Alive & Kicking Self Defense

Alive & Kicking teaches regularly scheduled workshops and multi-week classes. Find one near you. Or let us customize a program for you or your group.

>

We are experienced teaching teens, survivors, mother-daughter combos, community health workers, lesbian/queer women, women with special physical needs, seniors, and other self-defense instructors. Enroll in a class now.

What Will I learn?
Because violence exists in different forms—emotional, verbal, and physical—we teach a variety of strategies and options. Classes build on your existing knowledge and balance physical with non-physical techniques.

In our classes you will learn:

PHYSICAL TECHNIQUES that can disable attackers of any size
ASSERTIVENESS TECHNIQUES that provide useful negotiating skills for everyday life, de-escalate dangerous situations, help prevent sexual harassment, and deter potential attackers
AWARENESS of the many ways in which our society is violent to women and how to develop an attitude of self-protection

Classes include demonstrations, practice drills, group discussion, role-plays, and connections to your daily life.

The physical skills focus on simple movements using the strengths of a woman or girl's body against the weaknesses of an assailant's body. You'll learn a variety of strikes, kicks, and releases, and will have the opportunity to problem solve "what-if" situations. Regardless of your age, shape, size, or level of physical fitness, these moves are doable and effective.

The non-physical skills include defining your personal boundaries, learning verbal and non-verbal strategies, and practice maintaining your boundaries. Discussion topics may include relationship violence, self-esteem, risk assessment, and topics chosen by you.