Frequently Asked Questions
about Self Defense
with Defend Yourself
Feb. 27, River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, high schoolers
What does the class cover?
Prevention and awareness: things you can do to prevent or avoid an attack or abuse.
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Assertiveness and verbal self-defense: using words and body language to stop obnoxious or intrusive behavior and to keep a situation from escalating.
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Physical self-defense: techniques to end an attack and get to safety.
We learn all these skills and techniques through discussion, role-plays, exercises, drills and more.
This is not a martial arts class. You won’t have to practice for hours to learn practical skills. You will go home with techniques you can use immediately if you need to.
Who can take the class?
The class is designed for teen girls in high school. Their mothers, other adult relatives (grandmother, cousin, older sister, godmother, etc.) and older friends are also welcome. All of our classes are tailored to the ages and life situations of the participants.
I’m short/overweight/not athletic. I have an injury or a disability. Can I do it?
Yes! Everyone can improve their skills and expand their options in case of an attempted attack. This is not martial arts, and you don’t have to be fit to use the techniques we teach. We teach skills that everyone can use every day to keep themselves safer.
Our teachers have experience teaching people from all walks of life, including those with physical limitations. Instructors will work with you to adapt the techniques to something that works for you.
Where and when is the class?
At River Road Unitarian, 6301 River Road, Bethesda, MD 20817. There are directions at www.rruuc.org/Directions. It is Sat., Feb. 27, 1:30-4:30 pm. Please come about 10 minutes early to complete some paperwork so we can start on time.
How much does it cost?
It’s $43 early registration (by Feb. 15), $56 after. There are limited reduced-fee slots for low-income people. Contact us if you can’t afford the full fee.
How do I register?
Pay by credit card using PayPal. You don’t have to have a PayPal account to use PayPal. Go to paypal.com, click on “send money”(it's in the second banner that runs across the top). In the “to who” field, put “lauren@defendyourself.org” and then click on “service.”
If you want to pay by check, contact us for the mailing address.
Either way you register, be sure to include your name, phone number(s), email, and the class you are registering for. If you register within a week before the class, please check to make sure you got in. Enrollment is limited.
If you are under 18 and do not have a parent or guardian coming with you, please let us know because you will also need to have a parent or guardian sign a permission form before the class.
What should I wear?
You can do self-defense in any clothes--if you are ever attacked, you won’t have time to change! Most students wear comfortable clothes. We only ask that you wear flat shoes to prevent sprained ankles.
Who is the teacher?
Defend Yourself is dedicated to keeping people safer and sharing tools to help them empower themselves and live full lives.
Lead instructor Lauren Taylor has studied and taught self-defense since 1985. She specializes in teaching self-defense to women, to people with disabilities, to LGBTQ people and to survivors of abuse and assault. She holds the rank of black belt in tae kwon do, a traditional Korean martial art.
I have more questions. Who can I talk to?
Call Lauren at 301-608-3708 or email her at lauren@defendyourself.org. We’re happy to talk and answer any more questions you have!
Hope to see you there!
