LITTLE ROCK — Title:
Stilettos and Self Defense
What’s the goal:
While this is not a workout DVD, you might get a workout while learning techniques and moves to fend off an attack. Jennifer Cassetta stresses that looking and feeling confident is important when you also feel threatened.
Who’s it for?
Anyone who wants to learn some self-defense techniques.
Format:
The DVD is presented in an easy-to-follow seminar format that runs for 65 minutes. It is divided into four sections:
Basics:
Cassetta explains the ABCs of self-defense, which include awareness, body language and being calm and confident. She describes why each of these is important.
Drills:
Cassetta starts her drills demonstration with what she says is the correct way to stand on high heels to have good balance, a move she calls “basing out.” She also shows how to make a proper fist with which to hit an assailant. Other movements include elbow strikes and knee strikes as well as front and side kicks.
Bag drills:
During this section we watch class participants practice on a large punching bag. Cassetta gives tips on how to strike the bag and which parts of your body to strike with, so as not to injure yourself.
Techniques:
First, she shows inside and outside deflection movements to protect the face. Then Cassetta demonstrates how to defend against front and rear attacks, and then how to switch to offense in those situations. The main targets are the face, throat and groin. She goes on to explain advanced take down and immobilization techniques.
Gear needed:
High-heel shoes, punching bag or willing sparring partner.
Can I do it barefoot?
No.
Who demonstrates the workout?
Cassetta and two male assistants who interact with five women.
So how do you use high heels?
As a weapon, you don’t. You’re wearing them. Disappointing, right? I wanted to learn how to use a shoe effectively to gouge out an eye. None of that.
The video was made in a classroom setting in a studio, so there are no close-ups of moves or slow-motion combinations. It’s more a general-knowledge seminar with some kicking and hitting thrown in.
One class member was very enthusiastic during the group interaction, and it was rather fun to watch her.
The premise looks really interesting on the DVD cover, but the production left me disappointed, unlike all of the women who were taking the class. They loved it. We have to hear their testimonials in snippets throughout the program.
Workout developer’s credentials:
Jennifer Cassetta is a National Academy of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer, third-degree black belt in Hapkido and a clinical nutritionist. Her clients include celebrities, royalty, corporations and parents. She has appeared on TV and radio programs and contributes to newspapers and magazines. Early in her martial arts career, she was grabbed on a New York street while dressed in her highest heels. She used her training to scare off her attacker.
Price:
$22.95
ActiveStyle, Pages 25 on 10/22/2012