LAST WORD
Fight Club
FIERCE KICKS A new self-defense method teaches women how to ward off predators while wearing high heels. By Ann Loynd
Soteria Method creator Avital Zeisler
“I believe that a woman has the right to dress the way she feels is most representative of her femininity.”
68 footwearplusmagazine.com • january 2016
PLENTY OF FITNESS crazes have come in and out of vogue over the years—step aerobics, spin, boot camp, Zumba and even pole dancing made a (thankfully brief) appearance in gyms across America. Now there’s a new one gaining traction, and if you happened to get a glimpse of the class in action it might stop you in your tracks. That’s because attendees of Avital Zeisler’s Soteria Method are getting stronger as well as learning how to defend themselves while wearing high heels for portions of the class. “Though they are not ideal self-defense footwear, that is not a reason not to wear high heels,” says Zeisler, a hand-to-hand combat expert, women’s empowerment coach and creator of the Soteria Method. “I believe that a woman has the right to dress the way she feels is most representative of her femininity.” The idea to include a high-heel segment in her training method came from customer feedback. When Zeisler launched her fitness-meets-defense program in 2013, women all over the world of varying ages and fitness levels often asked if there was a way to survive an attack in high heels. “I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only woman not willing to swap high heels for flats out of fear of being targeted,” she says. And despite the fact that nearly every self-defense instructor Zeisler has ever encountered warns that wearing high heels is a risk for women trying to flee or defend themselves, she came to the realization that women aren’t going to—nor should they—stop wearing them. Her heel-specific survival strategy involves removing heels quickly when possible, escaping or defending in heels if they cannot be removed, and transforming the heel into an improvised weapon if needed. She also addresses the biggest apprehension—not being able to escape—by demonstrating the best way to run in even the skinniest of stilettos by shifting one’s weight to the balls of the feet. “It is important for a woman to be armed with survival methods while wearing high heels in case she cannot prevent being targeted for an attack,” Zeisler says, noting that her self-defense, fitness and self-discovery class has attracted all walks of life including actresses Amanda Seyfried and Keri Russell. As for Zeisler’s personal tastes in heels, they favor styles she can train in: They must be comfortable, have a mid-height heel with a wide and solid base and offer flexibility in the arch. “But even though it might have all of my basic requirements, I still do my combative twist test, which is getting into my survival stance and doing some pivots on the balls of my feet,” she adds, noting that said position is one of her fundamental power source movements. Soteria Method classes are currently being offered in various studios in New York. In addition, tips and training information are available at soteriamethod.com. Viewers can also find Zeisler on YouTube running on a treadmill in a pair of nude pumps—proving it can be done. “I view ultimate strength as embracing and protecting your femininity by taking your emotional and physical safety into your own hands,” Zeisler says. “This is why the essence of the Soteria Method is for women to be armed with the skills to create, live and protect a life that they love.”