Don’t Be a Victim — Be Aware: Self-Defense & Situational Awareness Course

Feeling nervous walking to your car at night? Want simple, effective ways to reduce your risk and increase confidence in everyday situations? This practical course focuses on awareness, avoidance, de-escalation, and easy-to-learn physical techniques anyone can use — no prior martial arts experience required.

In this 3-hour workshop we’ll cover:

• Situational Awareness: How to spot risky environments and suspicious behavior; simple habits to make you less of a target.
• Verbal De-escalation & Boundaries: Calm, confident language and body language that reduce the chance of confrontation.
• Practical Escapes & Releases: Easy techniques to free yourself from common grabs and holds (wrist grabs, bear hugs, simple choke escapes) practiced with partners.
• Use of Everyday Objects: How to use keys, bags, and body positioning to create space and escape safely.
• Safe Landing & Recovery: Basic falls and how to get away quickly without risk of injury.
• Scenario Drills: Realistic, low-stress drills to practice decisions under pressure (roleplay with coached feedback).
• Safety Planning: Routes, meeting places, mobile safety tips, and how to create a personal safety plan.

This course emphasizes personal safety, avoidance, and escape. We do not teach techniques intended to injure — the goal is get away and get to safety.

Who should attend

• Adults of all fitness levels who want real-world safety skills.
• Caregivers, college students, older adults, or anyone who wants to feel safer and more confident.
• No prior martial arts experience necessary.

What to bring / wear

• Comfortable clothing you can move in (no skirts or sandals). Closed-toe shoes (sneakers)
• Notepad if you want to write safety plans or tips.

What you’ll leave with

• Clear, practical steps to reduce your everyday risk.
• Several simple physical techniques you can practice at home.
• A personal safety checklist and recommended next steps to continue learning.

Accessibility
Please tell us if you need any accommodations when you register. We’ll do our best to make the class accessible.

Health & safety / Liability
By signing up you acknowledge physical contact during low-impact drills. Please inform the instructor of any injuries or medical conditions before class. Attendance is at your own risk; a short waiver will be signed at check-in.

Master Wood — Instructor, Rise of the Phoenix Martial Arts. Decades of teaching martial arts and practical self-defense to adults of all ages. Focused on realistic, usable skills that build confidence and keep people safe in everyday life.