This is explicitly a Women's self defense kickboxing class with real technique but not exclusively for women. This class will be conducted at "The Dome". Etc.
From my understanding, there is problem with a high rate of sexual assaults on women in Alaska and I have also found that there are martial arts studios but many times are intimidating or too testosterone driven. Further, some martial arts, in my opinion are too "sport" oriented and even those that are specific to self defense actually are too complex and put a potential student in a vulnerable p
osition. I believe the The Dome to be a safe and convenient "venue" for the class. If you are interested in R.A.D, this might be comparable if not better. Remember, a few hour course is not "training", training allows for muscle memory and having the mind and the body move as a unit fluidly when a "fight or flight" response occurs that is when training comes into play. For "The Dome" members the first 3 sessions are free, there after there is a charge. For Non- members of "The Dome" there is a drop in fee of $10 you pay to "The Dome", however my class is free for 3 sessions (a weeks schedule). The emphasis is western style boxing and Muy Thai Kickboxing from a self defense perspective. This is real technique as you would learn in a boxing gym or Muy Thai studio. Here is a flyer type description:
Fat Loss / Self Defense
Ladies / Women,
• Looking for a good workout, learn a skill, and real world self defense on top of releasing stress?
• Short on time...do you need a quick workout?
• Want to learn real technique without the confrontation, and who needs that testosterone filled atmosphere that tends to be in many kickboxing and boxing studios? In The Dome at 6501 Changepoint Drive, Anchorage, AK . Learn in a safe and convenient location.
• Learn real technique without confrontation or intimidation. This isn't your grandmas cardio kickboxing class without technique or simply mits. Try the Heavy Bag, Thai Bag, Tear Drop Bag, Double End Bag. This class is specifically designed with women's concerns in mind. You're not too old! And this is supposed to be fun. The initial intent of the class consisted of 1.Warm up 2. Stretching 3. Sport Specific warm up, 4. Technique 5. Cardio 6. Cool down and stretch. The emphasis is Western style boxing technique (footwork, Jab, Cross, Hook, uppercut, etc.) coupled with Muy Thai kickboxing technique (Knees, Kicks, Elbows, Clinch, Push Kick etc.) There is also emphasis on the difference between “sport” and “combat” or self defense. These martial arts aren't complex but they do take training (Practice). There is no bowing or anything like that but mutual respect is expected. Boxers typically train in a shoe, Muy Thai boxers traditionally train in barefoot. I am open to discussion during the first session. I have heard women prefer to train in a required sock or shoe due to not wanting other peoples feet, sweat, and whatever else however the same goes for shoes and where they roam since the cardio component will require students to be on the tiles. It is up to discussion. Free Trial for the class, however I do believe "The Dome" charges a drop in fee of $10 if you are not a member. If you are a member it is free 3-9 sessions (a weeks expected schedule) Classes are on M, Wed, Thursday. 6 - 8 pm. If no one shows at 6:00 then I will leave. So, if you plan to be there at 7:00 please advise me. About the training philosophy (I hate using that word like I'm trying to be some grand master or something)
In a less verbose summary of what I have at meetup.com, it is my assertion that many martial arts provide the student a complicated method to ultimately put the student in a more vulnerable position (though there is some you can take from them). A question to myself is why would I want to be in a more vulnerable position in exercising “self defense”, it's an oxymoron in my opinion, this is why I am a proponent of boxing and kickboxing then build around that...see you at the Dome. We are in the far corner of "The Dome" if you enter the track you will need to walk all the way down toward the batting cages, please bring water as there are no water fountains near our location, also bring state of Alaska ID, and the bathrooms are near the concession stand, no where near our place of workout, just an FYI.