Women's Self Defense
We'll Teach You How To
Respond Proportionately
Sometimes a little pain is enough to get your point across, other times not. We want you to know enough to have a choice in how to respond.
Escape if possible
The sneaker defense is your first option. We'll cover simple ways to escape a grab or pull, ones which don't rely on speed or strength.
Disable if necessary
An ordinary person can manipulate or disable a larger opponent, you just need to know where to poke. We'll show you what works and why.
Get Comfortable
Lots of reps and lots of one-on-one so that if you ever find yourself uncomfortable or in trouble, you'll be able to react with confidence.
Fighting back works
The efficacy of resisting sexual assault is well studied: women who verbally or physically resist are more likely to successfully fend off an attacker1, and recent research finds that education and training are effective at preventing sexual assault2.
Learning how to physically resist is an essential component of any risk reduction or self-defense program. Our courses offer insights on practical techniques that will enable you to confront scenarios ranging from coercive behavior to violent attack.
“Although I had never tried any martial arts before, I was able to learn many practical and useful skills. The instructor was very patient and helpful as well. Highly recommended!”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What courses do you offer?
We offer 3 courses on physically resisting sexual assault. We address realistic scenarios and threat levels ranging from coercive behavior to violent attack.
Level 1: Escape A series of 7 techniques that progressively increases in intensity. We start standing up and finish on the ground, but in each case you're looking to defuse or escape. Class is relatively light. The goal is to get your feet wet with practical self-defense, and be able to respond to a variety of situations.
Level 2: Disable These techniques are all counters to physical aggression, particularly grabbing and choking. The techniques are are more complex than those at Level 1. You'll learn the body's vital areas and how to strike them, plus you'll learn some joint manipulation. This class requires a little more comfort executing techniques with intent.
Level 3: Destroy This is street level stuff. Take away any sense of art, sportsmanship, or mercy, and what you're left with is our Level 3: strikes to the eyes, ears, throat, and groin, plus limb destructions. You'll get the most out of this level once you're mentally ready to hurt a person that's trying to hurt you.
CAN I SIGN MY DAUGHTER UP?
When it comes to young adults, the ability to perform the techniques isn't the issue, it's maturity. There is no getting around the seriousness of either the subject matter, or the consequences of executing these techniques with intent. As long as parents and kids both understand the nature of the content, we are ready to teach. That said, 16 is our minimum age requirement.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Our Women's Self-Defense class is usually held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Occasionally it may need to be rescheduled depending on instructor availability.
To attend:
Go to the sign up page, and purchase a women's self-defense class.
Register for the next class date at the bottom of this page.
If you purchased more than one level, we encourage you to complete them on separate dates. That said, we do allow you to take up to 2 levels on the same date. Just register once for each level at the bottom of the page.
I bought A groupon
Our Women's Self-Defense class is usually held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Occasionally it may need to be rescheduled depending on instructor availability.
We encourage you to complete entire course over 3 separate dates. That said, we do allow you to take up to 2 levels on the same date. Just register once for each level. Register at the bottom of this page.
You don't need to take the classes on consecutive weekends. Come whenever your schedule allows.
When and Where is Class?
Class is at our club at 3736 East Hastings, which is the south east corner of Hastings and Boundary. There'll be a sign out front.
Classes are usually every 2nd Saturday of the month.
Level 1: 10AM - 12PM
Level 2: 12 - 2PM
Level 3: 2 - 4PM
Text or email for questions or cancellations.
604-803-5032
info@hapkido-vancouver.com
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Normal athletic gear. No loose jewelry. Probably best to take out earrings and studs too. Keep your nails trim if you can, and bring water.