

To sign up for a class with Sensei Ac Ayala, click here: http://www.pptsselfdefense.com