Specialized Programs
Women’s Self-Defense
SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN…
Unfortunately, women are often a preferred target for attackers. There are different types of violence, each with varying degrees of severity:
– verbal abuse;
– violence associated with bag snatching;
– emotional and psychological abuse;
– physical violence.
These observations show us that women should not learn how to defend themselves against only one type of aggression, but against different forms of violence, each distinct from the others.
The key principles of women’s self-defense…
Effective
Accessible
Adaptable
It must: reduce fear and anxiety caused by a lack of knowledge through scenario-based training
– Reducing inhibitions
The proposed defensive techniques are simple and effective. They rely on instinctive movements which, although natural, are not necessarily spontaneous. In fact, our survival instinct has often been weakened by social conditioning. However, in extreme situations, when politeness, humour, escape, or other responses that allow us to avoid conflict are no longer enough, legitimate and proportionate physical action may remain the only valid response. At that point, it becomes necessary to overcome one’s inhibitions in order to protect one’s physical safety in the event of an attack.
– Stress and fear management
Training on a punching bag is not the same as physically responding to an attack. The stress of the situation, fear, and the resulting increase in heart rate can paralyze a person both verbally and physically. Managing stress and developing self-confidence in one’s actions is essential. Through repetition, movements retain their precision and effectiveness precisely because they are simple and natural. Familiarity and the systematic repetition of movements help ensure the appropriate response at the right moment, even under stress.
– The natural weapons of the female body
Knowing how to defend yourself and how to counterattack in a simple and natural way, making use of the specific characteristics of the female body’s morphology, (elbows, nails…) and women’s abilities, (coordination, fluidity).
At no time will complicated techniques or throwing techniques that are difficult to apply in real-life situations be taught.
– Using the surrounding environment and available objects
Being aware of and managing the surrounding environment can be extremely helpful. Through simulations in familiar environments, (street, car…) participants learn how, in the event of an attack, everyday objects that are readily available can be used to support their defense.
We remain firmly convinced that the best form of women’s defense is verbal assertiveness and that the ideal solution is to avoid physical confrontation whenever possible. For this reason, we consider it essential to study the attitudes and behaviors that can help de-escalate a conflict and prevent a minor verbal dispute from escalating into a physical confrontation. The principle is to maintain an attitude of observation and anticipation. However, once a conflict has begun, the response must be quick, decisive and professional.
Children
In response to the growing demand from parents for self-defense courses for young people, IKMI has decided to offer courses specifically designed for young athletes to be held at affiliated centers and taught by instructors who have received specific training.
The IKMI Sector Commission, in collaboration with the scientific research department of the Kore University of Enna, has developed a dynamic program for young people that will allow them to begin learning self-defense, motivate them to improve their overall level of physical fitness and provide them with positive experiences.
The program will be creative, well-structured and tailor-made so that young athletes can see their progress and take pride in their development. The class format is designed to be dynamic, fun and stimulating. Instructors design each course to suit the abilities and sensitivities of the young participants. Through this program, specifically suited to younger students, the IKMI instructors will teach them to remain aware of their own safety, strengthen their bodies through bodyweight exercises and games, develop a strong character and gain rewarding experiences.
Age groups: 8-11 years – 12-14 years.
The program includes a complete level system designed to reward their efforts, as well as an intermediate progress assessment system that motivates athletes and keeps them focused on their technical development in order to reach the next level. The levels will be represented by the T-shirt they wear, starting with white, yellow, etc.
Play-based approach
Play is a fundamental need shared by people of every age, era and culture. In its social dimension, its defining characteristics are found in an activity that is freely chosen and therefore enjoyable.
For young people, however, this activity also has very important cognitive aspects and plays a decisive role in their overall development. Through play, young people experience situations without anxiety or distress. They adapt objects, people and situations to their own scale. It enables them to fulfil their psychological and emotional needs. Play is therefore a context for communication and for learning social behavior, as well as an essential activity for maintaining good neuro-dynamic balance.
During play, the constraints of reality are temporarily removed and, through a psychological process, obstacles that would otherwise restrict or prevent action can be overcome.
Play also creates neuro-motor conditions that, thanks to the opportunity to experience a wide variety of situations, allow different ways of performing movements in terms of coordination, precision, functionality and efficiency. The most important functional prerequisites are:
– Acquisition and control of balance (static, static-dynamic, dynamic); – Stabilization and control of laterality; – Sensory-motor coordination; – Spatial-temporal organization; – Postural control and general dynamic coordination.
Movements during play are placed within a recreational context and will never be excessively specific or repetitive, but are intended to stimulate interest and curiosity in learning. Significant attention will always be given to improving all motor skills, especially through group or partner exercises, team games, paired activities, etc.
PROGRAM
Level I: White T-shirt (3 months)
Level II: Yellow T-shirt (6 months)
Level III: Orange T-shirt – Green T-shirt (6 months)
Level IV: Blue T-shirt (6 months)
Level V: Brown T-shirt (6 months)
Black T-shirt (1 year).