SEVEN STAR WOMEN'S KUNG FU
Self Defense
We offer self defense workshops to any group (women, men, kids, teens). In general price is $200 for a 2 hour workshop for up to 20 people. 4-6 week sessions are available as well.
- Private self defense classes are offered by Sifu Michelle McVadon
- Email sevenstarwomen@yahoo.com or call 206-720-1046 for more information
Fight the Fear Campaign
A quest for confidence through strength, inspired by the life and loss of Teresa Butz
Mission
Fight the Fear is a community oriented violence prevention initiative. Our mission is to provide free self defense training and violence prevention education to women and youth of underserved and at-risk populations. Fight the Fear is based on the belief that self defense training should be a service that is easily accessible to all women, because the skills and confidence that it builds are a proven deterrent to violence. Fight the Fear classes provide training in basic self defense skills, including awareness, de-escalation, boundary setting, and fighting techniques, and access to resources for survivors of violence or abuse. Our goal in 2010 is to provide 35 classes at Seattle-area women’s shelters, senior centers, community centers, homeless centers, and other gathering places. Born of the aftermath of one woman’s tragic death and another’s courageous survival, this initiative is an effort to turn a senseless, violent act into a positive agent of growth and change. Fighting fear, preventing violence, helping women live with strength and confidence.Story
On July 19th 2009, two women were assaulted in their home in Seattle’s South Park neighborhood. One was murdered. This tragic event inspired a group of people to come together to help a community foster confidence. Fight the Fear, an initiative that arose from this, provides self defense and violence prevention classes to women and young people at community centers, homeless shelters, and other gathering places. Fight the Fear is supported by the survivor to honor the memory of her partner, Teresa Butz. Who We Are Fight the Fear is led by an affiliation of highly experienced women martial artists and self defense trainers. The project is funded and supported by Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation, the Indigo Girls, and the Seattle Police Foundation. Community outreach is conducted in partnership with the Seattle Police Department. Seattle Neighborhood Group donates its services as Fight the Fear’s fiscal agent. Classes are taught by trained instructors from Seattle Kajukenbo and Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu.For more information: www.fightthefearcampaign.org
Here are some of the locations that classes are being offered:
- Jubilee Women’s Center
- ADWAS (Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services)
- Peace for the Streets
- South Park Community Center
- Senior Center West Seattle
- Orion Center YouthCare
- Hammond House
Click here for Self Defense General Concepts
Self Defense Facts
Uncomfortable feelings or "voices" that say "be careful" are some of the best identifiers of dangerous situations.Women are most often attacked by someone they know (80% of assaults). Men are as equally likely to be attacked by a stranger as by someone they know.
Only 16% of attacks happen outside.
In stranger attacks fighting back immediately can frustrate your attacker and end the attack sooner. Statistics show that fighting back does not lead to worse injury.
A person who reports an assault by a loved one decreases the chance of a second attack by 70%.
Only 13-25% of attacks are with weapons. When an attacker does have a weapon; 87% of the time they are only used to coerce and cause fear. Statistically, if the attacker is planning on using a weapon they will use it within the first 5 minutes.
If all survivors of sexual assault were to talk openly about their experience, everyone would know many people who have been the victim of a sexual assault. In a group of 3 or more adults or children, chances are great that there is at least one sexual assault survivor in the group.
Rape is not sexual. It is used to intimidate, humiliate, control or overpower another person.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice website
Self Defense General Concepts
Fight Back -when you fight back (physically or verbally) you are more likely to escape with less injury.-Strike eyes, throat and knees for most impact
Use Your Voice – Say no to your attacker, demand that your attacker stop
-Yell for Help
- Report the Assault
Self Confidence = Self Defense – Stand up for yourself against emotional or psychological abuse that leads to violence.
Stranger Attacks are Rare – Your attacker is most likely to be someone you know, i.e. aquaintance, family, or intimate.
Respect Yourself – You are worth Defending!
Rape is Not a Sexual Act – It is an act of intimidation, humiliation and control to gain power over another.
Channel Your Fear Into Anger
Arm Yourself with Skills – Take a self-defense class.
Trust Your Instincts – Be willing to risk embarrassment.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Fighting Skills:
Strike multiple times to the same target to be most effective
Primary Targets (eyes, throat, and knees) can keep an attacker from following you. These targets are effective even on a large attacker who is not feeling pain.
Use Your Environment – Everyday items can become weapons of defense.
Make Space Between You and Your Attacker-use furniture as a shield.
Your Body is a Weapon – Use what is free, don't struggle with what is grabbed.
Run to Safety – Report the assault