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Step 1
Choose your instructor carefully. Ask about his credentials and how he earned them. Avoid anyone who claims to know how to teach self-defense simply because of military service or employment by a law enforcement agency.
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Step 2
Sign up for the long term. Self defense can't be taught or learned in one day. In fact, many experts argue that a day-long course will only give students a false sense of confidence that may get them hurt or killed.
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Step 3
Start now. Don't wait until you're in better shape or tell yourself that you're too old, too disabled or too busy.
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Step 4
Take your time and practice. Self defense is not about technique as much as it's about learning your own body and what you can do with it. For instance, you will learn which part of your arm you can use to safely ward off a blow or how to stay on your feet during an attack
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Step 5
Realize that the most effective part of self defense is how you behave before the attack. Knowing you can defend yourself will give you an air of confidence and competence that discourages attackers.
