Writing About: Self Defense Instructors

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about Monster Truck Driving, the profession of Donovan Goldwyn from my Disaster Crimes series. Well, now it’s Beth Kennedy’s turn! She is a self-defense instructor and in Seismic Crimes we get to see her in action for the first time.
Here are a few things to remember if you ever want to write about a self-defense instructor or class:
1. Studio/Gym
Where does your character go to take self-defense classes? Or if your character is the instructor, where does he/she hold classes? Describe the building and the room. It should be spacious enough for a blue mat to cover most of the ground and several pairs of individuals to go one-on-one. In Seismic Crimes, I got to create a visual of Beth’s studio. I mentioned the front desk and what was on the walls to inspire the students.

TIP: Give the studio a unique name that highlights the purpose of the class. Beth Kennedy is all about teaching women who experience domestic violence at home and want to be able to defend themselves a fighting chance. That’s why her studio is called The Fighting Chance.

2. Equipment
A blue mat is not the only thing that needs to be in a studio, but also safety gear for the students to wear such as helmets, mitts, and even body gear to protect their torso and legs.
Aside from safety equipment, there will also be teaching equipment: dummies students can punch and kick, punching bags, striking pads that fit along the arms, over hands, and are large enough to hold in front of the body.
Image from Flickr.3. Techniques
There are many self-defense techniques out there that your character can learn in a class or teach students. Everyone should first learn the proper stance to get into to minimize getting hit and to prepare the body to strike. How to throw a good punch is the next biggest obstacle followed by how to strike with your feet. After that, a self-defense instructor can teach how to get out of holds such as wrist holds, choke holds, and even bear hugs. Scenarios are the best thing for instructors to teach. For example: what to do if someone grabs you from behind or how to incapacitate an attacker who is in front of you.

TIP: Watch videos (you can find a bunch on YouTube) and even go to a real class for research. Firsthand experience is always the best.

Stay tuned for easy self-defense techniques everyone should know. 

P.S. I won't be posting this Wednesday either. I'll be back Friday with a blogger interview!

QUESTIONS: Have you participated in a self-defense class? Would you? What do you think of The Fighting Chance as a studio name?

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