Motivation Archives - Page 4 of 8

The Great Flip Online Self-Defense Curriculum

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

Thank you! My online self-defense, safety and faith-filled resources have become a big hit for families.

Shout out to American Heritage Girls and True Girls everywhere for becoming faith-filled empowered girls! 💪🏼

It’s time to spread the word to more families so they can incorporate my online resources into their homeschool, in school (for P.E. class) and after-school enrichment activities!

Refer a friend and receive a free gift for yourself and your friend! Click here to learn more.

There’s a plan for every budget. Click here to pick a plan.

Why teach self-defense to children age six and older?

Confidence. Courage. Control.

Learning self-defense will increase your students’ confidence and inspire courage. And bonus … Online self-defense puts you in control of a safe experience.

The curriculum and videos will introduce students to fundamental self-defense movements and techniques inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You will introduce elements of a martial arts experience to your students including bowing, teamwork, discipline and respect.

Who is using Self-defense Curriculum?

The online self-defense curriculum is now available for 1st – 12th grades. The curriculum is being used by educators to meet physical education and extra-curricular goals in the public, private, parochial and home school environments:

Mom & Dad
Physical education (PE) teachers
Athletic directors
After-school program directors
Homeschool educators
Youth leaders
Directors of Christian education
Camp directors
Team-building directors
Self-defense instructors

The Great Flip Online Self-defense Curriculum includes:

A total of 32 videos
Online curriculum PDF
Eight lesson plans PDF
Eight Talking Points PDF
Class Structure Video
Warm-up Exercises Video
Stretches Video
Animal-inspired Conditioning Drills Video
Jiu-jitsu-inspired Games Video
20 Self-Defense Technique Videos
Seven Bonus Self-Defense Technique Videos
A total of 27 Self-Defense Technique Videos

The curriculum is complete with downloadable lesson plans, talking points, and online videos for every segment of your class experience including warm-up exercises, stretches, conditioning drills, jiu-jitsu-inspired games and of course, empowering self-defense techniques and movements.

There’s a plan for every budget. Click here to pick a plan.

What you need to provide:

Mats
Training space
Strong WiFi
No experience is required
A teachable spirit

Click here to read my “Welcome” blog for more information.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan

The Great Flip Approach

The Great Flip Curriculum is a non-combative approach to self-defense. The student will not be taught to strike, kick or use aggression or force. They will explore movements in a safe and positive environment. They will learn life skills such as falling safely to the ground. They will learn discipline, teamwork and trust. They will learn about distance management, situational awareness, punch protection, and techniques to de-escalate and escape situations. They will be challenged mentally and physically while learning foundational Bjj movements without fear.

The primary objective of The Great Flip online self-defense curriculum is the exploration of physical movement for self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They will grow mentally, physically and emotionally with this curriculum.

Educational Outcomes

Introduction to, and basic understanding of the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
Introduction to, and basic understanding of a typical martial art class experience.
Introduction to self-defense techniques and physical movements inspired by Bjj.
Improved physical fitness by learning and executing movements and techniques.
Improved confidence and courage in executing self-defense techniques.
Increased control of physical, emotional and mental self.
Increased confidence in gaining positive body language skills.
Improved situational awareness learning how to assert, assess and take action.
Improved character development skills understanding self-defense as a holistic approach to life.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to self-defense, because:

BJJ allows students to live drill techniques with success.
BJJ empowers smaller-framed people to use techniques and leveraging versus force to overcome a larger opponent.
BJJ introduces children to physical contact in a safe environment.
BJJ is a “grappling sport” introducing children to movements on the ground which is realistic to real self-defense situations. Most self-defense altercations (more than 80 percent) end up on the ground. No other martial art addresses ground situations like BJJ.
BJJ empowers, builds confidence, and increases mental and physical strength.
BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving children a positive martial arts experience.

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

Self Confidence	Bully Prevention
Positive Body Image	Teamwork
Trust & Respect	Strength & Flexibility
Fitness & Conditioning	Life Skill & Character Development

What is Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art where the main objective is to control a resisting opponent. Since gaining control over an opponent has been proven to be easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the techniques of BJJ is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions.

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique. And students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.

The Great Flip online curriculum will introduce students to foundational Bjj movements and techniques. Students who participate in the curriculum (and continue to revisit the movements year after year) will gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness.

The Gentle Art.

“Jiu-jitsu” translates from the Japanese as “the gentle art.” The idea here is that practitioners can execute moves realistically and at full speed without having to worry they will injure their partner. If caught in a submission, practitioners are taught to “tap” their partner to signify discomfort, and the submitter will release the submission. Jiu-jitsu does not believe in strength, it believes in technique. It uses leverage to overcome muscle and weight.

A brief history.

In the last days of the 19th century, some jiu-jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents. Mitsuyo Maeda was one such master. Maeda arrived in Brazil in 1915, and settled in Belem do Para, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie. The father of eight children, among them five boys and three girls, Gastao became a jiu-jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn from the Japanese master.

For a naturally frail fifteen-year-old Carlos Gracie, jiu-jitsu became a method not simply for fighting, but for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family and began teaching and fighting. In his travels, Carlos would teach classes, and also proved the efficiency of the art by beating opponents who were physically stronger. In 1925, he returned to Rio and opened the first school, known as the “Academia Gracie de Jiu-Jitsu.”

Coach Jody offers video-only plans called the Empowered and Strong Plans

Curriculum plans are called Confident and Courageous Plans.

Click here to shop all plans

Try a self-defense skill inspired by Brazilian jiu-Jitsu.

Now watch this curriculum-inspired video.

About Coach Jody

Coach Jody is a certified Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor and mother of two daughters. Her daughters inspired her to develop an online self-defense experience to gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness.

The Great Flip is a nationally-recognized program alliance for American Heritage Girls, a national Christ-centered character and leadership development organization for girls 5 to 18 years of age. Coach Jody has spent twenty years inspiring young women to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Coach Jody

Now it’s your turn

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

There’s a plan for every budget. Click here to pick a plan.

Empower Your Girl to Make Wise Decisions with these Four Tips

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts/by coachjody

My friends at American Heritage Girls (AHG) asked me to share a devotion empowering girls to make wise decisions. This devotion is part of the AHG Free to Grow Patch Program. The Great Flip is a national program alliance for AHG. I’m honored to share these tips. To learn more about AHG, click here.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Tip #1 Use the 10 Commandments to guide your decision-making.

The 10 Commandments are clear about certain decisions. For example; Do not steal, Do not lie, Do not murder, Do not covet, etc. You should definitely review these 10 words from the Lord. These 10 commandments serve as a curb (keep you safe), a mirror (see your sin and see your need for a savior), and a sign (point you in the right way of living). The commandments are more than a list of things NOT to do. They can also serve as guides on the good you can do to love your neighbor.

Because of the 10 Commandments, I know not to steal other people’s stuff but instead, I help and serve people to improve and protect their possessions. And this decision goes beyond just stealing things, it addresses the way we use our time and talents. We give our time to work hard (not be lazy or steal away our time or effort). We acquire our goods in an honest way and do not take advantage of others.

Tip #2 Read the Proverbs

When scripture does not clearly address a particular decision you face, read the book of Proverbs. Proverbs describe wisdom as the beginning of knowledge. According to Proverbs, having wisdom keeps you out of trouble. Wisdom keeps you from looking like a fool and allows you to make wise decisions. Wisdom is more than good judgment – wisdom is Jesus Christ Himself. Wisdom spoke creation into existence. Wisdom created you. When you have decisions to make, you have direct access to Wisdom – that is Jesus your Savior. Read Provers and picture Jesu as your Wisdom.

Tip #3 Surround yourself with godly mentors

Wise people can help you talk out your problems and verbalize your feelings. They can help you find Bible verses that address your situation and guide you to wise decisions. Find wise friends, family and leaders who love the Lord.

Tip #4 Pray

Take your decision-making to the Lord in prayer.

If you cannot come up with your own words, pray God’s word. Pray the Psalms and Proverbs and the Lord’s Prayer. These three resources contain all of God’s promises for you.

The Great Flip about decision-making:

And here’s a “great flip” for you to remember. I bet you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself to make the right decision and feel the anxiety of “what if” I make the wrong decision. In Colossians chapter two, Paul says the answer to God’s mystery is knowing Jesus as your Savior. Everything flows from this truth. No amount of correct or incorrect decisions will save you. Christ alone saves. What a relief!

Jesus made the wisest decision of all when He decided to love you.

When you follow these four tips, you can trust God in your decisions. Even if you mess up, God redeems all things. He redeemed you. He made a wise decision when he made you. He promises to be your decision-maker. He decided to wonderfully make you in your mother’s womb. He decided to send Jesus because he loves you. He decided to forgive you all of your sins when he died on the cross for you. He decided to give you his perfect righteousness when he rose from the dead and defeated sin, death and the devil. He decided to give you the gift of a sound mind (through Christ), talents, skills, passion, and purpose to love and serve others.

You can make wise decisions not to earn God’s love, but because you already have it.

Watch my video as I share the four tips as I walk through a little general store then in the country with my dog Brandy.

Coach Jody is the creator and coach at The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.

Click here to request a free self-defense video.

How AHG Troops use The Great Flip patch program, Click here.

You can teach a martial art with The Great Flip

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

You can teach a martial art to your children using my online resources from The Great Flip!

Adding a martial art unit to your homeschool schedule and/or afterschool enrichment will fulfill your child’s physical education requirements and add a ton of value to your child’s character development. Instead of going out to a big box martial arts academy, bring the martial arts experience home. Here are a few reasons why:

It’s a fun and healthy outlet to release energy
It will improve focus on schoolwork
It will boost your child’s confidence
It will develop strength and flexibility
It will empower your child to overcome fear of bullies
You control the schedule and expense
It offers real-life application to self-defense
It’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy
It puts you in control of the experience

Let’s begin with the last point, first:

“Mom & Dad, you are in control of the experience.”

This was the most important benefit to me. Let me preface this with the fact that I have daughters. I was ultra-sensitive to the messaging at a particular martial arts academy. The environment was male-dominate, built for disciplining boys, and lacked emotional intelligence for motivating different personalities.

I wasn’t looking for a participation trophy for my girls, but I was looking for a place where girls could thrive safely. Depending on your child, he or she may not be ready for a co-ed training experience. As a homeschool parent and coach, you get to control the situation and the talking points. You know how to motivate and discipline your child. When you bring the martial arts experience home, you can teach the skills and motivate your child as you see fit. And of course, you get to control the cleanliness factor too; just saying.

Four tips to begin your online martial arts experience:

#1. Choose a martial art.

I was seeking a martial arts experience that would have a strong self-defense application for my daughters. I picked the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu (Bjj). Bjj is a grappling sport which means there is a lot of ground movement, much like wrestling.

The overall strategy of Bjj is to control your opponent. It focuses on skills to take an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission.

Studies show that 95 percent of street fights end on the ground. The techniques learned in Bjj enable participants to escape, attack or get into a more dominant position.

Bjj is also a martial art designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents. Participants use techniques and leveraging skills instead of relying on brute force. All martial arts provide confidence and courage, but only Bjj connects the sport to self-defense in a way that everyone, of all ages, can learn.

#2. Create a training space.

You don’t need a large amount of space to train at home, but to protect the lamp and china, you might want to create a training/fitness space. I purchased interlocking mats. You can also find inexpensive three-fold gymnastic mats. If you want to get fancy and go all out, you can purchase professional Bjj mats. I spent $40 on two sets of interlocking mats. I have a basement/lower level in my house for my exercise space. Some people use their garage or a spare bedroom. Many homeschool families get together in their co-op and/or church to purchase mats and find a communal space to train together. Here’s a glimpse of my little training space at home: https://vimeo.com/289726478

#3 Get a training partner.

You can begin with a few “no-contact” movements and warm-ups, but in order to get the most benefit from the experience, you need a training buddy. Learning a martial art with your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. Inviting your child’s best friend and a group of friends enhances the experience.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is referred to as the gentle martial art. You and your child can simulate real techniques in real-time with a low risk for injury. Of course, there’s always a risk, but Bjj lends itself to learning real self-defense skills with low risks. In my instructional videos, I focus on escaping, controlling and submitting techniques inspired by Bjj movements. Click here to request a free video.

#4. Subscribe to a professional online self-defense/martial arts curriculum.

My husband and daughters inspired me to develop an online martial arts experience inspired by Bjj. After seven years of training Bjj and earning my purple belt, I took a leap of faith to bring martial arts to everyone with an online learning platform. My daughters appreciated the opportunity to train at home, train with trusted family and friends and feel empowered. Before launching The Great Flip, I did peek at YouTube, but all I found were sweaty guys filming from their garage. Most videos were designed for older boys and girls encouraging violent and aggressive self-defense tactics. I’m not opposed to aggressive behavior, but for my daughters, I wanted a level-headed approach to their training. Again, Bjj offered the best approach. Children as young as first grade through high school can benefit from my introductory approach. My teaching style is fun, playful and empowering. See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Check out my streaming videos on Vimeo. Click here.

Contact me for a free lesson plan and videos. Click here.

Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls ages six and up. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance.

Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

Click here to read devotions by Coach Jody.

Jump for Joy

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

I am pro-life. Not because of the legal arguments, although personhood, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness may finally be returned to our most vulnerable population aka the unborn. And of course, I’m praying that Roe vs. Wade will be struck down as it is being argued by the Supreme Court as I write this blog, December 2021.

I am pro-life. Not because of science, although science clearly reveals that life does begin at conception.

I am pro-life because my Christian faith compels me to be pro-life. As a Christian, I seek God’s word for wisdom in such matters. The Bible is clear about the life of all people. I won’t go through every Bible verse, but from Genesis through Revelation, life is clearly a gift of God. God formed you. God loves you. God sent Jesus to rescue you, redeem you and give you life, forgiveness, faith, purpose and passion.

Being pro-life is good news! Being pro-life frees you from lies and confusion. Being pro-life points you to joy in God’s true word! Being pro-life is joy! Anyone who tells you otherwise is trying to steal your joy.

Compelled by God’s great love for me, I seek to love and serve others. I’m not always good at my calling, but it is my greatest joy.

Join me to pray for our daughters. Our girls are surrounded by mixed messages directly contradicting God’s word. Pray that our girls hear God’s word more than the world’s words. How are you doing at that mom and dad? How much screen time versus Bible time does your girl get? Pray for the pro-life message to be a message of joy and hope.

God’s word works. His word creates faith, forgiveness and salvation to all who hear and receive the free gift of Jesus.

May your Christmas season be filled with joy! Read my Advent devotion with your family. It is filled with joy, a pro-life message and a gift for you.

Jump for Joy!

“When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy” Luke 1:44

When I tell my daughters about being pregnant with them, I say; “I still remember your first movements inside my belly. I played music for you. I read stories to you. Sometimes when I spoke or the dog barked, you jumped for joy. I couldn’t wait to meet you. “

I wonder if Mary and Elizabeth told stories too. Imagine the joy they felt as they prepared together for the births of John the Baptist and Jesus.

Children are a blessing. And the Bible is full of verses connecting children to joy! “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from Him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hand. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!” Psalm 127:3-5

And here is God’s amazing gift for you! God is filled with joy when he thinks about you. He sings joyful songs to you! “For the LORD, you God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Zephaniah 3:17

Imagine that! I wonder what He’s singing? Go ahead and jump for joy!

Action Point: Ask your mom to tell you something about her pregnancy with you. Or, if you’re adopted, ask about that joyful moment when she first held you in her arms. Sing a song together and jump for joy!

Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls ages six and up. Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance. Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh, and for various homeschool blogs and Christian ministries.

The Great Flip offers online martial arts for children.

Click here for online plans

Feeling worried? Five tips to transform worry into peace.

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense, Uncategorized/by coachjody

There is a lot of research now about mental health, especially as it affects our daughters. The dawn of social media opened a pandora’s box on our daughters. Research reveals that girls are more negatively impacted by social media. I was just telling my daughter (now in college) that she represents the first generation “guinea pigs” experimented on by the big media giants. The results are devastating. But there is hope.

Understanding the mental health of your daughter is important to evaluate. But offering real remedies to worry, anxiety and fear are key to empowering her to manage her own mental health.

God’s word gives us tangle tips to battle worry and anxiety. I wrote this devotion for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh and it offers five tips to transform worry into peace. Share this devotion and these five tips with your daughter.

What is the “Therefore” there for?

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

{Philippians 4:6-8}

Easy for you to say! “Don’t worry.” Sometimes it’s so hard to pray and be thankful when I’m filled with so much worry. Help!

This Bible verse can serve as either a word of despair or a word of comfort. How do you receive these words when you first read them?

Interestingly enough, before Paul wrote these words, he began chapter four with this weird word; “Therefore.” When I see “Therefore,” I want to know what’s it “there for?”

If you go back to chapter three, you’ll find the answer. Paul reminds himself, his church and you to focus on knowing Jesus. He says that “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.” Philippians 3:8.

Knowing Jesus will give you the power to battle worry.

Paul does not sugar-coat life. He reminds us that no matter how hard life gets (and it will be hard), you have a peace that exceeds your understanding. When you focus on Jesus, he will guard your heart and mind.

When worry knocks at your door, God gives you a battle plan! Therefore:

Pray;
Tell God what you need;
Thank Him;
Experience God’s peace; and
Know that His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

ACTION POINT: Next time you feel worried or anxious, grab your Bible, read a favorite Bible verse to remember God’s unconditional love for you. My favorite is Psalm 121. Read it together.

How can you incorporate these five tips to transform worry into peace into your habits this week?

And next time you see a “Therefore” try and figure out what it’s there for.

Anxiety Remedy Tip – Limit Social Media.

And speaking of social media, if your daughter is experiencing anxiety or depression, help her to identify the cause of her worry. Is she stressed about school? Her grades? Peer pressure? Sports performance? Girls are negatively impacted by “comparison” than boys, especially on social media.

Limit her time on social media. This can be difficult because the big tech companies have designed social media to be addictive just like drugs. I encourage parents to watch “The Social Dilemma” a PG-13 Netflix documentary on how social media’s design nurtures an addiction, manipulates people’s views, emotions, and behavior, and spreads conspiracy theories and disinformation, to maximize profit. Set limits! You can find apps and tools to limit the time your daughter is on social media.

Welcome to The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment resources for your daughter age six and up. Request a free self-defense video and lesson plan here.

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance!

five tips to transform worry into peace

The Giggle Meter in Online Self-Defense Training

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

I just finished an in-person training session with my daughter at her college. What a joy to train with her before she graduates this winter. Whether your daughter is 23 years old or six years old, There is a common experience that happens when girls train online self-defense together in a safe space. They GIGGLE!

I know it sounds strange, but the physical nature of self-defense training requires vulnerability. They are required to trust each other physically and emotionally. When they experience success, their laughter is an outpouring of their confidence.

Thank you to everyone who is training with me at The Great Flip! What is the GIGGLE meter for your girls?

If you are still thinking about adding The Great Flip to your curriculum, let me know how I can serve and encourage you to add online self-defense and martial arts training to your daughter’s character development.

I designed The Great Flip to empower you to teach a safe and empowering experience … GIGGLES included!

I look forward to serving you.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance.

Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

Faith-filled Female Empowerment

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

Can female empowerment be faith-filled? Yes! The Great Flip, an American Heritage Girls Program Alliance, is giving girls an opportunity to learn about self-defense in an environment that fosters their strength and identity in Christ.

The Great Flip was featured in the American Heritage Girls national publication Heritage Headlines.

Callie, a Pioneer in OR4519, wanted to share her love for martial arts with her troop and earn the Harriet Tubman Level Award, which requires girls to lead a troop event. Working with The Great Flip gave her a way to flex her leadership muscles (and her self-defense skills too)!

The Great Flip is online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment resource designed to give girls a fun, playful and empowering introduction to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Girls can earn the AHG Martial Arts Sports Pin using The Great Flip online videos, lesson plans and resources.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

I am honored to serve American Heritage Girls with The Great Flip. Click here to learn more about AHG.

Here’s what AHG executive director, Patti Garibay says about God-given feminity:

I look forward to serving you. If you have any questions about The Great Flip, click here to contact me!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Click here to shop online self-defense courses

I ❤️ homeschooling. Share The Great Flip flyer with a homeschool family.

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

Are you a homeschool family? Do you know any homeschool families? I ❤️ homeschooling!

I’m honored to support the courageous moms and dads who are taking a leap of faith to homeschool their children this fall. The great news is the abundance of materials out there.

My online self-defense resources at The Great Flip qualify for your homeschool PE credits and offer a fun after-school enrichment opportunity for the girls in your community.

Would you take a moment and share my online self-defense resource with all your homeschool connections?

I have a free flyer to download and share.

Click here to download the PDF The Great Flip flyer to share

You are welcome to share it on your social media too! Add #thegreatflip to your post!

What is The Great Flip?

The Great Flip is online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up. I offer online self-defense instructional videos and lesson plans to guide girls through a series of simple self-defense techniques inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Each video is 3-4 minutes in length, easy to watch, learn, drill and master!

My coaching method is designed to be fun, playful and empowering.

Bring online self-defense training to your homeschool!

No martial arts experience, required!

Hi homeschool friends! I’m Coach Jody. Thank you for considering The Great Flip as part of your homeschool experience. I have everything you need to equip you to teach self-defense skills inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You can create a mini martial arts dojo/academy at your home or church, including my streaming videos, lesson plans, weekly blogs and/or podcasts.

I know what you want.
I know you are on a tight budget.
I know you have high expectations!

I offer a plan to meet every budget. Yes, you may share the online plan with your homeschool families, in co-ops and larger groups. Please do not share your account outside of your group to protect my hard work and your passwords.

Follow these three steps to get started

#1. Choose a Plan

For details about each plan, click here.

Click here to request the homeschool discount code.

#2. Enroll

Once you choose a plan, CLICK SHOP and complete the purchase process. You will receive a registration email to create your username and password. I will send a personal email to welcome you and begin the training process. Got questions? Contact me.

#3 Watch Videos and Train

I designed the videos so anyone can watch, learn and train together. I equip you to set up a safe, designated training space. If you need additional help, I’m happy to set up a Zoom call and live training as part of your membership. Request a free video.

Need some inspiration?

Check out my blog filled with examples of self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment success stories and tips. Click here.

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance.

Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

(Featured photo: This is my training partner. His name … wait for it … is Angel. 😍 He and I teach the self-defense skills in many of the videos, then the girls, age six and up will demonstrate the technique with you. Request a free video.)

Self-defense training can be scary. The mere mention of bullies, bad guys and back-to-school may cause anxiety in children. But self-defense training doesn’t need to be scary. As a matter of fact, when children learn simple self-defense skills and techniques, they gain confidence and courage.

Now you can bring self-defense training to your homeschool, school and/or after-school enrichment experience.

Maintain control of a positive, safe and affordable experience. Together we can give girls confidence, courage and faith-filled encouragement to be truly empowered!

Hi friends, my name is Coach Jody and I’m the creator and coach of The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.

I developed this online self-defense program to help my daughters overcome three fear factors. Now you can too. No martial arts experience required! My program features step-by-step videos and lesson plans to match your budget. I look forward to serving you! Let’s get started.

Request a free video.

Physical location. Physical touch. Physical fitness.

I’ll never forget the first time my daughters and I stepped into a martial arts academy. We were completely overwhelmed. My girls said the physical location, physical touch and physical fitness were obstacles to their learning experience.

These three fear factors were not what I expected. As a mother, I have my own fears that keep me awake at night. I fear my daughters will be bullied at school. I fear creepy bad guys that lurk around every dark corner (and on the internet). I fear the sex traffickers stalking and stealing children. And now, the germ factor is important to me. How do these gyms sanitize their facility. Some places were a little sketchy.

Bullies. Bad guys. Back to school.

I suspect my daughters fear these things too, which is why we decided to take self-defense lessons. Instead of relieving fears, they were compounded. One particular martial arts academy was geared for boys and the issues boys face. Girls have a different set of needs. I was seeking a place to build confidence in my daughters. They were geared to build respect and order. Don’t get me wrong. Those qualities are great. But my main goal is to create an opportunity for girls to gain confidence and courage. When you train with me using The Great Flip videos, you will be extremely encouraged by your daughter’s success. My teaching style is fun, playful and empowering. Plus, you can teach your daughter the way you know best.

Online self-defense training is a stop-gap solution to overcome fear.

At that moment in the gym, my daughters inspired me to develop an online self-defense experience. My goal was to design a program to help them gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness.

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Let’s talk about those three fear factors. Because we crushed it using The Great Flip!

Rather listen? Listen to “Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense” on my podcast:

Physical Location

At home & homeschool

I bought inexpensive interlocking mats for my home. If you have access to gymnastic mats from your school or church, ask to borrow those. You will need mats because you will be learning skills on the ground. You will be introduced to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. See my notes below called “Brazilian jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to self-defense.” Check out my blog called “You can learn self-defense at home” to see my home exercise space. Even yoga mats will work.

At school, a church and/or (after-school)

If everyone chips in, your school and church can afford to purchase additional mats. Schools may qualify for grants and scholarships because The Great Flip teaches children safety and fitness life skills which may qualify for assistance from local or federal grants. Do some research and seek financial assistance and invest in mats.

Physical Touch

Self-defense training requires physical touch. Sparring with a partner allows children to feel resistance to techniques and simulate real self-defense situations. When physical touch is applied in a safe and trusted environment, children can concentrate on the techniques and not physical contact. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling sport, where moves and techniques must be done in a live drilling situation. Other martial arts like karate and taekwondo tend to simulate movements but not in a real self-defense situation.

Be aware that some children have more sensitivity toward touch than others depending on their story, culture, or sexual history. When you control the experience, you can create open communication. Research has shown that safe physical touch is healing and healthy. Children who train Brazilian jiu-jitsu say the physical nature of the sport brings healing to their relationships, bodies and overall health and wellness.

If you are concerned about physical touch, The Great Flip curriculum offers solo, no-contact skills and drills. Contact Coach Jody for customized curriculum and courses.

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Physical Fitness

I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the excuse “I need to get in shape before I train.” No, No, No, you do not need to get in shape before self-defense training. The techniques are designed to make you stronger, flexible and fit. No experience required. The videos are for beginners of any age. When I started training jiu-jitsu, I was overweight and in my mid-forties. I lost twenty pounds, gained muscle and increased flexibility. My daughters are inspired by the entire process and seek to live healthy lifestyles too. As a matter of fact, I never went back to a fitness club. All my fitness goals are met on the mat training Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The best time to start is now.

A quick glance at the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

I introduce children age six and up to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves or another against a bigger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground. To learn more about BJJ click here.

My teaching method is fun, playful and empowering.

There is no striking or punching in my curriculum. I focus on protection, escapes and submissions. Read “Will my students be karate-chopping each other?” blog here.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to self-defense

BJJ allows students to live drill techniques with success.
BJJ empowers smaller-framed people to use techniques and leveraging versus force to overcome a larger opponent.
BJJ introduces children to physical contact in a safe environment.
BJJ is a “grappling sport” introducing children to movements on the ground which is realistic to real self-defense situations. Most self-defense altercations (more than 80 percent) end up on the ground.
BJJ empowers, builds confidence, and increases mental and physical strength.
BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving children a positive martial arts experience.

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

Self Confidence	Bully Prevention
Positive Body Image	Teamwork
Trust & Respect	Strength & Flexibility
Fitness & Conditioning	Life Skill & Character Development

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I look forward to serving you and equipping you to overcome three fear factors with online self-defense from The Great Flip. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is a national program partner for the American Heritage Girls

The Great Flip offers faith-based talking points in the lesson plans, podcasts and blogs. The Great Flip seeks to counter the culture with the good news of Jesus Christ. Be sure to browse the blog and media portion of my website! Thank you.

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The Bible, Mary Poppins, a Curb, A Mirror and a Guide. What?!

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Recent Blog Posts/by coachjody

What are you reading this summer? Do you have a summer reading list? How about a favorite movie? There’s nothing better than a good book or movie on a summer day. Have you considered adding the Bible to your summer?

So what in the world does the Bible, Mary Poppins, a curb, a mirror and a guide have in common? Well, I’m so glad you asked.

The Bible.

I decided to add the Psalms to my summer reads. The book of Psalms is an Old Testament book of the Bible filled with poetry, prophecy, prayer, comfort and wisdom. Whether you are a Bible scholar or a beginner, reading the Psalms gives you a great summary of the entire Bible.

Martin Luther said,

“The Psalms are a Little Bible, wherein everything contained in the entire Bible is beautifully and briefly comprehended.”

So according to good old reformer Martin Luther, if you read the Psalms, you get a great summary of the Bible.

Mary Poppins.

Have you seen the new (not so new) “Mary Poppins Returns” movie featuring Emily Blunt? I know the classic Julia Andrews will always be cherished, but you need to give Emily a try. I loved it! I used a reference from the new Mary Poppins movie in my devotion for True Girl (a ministry of Dannah Gresh). In this devotion, I teach moms and daughters about the use of “law” and “gospel” in the Bible. Just read my devotion (below) and you’ll get it! Just know that everything in the Bible always points to Jesus. Jesus is the fulfillment of law and gospel … for you! When you know this, you can better understand what you are reading.

A Curb, a Mirror and a Guide.

Go on, now read the devotion. As Mary Poppins says in her song, “A Cover is Not the Book,” … “The quicker you’re into it, the quicker you’re out of it.”

A curb, a mirror and a guide.

Written by Jody Token

“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.” Psalm 119:92-93

I grew up under the teaching that the law serves three primary functions: A curb, a mirror and a guide.

A Curb.

As a curb, the law creates boundaries. I can’t help but picture the scene in the Disney movie, Mary Poppins Returns as they take a joyful carriage ride (Is there any other kind?) inside a family heirloom china bowl. At the end of the song, “Royal Doulton Music Hall,” the lyrics explain:

“Get yourself some peanuts and candy floss and go right on in!”

“May we Mary Poppins?”

“Yes- just keep away from the edge of the bowl”

The children learned the boundary (the curb) is there to protect them.

In the Psalm, David realizes the law is a delight because God desires to protect him, not to harm him. Without the law, David would perish in his own sin and affliction. He desires to remember the law because the law gives him life.

A mirror and a guide.

The law and the gospel work together in this verse. The acronym S.O.S. a simple way to understand the mirror and the guide. First, S.O.S. “Shows Our Sins.” When we look in a mirror through the lens of the law, we recognize ourselves as sinners. At the same time, we see Christ’s finished work on the cross in us, therefore the mirror “Shows Our Savior.”

S.O.S. Shows Our Sin & Shows Our Savior

The law becomes a joyful guide to love and serve the world around us.

Action Point: Look in a mirror. Who do you see? First, see yourself as a sinner in need of a Savior. Now see yourself fully forgiven because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. Smile, you are a Saint!

Short bio: Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.

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