SELF-DEFENSE 101

ABOUT SELF-DEFENSE 101

COVID-19 UPDATE (May 2023): Classes are in person. Class size is limited. Please be vaccinated for COVID at least 2 weeks beforehand, and masks are still mandatory.

Research shows that those who successfully defended themselves quickly recognized threatening situations and enforced their boundaries, if necessary by physical means. In this six-week self-defense course you will learn to recognize assailant ploys and manipulations and how to thwart them. Practice releases from common grabs and decisive strikes to vital targets. Use your voice and body language with impact. Recognize the signs that will let you defuse, de-escalate or evade before a physical assault ever happens. Assess your risks, and plan around them. Understand the connections between awareness, threats, and our media environment. The six sessions give you time between classes to practice your self-defense moves and become more comfortable with them.

This is a progressive skill-building course. You will learn the most basic elements early on, and practice them in later drills. The first sessions will focus more on physical skills: strikes to vulnerable targets, releases from grabs, body language, and using your voice. Later sessions will put your new skills in various contexts, look more at setting boundaries, and different verbal strategies to control uncomfortable situations. Finally, you will learn to recognize domestic violence, and how to get help if you (or someone you know) are in an abusive relationship.

There will be review in each class. There is also some extra enrichment activities (some call it “homework”). What you get out of your time in class will be greatly enhanced by just a small amount of time spent practicing between classes.

Come prepared to challenge yourself – emPOWERment doesn’t get more fun!

Class Schedule

Self-Defense 101:

Six Monday evenings, Oct 2 – Nov 6, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Bellevue College, Fitness Center Room G 110
Cost: $269
Register online (NOTE: online registration closes one week before class begins, and all registration closes one business day before class begins.)

Self-Defense 101 for Women, Transgender, and Non-Binary Persons:

Six Sunday afternoons, Oct 29 – Dec 10 (no class Nov 26), 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Location: studio of the Feminist Karate Union, 920 S Holgate St, Seattle WA 98134
Cost: $269
Register online.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Self Defense 101 – testimonial 1

“Joanne was knowledgeable, calm, respectful, and very impressive. I would definitely recommend this course. It was a great balance of physical practice and non-physical knowledge.”

Self Defense 101 – testimonial 2

“I liked the camaraderie between the women in class with each other and with the teacher. I liked Joanne’s realistic portrayals of situations and honesty in answering questions.”

Self Defense 101 – testimonial 3

“In addition to strong psychosocial skills, Joanne is an effective teacher providing us with a variety of techniques to use in a range of situations.”

Self Defense 101 – testimonial 4

“Our sessions were very well organized so that there was a balance of physical activity, listening, and discussion, with a good mix of intellectual and emotional content.”

Self Defense 101 – testimonial 5

“Joanne’s approach to teaching self-defense is positive, and focused on our choices and increasing abilities.”

For Teen Girls Only – Testimonial 7a

“I just wanted to thank you Joanne for the amazing self-defense course that you provide. My 17 year old daughter took your class with 2 of her friends and it was the best thing she’s ever done! I’ve seen such a transformation in her confidence, the way that she expresses herself and stands up for herself in all different relationships. She has set clear boundaries with her friends, with her boyfriend and just today with a boy who was acting completely inappropriately and getting away with it. But she shut him down and is now following up with her teacher. She’s also used her new language in her job/volunteer work. Your course was life changing for her. As her mom, I thank you sincerely!

— Mother of Student

Of surveyed college women, about 91% of rape and sexual assault victims knew their attacker prior to the assault.

Fisher, Bonnie S., Francis T. Cullen, and Michael G. Turner. “The Sexual Victimization of College Women.” Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice, 2000.