Self-Defense Instruction

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. We have regular on-site classes along with group workshops. We work with many types of clients. This can range from teen groups, to social workers, to girl scouts, to companies. We tailor our workshops to the needs of the group. Most of our workshops are of 3 hours length, though we design them to to of any length.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Look for professionalism and commitment that focuses on the success of the participants and not on self-promotion.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. DC IMPACT Self Defense offers instruction to women, men, and teens. Simple and easily retained physical, verbal, and psychological techniques are taught in a supportive atmosphere.

Powerful and successful adrenaline-state training is
provided through realistic yet safe mock assault scenarios.

DC IMPACT deals with both the mental and physical aspects of self-defense and prepares people to be more aware, avoid situations if possible and defend themselves physically if necessary.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. What I like best is seeing people empower themselves, and learning about choices and options they might not be aware of. In a short period of time, people can learn valuable tools to be safer.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Who needs self-defense training?

One in three women will be sexually or physically assaulted in her lifetime. But there is something you can do to protect yourself!

IMPACT training empowers you to move more freely in the world and not let fear restrict your life. From years of experience we know that every woman, regardless of her age, size or physical ability can learn to effectively defend herself against verbal, physical and sexual assault.

I saw an ad for a much less expensive class…why does this cost more?

DC IMPACT’s classes cost more than some others because we offer more than others. DC IMPACT teaches full force, adrenaline state training with plenty of class time devoted to fighting padded “assailants” in realistic scenarios. This “real world” method requires more equipment, more instructors, more liability coverage, and more commitment to truly improving the safety of students than classes that rely on “going through the motions” to learn life-saving techniques.

How is DC IMPACT different than other self-defense classes?

Adrenaline state training
Full-impact training
Not a martial arts class: no long-term commitment, no uniforms, only the essentials of self-defense “street style”.
Realistic scenarios and carefully selected techniques directly address gender-based violence including relationship violence
Expert instruction from an internationally recognized leader in the field
No experience required
Works for almost all physical fitness levels and abilities


What should I look for in any self-defense class?

Ellen Bass, pioneer in the field of recovery from sexual abuse, has endorsed IMPACT International because our courses meet ALL of the criteria she believes people should consider when selecting a self-defense class. She writes:

“Physical self-defense is most effective and empowering when it is taught in the context of other personal safety skills, including boundary-setting, conflict resolution, and advocacy. In choosing a self-defense program, look for teachers who are committed to creating an emotionally and physically safe environment, are respectful of their students, adapt what they do to meet individual needs, teach that fighting is a last resort, and take a hands-on approach.”

— Ellen Bass, Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, p. 267