Many self-defense courses are simply comprised of a group of techniques without continuity between techniques, strategy, and the reality of effectiveness for women. Model Mugging is a system specifically designed for the special needs of women. Since 1971, this system has developed into a short effective fighting and crime prevention course. In just 20 hours, Model Mugging provides the actual fighting experience that is needed to successfully defend oneself against a single unarmed assailant, an armed assailant, and multiple assailants.

Muscle Memory: Model Mugging is based on muscle memory (operant conditioning). Muscle memory means that our bodies are able to learn actions and then perform these same actions without thought; the mind and body are united in a "flow state." Just like learning to swim or ride a bicycle, once we learn we do not forget. The fighting techniques will be performed through scientifically proven methods of repetition and then applied in real fights where the experience of stress and coaching lock the movements into the body’s muscle memory.

Starting in the very first class, women will learn how to deal with the emotions of fear. In actual attacks the initial reaction of victims is surprise. They freeze in fear while falling into the "valley of shock." The valley of shock is where their mind goes blank and they are quickly overwhelmed by the violence. Because being scared is natural, the Model Mugging System teaches women how to recondition the "Freeze Response" through many repetitions of being placed in the "zero hour." (Zero hour is a military term used to identify the precise moment of an attack.) 

In Model Mugging, women learn how to defend themselves in realistic scenarios and use "real" fear to their advantage by transforming it into positive fighting energy. They learn how to fight their way out of the "valley of shock." During the course women also learn to deal with other feelings such as lack of confidence, helplessness, and anger.

The Model Mugging System shows women how to use their smaller size and lesser strength to their advantage. Women learn how to use distractions and surprise against an assailant, which are critical to realistic fighting. It is very difficult for an assailant to defend himself from a counterattack if he is unprepared for it. Model Mugging is a complete and comprehensive system specializing in the needs of women. The following elements create a program that is proper.

Training is conducted by an instructor team, consisting of BOTH men and women. Women must be a part of the instructor process, especially when issues surrounding post traumatic stress often surface in survivors of violence. Additionally, the female instructor models the skills necessary to win, but students must first learn the correct feeling of delivering various types of decisive blows that would incapacitate an attacker (these skills have been used by graduates to incapacitated real rapists--see Testimonials). The female instructor is a crucial element of coaching women during full contact fighting.

Based on Thorough Research, Realistic Strategies and Simple Techniques: The Model Mugging System is based on continuous research of police reports, interviews with survivors and rapists, and multiple fields of study and science. Knowledge gained from interviewing rapists are also incorporated into the program. The information has been combined with the expertise and experience of martial artists, crisis advocates, police officers, and behavioral profiling while taking into account natural body movements and neuropsychological learning methods.

Robert Hazelwood, who led the FBI profiling of serial rapists for the Behavioral Science Unit  wrote in 1986, "A comprehensive training program must involve the cooperative participation of law enforcement, mental health, and crisis intervention professionals. The more researched the variables are, the better they will be understood and the more effectively they could be taught and manipulated to the victim’s advantage." The Model Mugging program began doing what Robert Hazelwood suggested 15 years before he wrote this evaluation of how women may prevail against rapists.

The Model Mugging System is based on extensive research conducted to find out how rapists actually attack women. From the information gathered, counter strategies and techniques were developed to stop a rapist. Knowing that most rapists verbally abuse their victims which intimidates many into submission, the course involves verbal abuse or "garbage mouth." By the end of class, the words are meaningless because students have been "desensitized" and such language has simply lost its power.

The Use of a Padded Assailant: The "padded assailant" is the most revolutionary development in women’s self-defense, second to studying what and how criminals commit their crimes. The term, "padded assailant," is used to describe the transformation of the male instructor who dons protective body armor and then models various types of criminals attacking each student in a realistic but safe manner. The male instructor puts on about 50 to 60 pounds of padded protective equipment to protect him from incapacitating strikes used by women, such as eye strikes, thigh strikes to the groin and head, and kicks to the head when the assailant is on the ground. Women taking the course learn to protect themselves by striking the "padded assailant" with full power and without limitations or rules—just like on the "streets," anything goes!

The "padded assailant" developed by Matt Thomas and is used by Model Mugging Programs throughout the world. It is the most advanced and safest body armor manufactured. Developed in the early 1970’s, martial arts companies have tried to duplicate it and use it for police agencies in baton training. Other self-defense programs have also tried to copy it as well. 

Keep in mind that the equipment of this nature can be physically dangerous to an inexperienced wearer, and if used rashly can also be emotionally and physically dangerous to students. This is the reason that it has never been sold in mass production.

Learning how to wear the equipment effectively and becoming aware of the various dangers requires training and respect in its application. The protective equipment is a tool and the lack of training in its use can be injurious to students as well as the instructor wearing the equipment. The male instructor who dons the "padded assailant" does a lot more than portray the bad guy. He teaches the students while they are striking him with full force.

The "padded assailant" is the core tool used in the system, but it is the progression in the training process that makes Model Mugging System the most advanced women’s self-defense program in the world.

Progressive Training and Controlled Levels of Stress: All techniques are first performed slowly so that the skills and body coordination can be learned correctly, even when first fighting against the "padded assailant." As the course progresses, the skills are practiced faster and then realistically applied during full speed scenarios. The system teaches women how to control their energy into powerful and decisive strikes. The techniques are naturally applied into free form while applying the necessary skills and strategy most appropriate to each situation or circumstance. By the end of the course, even during the chaos of fighting, the physical techniques of the students are solid, strong, and fast, but they are naturally and spontaneously implemented. Women are responding naturally and effectively!

Model Mugging is more than learning how to fight. It is about preserving and protecting life through self-empowerment. It is a system based on extensive research involving multiple disciplines and professions, which takes the students on a journey that effectively and powerfully develops their skills.

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