Comments on: Some of My Best Moves Can Hurt You: Elle’s Martial Arts Training

By: Of many names...

Of many names... — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:04:23 +0000

Man, I wish I was in PDX right now. You had me at Limb destruction! 😀

By: Of many names...

Of many names... — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:03:38 +0000

I actually gave up on working on Bourbon Street the first time I tried it, because it took about two nights for me to assess that at that time in my life and stripping career, it was too much risk for the money I could make.

By: Elle

Elle — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:51:22 +0000

In reply to Appoline.

Appoline; I couldn’t agree more. You undoubtedly have the best grasp of this topic, and it was really good to hear your input. Thank you for your words.

Indeed, nothing works all the time, and training is only part of it, and hopefully it will only be utilized in the most dire of circumstances, or never at all.

But the confidence, awareness, and presence of mind and body that comes with training can not explained to anyone who hasn’t begun on that path. Thanks again for speaking up!

By: Appoline

Appoline — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:44:42 +0000

I find this very interesting, as a sex worker who has also maintained a ‘day job’ in the private security industry since I was 18 years old.

Of course, most Sex Workers know, that training however thoroughly, is only half the battle…
The other half being, having the presence of mind to be able to summon up any amount of theoretical knowledge and training in a real life situation, when you are possibly half dressed, and probably no one is going to come to your aid.

I think that it’s often understated, but one of the very real benefits of self defence training, is the intangible aura of general self assurance good self confidence that it gives to the student.
It’s the kind of switched on manner of polite assertiveness that makes a would- be attacker decide, for some reason that they probably can’t even pinpoint, that ‘this’ girl is not going to be worth the hassle of fucking with.

Also the self assured or self defence trained sex worker has a great ability to manage and, if needed, cut off an encounter in the early stages of the ‘this doesn’t feel right’ feeling, and so avoid getting into a potential fight or flight scenario in the first place.

For sure, nothing works 100% of the time- And in life there will always potentially be someone bigger and badder than you. But you can swing that percentage in your favour , by taking a little time and effort to learn some self defence basics and as part of that, learn to look at the way you view yourself, and your clients, and your environment on the whole, in a different way.

By: TC

TC — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:52:02 +0000

O, Arnis, weapons first? I think I need a bit of exposure.

By: Anna

Anna — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:58:42 +0000

In reply to Xeginy. I love that idea too. If anyone ever wants to put something like that together I would happily help out in whatever way possible, and participate. I think there was a self defense class for sex workers in Portland, way back in the late '90s I think, at this place on Alberta maybe called Open Hand (...?).

By: ma b

ma b — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:19:38 +0000

I wish more women were aware of the opportunities available for learning self-defense. The first ‘easy tip’ is essential. Growing up in New York City in the 70’s, being cognizant of your surroundings was crucial to staying safe. NEVER feel completely comfortable when out, alone. Wish there was an Arnis class in my area.

By: Elle

Elle — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:57:19 +0000

The police program is very well-intended, and the instructors are female volunteers, and they do a good job, however, it’s only a series of 3 or 4 classes, and not incredibly comprehensive.

But it IS a good jumping off point!

By: Xeginy

Xeginy — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:51:40 +0000

I really love the idea of martial arts and/or self-defense classes that are designed specifically for sex workers. I know that the Portland Police have a program – Womanspace – (I think that’s the name) that is a series of self-defense classes for women, but I’ve always been leery of programs that are sponsored by the police. Plus, I’d have to wonder if a police-sponsored self-defense class for women would be kind to a sex worker if she was accidentally or intentionally outed as one. It’s great to know that there’s a gym like this in Portland (which is where I live.)