New self-defense classes empower women and girls

We live in confusing times when it comes to women feeling strong and confident. While the #Metoo movement is giving women new voice to speak up against sexual assault, they are still a consistent target for physical violence.

Just a few weeks ago, a female student from Gunn High School was attacked while jogging on a footpath not far from the school. And at the same time that women have come together to march and show their strength, most are still lacking the skills needed to defend themselves in case of an attack.

Impact Bay Area now offers classes in Palo Alto

That’s why self-defense classes for women and girls are growing in popularity across the country and in the Bay Area. Here in Palo Alto, a nonprofit organization called Impact Bay Area that specializes in scenario-based self-defense training is now offering classes for women and girls as young as 12 years old.

“Adrenalized” training makes Impact classes different

Unlike other martial arts-based self-defense classes, Impact classes are described as “full force,” where students learn to defend themselves in situations that simulate an actual assault.

The goal is to evoke the physical and emotional response that happens in a real life situation so that women will be able to use these skills to defend themselves when they are in danger. It’s an approach that Impact calls learning under “adrenalized conditions.”

Practicing full force to protect against real attacks

During Impact classes, women learn to use their voices to ward off would-be assailants and to get down on the ground and kick because legs are often the strongest part of a female body. As seen in this video, students put their learning into use right away, literally fighting off the “suits” (who wear padded protection) with real time support from female instructors, called “whistles.”

Classes teach women to use their legs and voices as part of self-defense

Impact training empowers women, teens and LGBTQ

The organization offers a number of different classes, ranging from the basics to advanced self-defense. There is also a class called “Kick Like a Girl” for teenagers and another for the LGBTQ community, which is frequently the target of assault.

“Because of Impact, I feel for the first time in my life like I have verbal and physical tools to never be a victim again.”

Offering scholarships to support access

As a nonprofit, Impact Bay Area has a strong commitment to ensuring access to its classes, and raises funds to provide at least four scholarship spots in every class. Last year Impact Bay Area provided 95 scholarships worth over $50,000, and 64% of the scholarship recipients were women and girls of color.

“Nurturing the flame to stand up for myself…”

“Impact can and does teach us how to defend ourselves, but so importantly, helped me with a missing piece. It nurtured the flame inside of me to want to stand up for myself,” wrote a student named Marya. “I want to heal, be a positive person in the world, and to thrive! It really kick (literally 😉 ) started my journey!”

Impact classes give women and girls the confidence to stay safe in any situation

Self-defense skills lead to a lifelong sense of confidence

“My two daughters both took Impact classes when they were teens and it gave them a sense of confidence and freedom that has helped them pursue their careers,” said Monica Stone, a Palo Alto resident and Impact Bay Area board member. “One of them was walking in San Francisco and a guy grabbed her arm. Without thinking about it, she yelled, ‘Leave me alone!’ and just kept going.”

Local schools integrate Impact training for students

Impact classes in Palo Alto are held at The Girls Middle School (GMS), and the school now includes self-defense training for all eighth grade students. Beyond GMS, Impact Bay Area also offers self-defense classes for girls- and boys- at Nueva School, and Drew School in San Francisco, and for girls at Santa Catalina School in Monterey.

“I am literally brought to tears each year watching our students go through the program,” said Laura Reeves, GMS Assistant Head of School. “It is hugely ‘impact-ful’ and important. I would love for every girl to have this experience before leaving high school. Our girls have loved it, to the point of rearranging their schedules and appointments to make sure they don’t miss it.”