Class size is limited to 12 students. Call today to register at (330)329-5990. Or email Larry@StowKungFu.com

Here are some of the commonly asked questions about our Self Secure course.

Q. What is the Self Secure Course?

A. Self Secure is 2 intensive courses, a total of about 16 hours of instruction, teaching effective self defense skills. Many people believe that you have to spend years of intensive training in a martial art to become adept at self defense. Don't worry, I've done the hard part for you. I've studied for over 15 years, training in Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chin Na (joint manipulation) and Jiu Jitsu, and have learned simple, yet powerful techniques that can be learned by anyone. Techniques that most Black Belts fall back upon in a real crisis situation.

Self defense is not like you see on TV. It doesn't include fancy spinning kicks or complex joint locks. Self defense should be like riding a bicycle, so simple you'll never forget it. These are techniques you never knew you had in you. They rely on your own natural abilities and weapons, defenses that you naturally have with you at all times.

And it's not about learning how to go toe-to-toe with some animal covered with tattoos. It's about learning how to react in order to create openings through which you can escape.

These courses teach you self defense in different scenarios, from stand-up punches to being on the ground, all situations that you may find yourself in one day. Situations like muggings, assault, kidnappings, abuse, and rape. You will learn and practice specific techniques to allow you to be comfortable in all of them.

Finally, the Self Secure Courses are not just about techniques. It's about the self-defense mindset. You will not only learn and practice static techniques, but each class has discussions and homework on self-defense topics such as stalking, to teach you just what you're up against. Each month offers realistic scenarios against a live, padded attacker. These scenarios will be as realistic as possible so that you can feel the adrenaline rush and be comfortable with executing your techniques in this safe environment.

Q. That sounds kind of scary. I'm afraid I'll be embarrassed.

A. That's understandable, but we'll do everything we can to keep you comfortable. I have taught martial arts and self defense for years. I understand why this might be frightening and difficult. In order to give you the most comfortable environment possible, the classes are limited in size (only 12 students allowed per class) and are private; no spectators and no interruptions.

Finally, each participant agrees at the start of the class that whatever happens in the class, stays in the class.

Q. Do I have to have any previous experience?

A. Absolutely not! These courses will teach you from the "ground up." It is essential that everyone learn how to protect themselves. These courses can build upon anything you've previously learned, but will also provide a strong foundation for those who are new to self-defense.

Q. I've never been attacked, why do I need to take this course?

A. The simple answer is that these courses will hopefully keep you from ever becoming a victim in the first place. In this day and age, you must learn to protect yourself; no one else can do it for you. Some victims don't get a second chance.

• 85% of all violent crime have a victim between ages 12-34
• 83% of all robberies have a victim between ages 12-34
• 84% of all rapes have a victim between ages 12-34
• Female victims age 20-24 have the highest rate of female victimization
• Among college students nationwide, between 20% and 25% of women reported experiencing completed or attempted rape.
• Teen males have the highest victimizations of all!
• Male victims with the highest rate of violence are ages 12-15

That’s why you need to take this course.

Q. I'm not in shape, can I still participate?

A. Yes! Most of the techniques in these courses are not physically demanding, buy rely on angles and sensitive targets. Anyone from 17 to 70 can perform the techniques effectively.

Q. Is there an age limit?

A. Due to the nature of the subject matter and language used, all students must be at least 13 years of age.

Q. Can you describe the 2 courses?

A. There are two courses, each encompassing classes over two months, each month covering a different topic.

SELF SECURE 101: Beginner Self Defense

Month 1: Defenses Against Strikes

This class provides you with the basics of stand-up self defense. You will learn distancing, keeping your potential attacker out of range. You will also learn how to avoid confrontations using simple hand positions and tone of voice to diffuse most potential situations.

In many situations, an attacker will strike first, attempting to disable the potential victim. This class will teach you how to avoid the most common attacks and will teach you powerful techniques that allow even a 100lb woman to knock out a 250lb man with one strike.

As in all of the Self Secure classes, you will learn how to react to the adrenaline response that disables even the most advanced martial artist. Sudden violent attacks often stun even a prepared victim into inaction. This course allows you to practice your techniques under full- power, stressful situations.

Month 2: Defenses Against Grabs

In this class, you will learn how to escape from the most common grabs and chokes that attackers use. Attackers attempt to grab their victims for control, to move them to another location or render them defenseless.

The simple techniques you learn will teach you to defend against wrist grabs, crushing hugs, and chokes. You will learn how to create opportunities to escape from even the strongest of men and allow you to follow up with strategies you learned from Month 1: Defenses Against Punches.

It is suggested that most students take Month 1: Defenses Against Punches first to teach you the common defensive strikes used in this class and to learn correct defensive positioning.

SELF SECURE 201: Intermediate Self Defense

Month 1: Defenses from the Ground

It is believed that most attacks end up on the ground at some point in the confrontation. Whether you are pushed, tripped, fall due to an attacker's blow, or are attacked by a rapist your chances of being on the ground are huge.

This class will teach you how to fight from the ground when your opponent is standing or on the ground with you. You will learn how to use simple strikes and body positioning to keep your attacker away from you.

For rape situations, you will learn correct body positioning to evade attacks from 4 of the most common positions, including when the attacker is sitting on your chest and when he is kneeling between your legs.

This class is required for anyone concerned about rape! Nearly all attackers flee when their victim fights back. This class will show you how.

Month 2: Defenses Against Weapons

Finally, this course will teach you how to defend yourself against guns and knives. You will learn when it is appropriate to be passive and when it is appropriate to defend yourself at all costs.

Due to the severity of wounds that can be inflicted by these weapons, the techniques are taught repetitively so that you become comfortable with them.

Q. When are the classes held and how long are they?

A. SELF SECURE 101 starts on Jan 22nd. SELF SECURE 201 starts on Mar 19th. For both, classes are held on Mondays at 7:00pm and Wednesdays at 6:00pm. Each class lasts about 50 minutes.

You can choose to take 1 class per week or 2. The more classes you have, the more you will drill the material until it becomes second nature. Remember, in a attack scenario, you don't have time to think. You have to KNOW how to react.

Q. How much are the classes?

A. This class is very reasonably priced. The cost of this program for new White Birch students is:

SELF SECURE 101

• One class per week: $98 ($49 per month)
• Two classes per week: $128 ($64 per month)

SELF SECURE 201

• One class per week: $98 ($49 per month)
• Two classes per week: $128 ($64 per month)

Remember, class size is limited to 12 students. Call today to register at (330)329-5990.