Learning what our minds, voices, and bodies can do, realizing that we are worth defending, and giving ourselves permission to stay safe is a powerfully transformative experience.

TUFF AF: SELF-DEFENSE & SAFETY FOR YOUNG WOMEN teaches young women how to protect themselves in a safe, supported and empowered environment.  Students will learn a set of awareness and safety strategies as well as a series of simple highly effective physical self-defense techniques for the most common attack situations young women encounter, ranging from being pushed or pulled, cornered, grabbed by the wrist and hair, or pinned to the ground by a bigger and stronger attacker. Rather than relying on strength to defend against a stronger assailant, participants will learn the basic techniques of self-defense that include the principles of leverage, timing and energy efficiency. None requires exceptional strength, speed or coordination. Regardless of age, size, strength or physical ability, students can learn the techniques of self-defense while gaining an increased sense of personal confidence and empowerment.

 

This workshop is for all women and girls ages 15-25. The skills in this workshop will be useful for high school students, college students, young working women, and all young women navigating a world that often does not prioritize women’s safety and comfort. 

Class starts with warm-up exercises, followed by instruction in a specific skill with technique practice with a partner. Each technique ends with partner drills to build confidence and strengthen reflexes.

CURRICULUM MAP
AWARENESS STRATEGIES
Students learn how to dial up their awareness and learn how to use verbal assertiveness, strategies on how to deal with stalkers, and tips on how to stay safe at parties.

BASE
Students learn  how to establish a rock-solid base so that the attacker can not push or pull against their will.

WRIST RELEASES
Students learn how to free themselves from wrist grabs, regardless of their attacker’s strength.

STAND-UP IN BASE
Students learn how to safely stand up in a solid base from the ground or from sitting position.

DISTANCE MANAGEMENT
Students learn how to use their verbal assertiveness to establish their personal space and what to do if the attacker crosses the boundary.

STANDING ESCAPES
Students learn what to do if the attacker crosses the boundary and grabs them, either by the waist or by the hair.

GROUND ESCAPES
Students learn how to escape from being pinned underneath an attacker or how to escape when someone is between their legs.

WHEN
SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021
1PM-3PM

WHERE
Four Elements Fitness
322 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Oakland, 9412

WHO
Women ages 15-25 years old. If you are under 18 years old, parental permission is required before you register for our online sessions.
*All participants must wear a mask and show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination to attend. Photo of vaccine card can be emailed to info@tufflove.org, or vaccine card/photo of card can be presented at the beginning of the workshop.

COST
$50 per person, $40 for those with an active Four Elements Fitness membership. Sliding scale available to those with fewer resources; please contact us for information.

NOTES
Before starting any exercise program, it is recommended that you consult your physician. You agree that you are voluntarily participating in this training entirely at your own risk and assume all risks of injury, illness, or death. You agree to hold the creators of this training program and all instructors harmless. When you register for the class you are assuming the risks associated with any and all activities and/or exercises in which you are participating.