AN HOUR BEFORE DINNER and after prayers, Fatima entered the common area wearing a dark-green jumpsuit that would give her mobility for the self-defense instructions. Good choice of clothes, and Monica told her so.
Yasmine’s bedroom door was open. If she’d toss off her stubborn mode and listen and watch, she’d learn how to rely less on men. Especially those who manipulated unsuspecting women. Self-defense was as much about mental skills as physical.
“Are you ready?” Monica said to Fatima. “You may be sore tomorrow.”
“I can handle whatever you bring my way.”
Monica laughed. “Wonderful, because we’re going to be working hard. I’m going to start with an easy technique. We’ll not move on until you’ve mastered it. I want you to feel comfortable while building your skills. The most important part of learning self-defense is confidence. You can defend yourself if placed in a precarious situation.” She positioned herself directly in front of Fatima. “Put your arms at your sides as though you have no idea a man or woman intends to harm you.”
Fatima obliged. “For sure a man.”
“Both. A woman can catch you off guard quicker than a man.”
Fatima seemed to ponder the idea. “Perhaps so. I wouldn’t expect a woman to do me harm. But Parvin Shah was a killer.”
“The good and the bad believe their actions are justified.”
“I will think about that, remember it. With my upcoming marriage, I choose to be happy and a good wife. While my brother’s enemy chooses to do all he or she can to kill him. A difficult concept, but I see the truth in it.”
Still facing Fatima, Monica quickly grabbed her arm, stepped behind Fatima, and positioned her arm behind the young woman’s back.
“I understand. I must think fast and memorize what to do next.”
Monica smiled, and the two faced each other again. “For practical purposes, you will be the attacker. Step into my personal space and grab my right arm, pushing it away from my body.” Fatima followed instructions. “This leaves me defenseless, or so you think. I will counteract with a move called a wrist sweep. I’ll bring my elbow to the center line.” Monica demonstrated. “Then I’ll twist out, which allows me to break free and punch you in a vulnerable area.”
“Twist inside or outside?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’s the elbow’s action that’s important against the would-be assailant’s grip.”
Fatima practiced a few more times until she had the technique perfected.
“See how easy? Ready for another one?”
“As you Westerners say, absolutely.” Fatima faced Monica.
“Sometimes a person will try to touch you. So put your hand on my shoulder.”
“Which side?”
“Either one.”
Fatima placed her hand on Monica’s right shoulder. In turn she gripped Fatima’s hand and thumb, lifted up and inside, forcing Fatima down, which allowed Monica to add pressure above her elbow and gain control.
“Ouch.” Fatima rubbed her hand.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“Have you used these movements before?”
“Absolutely.” They both laughed.
Yasmine ventured into the room.
“Would you like to try?” Monica said to her.
“It’s interesting.” Yasmine eased onto a chair.
Monica bent beside her. “I hope neither of you are ever in a setting that calls for self-defense. But we never know what the future brings. The best we can do is be prepared. As your friend, I want to share what it takes to avoid being hurt.”
“I need to learn too,” Yasmine said. “First I want to say something. Your words about forgetting Malik made me angry. I hated you for them. Then I thought about my desire for women in our country to gain more independence.” She took a deep breath. “By breaking rules with Malik, I did more harm for women than if I’d been obedient. I should have insisted he talk to my father or brother. I think Malik didn’t value me as an equal like he said, but something he could own.” Tears filled her eyes. “If I’m honest with myself, then I know he lied about his love. I will learn how to have wisdom and knowledge —not to be better than a man but to show I have value.”
Monica drew Yasmine into her arms as she’d done in the past. She’d grown incredibly fond of the sisters. “You’re on your way to becoming a courageous and strong woman. Respect for ourselves and others is the beginning.”
“Malik is on his way home. I hope to one day look at him as a lesson learned and not a broken heart.” She swallowed. “I’m changing clothes so I can join you.”
In less than ten minutes, Yasmine stood beside her sister dressed in Western workout clothes. Monica repeated the same instructions she’d given Fatima. Soon Yasmine mastered the techniques too. “One thing I want to point out is every person, no matter how strong, has weak areas. Those are the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, throat, fingers, toes, and the groin. Memorize them.”
“You mean hit the attacker there?” Yasmine said.
“Exactly. For example in the eyes, use your thumbs, or aim straight at the person with your fingers. By remembering the vulnerable areas, you can use what you have and not be concerned about the absence of a weapon.” She lifted her chin. “Pray you never have to use these techniques.”
“Has it been hard for you?” Yasmine said.
“Easy when someone meant me harm. Self-defense is about preparedness. If a bodyguard has been hurt or is not around, you can be confident of doing your best to protect yourself and others.”