I grew up with my mother’s repertoire of fears: attack by strangers, kidnapping, rape, and other violence by men against women. We were taught to behave quietly, dress modestly and pray that you do not attract criminal attention. Our training was in avoidance; we had no game plan if evasion failed. Girls weren’t taught how to fight, even in last-ditch self defense. We feared violence but weren’t allowed to respond in kind. Very early in her book, Personal Defense for Women, it becomes obvious that Gila Hayes has overcome that mindset. Hayes has trained with the big names in this...
