USC Health Now

Q. What kind of martial arts is best to learn for women’s self-defense?

A. According to George Toney, J.D., a lecturer and instructor in self-defense for the Department of Physical Education at the USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, a good self-defense program for women needs to teach how to defend oneself while on the ground, because that’s where most attacks on women are going to end up. “For ground fighting, I suggest jujitsu, grappling, submission wrestling, judo and American wrestling,” he says. Toney also recommends taking an art for fighting attackers while standing and suggests those with a greater utilization of kicking. “Muay Thai, tae kwon do, kickboxing, krav maga or savate are all excellent martial arts for standing self-defense,” he says. Toney also points out that it is important to watch classes in advance, before you sign up. “Look to see whether other women are in the program, as this is a good sign, and be wary of schools where you are ignored when you come in or flirted with,” he says. “Begin with three classes a week, and steer clear from long training contracts until you see what you like.”