MONTREAL - TORONTO - OTTAWA
Self-Defense for Everyone.
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What Happens in a typical class?
Good self-defense goes beyond physical fighting. Our 20-hour basics class examines emotional and social factors that influence our day-to-day safety. The way we teach the class enables you to learn these techniques in a very short period of time— and to remember them for the rest of your life.
The course is twenty hours. Each class session will be five to six hours, grouped over two weekends or four weeks. One-weekend intensive options are available.
Learn more about class schedules and grouping options.

SUPPORTIVE CLASS ENVIRONMENT
Prepare Canada offers a physically safe and emotionally supportive space. While we will present you with challenges, you will set the pace of your own learning.

It is normal to feel anxiety or apprehension when you are learning to deal with stressful situations, and we are here to guide you through this experience while respecting your personal boundaries.

Students are encouraged to cheer for each other and be part of creating a positive learning environment.

THE CLASS
Each class begins with the students and instructors sitting in a circle. The instructors will tell you about the goals we are setting for that day and for the course overall. In the circle you can talk to us about we can do to support you in the class.

WARM-UPS
We will do some light warm-ups for your voice and body. Many of these exercises will be related to a specific class technique.

STEP-BY-STEP TEACHING
Our classes are organized in layered steps, which will help you get this information into your "muscle memory", where it will stay— just like learning to ride a bicycle.

Each time we teach a new technique, it will follow this progression:

DEMONSTRATION
Instructors will demonstrate a physical or verbal technique.
Then we will break the technique into smaller pieces to give you the opportunity to practice each component. During practice, you will receive feedback from both instructors to help you refine your voice and movements.

DRILLS
After learning a physical technique, you will practice on a kick pad or piece of the male instructor's body armor to see what it’s like to strike a surface full-force.

SIMULATIONS
After learning a technique, you will do a “fight”: a simulation of an assault or a situation in which it is necessary to assert yourself when danger is not present.

The padded instructor plays the role of the would-be assailant while the lead instructor stands with you on the mat and coaches you through the scenario.
FEEDBACK
We recognize that everyone is on their own path of learning. Elements of class that come easily to you might be more difficult for others, and vice-versa. We will give you individual attention to help you meet personal goals and get the most out of your class experience.

After each class segment is completed, the class as a whole will receive general feedback, new goals will be set, and we will move on to the next segment.

GRADUAL PROGRESSION
The techniques you have just learned will be layered into the next segment.

As the class progresses, scenarios become more challenging. We will thoroughly prepare you for each phase of the training.

BREAKS
There will be a few short breaks during class to eat a snack.

AT THE END OF CLASS EACH DAY
Students and instructors will sit in a circle to discuss the class. You will have the opportunity to talk about how you are feeling, if there were any challenges you may have encountered, and anything that you accomplished in class that you feel proud of. There might be a lot!

PREPARING FOR CLASS
Come to class wearing comfortable clothing that you can move in, like clothing for a yoga or aerobics class (no short shorts), and a pair of clean, lace-up athletic or tennis shoes.

Bring a bottle of water and a light, energizing snack like an energy bar, fruit, a sandwich, or salad. You will not have time to leave the class room to get something once we get started.

By the end of the course, you will have learned how to:
  • increase your ability to stay safe.
  • project self-confidence.
  • use your voice effectively.
  • fight back in a rape situation.
  • defend yourself from a surprise attack.
  • fight if you are on the ground or pinned to the ground.
  • use your voice and words to make someone leave you alone.
  • know if and when your words aren't working and what to do next.
  • know when someone you know might be a threat to you.
  • de-escalate a threatening or uncomfortable situation.
  • ask for what you need from people in your day-to-day life.

In addition to our standard course list, Prepare Canada offers custom classes to businesses, schools, universities, community organizations and private groups. We can tailor courses and subjects to meet your needs.

Take action to increase your personal safety. Contact us to sign up for our 20-hour course or to organize a private class.
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Learn more about Prepare Canada Self-Defense
Learn more about our course schedules
Enter your e-mail address to receive upcoming class schedules
Class photos © Kevin Jacobus Photography - Kids photos courtesy of PDT Group
Watch a student in action!
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“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. ”
Lisa H
women learning self-defense
Prepare Canada Self-Defense is currently scheduling classes In Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa.
We serve all of Canada, so click here to find out how to bring Prepare Canada to you.
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