Self Defense/Fight Like a Girl

I have been certified to teach self defense classes. Last September I went to New York with my friend Gail to learn how to teach Fight Like a Girl: Rape Escape. This program is unlike any self defense program I have ever seen. It has its roots in martial arts, but don't let that fool you. It is by no means a technique that teaches you how to fight "toe to toe" with an attacker. It is about getting away! Another component we learned is rape avoidance. This is essential for young women to learn. Most girls go off to college with all of the right ideas (be wary of strangers, stay together and in groups, park in well lighted areas, etc.) The problem is those are ideas - in their heads - mixed in with all of the excitement and feelings of independence. No one wants to scare these women into huddling in a corner of a dorm room,, obviously. But until they are actually in a challenging situation, they don't always follow these rules. My instructor, Steve Kardian, told us about an experiment he did for Inside Edition. He approached college freshmen in their cars on campus and asked them to drive him to the security office. Every girl he flagged down allowed him to get into the car and proceeded to drive him to where he needed to go. EVERY GIRL!!!! did this. They did not know him. He is a retired police detective, but was dressed like a student - shorts, ball cap, backpack. He was actually surprised that ALL of them let him in the car.

When I got home from New York I decided to start offering free self defense classes. One of the problems I have run into is that when you offer something for free, people don't seem to realize the value of what they are receiving. There are very few things other than my family, friends, and my spirituality that I really buy into and treat with a passion. Fight Like a Girl is now on that list. I genuinely believe in this program and its ability to prevent tragedy. I am going to Chicago in October to receive another certification training. I love it, and I love teaching, so there is finally something I can do to honor Jenny's memory. And I am going to keep doing it for free and with passion!!!!!!