Thanks for the updates, Harlan. I hope you are getting something out of these classes.

Thanks for the support. I know that this is a martial arts forum, but on the lowest scale of civilian self-defense I think that reporting on this would be useful for the females that visit this site.

Third class:

Last night the women learned elbow strikes, breaking wrist grabs and some techniques for bear hugs and (most scary)...choke holds.

Pretty interesting class. There were a couple of times when a light bulb went on ('Hey...that is right out of Seiuchin!'). I did discover that even with my limited exposure to Goju, that in the heat of the moment certain parts of kata/movements came out...overriding the techniques the instructors were looking for. It was nice to see a little 'surprise' on their faces. ('Where did you learn that?' )

Overall, the class has surprised me. Quick introduction to techniques and ideas, some practice and lots of realistic caveats. Things covered that I might never learn while studying Goju, and some food for thought regarding my responses.

So, are you getting a sense of how useful these classes would be to the average un-trained female?

Yes. With only 2 months of Goju kata practice (no sparring/kumite)...I consider myself to be a good example. (although a quick learner.)

I've gone from a mindset that prejudged this course as a ripoff/con with a suspicious feminist agenda...to seeing a definite value. Of course, it might just be the instructors that make the difference (my town police), or R.A.D. might be very different from other SD that is marketed to women. I don't know. Small classes also make it possible for the instructors to share more, non-RAD techniques...their personal armory...so to speak.

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So, are you getting a sense of how useful these classes would be to the average un-trained female?

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Any work against the REDMAN suit? Elbows and knees (hint) long range punches and kicks are somewhat nullifed, unless you push the kicks. The head height sweeping ridgehand/forearm strike into a trip or hip throw they have no defense for. Unless they block ridgehand.

Its hard to agile inside a RedMan suit, but it does stop you from getting creamed.

Harlan vs. Redman 1 the trilogy.I can't wait.



So far an enjoyable review from Con job to Interesting course.

'Red man' next Thursday. No 'throws' have been shown...so I'm clueless there. I am, however, looking forward to surprising him with simultaneous block/strike...as that idea has not been presented in the course.

My Moneys on You, don't stand in front of him or he'll plow you over!! Thudding blows affects the Red Man better then snapping strikes so it really not real, mostly safe for him.

With the right timing, you might floor him with the Blocking simultaneous strike!! He gonna come harder if they know you are skilled.

Money Bet on You!!! You don't need in luck.

Fourth class last night. A review of approved techniques, and practicing combinations. I'm happy to report that I have finally discovered my punch. Or, I should say, the Chief did.

Dissapointed to learn that the techniques I wanted to try are not usable (knife hand to throat, elbow strike to head, and some others). Ah well. However, passing this workshop will allow me to go on to a more advanced workshop that covers more ground techniques, multiple attackers and weapons. Whoo Hoo!

Eh? Not usable? Do they consider them technically too difficult for that skill level or legally or what?

Sounds like you enjoyed it. Are you going to go for the more advanced seminar, too?