This is a long shot, but does anybody know if there are any sort of self-defense courses in the Osaka area?

Recently my neighborhood has felt an awful lot less safe—and I don’t mean the cicadas!—so I’ve been really wanting to learn how to better protect myself. Of course I’ve read guides and what-have-you, but I’ve never actually practiced, so I don’t feel particularly confident that I’d be able to really defend myself properly if the time came.

(Barring that, are there ANY gyms that don’t require 10000 yen or more a month to have a more flexible schedule? I think I’d also feel better if I was in better shape.)

Thank you!

SuperRi, welcome.  Until you can find something, try my fitness films.  No charge.  Film below made in Yubari, Hokkaido.  Self-defence and fitness at the same time.  Song UNBREAKABLE, album INVINCIBLE (MJ). Film made during recent APEC conference in Hokkaido.

Stay fit and tell yourself you have nothing to fear.  Stay away from BAD food (tobacco and drink are in food category for me), products and people.

http://www.youtube.com/user/NataliaRoschinaJapan#p/u/26/_yZ3tdROXTA (8min 40sec Natalia)

L.O.V.E.=Live Only Very Educated

I second what Natalia says about fitness and clean intake. If you are eager to develop self-defense skills, the first place to start is with awareness. What makes your neighbourhood feel unsafe? What can you do to avoid conflict or weirdos.

Some important points I’ve learned about self-defense, though I am a martial arts student, not specifically trained in self-defense methods, is that you need to be ready for defense with no doubts. If you feel that something is off, react right away. Move away from an uncomfortable situation. Also, be aware of how aggressive men behave. They go for weak, quiet people. If a chikan approaches you, and says something to you, respond verbally with NO! Go away! and keep your course. If you are quiet or move away from your course, it’s likely the aggressive guy will see you as a good target.

Some modern self-defense systems are taught in Japan. Osaka has Krav Maga seminars. This could build your confidence for self-defense in the short term. I have a hunch a lot of Krav Maga relies on power, which you can use in a real situation, but there will always be someone bigger, badder and more aggressive than you. If you’re up for it, Osaka has lots of martial arts. Martial arts demand fitness and have the side benefit of creating discipline and awareness of your surroundings. An effective martial arts teacher will tell you not to use muscle, but leverage and body weight and posture.  Even small people become effective in self-defense. The fees for martial arts dojos vary.

Did you ever find a gym or a martial training hall? Be confident, be happy, don’t worry!