Frequently Asked Questions about

self defense with Defend Yourself

(Feb-March 2012 at the YWCA)

What does the class cover?

• Prevention and awareness: things you can do to prevent or avoid an attack or abuse.

• Assertiveness and verbal self-defense: using words and body language to stop obnoxious or intrusive behavior and to keep a situation from escalating.

• Physical self-defense: techniques to end a physical attack, either standing or on the ground, and get away to safety.

We learn all these skills and techniques through discussion, role-plays, exercises and drills and more.

This is not a martial arts class. You won’t have to practice for hours to learn practical skills. Even after the first class you will go home with techniques you can use if you need to.

Who can take the class? The class is for women and teen girls age 16 and up.

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. 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 extensive 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.

When and where is the class? The class runs eight Monday nights, Feb. 6 to March 26, 7-8:30. Please save the following Monday, April 2, as a makeup day in case we have a snow day or miss a class for another reason.

It is at the YWCA (note that is a W, not an M!). Their brand-spanking-new location (opens at the beginning of January) is 2303 14^th St., NW. This is just above Florida Ave., about four blocks from U St./Cardozo on the Green Line and on the 50s and 90s bus lines.

Please come to the first class about 10 minutes early to complete some paperwork. If you are under 18 let us know when you register so you can have a parent or guardian sign a form.

How much does it cost? The basic fee is $199. If you register on or before Jan. 8, you get $50 off ($149). Sign up with a friend or family member and get $10 off each.

There are limited reduced fee slots for low-income people. Contact us if you can’t afford the full fee.

What if I have to miss a class? The skills and techniques of each class do build on each other, so we strongly recommend that you come to every class.

How do I register? To pay by credit or debit card, use PayPal. You don’t have to have a PayPal account to use PayPal. Go to paypal.com, click on “send money.” 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, address, phone number(s), email, and the class you are registering for. Class size is six minimum and 12 maximum.

If I can’t come to all the classes, can I get a refund? Sorry, we can’t make refunds. We may be able arrange to get you a discount on another 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 lead instructor Lauren Taylor has studied and taught self-defense since 1985. She specializes in teaching self-defense to women, to people with disabilities, and to survivors of abuse and assault. She holds the rank of black belt in tae kwon do, a traditional Korean martial art. She may be assisted by other instructors, all of whom have training in self-defense, martial arts, and teaching techniques and skills. (For more, see www.defendyourself.org/about us)

I have more questions. Who can I talk to? Call Lauren Taylor 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!