Theyre going to show up.If youve been teaching self-defense for any length of time, chances are that youve already taught a survivor of violence, whether you knew it or not at the time. If you are going to teach for any length of time, meeting a survivor is a when, not an if. These students present a specific set of challenges, and have specific needs. If theyre handled unconsciously or inexpertly, they can be damaged more easily than most other people.Trauma-Aware Self-Defense Instruction provides a map of common perils and pitfalls that instructors may come across in training survivors of trauma. It also provides methods for navigating these obstacles, such that these students can not only benefit from self-defense training, but thrive in it.There are no guarantees. Every survivor is an individual. Every experience is unique. But with an understanding of the underlying patterns and principles of trauma, skilled instructors can adapt to any challenge. Like warriors who know their enemy, the instructors armed with this knowledge can help their students carve their weaknesses into true strength.
