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March is a month for women: it's both Women's History Month and has International Women's Day. This month, we'd like to focus on some of the women who have walked through our doors, specifically what brought them here, what's kept them here, and how their life has changed after they found Krav Maga:
Meet Paige (They/She):
What made you come to Valley Self-Defense?
My decision to come toValley Self-Defense was made by a Women's Seminar I had taken in Minneapolis a few years ago. I took the hour long seminar and felt good about it. I was, a month or more, later approached by a stranger who had reached for my belongings at one of the light rail stops. I used my voice and told the person not to touch me. This was new for me. This further cemented the desire to take regular classes because not only did I enjoy myself, but I could now see the positive results of the class for me.
I wanted to take Krav Maga classes regularly to learn how to better defend myself, but also as a way to help move emotional trauma, physically through and out of my body.
Has Krav Maga changed you?
Yes, absolutely, Krav Maga has changed me. Krav Maga has affirmed most, if not all, of my negative perspectives of the world. BUT, it has more importantly taught me how to keep living in spite of the negatives. For instance, I feel more at ease walking down the street by myself, for longer distances. My anxieties of being attacked at home are not as wild and rampant as they used to be. Ultimately, Krav Maga has given me a discovery of power I only imagined myself to have.
Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that spurred you to keep training.
I can't give credit to one moment or factor. Each has been complimentary and necessary to the other. The people who regularly show up to the gym ready to learn and practice, with words of encouragement, the instructors with their engagement in technique and genuine love and dedication for Krav and BJJ both for themselves and others, and the fact that someday I may have to use these techniques for me or a loved one and knowing that even if I don't survive, I fought too. These classes empower me to think beyond being attacked and into "you have the tools, use them, defend yourself". It very much helps the affordability of classes, too.
What would you say to any woman or person who is interested in learning Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but is nervous about finding a gym?
I can't tell you if this gym is right for you because only you can determine that. However, what I can tell you is that my decision to stay at Valley Self-Defense is not just the new things I learn, but the people with which it has allowed me to build community. There is no judgment, just curiosity on how we can help you gain the tools to feel safe.
For those who were raised as female and or identify as female, we were raised to be nice, smile, and say "No. Thank you". But most of us were not taught to fight back, should the occasion arise (and it almost always does). No can feel like a death sentence or at the very least, like it doesn't matter when you say it or to mental detriment, like you were wrong for saying it.
If any of that rings true, this may be a place for you to lay it down on the mat and pick up some empowerment. Whether you are taking classes with the group or individual sessions with the instructors, you are among those who take safety seriously and mutually respect boundaries.
Meet Alexia (She/Her):
What made you come to ValleySelf-Defense?
I initially started looking for Krav Maga classes as a way to get out of the house, meet some new people, and learn how to better protect myself and feel more comfortable when I'm out and about or traveling on my own. I found VSD through a google search and I was impressed by the reviews I saw. I also really loved how welcoming VSD seemed to be and the fact that many of the instructors started out as students there, fell in love with Krav Maga and worked up to becoming instructors!
Has Krav Maga and/or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu changed you? And if so, how?
I think Krav Maga has allowed me to feel safer in more environments even when I'm on my own and has made me more confident in my ability to protect myself. I also love the community of VSD and have appreciated how supportive everyone is and how much fun we all have both in and out of class. Even on rough days, I always leave VSD in a much better mood!
Share a moment of empowerment on the mat that's spurred you to keep training.
One of the most exciting things for me during training has been realizing the power you can have, even as a smaller individual, if you know the right techniques or have the right momentum. Knowing I can flip someone almost twice my size, or feeling like I can hold my own while sparring is just such an empowering feeling!
What would you say to any woman or person who is interested in learning Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but is nervous about finding a gym?
I would tell them to just make sure to do their research into the gym, read reviews, read about the instructors, and to be okay with testing a few out if the first one doesn't feel right. At VSD, even when I felt awkward learning techniques at the beginning, everyone was positive, supportive, friendly, and respectful from day one and that's what kept me coming back.
All Valley Self-Defense instructors have been trained in trauma-informed care and how to help those handling trauma in a Krav Maga class. For anyone with anxiety about trying Krav Maga, we are happy to meet with you in person or speak with you over the phone. To connect with us, email us at valleyselfdefense@gmail.com.
If we say that exercise helps our mental health, we can't disconnect our feelings from it. This is why owner and instructor Danae Hudson cries on the mat during Krav Maga.
Krav Maga is about more than just kicking butt - the best way to win a fight is to avoid one. But often times women feel like we can't defend ourselves until we're in danger. When are we allowed to defend our boundaries?
Krav Maga near me? There is! If you're looking for a Krav Maga class near you, Valley Self-Defense is a proud member of the International Krav Maga Federation with schools located across the United States. To find a school near you, visit the IKMF USA website.
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