This site was last updated on January 31, 2003

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Introduction: This is a basic class in self-defense. The approach will be an eclectic one, but the basis of many of the physical techniques and exercises is Chinese Kung-fu. We will also use ground-fighting techniques taken from Jeet Kun Do and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as studied at Straight Blast Gym in Beaverton and Portland. (Our class has no connection with any existing Kung-fu or Straight Blast Gym and their support is not implied by this page or by the class itself.) The purpose of the class is to acquaint the students with common problems where self-defense is a desirable option, and to learn and practice useful solutions to those problems.

The class does not require a high level of physical conditioning, but the students should recognize that conditioning and practice are critical elements in developing the self-confidence necessary to effective self-defense. There are no easy routes or "tricks" to effective self-defense and we do not pretend to teach such. Rather, we believe that an awareness of common problems and the confidence that comes from practice and planning is the best path to self-defense. While this class will focus primarily upon issues facing women, many of these issues as well as the physical techniques we will learn here are appropriate for anybody.

The most common complaint we hear about this class (now in its fifth year) is that it is too much work for one credit. Sorry about that; the stakes potentially are high in a self-defense class and we want to do our best to prepare you for any situation that might arise. Please do not complain later that it was too much work for one credit, the class is too much work for one credit, but you know that going in...

Equipment: Sweat pants (black preferred, dark ok) and a T-shirt (red preferred, white ok; no black.) Practice in light sports shoe (smooth soled so as not to damage the wrestling mats) or bare-footed. Please leave jewelry and watches at home, including earrings.

Assigned Text: Smith, Susan E. Fear or Freedom. A Woman's Options in Social Survival & Physical Defense. Mother Courage Press, 1986. ISBN 0-941300-03-X (On Reserve in the library) . This text is out of print but you may find it online and there is one copy in the Forest Grove Public Library.

Class Organization.

Each 120-minute class will include:

• 15 minutes stretching and warm-up. In the warm-up we will teach useful techniques as well as basic exercises.
• 40 minutes of learning and practicing physical techniques
• 10 minute break
• 20 minutes of practice and learning
• 5 minutes of stretching, cool-down, and discussion.

Weekly Schedule.

Wisdom for the Week You must check this in advance of each class, we will test it...

BULLETIN BOARD: Check this out no later than Wednesday 4 pm. There may be messages relevant to the next evening's class. There are also graded assignments posted here.

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This site and its documents are maintained by Jeffrey Barlow and updated weekly. barlowj@pacificu.edu