2-Tape
Set. Color, approx. 140 min. total.
$59.95Fierce and Female: Practical Rape Defense Tactics for Every Woman with Melissa Soalt
Review by Alain Burrese
2-Tape
Set. Color, approx. 140 min. total.
$59.95
Available
from Paladin Press, Gunbarrel Tech Center, 7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO
80301; (303)443-7250; Fax (303)442-8741; to order call (800) 466-6868 or online
at http://www.paladin-press.com. ($5.00
P&H charge added to orders)
Melissa
Soalt’s Fierce and Female video set is not only an excellent program on
practical rape defense, but also a solid self-defense instructional program for
men and women alike. The tapes are
filled with important principles, strategies and simple techniques that everyone
should know if attacked.
While
the tape will benefit men, its target audience is women, and one of Soalt’s
strongest attributes is showing that a woman can and should fight back.
She doesn’t only give the tools such as strikes to the eyes and throat,
palm heel strikes, elbow strikes, groin strikes, head twist takedowns and other
self-defense techniques, but she also addresses a woman’s emotional state and
how to remain focused and not be paralyzed by the fear that goes with an attack. (Take note men, physical violence is scary for the masculine
types too.)
Tape
one starts off with some basic principles and commandments.
These were quick and to the point, and I would have liked to have seen
Soalt spend a little more time on them because of their importance.
However, knowing how time is a critical factor when putting together a
video program, I will just suggest here that all viewers watch this part a few
times and really take head of what is presented.
The rest of tape one covers the techniques mentioned above and when and
how to use them.
Tape
two focuses on the principles and techniques you must use when you find yourself
on the ground or floor. Remember
that this program is aimed at rape defense, so the ground defenses are based on
a male attacker’s attempts at rape on the ground.
Falling when pushed, kicks from the ground when the attacker is still
standing, and things to do when the attacker is on top of you are some of
what’s covered in this second tape.
In
both tapes, Soalt shows the techniques full force on her two opponents.
Both Michael Haynack and Brynn Stephens wear padded assault training
suits enabling Soalt to go full bore with her techniques.
Soalt has an extensive background with the padded assault scenario-based
training and her use of it here is very effective.
At times, the attacker’s language and actions are offensive and scary,
and that’s just how it will be in a real attack, only much worse.
Watching this tape will give you a glimpse of what an attack may be like.
Listening to Soalt’s message on how to combat your fear and fight back
ferociously will empower you. Practicing
the techniques and following the principles presented in this program will
enable you to successfully defend yourself if ever attacked.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, March 2001