Self Defense 101: An Exploration of Self Defense Training and Its Applicability for College Flight Majors

Abstract

This research explores the feasibility of developing a self defense program for flight majors at a university. Traditional systems of martial arts are discussed and the limitations in these systems are explored. Traditional martial arts have many components found in modernized systems of self defense. The major difference between traditional and modern systems is that traditional ways take years to perfect and may not address situations in the flight environment. Modern systems try to replicate environments where the self defense encounter would occur and attempt to teach the system in the quickest manner possible. Based on the research done by Overchuk (2008), pilots have Multiple Intelligence (MI) profiles which are different from other professions. Multiple intelligences are a preferred way of thinking or an ability a person uses to make sense of a situation. Because pilots have distinct MI profiles, suggestions have been made to change self defense training regimens to fit a pilot's MI profile.

Author

• Overchuk, Edward John Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University