As a group, women tend to deny the need for their self protection. They tend to rely more on family members and the wall to protect them. Unfortunately, the ones women expect to protect them are the ones that typically commit the crimes. To change that, women need to learn to defend themselves. Below are five reasons every woman should take a self-defense course.

1. Crime can happen any time to anyone. This is a harsh reality. At some point in your life, you will likely be targeted by a predator. You may be attacked while alone and vulnerable. Many times this happens when it is least expected. You need to know what to do.
2. Make yourself a role model. Women are always telling their daughters they can be what they want to be. Safe is a good thing to be. We need to show them how to protect themselves from domestic violence, assault, incest, rape, and other attacks by setting the example of standing up and defending ourselves.
3. Empower yourself. Learning to defend yourself is very empowering. You may walk into a class feeling like a sheep but walk out filling strong, determined, and empowered, ready to take control of your life.
4. Protect your own life. Self-defense is a kind of life insurance. We all spend money to ensure our property, cars, and life, but many times are hesitant about spending money on a class that can really save our lives. A self-defense class can protect your life, giving you real insurance.
5. Take a class to protect the ones you love. If none of the other reasons are good enough for you to take a self-defense class, you should do it for the people who count on you. This can include your siblings, parents, spouse, and children. If you find yourself in a situation and are unprepared to defend yourself, you may leave them without someone to care for them. Who will take care of them then?

Taking the time to empower yourself is an important thing to do for every woman. You may even surprise yourself with all the new things you discover you can do. You will certainly find a new strength within yourself that will ultimately improve your life.