FAQ: Questions about SafeSkills® Self Defense Training
Why should I take this workshop?
No one is automatically exempt from assault due to age, race, gender, appearance,
or social class. SafeSkill®'s workshop provides accurate information and instruction
in effective physical self-protection strategies and techniques.
Self-defense training seems scary to me.
SafeSkills® training is taught in a compassionate and supportive way. Highly skilled
instructors teach the physical, psychological and verbal skills with support for
each individual. You will not be thrown, hit, or grabbed. All skills are practiced
in a safe manner on targets. No one is singled out to demonstrate in front of the
group, nor are you forced to do anything. The group learns and practices the skills
together. Participants tell us it is a very powerful experience!
Won't I have to study for years to learn how to defend myself?
A basic SafeSkills® course offers enough concepts and physical skills for the most
common types of attacks. We have had many people avoid an attack or defend themselves
with the skills learned in our basic workshop. Additional levels of SafeSkills®
programs are available.
Do I have to be in shape to take the course?
No, the workshop does not involve endurance or strength building. We emphasize critical
thinking and physical techniques that can be adapted to your individual abilities.
Is physical resistance always the answer?
No. But everyone needs to have a range of skills and strategies. Knowing when and
how to physically resist gives you a choice. The goal of any type of resistance
is to escape the attack. Physical skills are sometimes necessary to escape. The
range of skills we teach include psychological and verbal self-defense.
What are verbal skills?
Verbal skills are strong, assertive statements that can be used in the early stage
of an assault. Some attackers manipulate their victims. The goal in verbal skills
is to stop or escape the attack, at this stage, before it becomes physical. We feel
that both verbal and physical skills are equally important for self-defense.
Am I too old (or too young)?
SafeSkills® programs are designed to be adapted to every age group. Participants
are able to examine their natural physical and mental abilities so they can maximize
their effectiveness.
Will I get hurt?
Safety is a primary consideration in our classes. An environment must be both physically
and emotionally safe for real learning to take place, and this is what SafeSkills®
is committed to. We encourage participants to do what they can do but never force
participants. We do not throw, grab or strike other participants in the class. All
techniques are practiced safely on targets made for learning these techniques.
Isn't it dangerous to have a little bit of knowledge?
If we think about self protection skills being similar to other emergency skills,
such as fire prevention, then we can understand that a basic level of skill in combination
with your critical thinking is much better than no skills at all.
What if I am a survivor of a crime?
At SafeSkills® we honor and respect survivors of crimes. Our instructors are skilled
in helping people deal with their emotions. The atmosphere is always safe and supportive.
If you are not sure if the workshop is right for you please
contact us to discuss
your needs.