The Great Flip online self-defense

Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense

/in , , , , , , /by

(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.

Shop online courses

 

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. 

Shop online courses

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.

Self Defense from the Ground UpSelf Defense from the Ground UpSelf Defense from the Ground Up

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

Request a free video 

Shop online courses

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

online self-defense for 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.

Follow The Great Flip on social media @thegreatflip #thegreatflip.

 

 

 

How To Be Strong This Summer

/in , , , /by

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8

 

Taking care of your body is important. Eating whole food instead of processed food, drinking water instead of soda, exercising instead of prolonged screen time and getting enough sleep are four awesome ways to decrease obesity and increase our immune system. Review these four “Be Strong” tips in the family activity below. 

I know a lot of people are saying “be safe” and it’s important to consider your safety in all aspects of life. I’m a self-defense coach, so yes, I can teach you a few things about safety. But I want to encourage you today with tips about “being strong.”

Be Strong.

I want you to be strong in your body, mind and spirit. When you focus on your strength, you’ll be able to make wise decisions about safety too.

God’s word says something amazing about how to “be strong.” When you trust in the Lord, you have less stress. When you have less stress, your anxiety reduces. When your anxiety reduces, your body becomes healthy and your bones grow strong. 

Why trust God? Because he loves you! “For this is how God loved the world (put your name here): He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. This is a trustworthy promise for you! Let that sink into your body and bones.

Sit down with your family and discuss the four ways you can be strong:

Four ways to be strong.

Pick one healthy habit to improve this week. Record your progress. Take pictures and share with #TrueGirl #TheGreatFlip. 

  1. Eat whole foods. If your food doesn’t grow from the ground or eat from the ground, it’s probably not whole food. Oh, how I wish I could grow Oreos in my garden. :) Learn how to cook something healthy or try a new fruit or vegetable. 
  2. Drink water. Reduce your intake of sugar and/or caffeine. Find a water intake calculator and refillable sports bottle to reach your goal. Squeeze fresh lemon in your water. Yum!
  3. Get enough sleep. Tweens and teens need between 9-10 hours of sleep. What time should you go to bed to get enough sleep?
  4. Physical exercise. Reduce screen time and exercise. Start a fitness challenge with your family or friends. Play a sport. Run around the house. Do jumping jacks. Do something active for at least 30 minutes every day. What will you do to achieve this goal?  

Learn about the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu with me here at The Great Flip.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan. Not only will you get physically fit, but you will also learn an amazing life skill too! It’s a win-win!

 

EXTRA CREDIT: Read my blog that was featured on True Girl’s website and learn how trusting in the Lord offers five more ways to be strong. Click here.

 

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 at www.thegreatflip.com

Click here to request a free self-defense video and lesson plan!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

online self-defense for girls

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program partner. Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

Click here to request a free self-defense video and lesson plan!

Click here to learn more about online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment.

 

Three tips to overcome fear of germs, bullies and germy bullies

/in , , , , , /by

Long before COVID-19 and “social distancing” was a thing, bullies roamed the hallways at home, at school and after-school. They still do. 

By now, our children are familiar with navigating “social distancing” protocols, but do they have the skills to deal with bullies who intend to break physical barriers? Does your child exhibit any new fears of physical contact? This might be due to a bully situation or a new germ phobia. 

Because the “germ” landscape is constantly changing, be sure to communicate with your child to determine the source of their fear and anxiety. Even as “social distancing” norms change, you can teach your children three “no-contact” self-defense skills and empower them to overcome the fear of germs, bullies, and germy bullies. 

Your Voice. 

no contact self defense

Your voice is the first line of self-defense. Ask your child to list all the ways his/her voice can be helpful if a bully is approaching. 

A voice can:

  • Communicate boundaries.
  • Escalate or deescalate a situation.
  • Yell for help.
  • Build up or tear down.
  • Express emotions.

Roleplay with your child and encourage the development of their voice as a form of self-defense. Help your child choose the right words and correct tone of voice when communicating their feelings based on different situations. Teach them to be direct but not bossy, assertive but not aggressive. Begin with a calm voice, but as a situation changes, teach them it’s okay to be loud if necessary. 

(As a self-defense instructor, I encourage children to be loud when counting repetitions in a warm-up exercise. For example, when doing jumping jacks, I will count 1-5, then encourage them to count aloud 6-10. Some children need to control their voice (tone it down, be loud without screaming). Some children need to be encouraged to be loud. There’s something empowering about letting out a good loud shout! Create space to develop your child’s voice.

Inner voice.

A child’s inner voice might dictate the way they express themself outwardly. Talk to your child about the voice inside their head. If they believe things that are not true, give them affirming words to replace the negative voice. Share God’s voice (God’s Word found in the Bible) with your child. Read God’s promises to your child and encourage them to memorize and internalize and recognize God’s voice.  (One of my favorites is Romans 8:37-39.)

End your time by using your voice to speak kind words to each other.

Your Body.  

Taking care of your body is a powerful form of self-defense. Defend your body with posture, hygiene and healthy habits.

Body language matters. no-contact safety tip your body

Poor posture can make your child appear weak. Bullies seek victims who look weak. But strong body language can make them appear strong. Even if they don’t feel confident, they can still look confident by standing tall with proper posture. 

The ole “place a hardcover book on your head” trick works to improve posture every time. Place a book on your child’s head and walk around the room keeping the book balanced. Make sure their head and eyes are up looking forward. Make a game out of this experiment.

Hygiene matters. 

I know you’ve heard it a million times, but it’s worth repeating and practicing. 

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Then go wash your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 

Healthy habits matter.

Good nutrition and exercise defend your body against obesity and strengthens your immune system to fight off germs. Personal trainers and nutritionists agree that a healthy body is 80 percent good nutrition and 20 percent exercise. 

Here are four healthy habits to defend your body: 

  • Drink more water and less sugary drinks. 
  • Get enough sleep. 
  • Eat healthy whole foods and less processed foods.
  • Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes and decrease screen time.

Your distance. 

More than ever, children understand the concept of “distance management.” Prior to COVID, I spent a lot of time explaining “distance management.” Now, I say those two magic words “social distance” and they understand spatial orientation when it comes to the space between people. 

Personal space.  

Now that children understand the idea of “social distancing,” they can apply self-defense strategies to their personal space and safety. 

Your personal space is typically the space inside your arm span. Extend your arms out in front of you. This is your personal space. When confronted with a bully or someone walking towards you, protecting your personal space will keep you safe (from germs and a physical confrontation). 

When your child’s voice is not respected, then your child will need to be prepared to defend his/her personal space.

Roleplay by stepping toward your child. Teach them to keep their arms up while at the same time stepping back or around to maintain their personal space. Use that voice to assert boundaries!

The Push Kick

 

If a person gets too close, your child can use their hands to push a person away. Or they don’t want to use their hands, they can learn the push-kick self-defense technique.  Request a free video to learn this skill at www.thegreatflip.com 

Practice with a training buddy or solo-style.

Keep this activity fun, playful and empowering. Carefully balance on one foot and place the other foot just above your training partner’s knee. Now, push your partner away. If you don’t have a training buddy, carefully use your foot to push open a door. This is the push kick. 

Download the Anti-bully Ebook

Would you like to talk to your daughter about germs, bullies and germy bullies? Do you want to facilitate a grace place for girls to share their fears and anxiety? Download Coach Jody’s “My Anti-bully Ebook.” It includes two self-defense videos (the push kick is one of those videos) girls ages six and up can learn together. This is a fun, playful and empowering learning experience girls can do together or virtually. Click here to download My Anti-bully Ebook.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About Coach Jody

To learn more about self-defense training or create a simple martial arts experience at home, contact Jody Token, the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for ages six and up.

Click here to shop online for self-defense plans.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

Click here to visit my homepage.

online self-defense for girls

 

homeschool martial arts

No-contact safety tip #3. Manage your “social” distance.

/in , , , , , /by

One year ago, two new words entered into our vocabulary: “Social Distance.”

What’s your favorite “Social Distance” sign? I live in the country so it seems to resonate with everyone out here. LOL.

social distance

Prior to the expression “social distance”, I spent a lot of time teaching girls about “distance management” and “situational awareness.” I guess if I were to offer a positive result of “social distancing” is the awareness we have regarding our surroundings. I’m still not a big fan, but let’s look at the bright side and put those social distancing skills to good use for self-defense training.

Share this activity with your daughter.

List the five senses:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Answer: touch, taste, sight, smell, hearing. The senses send information to the brain to help us understand and perceive the world around us.

Discussion: Talk to your daughter about each sense and how it can help her be more aware of her surroundings.

Let’s talk about “distance management” and how it relates to self-defense.

What is “distance management?”

Answers:

  • Distance management is the awareness of your personal space. Your personal space is anything inside your arm’s length. 
  • Distance management is the awareness of your surroundings such as people, places and situations happening around you. 
  • Good distance management is making sure people are outside of your arm’s length (personal space). Now, it’s six feet apart remembering health and safety for COVID-19 and other viruses. 
  • Good distance management is being aware of your surroundings (all around you).

Discussion:

In self-defense, I teach and drill a “distance management” game referring to two zones:

Safety Zone – Your personal space is safe. No one is inside your arm’s length which means no one can kick or strike you.

Danger Zone – Your personal space is in danger. Someone is inside your arm’s length and they have the ability to kick or strike you. Take immediate action to recover your safety zone. 

List ways to escape the danger zone and re-establish your personal space aka safety zone?

  • Take one or two steps back to re-establish your personal space.
  • Remember to use your voice to communicate boundaries.

Activity:

Work with a partner (your training buddy). Face each other and extend your arms straight out and begin to step forward into each other’s personal space. Try and maintain your personal space by stepping backward and/or in a circular area depending on your training space. 

A little “push kick” dance.

Learn the push kick and dance with your training partner

Click here for a glimpse of the training.

 

This skill and many others have been modified for “no-contact” training too!

 

If you have a membership to The Great Flip, login and look for the “no-contact” PDF and videos.

Not a member, yet? Shop the online plans here. 

Request a free video.

 

Talk about ways to greet each other without physical contact.

What are acceptable ways to greet each other without a handshake?

  • Bump elbows
  • Place your hand on your heart and slightly bow while verbally greeting your friend
  • Use your Voice and say “hi” with no physical contact or gestures.
  • Other ideas?

How can we show kindness to one another without physical contact? 

Acts of service, Speak kind words, Compliment someone, Smile. Share ideas …

 

I’ll see you on the mat! – Coach Jody

online self-defense for girls

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram @thegreatflip. Post your training experience and use the hashtag #thegreatflip

 

 

 

 

 

no-contact safety tip your body

No-contact safety tip #2. Body language is self-defense!

/in , , , , /by

Share this fun, playful and empowering activity with your daughter.

How can body language be a form of “no-contact” self-defense?

Bullies seek victims who look weak. Poor posture can make you appear weak. Strong body language can make you appear strong.  Strong body language creates an image of confidence and deters victimization. Even if you don’t feel confident, you can still look strong as a form of “no-contact” self-defense. Now let’s practice strong, empowered body language!

Activity

Place a hardcover book on your head. Now balance it so that you do not need to hold it. See how far you can walk around before the book falls off. What changes in your body occurred to balance the book? What changes occurred when it fell off?

If don’t have a book, find a wall. Place your back on the wall and connect your heels, shoulders and back of your hands to the wall.  Slowly walk away from the wall maintaining a correct posture. Walk around the room then reconnect to the wall and see if you’ve maintained the same posture.

no-contact safety tip your body

Faith-filled empowerment tip

What does God say about your body according to these Bible verses:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13-14 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. Ephesians 1:3

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Cor. 6:19

Who created your body? Where was it created? How does God describe your body?

When did God choose you and love you?

How can you honor God with your body this week? 

no contact self defense

Do you remember the #1 no-contact safety tip? What is it? Here’s a link to the answer!

Have you subscribed to an online self-defense plan and downloaded the six no-contact lesson plans?  Subscribe here.

The “no-contact” online videos and lesson plans are a great way to introduce girls to self-defense in a safe, no-contact environment and for those dealing with social distancing protocols.

Introduce your daughter to self-defense in a safe and positive way … your way! The Great Flip is online self-defense safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.

Shop online plans

Request a free video

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance! See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

online self-defense for girls

 

 

 

 

no contact self defense

No-contact safety tip #1. Your first line of self-defense starts here.

/in , , , , /by

You have one self-defense tool immediately available to you. You have it with you everywhere you go. You use it all the time (maybe more or less than you should, ha!) What is it?

This tool requires zero physical contact. As a matter of fact, this one simple, yet powerful resource just might deter any physical interaction. It can change the entire outcome of a situation based on how you use this resource. What is it?

Share this self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment activity with your daughter!

In my previous blog post, I introduced a “no-contact” self-defense plan from The Great Flip. To get up-to-speed, take a look at this blog. Click here.

no contact self defense

Your Voice!

Yes, your voice is a powerful self-defense tool. No physical contact required. How can your voice be a form of self-defense? How can the tone/volume of your voice make a situation better or worse?

Answer:

  • To communicate boundaries. 
  • To communicate intentions. 
  • To yell for help. 
  • To escalate or de-escalate a situation. 
  • Your voice is a powerful weapon. Use it first to try to calm people versus anger people. Choose your words carefully. 

Roleplaying activity:

Try different scenarios using your voice. How would you use your voice in these situations:

  • You see a bully who looks like she may not “social distance.”
  • You see a stranger coming too close to you.
  • You are lost in a crowded place.

Use your voice and communicate your boundaries. Stay calm but assertive. Don’t be bossy. How might a bossy voice help or hurt the situation? When is it okay to be loud and more aggressive with your voice?

No-contact Exercise Activity:

Practice projecting your voice during warm-up exercises by counting 1-10 from The Great Flip online self-defense video series. Do not scream, but use a strong commanding voice. Your voice matters. 

Not a member? Click here to shop plans.

Faith-filled Empowerment

How can your voice be used for good? 

Answer and Assignment:

Speak kindness. Practice speaking kind words to people this week. Use your voice to lift people up, not to tear down. 

Going Deeper 

How would you describe your inner voice (that voice inside your head)? 

What can you do to change and improve your self-talk?

What does God’s voice say about you according to these Bible verses:

John 3:16 and Romans 8:37-39

God’s voice is referred to as “the word” in John 1:1-5; 1:14. Who is the Word?

Assignment: Review, write and/or memorize one of these uplifting Bible verses to improve your inner voice.

Bible Verses

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 8:37-39 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 1:1-5 “In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.In him was life, and the life was the light of men.The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Find an online self-defense plan for your daughter.

Click here to shop.

Request a free video.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up. Learn simple self-defense skills that are fun, playful and empowering at home, at school, anywhere!

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

 

online self-defense curriculum

No contact self-defense?

/in , , , /by

I know, what in the world is “no-contact” self-defense? It doesn’t make sense. But if you think about it, it can. As your girls warm up to the idea of physical interaction or if COVID-19 protocols linger, a no-contact approach can be extremely beneficial. And there are several “must-learn” skills to be learned in a no-contact training experience.

My online self-defense program is meant to be fun, playful and empowering. So what better way to introduce self-defense and martial arts than with a no-contact approach.

Six new no-contact self-defense lesson plans are now available in every online self-defense plan!

I have six new lesson plans with a no-contact approach to introduce first through 12th graders to a martial arts experience.

And bonus … No germs. No fear.The Great Flip break fall

The Breakfall

In the first lesson, you will learn my favorite self-defense technique called the Breakfall.  When you learn the Breakfall, you learn how to fall and prevent serious injury. I hope you never get pushed down in a self-defense situation, but I can almost guarantee you will accidentally slip and fall in your lifetime. Everyone should learn this life skill.

The lesson plans also include safety tips empowering girls to use three critical no-contact self-defense assets:

You voice
You body language
Your distance

the great flip break fallAnd my favorite, I connect faith to the physical activity, giving you the opportunity to share the love of Jesus! 


If you have a subscription to The Great Flip, your no-contact modifications can be found in the video notes and lesson plans.

Shop Plans

Would you like to review a lesson plan and video? Please contact me at my personal email jody@thegreatflip.com or reach out through my website at www.thegreatflip.com

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girl national program alliance! 🇺🇸

online self-defense curriculum

online self defense for girls

Create a martial arts experience at home.

/in , , , /by

online self defense for girlsStepping onto the big blue mats at the martial arts academy was overwhelming for me and my daughters. I’d like to share a few observations from that experience then show you how to create a martial arts experience at home. You’ll be happy you did plus you’ll save a ton of money and your girls will learn valuable life skills! Oh, and you’ll have clean mats, just saying.

Not enough time.

Learning a martial art was not on my radar as a mother of two daughters when they were little. There were too many other activities to conquer like soccer, piano, American Heritage Girls, and the list goes on and on. There wasn’t enough time, but I valued the idea. By creating a martial arts experience at home, I was able to add a valuable life skill to my daughters’ character development.

(BTW, if you are an American Heritage Girls leader, click here to learn about earning the Martial Arts Sports Pin and more Program Alliance info.)

Fear vs. fun.

Then suddenly, I had a tween and a teen. How did that happen so fast? The outside world was just around the corner. I think my fear of bad guys and bullies was greater than theirs. After all, they had not experienced anything truly terrifying (praise the Lord), but the threat is real. The dangers of human trafficking and rape are real. How can I prepare my daughters for such evil at age-appropriate levels?

Great question! My husband and I choose the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. For a quick history lesson and its benefits for girls and the self-defense application, I recommend you read my blog “Why your daughter should learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense.”

We signed up (Wowza, a one-year contract was required) and entered a whole new world. So many protocols to follow, bowing, hand slapping, knuckle bumping. What in the world was happening? Then, the physical nature of the jiu-jitsu. Wow, that took some time to get used to especially for me and my daughters. Suddenly men of all shapes and sizes were rolling around with us (and sweating on us …. EW).

I knew the experience was worth the momentary discomfort. We pushed through difficult moments knowing the outcome was greater. Now there’s a message to be made there, but I’ll push onward.

I continued the training and six years later, I’m a purple belt, certified instructor. My daughters couldn’t wait to finish the year and I had to drag them to class most of the time.

During that time, I learned valuable lessons about mainstream martial arts. There is a certain type of audience, mostly male-influenced coaching styles that do not motivate the mind of girls. The structure is tight, disciplined and rigid. The message is for the underdog or the bully, again, mostly for boys whose parents want them to be disciplined or toughened up.

The desired outcomes I had for my daughters did not match. I wanted values like courage, confidence and self-defense skills. When I turned to YouTube for online instruction, I found aggressive krav-maga style training suitable for adults, but not children.

Thus, I created The Great Flip, online self-defense videos, lesson plans and curriculum to introduce girls, ages six and older, to the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I walk you through the steps to recreate a martial arts experience at home using my program.

Follow these steps to create a martial arts experience at home:

Now you and your daughter can learn simple self-defense skills in a controlled environment where you control the message, the mindset, and motivation. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Be sure to request a free video. You can also download a free sample of My Anti-Bully Ebook here. 

Don’t let fear or germs stop your pursuit to try something new!

Create a martial arts experience at home with The Great Flip. I’ll coach you and give you a successful experience and your daughters will be stronger for it (and you too!)

 

online self defense for girls

A martial art tradition called “the bow.”

Why bow in the martial arts? Bowing is a common practice in the martial arts community. I participate in the bow when I  step on and off the mat. I also bow to the instructor and to my teammates at the beginning and the end of class.

To me, the bow is a symbol of respect, humility and gratitude. These three attributes are expressed not only toward the head instructor but also to my teammates.

When I step onto the mat, I bow to symbolize clearing my mind. I go into the lesson as a blank canvas ready to learn. Many jiu-jitsu academies post the expression “Leave your ego at the door”.  Students who stand on the mat with inflated egos go against everything the bow represents.

What does the bow mean to you?

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5

This is The Great Flip.

back to school

Jesus goes before me in all walks of life. He knows I have an inflated ego. He knows I am self-centered. My ego always gets in the way. And if you are introspective, you can admit that your ego, your self-centeredness, gets in the way too. If I bow in obedience, I bow in self-centeredness and ego. This is not a Christian issue, this is a humankind issue.

There is good news from the Christian world view. Read the Bible verse carefully. Go to your Bible and read the entire chapter in its context.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

I bow in my identity in Christ Jesus. The ability to be humble and gracious comes only from Christ Jesus. He will be humble for me. He will be gracious in me. Through his death on the cross, He takes my ego and buries it. He takes all my self-centeredness and nails it to the cross. Now every promise from God is mine “which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Now I can freely bow in my new identity with respect, humility and gratitude.

The Great Flip is the only self-defense, safety and faith-based empowerment program for girls! Join the movement!

Select an online plan

 

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

online self-defense for girls

 The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls Program Alliance

 

 

my anti-bully ebook

My Anti-Bully Ebook

/in , , , , /by

Bullies don’t social distance. You need My Anti-Bully Ebook!

Long before COVID-19 and social distancing was a thing, bullies roamed the school hallways. They still do!

The Great Flip Anti-bully ebook has been revised to empower you and your daughter for social distancing and bullies. Your daughter will learn how to use her voice, her body, and her distance to overcome bullies and guard against germs (and bullies with germs 😂).

The Great Flip offers faith over fear empowerment from the outside, in!

Outcome.

The Anti-Bully ebook will help tween and teen girls identify forms of bullying and give her the tools she needs to change the bully culture engaging her whole self; body, mind, and spirit.

The Great Flip Anti-Bully Ebook features:

  • A Bully Inventory
  • Self-Awareness Q&A
  • Biblical Empowerment
  • Role-Playing
  • Self-Defense Physical Activities
  • Social Distancing Health and Safety Tips
  • Two Online Self-defense Video Techniques
    • The Wrist Escape Video
    • The Push Kick Video

Only $9.99 for a downloadable PDF interactive ebook

Click here to download My Anti-Bully Ebook

“The Great Flip online self-defense videos and curriculum are fun, playful, and empowering.” – mother of daughters

Want a free “sneak peek” download?

Sample My Anti-bully Ebook from The Great Flip

Download a free sneak peek of  "My Anti-bully Ebook" from The Great Flip. See you on the mat! - Coach Jody
FREE DOWNLOAD

Send download link to:

 

New to The Great Flip? Welcome!

The Great Flip is an online self-defense, safety and empowerment website featuring self-defense videos and curriculum for ages six and up. Families and educators use online self-defense resources at home, at school and after school.  To learn more about The Great Flip and it’s founder and coach, Jody Token, click here! See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

online self-defense for girls

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

 

Situational Awareness 101

/in , /by

Three tips to improve your situational awareness skills:

  1. Be present when you are out and about, keep your phone within reach, but not in your face.
  2. Scan your surroundings by keeping your head on a swivel (look around) and take note of who and what you see.
  3. Always locate your exists and take a moment to think through how you can safely leave should you need to.

Want to modify situational awareness training for your children? Think about these tips:

Be a good example of situational awareness by giving your children your undivided attention (that means no texting or social media while your child is trying to speak with you).

Teach your children to identify and use their senses when you go places. How can touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste improve your situational awareness skills?

Next steps:

Learn more about Coach Jody and her online self-defense program at The Great Flip.