Self-Defense
Think self-defense is kicking and punching? Think again. Self-Defense is not the same as taking classes in martial arts. (Although as a martial artist, I’m a big fan of keeping healthy with martial arts.) Self-Defense is really about learning the skills you need to take care of yourself in a difficult situation. Those skills might be staying aware, or speaking up for yourself, or using a big loud voice, or running away. In fact, physical "fighting" is only a last resort.
All of my Self-defense classes and workshops are designed using the Empowerment Model, which includes the 5 Fingers of Self-Defense:
Think--use your mind and awareness before a situation begins
Yell--use your voice--speak up for yourself, or defuse a situation
Run--find the avenues of escape
Fight--only as a last resort, and only if you have to
Tell--get help, tell your story, start the healing process
Self-Defense and empowerment is for everyone!
I teach basic verbal and physical skills that most people can do--even when you are stressed out or afraid. You don't have to be an athlete either.
I’ve taught self-defense skills to
Children
Teens
Adults
senior citizens
people with special needs
people with intellectual disabilities
deaf teens
trauma survivors and those with PTSD
People of all ages, shapes and physical condition have the right to live, work and play in safety.
Upcoming Self-Defense Workshops
Personal Safety and Self-Defense
Check back here for the next workshop
This will be a short, intro to the basic principles of Safety. With fun activities as well as simple physical skills that anyone can use with strangers as well as people they know.
Cost: $45 per person
Location: Wadsworth Village, Putnam Barn, in the Energy Inspired Fitness Studio
Class size is limited so pre-registration is required
Schedule a class for you and your group
Want to create a class for you or your group? Let me know what you want. I can design a workshop from 3 - 16 hours that is sure to meet your needs.
Workshops start at $75 per person for a 3 hour class—minimum of 6 students.
Contact me for more information.
Testimonials
"I attended 6 self defense classes. During these I was extremely impressed by her skills. All classes were well prepared and there was a good balance between talking, practice and evaluation." — Class Participant
"Jo taught us self-defense moves, but also made us aware of how to protect our personal space, which I thought was very important, because the boundaries can be a grey area. She also taught us to be aware of potentially threatening situations and how you could detect danger by following your instinct, meanwhile keeping your eyes and ears open." — Class Participant
"Jo taught the class with a lot of enthusiasm, she has the gift of grabbing and keeping a class' attention and teaching the subject in a way that won't let you forget easily what you learned." — Class Participant