TexasCHLforum.com

THIS is what I'm hoping to avoid ...

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@flintknapper, thank you for your post. I didn't mean to suggest that the whole of their self defense tips were somehow useless because of the one idiotic statement about guns. Far from it - I actually agree with you that most of the info on that page is very good. I also agree and know that guns are not a self defense panacea - thus my desire to get additional training/instruction not just for my non-gun carrying wife but for myself as well.

But I just don't want to get into one of those situations you often see with "unarmed self defense" instructors who constantly tell their students that "guns won't save you" or "guns are useless" and that only training with them endlessly and following their "program" will save you (I've seen it before). Many of these "hand-to-hand" instructors (for lack of a better broad term) see guns and gun training as "the competition" for dollars spent on self-defense training and I just want to be sure I'm not putting us into a position where I'm going to have to speak up in class to defend something I believe in (RKBA as self defense) against a testosterone-crazed alpha male.

I've actually already contacted this training academy and the person who responded completely dodged my question about how they view guns and/or incorporate guns into their overall self-defense strategy/training. Going to discuss with my wife and maybe attend the "free class". But so far this place is giving me the strong vibe of people who are more skilled at "upselling" their services than actually teaching useful real world self defense strategies for real people (after all, as you alluded to, not all of us are able to deliver an effective round-house kick).

As some of you know, my wife is steadfastly against obtaining a CHL for herself, doesn't "like guns" etc., but because she loves me she accepts my CHL and all that goes with it.

However, we have talked a number of times about what she would do in a "bad situation" and have both agreed it would be beneficial for us to take some basic personal defense classes together. Don't have the time/inclination for in-depth training like Krav Maga or whatever the latest "must have" unarmed defense training is these days. Just looking for good, realistic self defense training for "average folks" that focuses on awareness, avoidance, and perhaps some very basic skills to repel an attack WITHOUT a firearm.

We'd like to take the class together so we can then help each other practice and maintain the training and skills we learn. But if there is a "women's only" course that could also be an option for just her to take.

Goes without saying, of course, that money and time are tight as they are for most folks with young children. But one night a week for a few weeks probably works (assuming we can secure child care for those times). Or if something really worthwhile is available for a one-day weekend class in Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio areas we'd probably be willing to travel and have family/friends who can watch the kids in those cities.

Anyway, does anyone have recommendations for the Austin area? Quick Google search found these folks: http://austinselfdefense.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

But perusing their web site I found this link http://www.austinselfdefense.com/womens ... ense-tips/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and was turned off by this statement contained within:

HANDGUNS
In most cases, a weapon will not do you any good and may, in fact, cause you great harm. Having a weapon is more likely to increase the danger to you and your loved ones than it is to protect you from a criminal. However, if you do have a firearm in your home, keep it locked and out of reach from curious children. If you hear an intruder, never investigate with gun in hand. Lock yourself and your family in a safe room and call the
police.

really like how they say to "find something to use as a weapon" then basically talk about the best last-ditch efforts to repel nose-to-nose proximity attack by going for eyes, groin etc., all the while completely dismissing the tool that can allow someone to repel an attack from a safer DISTANCE.

But I digress.

Anyway, appreciate any and all suggestions.