Most of the time, these women self-defense teachers claim that theirs is a women only class. I say, of course -- you teach women. I am offering myself to role play the part of an attacker, so they can practice defending a big, heavy brute.

Still, they decline my offer.

It's a shame. These women and female teens will only get practice against other females. I suppose this is fine, if they only plan on defending themselves against other females.

I have always imagined women's self defense as learning to defend against any attacker, especially, giant, hairy, male ruffians (pardon the stereotype).

More Realistic Women's Self Defense

They need to learn to take on a heavy male attacker.

Women who want to defend themselves absolutely have to practice their martial techniques against someone who is significantly stronger.

My wife is only five-feet, two inches tall, and weighs less than 120 pounds. I think she has always fared so well in the martial arts, because she has worked out almost exlusively against big, strong guys. (I weigh over 270 lbs.)

If you are a woman and want to really learn to defend yourself, then don't always work out with the smallest, mousiest woman in the class. And don't join a women only self-defense class.

Join a mixed class -- one with both men and women. Or better yet, turn a men's class into a mixed class ... by joining them.

And then workout with the big, strong guys. Learn what works against them. (Hint: Don't rely on strength.)

If you are looking for ways to counter a particularly strong attack, read my Free ebooklet, Elbow Strike Counters.Free Martial Arts Ebook Elbow Strike Counters

And if you want to be ready for anyone and anything in a street fight, then download the free ebooklet, Free Street Fight Ebook Ready for Anyone and Anything.

Keith Pascal has been a full-time martial-arts author for eight years and a martial-arts teacher for 25 years.