A pretty bold statement, I know. The truth is, a good women’s self defense training class gives you the tools to build your self-esteem.

Before we discuss how, let’s talk about what self-esteem really is. From a dictionary definition, it is a self-confidence and satisfaction, that is, self-respect. From a clinical definition, it is the value we place on what we believe to be true about ourselves and how we feel about ourselves. People with high self-esteem consider themselves worthy and equal to others. The common denominator in both definitions is “oneself”.

We determine our levels of self-esteem based on the comments we receive from our environment. So, applying logic, continuous negative feedback results in low self-esteem, while positive feedback results in higher self-esteem. So what does all this have to do with women’s self defense?

A good self defense program for women is based on the saying “success begets success.” Which means that the more positive the result, the more willing you are to try again to achieve the same results, if not better. What we find with the women who train with us is their inner sense of “empowerment” because they are doing things they didn’t think they were capable of. Additionally, the training environment provides continuous encouragement through both instructors and students.

In general, we found that a self-defense program for healthy women allows a student to increase her self-esteem because:

• her self-concept becomes more positive: she sees herself as worth defending
• she gets motivated to set new goals and/or tackle new problems
• she begins to use available resources more effectively
• becomes more proficient in identifying and solving problems
• your sense of personal competence grows
• she is motivated to start the process over again and try new things

Why does self-esteem begin with self-advocacy? Because for many women, it’s the first time they’ve been in an environment that encourages them to stand up for themselves, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

What if all of our girls were taught these skills starting in primary school? Don’t you think we could reduce the number of domestic violence and date rape situations by reducing the number of potential victims?

Because an individual with positive self-esteem is:

• Trusted: they don’t require anyone else’s approval
• Accountable – are responsible for their actions and decisions
• Goal Oriented – Always striving to be and do better.
• Love & Accepted: They love themselves first and foremost and accept who they are. Their image of themselves does not depend on a boyfriend/husband.
• Pride – take care of themselves emotionally and physically
• Laugh: They are able to laugh at themselves and see humor in the world.
• Happy: They are really happy most of the time.