One of the major options for women looking to learn how to defend themselves from attack is to look for a specific self defense class for women. There are several different types of self defense classes, and many of them have a very specific focus. It’s important to know what your options are and what each option offers and doesn’t offer before making a choice as to which program is best for you. There are several specific niches of self defense classes, so finding a self defense class for women shouldn’t be difficult, the only thing you need to decide is which is best for you!

“Padded Attacker Courses." These are usually very short term classes for women who don’t have the time, or desire, to spend years learning a martial art, but want to know some basic self defense. This is one of the most commonly known examples of a self defense class for women, and even has some well known versions of this class such as “Rape Aggression Defense" (RAD). The idea with this type of class is learning to fight off a potential mugger and/or rapist.

In these classes the assailant is fully padded, allowing women to hit the attacker at full force without concern for his health. These classes teach basic striking techniques that you might find in martial arts, and also teaches women where to hit the attacker to inflict the most damage, such as the groin and throat. This self defense class for women also teaches techniques for dealing with muggers who attack from behind, and how to break free from holds.

“Fitness Kickboxing Programs." Think Billy Blanks and Tae Bo. While these programs are aerobic first, which does make them ideal for women wanting to work out or get into shape, the fact that this aerobic exercise comes from martial arts movements does give at least the basic ability to use these skills in self defense. In addition, starting with one of these programs can give women the confidence they need to get involved with a more serious self defense or martial arts program.

An additional bonus of this type of program is that by getting into good shape, this self defense class for women helps women get into good shape, which makes them more likely to be able to fight off and escape from an attacker. Just going through the motions of punching, blocking, and kicking can make women more comfortable with the thought of combat.

“Traditional Martial Arts." This has been a main form of self defense for literally thousands of years. A martial arts class is a great self defense class for women and teaches all you need to be able to defend yourself. These martial arts classes vary widely in style and use. Some martial arts concentrate on striking and attacking, other on throws that use your opponent’s weight and force against them. Some martial arts are mostly attack (Karate, Tae Kwon Doe) while others are defensive (Jujitsu, Judo) and others again can be both (Kung Fu). Knowing what type of martial art is right for you will help you find the self defense class for women that’s perfect for your needs.