I have mixed feelings about writing about Black History Month. I’m a cis, white female who has only recently – within the last 5 years – started to actively learn what it means to be anti-racist, and it’s a long learning process.
The topics are uncomfortable and the questions we are asked to consider are heavy. But we have to ask ourselves these questions, as it’s important to not commit the same racist mistakes we’ve made in the past.
I know for myself, I can count many times when I got out of trouble because of my race and gender. I didn’t realize it then; it was not until the last 10 years or so that that realization really hit me. Coming back into the US from Mexico with contraband, I paid a fine – by check! - right there and drove home (don’t worry, they took the snake away from me). But if I were a person of color, I’m certain I would have been treated differently than I was. I’m not going to tell you all the stories I have because I’m sure you have your own, and I hope you tell those stories so we can acknowledge our privilege and balance the scales.
But what does this have to do with self-defense? At IMPACT, we are passionate about everyone being able to defend themselves – EVERYONE. Regardless of race, gender, age, religion, occupation, you DESERVE to live your life safely and with as little fear as possible.
Many years ago, we realized that our traditional ways of teaching self-defense may not accommodate the situations POC face. One of the first things we changed was the ending of the scenario when the student runs to get help. We used to yell, “Call 911”, but we realized that may not be the best choice for every student, so we changed it to, “Go get help!”. That was just the beginning of our journey to teach empowering, anti-racist self-defense.
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February is Black History Month! |
I have been a part of IMPACT Personal Safety for about 10 years now, and I am so happy to be a part of a group of diverse people who are working together to end the cycle of violence. We accept and celebrate all of our staff and students for who they are. That doesn't mean that we are perfect. We are constantly working to make ourselves better and more educated on what's going on in the world. I know we aren't the only people who want to work towards being a better ally to the Black community, so I made a handy guide on how to support the Black community, which includes educational resources.
- Dani Joy, IMPACT Lead Instructor
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I Successfully Defended Myself From An Attack in Madrid - My Self-Defense Training Saved My Life
by Nicole Snell
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It was an unprovoked stranger attack. He targeted me because he thought I was vulnerable. He thought I was weak. He thought I wasn’t paying attention. He thought he could attack me from behind as I was leaving. He thought I was an easy target.
He was wrong.
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Norwegian Baker at Work
by Ellen Snortland
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*TRIGGER WARNING: Stalking and Graphic Content*
In 1975 I was 22 years old and a first-year student at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. I lived by myself in a tiny Spanish-style house in Van Nuys. The time and place are etched in my brain forever, as this was when I became the target of another law student’s obsession.“I really don’t have time to see anyone,” I said to the young man after the gazillionth invitation to do something — anything — with him. I’ll call him Clive.
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Upcoming Classes and Events |
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In-Person Basics Classes
In our flagship 16-hour course, you will learn verbal and physical defense tactics for a wide range of real-life scenarios including dealing with strangers and people you know. You’ll also work on awareness skills, avoidance and target denial skills and learn about the key role intuition plays in your safety. Our adrenaline-state training and layered teaching style ensures that your body will absorb the techniques and they’ll be with you for life. This class is for anyone regardless of age, fitness level or physical limitations. We work around existing injuries and disabilities to find what works best for your body.
Despite all the amazing physical skills you’ll gain, the best thing you’ll gain is the ability to not fight, but to see trouble coming and avoid it, to talk your way out of sticky situations – with strangers or people you know, and keep your grace under pressure.
Basics is four 4-hour sessions over four weeks. Basics Intensive is four 4-hour sessions over two weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
Due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, we are asking that all students who attend our in-person classes be vaccinated. Students will be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to class. All of our instructors and assistants have been vaccinated.
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In-Person All-Genders Intro Workshop
This three-hour, hands-on class gives students a comprehensive taste of all our training. You will work on awareness, verbal strategies, and physical self-defense skills in a safe and supportive environment. You will tap into your own intrinsic power and will leave class with a solid understanding of how to deal with someone who is confronting you in a variety of situations.
Like all of our classes, the Intro is team-taught by a female lead instructor and one of our padded assailants.
One three-hour session.
Due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, we are asking that all students who attend our in-person classes be vaccinated. Students will be required to provide proof of vaccination prior to class. All of our instructors and assistants have been vaccinated.
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In-Person All-Genders Advanced Weekend Workshop
Prerequisite: Women’s, Men’s, or All-Gender Basics and instructor sign-off.
After Basics, our students had more “what if” questions. What if I can’t see when I’m attacked? What if I’m with my partner? What if there are several assailants? We expanded our curriculum to address these questions. Our research to develop these solutions is unique in the industry and the source of our cutting-edge programs.
You’ll work on taking your adrenaline management skills to a higher level by reviewing Basics techniques and building on them with some of our favorite, “fun in that IMPACT kind of way” fight scenarios. Because 80% of rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, you’ll delve deeper into how to deal with “familiars” with “mid-level dissuasions.” You’ll up the ante with reversals by adding sheets, blankets and pillows you have to deal with in order to land a good strike. You’ll learn what to do to protect someone else and how to be an active bystander. You’ll answer the question: what if I’m attacked in a small space? with our “elevator fights,” and most thrilling of all: what if I can’t see? That’s right, Jedi, you’ll discover you don’t need your vision in order to have a successful fight.
All in-person classes require proof of vaccination to be able to participate.
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How You Can Support Impact? |
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Instagram: ImpactPersonalSafety
Twitter: @ImpactSafety
We would like to encourage you to add your class videos, comments about your class, and any success stories you may have to our social media pages. Your comments and stories are inspirational and encouraging to others!!
Please use these hash tags - or start your own, but let us know!
#impactpersonalsafety #fightforyourlife #selfdefense #personalsafety #BadAss
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P.O. Box 931541
Los Angeles, CA 90093
310-360-1096
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