There are numerous benefits to a woman taking self-defense classes, but the reasons why aren’t always as clear as you may think. Yes, every woman should take self-defense lessons so she’s prepared for a dangerous or threatening situation. However, defense classes are just as important for a woman’s own confidence levels and peace of mind.

Self-Defense Increases Confidence

If you’ve taken self-defense, you will be more prepared for a dangerous situation. You’ll be much more mentally stable because you have a plan. Even if you don’t need to act on that plan, you’ll be a lot more level-headed knowing that you have one. Additionally, self-defense will give you greater confidence. This doesn’t mean you should be careless: do not go down a dark alley at night in a bad part of town, for example. That’s incredibly stupid. Self-defense knowledge will give you more of a confidence when you’re alone. If you look nervous or weaker, you become more of a target. Additionally, self-defense will give you the confidence to live your life and not be crippled by fear.

Self-Defense Lets You Own Your Fears

Almost every woman has that one fear she can’t shake. Maybe it’s the thought that someone’s in her backseat while she drives. Maybe it’s being approached from behind. Maybe it’s someone being under the car or in the house when she doesn’t know it. Maybe she fears the long walk from her office to her car in the parking garage. Whatever that fear is, having a plan will help ease that fear. Some women have pepper spray on hand, others feel better when they carry a set of keys. Self-defense classes can teach you the best course of action when someone does approach you from behind. These lessons can show you effective ways to distract or injure an attacker. They’ll point out the weakest parts on the body; parts that you can use to stun or paralyze.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use these lessons. However, you’ll walk a little taller knowing that you have your own weapons to use against any potential attackers out there.