MSTA Self Defense For Women Workshop
We begin by helping participants reshape their personal belief systems so they align with the fundamental objective of survival. From there, we introduce essential skills—profiling, situational and environmental awareness, intuitive recognition, pre-contact cues and indicators, and tactical threat assessment—all designed to help students recognize and avoid potential threats before they escalate.
Next, we focus on pre-contact psychology. This includes fear and stress management, adrenal stress conditioning, understanding physiological and biological responses, and developing the ability to enhance perception time and reduce reaction time. The goal isn’t simply to move faster than an adversary, but to move earlier.
The third phase is the physical component. We train across all ranges of combat, we emphasize athleticism and functional combative conditioning.
In a real-world scenario, the purpose is to induce rapid physical and psychological disorientation, compromising the opponent’s balance and decision-making.
Avoid the ground: Emphasizes de-escalation and escape as the primary objectives of self-defense. However, if the fight goes to the ground, the immediate goal is to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Use gross-motor skills: In high-stress situations, fine motor skills are lost. ground techniques, including the "Shredder," rely on instinctive, gross-motor movements that are easier to execute under pressure.
Focus on physiological weaknesses: Rather than seeking a joint lock or submission, we will targets the body's natural weaknesses to elicit a protective reflex from the attacker. Targets include the eyes, throat, ears, and groin.
The "Shredder" concept: The Shredder is not a specific technique but a barrage of gross-motor attacks designed to overwhelm an opponent's senses and nervous system. The resulting panic and reflexive action creates an opening for escape.
Offense as defense: We will learn offensive ground tactics as a defensive tool. By attacking the opponent's sensitive areas, you force them to defend themselves, breaking their offensive rhythm and creating space to escape.
The goal is to survive by using gross-motor, "dirty" fighting techniques to cause immediate damage, escape, and disengage.
MSTA
Self - Defense Coordinator Coach Vinnie