After having taken other self defense classes before, I can say with certainty that Impact taught me the most practical techniques and gave me the most realistic experiences. It wasn't all theory & pulled punches - it was the closest experience to a real attack I've had yet.
The Impact/Prepare class has done so much to lift me out of the victim state. For survivors of abuse, such as myself, the attention paid to the emotional issues involved in the process of empowerment is essential, and unique to Prepare. My body has been trained to fend off an attack, but so has my spirit.
Empowerment has taken on a real, tangible meaning for me. I was surprised by how deeply the course reached me. I was expecting to come out of it with a few good karate moves but instead came out feeling more like "ME" than I've ever felt and stronger than I've ever known I was.
I feel that no woman (any age) should be without this course. It is unfortunately fundamental for living in today's world.
As a seventeen year old woman preparing for college, I felt it was important to have a basic knowledge of self defense; I couldn't have been more excited about the results. I feel incredibly confident in my ability to de-escalate an attack, and, if necessary, defend myself. It was an overwhelming success.
Initially I took the class not so much for myself, but for my 13 year old daughter. My daughter and I have come face to face with every woman's worst nightmare and we have found our power. What a gift!
Prepare's instructional training sheds light on confrontational situations that are real life. The course is based on sound teaching principles which are cutting-edge and easy to learn. It's a safe learning environment that raises the self-defense quotient of both novice or martial arts expert. I recommend it to any skeptic who thinks he/she has got self-protection wired. Prepare teaches powerful stuff with a lot of impact.
I was struck by the simplicity and effectiveness of the techniques taught - any woman can learn them - any woman can protect herself. I have received in 20 hours what 2 years of martial arts training has not (and could never) give me. Confidence in surviving an attack through techniques that work for a woman. I loved the support from all group members.
The course itself, (a gift from my husband), was a surprise; and my reaction to it was a surprise too. It has meant so much more than defending myself - or perhaps it's that my concept of that phrase "self defense" has changed. It seems that the "self" is the important concept here - the "defense" flows from that.
I feel the physical aspect is extremely effective and builds confidence in one's own skills. The emotional aspect was handled with incredible insight and sensitivity to everyone's individual needs. The warm, caring environment contributed to the most wonderful bonding experience I've ever had with a group of truly genuine people.
I felt I was initially treated with care and a lot of support. With each class, I received encouragement, praise and helpful criticism. Overall, I feel I was treated with respect and given a lot of support. It has turned a scared, hopeless and lonely girl into a confident, encouraged and supported woman. I know I am worth fighting for!
The awareness and verbal skills are essential to all people everywhere. Avoidance of confrontation is one of the most important skills taught. When that becomes impossible, the physical skills we learned were simple, quick and effective.
It can transform your sense of yourself in the world in a very positive way. We should be teaching these concepts of self-esteem and self worth, along with self defense, to an entire generation.
After I got my black belt, I had recurring nightmares about failing in a fight. I had an excellent foundation for fighting but it never taught me what to do if I woke up one night to find a man straddling me with the intent to rape.
This course builds strength in the only area that really counts - between the ears. I started out afraid, but with one successful fight after another, and the vocal support of class participants, I came to believe and realize my power. I'm the opposite of angry - instead, calm inside.
There is nothing more important a woman can learn than how to defend herself. Every woman owes it to herself to take this class.
This was the most exciting, empowering course a woman could take! By being prepared for an event such as an assault, mugging or even a verbal conflict, I now have more confidence in my day to day life.
I am so much stronger now and much more self confident. I look forward to passing my empowerment on to my daughter.
This course has taught me that I have the right to defend myself and no one has the right to hurt me. I feel stronger, more powerful and happier that ever before. I know that I will always hear the cheering of the group behind me during any difficult situations in the future.
I always felt important during this class. The encouragement I received from the instructors and students, and which I was encouraged to give to others, was invaluable. I feel more confident, not just walking down the street but in every day situations. Now I know in the depths of my soul that not only am I worthy of defending, I CAN DO IT MYSELF.
This class has been the best investment I ever made. Yes, empowerment is the perfect word.
I feel that my safety is a #1 priority and now I am able to enforce that feeling. The course has had such a positive and significant impact on my life.
This is an invaluable workshop that will help even timid women to find their own voice, redefine their boundaries, and most importantly give them the tools to defend against abuse and rape.
I really got out of this course what I wanted. I know it's my own right to say "no" and I'm not afraid of saying it anymore.
Thanks to you, I have more of the inner sense of strength, confidence and security I always wanted to have. I plan to build on the excellent foundation and valuable tools I have been given.
I know that I did something that I had no idea I could do and that seems to me to be the most effective way to boost self esteem.
I count the class amongst the meaningful experiences of my life. I entered skeptical and left impressed beyond my ability to convey in words.
This class has been instrumental in helping me overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and re-taking control of my life. I am better, stronger, wiser, than before my attack - there is nothing more self-affirming than fighting for your life and dignity. Thank you.
This class was such a transformation for me in every aspect of my life! It gave me the experience of feeling my worth and loving myself in a way I never have before.
It is an honor to be a part of an experience that teaches women to recognize their own strength, the power that comes from within themselves. It allows you to overcome your past and face your future with confidence - prepared.
I feel more confident about asking for what I need and want. I feel more comfortable looking people in the eye and speaking calmly and directly without anger or fear. This class has helped me to ask myself what my boundaries are, believe in them, set them and demand that they be respected.
I really doubted myself upon entering the class in terms of my ability to fight, but the class proved to be unbelievably empowering.
This program definitely has empowered me in other parts of my life because I think about these techniques at home and at work when I need to push through fear to get things done.
I feel that I have learned a great deal about myself and how I react to situations where I feel threatened. The most important thing that I took from this class was my belief that it is my right to say no, or to tell someone they are making me uncomfortable and to stand my ground without feeling guilty.
I learned to breathe, think and then act.
The spillover effect of this class is phenomenal. I’ve been trained and teach other techniques of self defense , but nothing has been as powerful as this experience.
I feel that I can explain myself and tell people what I want, looking out for myself and my personal space. I feel that I can control the outcome of my career - advancing to the highest level I can be telling them what I feel and need and want out of life!
I feel confident, I feel alive, I have experienced and released anger from the inside out. I feel more whole.