Business Seminars & Workshops

“I was the biggest skeptic grump going into it (I had looked forward to double practice from Saturn and needed the two credits) but the ladies were wonderful, and I really had so much fun, and I thought the class was very useful. As several people have pointed out I’m probably one of the statistically less likely candidates among women for an assailant to target, but it made me feel more sound and confident in my confrontation skills all the same and she had great strategies for dealing with the kind of creepers I see around my neighborhood all the time.”

“I found it thought-provoking, useful, and surprisingly fun. If we do this again I would stick with the same teacher — to me she was what made the experience a good one. She handled our rowdiness and giggles with grace and still managed to teach us some great stuff and tell some really interesting stories about why knowing some self-defense is important for all women.”

“From previous self-defense training and experience, to me it was a good introduction to self-defense and taught the things you immediately need in the context above. If you put yourself in the role of attacker, you don’t want to be on the business end of any of the techniques applied, but like anything else that should be effective and instinctual, it’s going to require practice so if the time comes, it’s second nature to the defender.”

“A longer class with alternate/additional defense options would be great too, to address other scenarios, or to be able to defend against someone who’s got a good grip on you (other than the neck grip demonstrated) and how to break those grips for escape, or to do other things in situations where the attacker is moving or overtaking you in weight or momentum. But the basics that were covered were plenty good for the purpose of the class which was very specifically targeted as immediate defense that controls the situation by physically and psychologically deterring an attacker from an attack at all, or further effort.”

“I really enjoyed the training. It reinforced the notion of trusting your instincts and being aware of your environment. I thought the physical techniques we learned were easy to remember and very practical.”

“I loved the training. I feel much more prepared, and am more alert and aware.”

“I thought it was a great training. It has made me more mindful about my presence in the world. I’ve been practicing acknowledging people (men) when I’m by myself by making eye contact but not smiling at them. I used to feel like I had to smile to “be nice”. I’ve been conscious of my posture as well. Also just being aware of my surroundings. I haven’t actually thought about using any of the self defense methods other than remembering what they are.”

“Thanks for organizing this, it was great!”

“I thought the training was helpful to remind me to continue being aware of my surroundings and feeling confident that I have the right tools to handle myself in any situation that comes my way.”

“Role playing was very valuable (especially in getting a bigger voice out of my quiet one) and also it was great to practice the defensive moves. I thought we could have done more of that ? there was a lot of dialogue which was helpful too but for me practicing something ingrains it in my brain more. The one thing that really stuck with me was walking around the car to create space between me and my possible attacker. I do feel I recognize when I’m not walking big. I correct my stance more to walk taller and keep my hands by side more when I’m out and about by myself. So I’m ready!”

“I loved this training. I think about the moves that we were taught when I start to feel nervous when I’m out at night, etc. And it’s helped to reinforce positive things I was already doing ? like walking tall, making eye contact, etc. Really great!”

“I liked that it was open to all genders instead of just women (which is usually the case for self-defense trainings). I am a woman and acknowledge that not just women are attacked and it’s good for men to learn some self-defense techniques and how to avoid conflict as well.”

“I thought the practicing was helpful. And the messages were very clear. I can tell that the trainer is super experienced and good at what she does.”

“Joanne did an excellent job making sure a triggering and intense subject was educational, fun and neutral. I liked that we had a choice to engage in physical skill practice – I really wanted to have some of this practice, along with verbal skills.”