SELF DEFENSE: FROM THE BEGINNING
by CONNIE HUNTER LAVERGNE
2nd edition, 150 pages, $14.95
ISBN 978-0-89641-244-6 
This book
is intended as a teachers guide for those instructors who have
little background in self-defense or martial arts as self defense.
Its goal is to prepare the student for the possibility of being
victimized by a violent criminal. The skills that are presented
in this book are practical for the small 114 pound student as
well as the 250 pound athlete. The techniques are based on leverage,
speed, and an element of surprise. There is an attempt to use
simplified techniques taken from Judo, Tae-Kwon-Do, Karate, Aikido,
Hapkido, and Jujitsu. Simplification is necessary to reduce time
in learning.
The Chapters in this book have been separated in a basic to advanced
order. Drills and assignments are included to help the student
learn the material at their own pace.
CONTENTS
Chapter
1: INTRODUCTION
Crime Statistics
Need for Self-Defense
Martial Arts
How to Use This Book
Questions
Chapter
2: HAZARD AVOIDANCE
Prevention
Awareness
Physical Fitness
Demeanor
Precautions
Mental Defense/Out Smarting the Attacker
Weapons of the Body
Examples of Common Weapons
Weapons for Defense
Targets of the Body
Self Evaluation
Assignment #1
Assignment #2
Chapter
3: BASIC PHYSICAL DEFENSE
Beginning Escape Skills
Choke Releases/Escapes
Intermediate Escaping Skills
Partner Drills
Group Drills
Chapter
4: ESCAPES FROM THE GROUND
Ground Defense (Down Fighting)
Break Falls
Questions
Drills
Chapter
5: STRIKING AND BLOCKING TECHNIQUES
Basic Striking Principles
Beginning Striking Skills
Intermediate Striking Skills
Chapter
6: ADVANCED PHYSICAL SKILLS
Blocking/Disarming Combinations
Defense Against a Knife
Defense Against a Gun
Chapter
7: SELF-DEFENSE AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Reasonable Force
Reporting a Crime
Judicial Process
Chapter
8: SEXUAL ASSAULT
The Rapist
Date Rape
Reducing the Risks
Statistics on Campus Rapes
Men are Raped Too
If You are a Victim
Reporting Sexual Assault
Assignment #1
References
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
Connie Hunter Lavergne holds a B.S. & M.S. in
Physical Education from Eastern Kentucky University and has been
teaching self-defense and coaching Judo at the University of Southwestern
Louisiana for more than twelve years. She has over twenty years
of study in judo, a former national competitor and 4th degree
black beltor. She holds third degree black belt in Ju-jitsu. lavergne
also holds rank in Tae-kwon-Do, Karate, Kendo and Hapikido as
well as years of experience in fencing, gymnastics and riflery.
She has been an active volunteer for Rape Crisis, Crime Prevention
and has increased public awareness through community and campus
workshops, demonstrations, lectures and television interviews.
She has taught for over ten years Methods of Teaching Self Defense
to Physical Education majors and high school teachers. She has
become a specialist in training blind judo and self defense students.