Women and girls: What do you think about WenDo?

Question

Hi Arch!

TaekWonDo is great too, I think... here you'll find some info about WenDo (it's a combination of "WomEN" and "Do" = "Way", and means "Way of the Women" .. http://www.wendo.ca/pages/home.htm

What I like most about it is that you have a big advantage, as no man knows those techniques. It's great for other things too. Good luck!

Answer 1

Do they have men come in and fully resist their counters to an attack ?Do they rehearse scenarios that teach awareness or recognizing the behavorial patterns of rapists serial killers abusive partners etc.

If not it's just another self defense course no better no worse and about as effective when real violence goes down .

I believe that course was started by a student of MAS TSURUOKA in the 60s .There are women in it who dont like to train with men for one reason or another but men are going to be the main threat.Male size male upper body strength not other women.

I would suggest the instructor get a copy of THE GIFT OF FEAR  it will give her lots of ideas and scenarios to train with.

Answer 2

yeah its extremely helpful

Answer 3

You'll probably hate me for this, but I highly doubt the compilation of this system holds techniques "unknown to men."  It's a pet peeve of mine hearing anyone say "my system has this and yours doesn't."  Bruce Lee once said something to the extent of: in that man (or woman) can only have two arms and two legs, you're not going to find a much differences is styles.  Fighting is fighting.  Only if one were to develop a third arm, leg, and so forth, could any "new" techniques really arise.  I clicked on your link and I could tell you that first picture on the homepage is a woman doing  "biu gee," which can be spelled in many ways, but is ultimately a finger thrust.  This can be found in Jun Fan Gung Fu, Wing Chun, Krav Maga, Karate, and a number of other systems.  No matter what you train in, you're pluckin out the dude's eye.

While there is not much difference in fighting styles or methods, there can be an optimal compilation of techniques--techniques that will be better suited for an individual.  For example, a bigger guy with bad knees can't perform take downs like an individual with a more compact and athletic build.  For that reason, he shouldn't kill himself trying to pull it off.  I don't want to sound sexist here, but a woman who's a lot weaker than a male opponent shouldn't try to do a "fireman's carry throw" during a confrontation.  It probably won't work.  For reasons such as this, I applaud  those utilizing the philosophy of "taking what is useful and rejecting what is not."  Train in what you CAN do to end a confrontation as efficiently as possible.

My previous statement describes the most efficient way of self-defense training, but in my opinion is not the best.  I've been taught that it's not just what I know that allows me to dominate a fight, it's also knowing what my opponent knows.  

Long story short: good stuff!!  Learn what you can to defend yourself.  Any training is better than no training, but don't be afraid to expand your horizons.  No one knows it all, but thinking one does keeps one from learning more..  Combat training is ever-growing.  It's continuous and adapts to the trends of combats evolution.  Well, at least it should..  "Fight hard, train harder." (Saw that on a Ringside t-shirt once.)  =)

Answer 4

Do they have male attackers who attack right and make the ladies do the techniques? If so then I think it is a great idea, provided it doesn't give anyone a false sense of security.

I also definetly recomend the Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker as an excellent read for any female serious about her safety, as it will help teach you some things that all predetors, no matter how nice they seem, have in commen about their behavior. My wife who is a Brown belt though it was excellent. She has re read it twice.

Edit- All I am saying is if the techniques are not practiced against resisting males, who will generally be bigger and stronger, they will probably not work in real life when push comes to shove. It will give the women a false sense of security if they do not learn how to apply them under stress, against bigger, stronger, aggresive attackers.

Answer 5

You say that men do not know the techniques taught.  Are you sure?

It seems to me that among martial arts, which WenDo is based on, share a lot of similarities- mostly because they are all based on using and attacking the human body which is more or less the same for everyone.  Unless WenDo is not based on the human body (pressure points, joint locks, etc), then I find it difficult to imagine that there is any great secret.

Let me put it this way; I have never taken Aikido, but I have studied Karate and Jujitsu.  All are Japanese, and all share many similarities.  However, since I have never taken Aikido, does this mean that I could not defend myself against someone who practices Aikido?  If they have never taken Karate, could they defend themselves against me?  Of course not.  I will have to adjust my attack and defense (as will my opponent), but I will be able to hold my own against someone who is equally skilled in Aikido- or Kung Fu or Krav Maga, etc.  Just because I don't know what techniques and moves you practice in WenDo, doesn't mean you would be able to defend yourself from me (not that I would ever attack you!).  There is no secret technique that will allow you to defeat your opponent every time.

Now please note I am not saying that WenDo is a scam or that it doesn't work!  For all I know, it works very well.  I am only pointing out that the claim that men don't know it is erroneous and misleading.  In order for something like WenDo (or Impact self defense) to work well for you, you need to practice the moves religiously.  That regular practice is so much more important than your opponent not knowing your techniques.

Answer 6

I've never tried it. It sounds interesting though. A martial art dominated entirely by women isn't something you come across often. I'm curious to know what techniques they teach at these classes. Are they effective? Is the purpose of WenDo purely self-defence?

At my taekwondo class, I'm the only girl. I don't mind at all though. I think having to compete with guys all the time makes me train to a higher standard, meaning I have an advantage when it comes to competitions and stuff. Also, it means I could cope well if I was attacked by a guy on the street, 'cos I'm used to fighting guys.