March 9, 2009

Self Defense Advice from a Pioneer

In 1975 I was in college. There was a notice posted about a Women's Self Defense course being taught in the auditorium. At the time I had just started training and was a yellow belt. I went to the program and there was a woman giving a lecture about self defense for women. She was an excellent speaker and I left there feeling empowered by what she said. I knew that someday, when I knew enough karate, that I wanted to teach women's self defense classes also.

Months later I was at a karate tournament. I noticed the only woman judge was the same woman that taught the self defense program at the college. There she was up on the ring with the men wearing a red and white belt. I didn't know what a red and white belt was. I am teaching my 29th Annual Women's Self Defense program this year. I still say the exact words that I heard in 1975 in that program at college.

That woman who taught me so much about women's self defense was Bobbi Snyder. I admire Bobbi Snyder for all she did for women in the art. She is the true Mother of Karate. She opened many doors and plowed the way for us to follow in her footsteps. I am honored to use her words in my classes.
Some of things she said are as follows.

She told us no one is with us 24/7 to protect and take care of us; it is up to us to defend ourselves. If you are confronted, don't expect anyone to run to your aid. No one wants to get involved. Never yell for help; no one will help you. Yell "fire" because everyone will run to see the fire. Don't be a quiet victim; yell and scream. Make a scene.

We must be aware of our surroundings at all times. Trust your gut instinct. That voice is there to protect you. When you meet someone, that first impression is 99.9% of the time correct. If you must strike someone, remember the three main target areas: eyes, knees and groin. Also remember that if they can't see you, they can't find you. If they can't run, they can't catch you. Survive and thrive.

Ms. Bobbi Snyder, age 72, passed away in August of 2008 in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Snyder was one of the first black belt women competitors in the United States Karate Organization in the 60's. At a time when all women were forced to compete together in one ring regardless of belt rank, and were not allowed to judge any ring, she fought for equality and stood up for women and men as well in all areas of martial arts.

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