Self-Defense in Astoria: What Locals Should Know
Astoria is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Queens—diverse, walkable, and full of life. But like anywhere in NYC, it’s still a city. Whether you're commuting late, walking home alone, or just want to feel more confident in your body, self-defense is something many Astoria residents find themselves thinking about at some point.
At ITC New York, we don’t believe in fear-based marketing, and we don’t believe in quick fix self-defense seminars (see why here). But we do believe that everyone—regardless of age, gender, or background—deserves to feel safe and capable. That’s where practical self-defense training comes in.
What “Self-Defense” Really Means
A lot of people assume self-defense is about learning to throw a knockout punch or flip someone over your shoulder like in the movies. While you want to be prepared if that moment comes, good self-defense starts before things ever get physical. It’s about:
Situational awareness: Recognizing when something feels off and trusting your gut.
Confidence: Moving and speaking in a way that discourages someone from targeting you.
Boundary setting: Knowing how to use your voice clearly and assertively.
Physical readiness: Having the skills to defend yourself if it comes to that.
This layered approach is what we emphasize at our gym—and it’s one of the biggest reasons we offer both Muay Thai and Judo to the Astoria community.
Why Muay Thai Is Useful for Self-Defense
Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai teaches you to use punches, elbows, knees, and kicks with precision and power. It’s direct, efficient, and designed for real-world application. In a self-defense scenario, Muay Thai offers:
Quick, effective striking to create distance or disable an attacker.
Clinch skills to control someone up close if needed.
Footwork and balance, so you don’t get caught off guard or easily knocked down.
Conditioning and composure, so you can stay calm under pressure.
For Astoria locals who want a workout and real-world utility, Muay Thai is a powerful option.
How Judo Equips You to Handle Physical Confrontation
While Muay Thai focuses on striking, Judo is all about leverage, balance, and redirection. It’s ideal for those who don’t want to rely on striking or who are more comfortable using an opponent’s force against them. In a self-defense context, Judo helps you:
Break grips and escape from holds or grabs.
Throw or trip an opponent using their momentum.
Control someone on the ground without needing to strike.
Stay safe without escalating violence—especially useful in crowded or confined areas like the subway.
Judo is a particularly great choice for smaller individuals or anyone looking to learn how to protect themselves without relying on brute strength.
Who Should Learn Self-Defense in Queens?
Short answer: anyone. We’ve had students at ITC New York ranging from high schoolers and college students to working professionals, parents, and retirees. Whether your goal is to feel safer walking at night, protect your loved ones, or just be more confident moving through the world, both Muay Thai and Judo offer something of real value (and we believe using a battle-tested martial art is the only way to have real self-defense capabilities).
Getting Started at ITC New York
We welcome beginners. You don’t need to be in shape. You don’t need to know what you’re doing. You just need to show up.
At ITC, we’ve worked hard to create an environment that’s serious about martial arts, but approachable for everyone. Whether you want to learn self-defense, compete, or just try something new, we’ve got a space for you.
