Finding the Right Self-Defense Class for You
Self-defense is something most people know they need, but finding the right class can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a refresher or taking your first-ever class, it’s important to choose the best self-defense program that will be a good fit for you. We want you to have a positive experience that leaves you with practical, effective safety skills and strategies you can use in your life.
Here are five things we recommend looking for when choosing a self-defense class:
Practical, Memorable Skills
Look for a class that teaches skills you can actually remember and use, even under stress. You shouldn’t need years of practice to feel confident using what you’ve learned or be taught so many skills in a short amount of time you can’t remember them. Effective self-defense training gives you simple, powerful techniques that stick with you.
Comprehensive Approach
Safety isn’t just about fighting—it’s about awareness, verbal boundaries, de-escalation, and physical techniques. A good self-defense class should teach a range of safety strategies that address a range of safety violations.
Empowerment Over Fear
Pay attention to the language used in class, on their website, and on advertisements. Training that’s built on fear and worst-case scenarios can leave you feeling anxious rather than empowered. Acknowledging violence is different than preying on fears. Look for programs that build confidence and resilience without making you feel more afraid.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The right class should make everyone feel welcome, regardless of identity, ability, or experience level. Check whether the organization is inclusive, acknowledges diverse needs, and has adaptive techniques to make sure everyone walks away with usable skills. It’s also important that the class is trauma-informed—creating an environment that feels safe, supportive, and focused on not causing unintended harm to students.
Thoughtful and Experiences Instructors
Your instructors should either reflect the community they’re teaching or clearly communicate how they adapt their approach to meet their students’ needs. Good instructors are transparent about how they make their training accessible and relevant for everyone in the room.
We hope you find a self-defense class that’s the perfect fit for you. If you’d like to learn more about We Are Safer Together’s classes and how our inclusive and adaptive training will work for you or your group, we would love to hear from you.
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