the great flip in your American Heritage Girls Troop Meeting

The Great Flip in your American Heritage Girls Troop

In this blog, you can learn more about the AHG & The Great Flip relationship. You will learn how AHG troops are implementing The Great Flip into their troop experience. You will learn how girls are using The Great Flip for leadership opportunities, how the older girls, aka Pi/Pa’s are completing the self-defense requirement in the Emergency Preparedness Badge and earning the Martial Arts Sports Pin.

If you have more ideas, please share them with me and I’ll add them to this blog!

The Great Flip is online self defense and life skills for girls ages six and up and I am honored to be a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls.

If you are considering bringing self-defense training into your home and troop experience, let’s look first at safety. It is my goal to give girls confidence and courage while you create a safe experience.

  • soft mats
  • sanitizer wipes or spray
  • comfortable clothes
  • no shoes or socks when training on the mats
  • no jewelry
  • hair in a ponytail
  • a training partner
  • a teachable and willing attitude!

Earn the Martial Arts Sports Pin

martial arts sports pin

When you purchase any of my online martial arts plans, you gain access to everything you need to earn the AHG Martial Arts Sports Pin! A PDF document from your AHG handbook about the Martial Arts Sports Pin, along with all the videos you need earn this pin.

Pi/Pa’s can earn the “self-defense” requirement in the Emergency Preparedness Badge with either plan.

Virtual Troop Meetings

Everyone can practice at home with The Great Flip!

Girl Leadership

The Great Flip offers a great opportunity for girl-led activities in your AHG Troop. Whether a girl or a parent leads the instructional videos, she MUST preview and practice the techniques before teaching anyone else.

“The girls really enjoyed the program. My daughter used it as her Community Outreach project to receive the Harriet Tubman award. She practiced with the videos every day for a over month, then led the girls along with the videos and helped them learn and practice the techniques. Thanks so much for such an awesome program. Everyone enjoyed it!” – Jennifer O’Brien, AHG Troop Leader

Special Event

The 12-video series can be completed during a 1.5-hour workshop format. Each video is approximately three minutes. Girls can practice the techniques for 5-10 minutes, then move on to the next technique.

Father/Daughter Event & Mother/Daughter Event

The Great Flip offers an empowering and interactive event for girls to do with mom or dad!

Unit Meeting

Tenderhearts through Patriots can learn self-defense skills during a Unit meeting. You can complete one technique per meeting or work on several techniques.

Pre and Post Meeting Fitness Stations

Give the girls something fun to do before or after Troop meetings. Learn one or two techniques per meeting! And this is a great place for girl leadership to shine!

Don’t forget to order patches!

Go to Merchandise and place your order.

Click here to choose a self-defense plan that works best for your AHG troop

To keep the program affordable, Coach Jody allows a membership plan to be shared within an AHG troop. Please consider supporting Coach Jody. Click here.

Thank you 😍🇺🇸 – Coach Jody

Request a Free Video

In less than three minutes you can learn this self-defense technique

Every video from The Great Flip is less than three minutes. And in every video, you will learn a simple and empowering self-defense skill inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ready to give it a try?  In less than three minutes you can learn this self-defense technique. Find a training partner and get ready to learn the Wrist Escape technique:

Hi friends, I’m Coach Jody! I will be your guide and coach in the online self-defense courses from The Great Flip. My video library has more than 40 empowering self-defense movements and techniques. And I continue to grow the library each month. Each video is designed so you can learn a self-defense technique in less than three minutes. Once you subscribe to an online course, your videos will stream from Vimeo.

It is my hope to introduce you and your child to self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is proven to be one of the best martial arts because of its focus on real-to-life self-defense situations, ability to live drill and focus on ground “grappling” situations.

Self-defense training is like any other sport. It takes practice. You can’t expect to be the best at any sport without repetition and practice. But if your schedule is busy or your martial arts options are limited, expensive or sweaty (okay I’ll say it “smelly”), then my online self-defense training videos might be a great way to begin your journey.

Ready to learn more techniques? Click here to choose a self-defense training plan

Three easy steps to get started:

1. Choose your online self-defense videos.

2. Enroll.

3. Train.

 

Christian School and Homeschool Martial Arts

Adding a martial art unit to your Christian School and/or Homeschool schedule will fulfill your child’s physical education requirements and it adds 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 the fear of bullies
  • You control the schedule and expense
  • It offers a real-life application to self-defense
  • It’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy during or as an after school enrichment
  • 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.

Here are four tips to help you bring martial arts to your Christian School and/or homeschool.

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.

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

 

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.

  

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.

Find a plan that works best for you. 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. 

Coach Jody is featured on KFUO Radio “The Coffee Hour”

 

 
online self defense for girls

Online Self-Defense for Girls

It’s a tough world out there. Girls face the threat of violence, assault, kidnapping and sex trafficking. They face encounters every day with bullying, cliques, cyber-bullying and more. No wonder self-confidence is low and anxiety is at an all-time high. And we haven’t even hit on mental health and the negative effects of the internet and social media. It’s time for online self-defense from The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.

online self defense for girls

I believe martial arts can play a positive role in a girl’s life. It is a  valuable life skill available to our daughters. And I believe Brazilian jiu-jitsu can play a role to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of girls. But sometimes going to a gym is unavailable or the teaching style is not geared toward girls.

And when I say “girl” I mean girls as young as six years old and up. Most parents wait until high school or college to expose their daughter to self-defense skills. But the time to begin teaching self-defense is when they are young.

I wish I had exposed my two daughters to martial arts and self-defense training at a younger age. When we finally went to a martial arts gym, we were overwhelmed by the physical location, the physical touch, physical fitness challenge. We pushed through these fear factors, but my daughters did not enjoy the experience. They were teenagers and did not appreciate the physical touch.  Imagine the anxiety a girl might feel who has already experienced physical abuse or worse. I decided there had to be a better way to introduce girls to self-defense. So I did.

The Solution. The Great Flip.

The Great Flip offers girls a safe place, safe touch and a safe training approach to self-defense training. The Great Flip is an introduction to self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. My training features real-life safety tips and faith-filled empowerment.

Hi friends, I’m Coach Jody and am here to equip you to empower your daughter to overcome her fear and anxiety with my online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment resources. You can accomplish my online program at home, at school practically anywhere. (Click here to head to my homepage and request a free self-defense video and lesson plans.)

What keeps your daughter awake at night (and you too)? bullying-fear-germs

  • Bullies and bad guys.
  • Germs
  • Fear and anxiety.

Parents say the videos are fun, playful and empowering. They see confidence and courage increase, while they maintain a safe and controlled environment.

Girls should train Jiu-jitsu for self-defense. Here’s why:

Many traditional martial arts such as karate and taekwondo have nice qualities but fall short in real-life self-defense situations. Katas are taught in these martial arts which are prescribed movements and coordination but do not address dynamic situations such as when a girl is pushed to the ground. More than 80 percent of all altercations are situations when a girl is forced to the ground.

online self defense for girls

Jiu-jitsu is a grappling sport which means its training focuses on gripping the opponent to seize control (vs. striking and kicking methods). Grappling focuses on taking the person to the ground for control and submissions. Jiu-jitsu looks a lot like wrestling. Jiu-jitsu relies on leveraging and techniques vs. strength and force.

BJJ empowers the weaker, smaller person to dominate larger opponents. This is why jiu-jitsu is good for girls who might find themselves up against someone bigger and stronger. If a girl can’t be stronger is a self-defense situation, then jiu-jitsu will make her smarter!

In comparison, a popular women’s self-defense method is Krav-Maga, where women are trained to strike and kick for the groin-kick or eye-gouge. Granted, there are times and places for exerting force on an opponent. But this martial art is for older women who are already strong and physically fit. But even the fittest female may not be able to go up against someone twice her size and strength. Training jiu-jitsu is a better, smarter approach to self-defense for girls and women.

I recommend beginning with jiu-jitsu training then add other martial arts depending on your comfort level and abilities. And highly recommend training at a reputable jiu-jitsu academy.  When shopping for a jiu-jitsu academy pay close attention to hygiene habits, teaching style and their attitude toward teaching girls.

Jiu-jitsu for Girls 

online self defense for girls

A girl will love her body for what it can do

Jiu-jitsu erases insecurities by showing girls the amazing things her body can do. When she steps onto the mat, she can leave behind the “image wars” she is battling. She will discover her body for its ingenuity and beauty. Every ounce of her body is beautifully designed to move. Simple jiu-jitsu techniques will allow her to use her body in powerful and amazing ways. She will begin to see herself for who she is … “wonderfully made.” (See Psalm 139:13-14)

Jiu-jitsu gets you in shape

Instead of running on a treadmill and pumping weights, girls can get fit in a small amount of time and space. I didn’t learn self-defense to lose weight, but while training, I lost twenty pounds and gained amazing muscle mass. My health is better than ever. I got in shape and learned new life skills.

online self defense for girls

The Great Flip instructional videos are a great way to begin your fitness journey and supplement your current routine. If you are wondering what you will need to create a training space at home, read my blog and watch my video called “Let’s get Equipped.” 

Jiu-jitsu forms friendship

There’s nothing like wrestling, rolling and sparring with friends and family. Physical touch is healing to the body, mind and spirit in the context of healthy relationships. And Jiu-jitsu requires trust. Girls will need to hug, touch and roll around on the ground to learn. They will need to know that when they practice a technique they have a safe place to train, then trust no one will hurt them. Jiu-jitsu re-establishes trust and healthy relationships.

The combination of physical touch, trusting relationships and playful interaction create an environment for lasting friendships. Girls who train together become lasting friends who can rely on each other, encourage one another, and have each other’s back for far more than self-defense skills.

Jiu-jitsu is a positive role model

online self defense for girls

Okay, I’ll just say it … My daughters think I’m cool… sometimes. I’m humbled to say this and slightly amazed. I hope they think I’m awesome because I’m their mom, but they have been my best cheerleaders and encouragers throughout my jiu-jitsu journey. They tell their friends about me. Crazy, right?! Girls who learn jiu-jitsu and value self-defense become role models for other girls. Try my instructional videos at The Great Flip and see if you and your girls walk a little taller and radiate confidence that other girls desire.

Faith-filled Empowerment

Coach Jody equips girls and their parents with unique faith-filled empowerment resources to connect physical activities to social, emotional and spiritual growth. Girls will discover their true source of power comes

Life Skills for Girls

from God’s power (not girl power).

Download a free excerpt of My Anti-Bully Ebook.

Request a free lesson plan.

Read blogs to enrich your experience.

Listen to podcasts to connect you to like-minded Christian leaders.

 

See you on the mat!

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girl program partner!

online self-defense for girls

no-contact safety tip your body

online self-defense for girls

 

online self defense for girls

Watch these self-defense videos

Stop what you are doing right now and watch these self-defense videos from The Great Flip! Really …

This collection of free videos is a showcase of the techniques and life skills you and your daughter can learn. And you can learn The Wrist Escape right now!

 

The Great Flip is an introduction to self defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Before you step into a long-term commitment at a martial arts academy, learn a few foundational skills from The Great Flip online video curriculum from the comfort of home and with trusted family and friends. Grab a few yoga mats, interlocking mats or gymnastic mats and a training partner and you are ready to roll. Literally. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a “grappling” sport which means many of the movements are accomplished from the ground.

No other martial art addresses the “ground game” like jiu-jitsu. Which is why jiu-jitsu is recommended for girls since many self-defense situations (more than 80 percent) end-up on the ground. And jiu-jitsu is known for its techniques that rely on leverage not force. Smaller framed people are taught to overcome larger opponents training jiu-jitsu.

self defense from the ground up

By using The Great Flip online curriculum, you will be able to try the sport before you sign a long-term contract or purchase a gi (uniform) at a martial arts gym.  But you should know, like any sport, learning jiu-jitsu takes practice. You don’t become a world class athlete or proficient at a sport without practice and dedication. The same goes with learning self-defense skills.

Try it here first and discover the benefits of learning a martial art like Brazilian jiu-jitsu while getting fit and learning valuable life skills like self defense.

Click here for subscription options that fit your family budget and goals. 

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is a program alliance for American Heritage Girls

Here are two of my blogs to learn more about the benefits of training jiu-jitsu and setting up a home gym space. Be sure to browse through my blogs for more resources.

Click here to Join Now

 

I feel safer now

Back-to-School Self Defense You Learned in Kindergarten

The internet is full of advice with back-to-school self-defense tips. But I’m sticking with “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” I’m taking a page out of Robert Fulghum classic book. But I’ve added a twist. Be sure to enjoy the podcast featuring a radio interview I did for The Coffee Hour at KFUO Radio. I share my four tips for back-to-school self defense, all of which, you learned in kindergarten. Be sure to find a link to the free videos at the bottom of this blog then find an online self-defense curriculum for the girls in your life.

“When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.”

 

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST/Coach Jody Featured on KFUO Radio!

My four tips for a safe back-to-school

Be Confident.

Yes, I know you might be scared. Maybe nervous. But I also know you are excited. Excited to make new friends and learn new things. If you don’t think you are ready … You are. You were born for this. You will do great things! Walk into school with your head held high. Imagine a crown on your head. (There really is an imaginary crown on your head.) Smile at people. When you smile, people will smile back. You will make other people feel confident. Look you just made a new friend!

Be Cautious.

Be cautious in traffic. Of course, look both ways before you cross the street, but I’m talking about creepy internet traffic. Sweet Mr. Fulghum’s advice still applies (but he had no idea how far this was going to go).

First, let me speak to parents of kindergarteners (because I’m sure your kindergartner is not posting on Snapchat and if they are, for the love of all things sane, stop!) Parents, teach healthy internet habits. Kindergartner should not be on Snapchat nor should they be on the internet for that matter. As children get older continue to monitor screen time. Teach your children about the dangers of the internet at the appropriate age. Monitor all internet activity. Yes, you have the right to do this. It’s your phone and it’s your child. You are the parent. No excuses. And when your child finally goes to college, they will understand the dangers of the internet and make wise choices.  Girls, did you know Snapchat is now on the creepy stalker app list? Stop sharing your location. And do not talk to strangers! Ever.

Only share your location with a trusted friend and parents. And do it the old fashioned way .. with a note, a phone call, email or text.

Which leads me to #3 (To learn more about the 15 Creepy Apps click here for this news story) Seriously, heed this advice.

Be a Buddy.

back to school

Everyone needs a travel buddy. From your first field trip to your first big trip over seas always travel with a buddy or a group of buddies. And if you are out late (studying at the library, of course) You can always call for someone to come get you. You can always call campus patrol to walk with you. Be confident to pick up the phone and call for help. Make sure you know the safety policies of your school.

Be a Good Friend.

Seek out trusted, loyal friends. Get to know people before you reveal too much information. Meet friends in public areas. Do not bring friends into your dorm room. Always play in public spaces with supervision. Do not go home with someone you don’t know well or get into someone’s car you don’t know well.

Subscribe to The Great Flip and give your daughter self-defense skills. Click here to learn more.

 

If a situation becomes a bit more scary. Remember the triple A’s

Assert Yourself.

Your voice is your first line of self defense. Use it. Use your voice to communicate your boundaries. Use your voice to get help. Use your voice to de-escalate a person and the situation. Use strong body language to communicate confidence and boundaries. Remember, you have a crown on your head. Stand up tall and speak loud and clear.

Assess Your Situation.

Get your head out of your phone and look around. Your eyes should always be scanning your surroundings. How many people are around you? Where are your exits? Can you get help? Can you go some where else? Begin to determine your next steps by evaluating your surroundings.

Act Appropriately.

Based on your ability to assert yourself and assess of your surroundings, you will be able to act appropriately. Every situation is different. Most of the time you can seek a peaceful resolution. Some times you will need some self-defense skills.

Whether you are in kindergarten or college, The Great Flip is an introduction to self defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Check out my online self-defense instructional videos and subscribe to the program that meets your needs.

The Great Flip.

self defense from the ground up

The Great Flip is an introduction to self defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Girls can watch online instructional videos and learn empowering self-defense techniques in a safe place with safe people. They can advance at their own pace. Each video is less than three minutes and easy to watch, repeat, train and master.

Review the collection of FREE Videos at Vimeo.com/TheGreatFlip

Get a group of girl friends together this school year and learn self-defense at home or in your dorm room. Use The Great Flip curriculum in your homeschool, private school and youth team-building activities. The Great Flip is an approved program partner for American Heritage Girls.

You can find more videos on YouTube by searching “The Great Flip Online Self Defense”

To learn more about pricing and programs click here!

online self defense for girls

 

I just had to! Here’s a list of lessons from Robert Fulghum’s book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”

  1. Share everything.
    2. Play fair.
    3. Don’t hit people.
    4. Put things back where you found them.
    5. CLEAN UP YOUR OWN MESS.
    6. Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
    7. Say you’re SORRY when you HURT somebody.
    8. Wash your hands before you eat.
    9. Flush.
    10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
    11. Live a balanced life – learn some and drink some and draw some and paint some and sing and dance and play and work everyday some.
    12. Take a nap every afternoon.
    13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together.
    14. Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.
    15. Goldfish and hamster and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we.
    16. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK.”
    ― Robert Fulghum

Feel free to contact me to learn more about The Great Flip! Be safe out there! See you on the mat

-Coach Jody

see you on the mat

Animal-inspired Exercise

These animal-inspired exercises are not only fun and empowering, but each drill is designed to improve your jiu-jitsu training. Even though these are solo drills, exercise is more fun with a friend!

If you are seeking physical education curriculum ideas for your home-school or private school, read to the end of this blog! I’ve got great lesson plans in the works for you!

Benefits of these drills

  • These animal-inspired drills actually mimmic the movement of real animals, so go ahead and add the animal sounds when you train;
  • When you don’t have your training buddy, these exercises are great solo drills;
  • No equipment required, so go ahead and do them inside, outside, in the kitchen, up and down the hallway, at summer camp, on a rainy day, in the rain, etc.;
  • Each exercise provides a full-body, strength and cardio workout in a short amount of time;
  • Of course these exercises are physically challenging, but they are also mentally stimulating; &
  • Each movement improves your future jiu-jitsu training experience.

Let’s get started! With each drill, set a timer and try to do each technique for :30 seconds. Build endurance and strength by adding time. These drills are not meant to be a race. They are meant to be done with the correct form and conditioning.

Bear Crawl

The correct way to do the Bear Crawl is to coordinate the movement of your arms and legs. Begin on your hands and feet. Your knees should be a few inches off the ground. As you move your left arm forward, move your right leg forward. Then with each proceeding step begins with the opposite arm and leg. As you can see from the video, I’m pretty good at the forward motion. But the backward motion is challenging for me. I can physically do the movement, but my body and my brain got a little behind. Be sure to keep your head up and eyes forward.

How does the Bear Crawl improve your jiu-jitsu game? I use the Bear Crawl when I’m about to be submitted by the Triangle submission. I “bear crawl” forward over my opponent which causes them to release the submission. Let me hear you roar!

Leap Frog

A strong leap frog will increase your explosive movement and balance in jiu-jitsu. The goal is not to take fast little jumps. Instead leap as high and as far as you can while at the same time, landing soft and controlled. Begin in a low squat position. Jump up as high and as far as possible and come back down all the way into the low squat. Make sure you control the landing. If you don’t you may hurt your knees or fall forward. After just a few, you will feel the burn.

Alligator Crawl

This is the most challenging movement for me. Much like the Bear Crawl, begin on your hands and feet and also move your opposite arm and leg forward. But in the alligator crawl, you will do a modified push up. As you execute your modified push up, your hip will drop to one side and your bent knee will extend out. You should feel this bent knee extension in your hip flexure. The deeper you can do the push up, the more challenging the exercise.

Coming Fall 2019

Physical Education Lesson Plans

Great Time to join The Great Flip

The animal-inspired drills will be part of a brand new self-defense curriculum from The Great Flip. Each lesson plan will include

  • Warm-up exercises
  • Conditioning drills
  • Stretching
  • Self-defense techniques inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Welcome to The Great Flip

 

Are you ready to learn simple self defense inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu? Welcome to The Great Flip, online self defense and life skills for girls ages six and up.

If you have ever wanted to try a self-defense class, but feel a little intimated by the big gym experience, try training with me, Coach Jody. Each video is approximately three to four minutes in length. I break-down one simple technique per video and walk you through each step. You will watch girls just like your daughters, age range from six to 13 trying the technique. We had so much fun making these videos together. And you will have a ton of fun learning the techniques with your favorite girl friends.  Learning self defense is a great way to get in shape while also learning valuable life skills!

Click on the 2 Ways to Join to learn more about The Great Flip online self-defense videos. See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

Want to learn a simple self-defense technique right now? Why not!

Let’s learn the Wrist Escape!

Click 2 Ways to join to gain access to more than 20 online self-defense videos! See you on the mat!

 

It’s A Great Time to Join The Great Flip

It’s a great time to join The Great Flip! I am coming up on my one-year anniversary which means there is a solid selection of online self-defense instructional videos to choose from. If you have hesitated to join in the past, the wait is over. Now is the time to learn self defense!

The Great Flip is an introduction to self defense for girls, ages 6 and up, inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu, nutrition and faith-based motivation.Great Time to join The Great Flip

If you have ever wanted to try a self-defense class, but feel a little intimated by the big gym experience, try training with me, Coach Jody. Each video is approximately three to four minutes in length. I break-down one simple technique per video and walk you through each step. You will watch girls just like your daughters, age range from six to 13 trying the technique. We had so much fun making these videos together. And you will have a ton of fun learning the techniques with your favorite girl friends.  Learning self defense is a great way to get in shape while also learning valuable life skills!

self defense from the ground up

The majority of the techniques featured in my online instructional videos are centered on escaping dicey situations, such as wrist escapes, choke escapes, bear hugs, etc. and of course becoming comfortable with movements on the ground inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu.  But I also introduce  a few submission techniques including The Arm Lock (Kimura), The Triangle and now, I am releasing The Arm Bar.

Learning these techniques in a safe environment will allow you to practice at your own pace with people you trust.

Right now, there are more than 20 videos available to subscribers with many more coming throughout the summer including the “Core 12 Self-Defense Techniques”, the “See you on my mat” video series and many more. Click 2 Ways to Join to learn more and get started.

If you’d prefer to begin with the “Core 12 Self-Defense Techniques” I do offer a non-subscriber program. Check that out too. 

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

PS. And yes, you can order a Patch just like you see in this blog post. Patches are $3. Send me an email and I’ll process an order for you.

The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls

Now is a great time to join The Great Flip

Coach Jody

 

 

At the Intersection of Jesus and Jiu-jitsu

At the Intersection of Jesus and Jiu-jitsu

Have you been hurt or confused by the church? Listen. Are you seeking truth from multiple religions, theologies and philosophies? Listen. Are you grappling with a decision to step into mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu or self defense for you and your daughter? Listen to this podcast and you will find my Podcast guest, Donavon Riley at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu.

My guest, Donavon Riley shares his journey from drugs to faith, lies to truth, lost to found and so much more. He shares his 12 year-old daughter’s journey away from taekwondo to  jiu-jitsu, and her discovery of perseverance and strength. This podcast is for anyone who is seeking to strengthen their faith and courage to walk onto the Bjj mats. Donavon Riley can be found at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu and at 1517.org. and his Banned Books Podcast. See you on the mat at www.thegreatflip.com

Click on the play button below to listen to this Podcast. Subscribe to The Great Flip Podcast in Spotify, Google Podcasts, Anchor and more to stay up-to-date with The Great Flip.

If this is your first visit to The Great Flip?

Welcome to The Great Flip!

I’m Coach Jody and I teach online self defense and life skills to girls inspired by Brazilian jiu-jitsu, nutrition and faith-based motivation. The Great Flip instructional videos are designed for girls ages 6 and up (yes, and mom too). I’m a mother of two daughters and a purple belt certified Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor.

Coach Jody

Here at The Great Flip, you and your daughter can learn simple self-defense techniques in the comfort of your own home. Simply subscribe to my online instructional videos. Each video is less than three minutes and teach one simple self-defense technique. Let’s give one a try right now. Let’s learn the Wrist Escape.

https://youtu.be/yHhC__zMvBI

Ready to learn more? Feel free to explore my website and get to know more about The Great Flip. Search for my videos on YouTube or Vimeo at The Great Flip Online Self Defense.

Click 2 Ways to Join to get started.

If you are not familiar with Brazilian jiu-jitsu, that’s okay. It was a new concept to me too. But after a lot of research, my husband and I discovered jiu-jitsu and learned it was the best martial art for our daughters because it addresses the ground game situation like no other martial art. Don’t get me wrong, karate and taekwondo are fun, but are not real to life when it comes to self-defense. And Krav Maga looks good in theory, but you better be bigger and stronger and probably faster if you want to be successful at it.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu equips a smaller person to overcome a larger person by learning techniques. I’d like to introduce you to this martial art within the safety of your home and or group of friends.

I have more than 20 videos to expand your online self-defense training and many more resources as a subscriber. Click here to see this option

Why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu?

https://thegreatflip.com/overcoming-fear/
https://thegreatflip.com/why-girls-should-learn-jiu-jitsu-for-self-defense/

Techniques taught in the online self-defense instructional videos

  • Break Fall and Technical Lift
  • Push Kick
  • Punch Protection from Standing and on the Ground
  • Hip Escapes
  • Bridges
  • Ground Protection Drills
  • Wrist Escape
  • Choke Escape
  • Hip Bump and Arm Lock Drill
  • Mount Escape
  • Arm Bar
  • Triangle
  • And more coming every month!

Click Join Us to learn more and get started.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Be sure to share this podcast and my website with the favorite girls in your life on social media @thegreatflip #thegreatflip

The Great Flip is a National Program Alliance for American Heritage Girls!

self defense from the ground up

Self Defense from the Ground Up

“Stay on your feet!” This is the advice I heard a self-defense instructor give a group of middle school students. Great advice. But 80 percent of self-defense situations end on the ground, especially for girls. Then what?

The ground becomes a position of power and strength when you train Brazilian jiu-jitsu!

The Great Flip is an introduction to self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu (Bjj). Bjj is designed for smaller opponents to dominate larger ones using technique rather than strength. And Bjj is a grappling sport which means it spend a majority of its training addressing self-defense situation from the ground.

Many traditional martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo have nice qualities but fall short in real-life application. Katas teach nice patterns of movements but do not address techniques required when a girl hits the ground and must defend herself from the floor. If a girl can’t be stronger is a self-defense situation, then jiu-jitsu will make her smarter!

The online videos from The Great Flip are designed for everyone, ages six and up. The program is designed to be fun, playful and empowering. Gain confidence and courage in a controlled environment training online. 

Get started in three easy steps:

The Great Flip overcomes these Fear-Factors!

If learning self defense feels overwhelming or scary, The Great Flip is a great place to start. Here are three fear-factors my daughters experienced and overcame by using my online self-defense program at The Great Flip:

Physical Location

  • Yep, a lot of Bjj gyms smell
  • The gym is too far away
  • The gym is full of fighters and not family-friendly
  • The gym requires a one-year costly contract, uniform fees, etc.

Physical Touch

  • You have to train and roll around with strangers
  • Yep, some strangers smell and are sweaty
  • You might be the only girl at the gym

Physical Fitness

  • You aren’t in shape yet
  • You can’t afford to join a Bjj gym and a fitness center

I developed The Great Flip to give everyone a positive experience.

A Better Experience at The Great Flip

  • Set up a simple training space (home gym). Read this blog to see my simple home gym set up (trust me, it’s very simple)
  • Train with familiar, trusted family and friends
  • Get in shape while you learn empowering life skills

From the Ground Up Skills you will learn as a subscriber

  • Ground Escape Drills
  • Bridges
  • Hip Escapes
  • Hip Bumps
  • Arm Locks
  • Arm Bars
  • Triangles
  • Punch Protection from the Ground

Here’s a glimpse into one on the ground drills you can learn. Find this and other promotional videos on my YouTube Channel at The Great Flip Self Defense. Be sure to subscribe!

Begin your self-defense journey with The Great Flip! Click here to get started!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

the great flip break fall

A Self-Defense Technique Every Girl (and Her Mom) Should Learn

Self defense is protection from potential injury. Sometimes this means defending yourself against a bully or aggressor. But today, I want to share one technique every girl (and her mom) should learn. I believe self defense is a life skill. And this technique is definitely a life skill! Check this out.

The Fall

We all do it. The most common reaction to falling to the ground is throwing our arms back to break the fall. And of course, the most common injuries from falls include strained or broken hands, wrists, elbows, arms and/or shoulders. And sometimes serious injury can occur to the head and spine.

the great flip break fall
The Break Fall

Try this test. From a safe seated position, roll backward and try NOT to use your arms or elbows to cushion you fall. We instinctively react by throwing our hands or elbows back to cushion the fall. Statistically, we are more likely to fall than to be involved in a serious self-defense situation. Inevitably, we will accidentally trip then fall or get pushed then fall.

It’s time to learn a new muscle memory and protect yourself from serious injury. Every girl and, yes you too, mom, should learn The Break Fall.

The Great Flip Break Fall

I teach simple self-defense techniques! Nothing difficult or crazy. But definitely life-changing and empowering for you and your daughters. The Great Flip is online self defense and life skills for girls ages six and up. I introduce girls (and her family) to self-defense techniques inspired by the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu. These techniques do not require super strength or coordination. As a matter of fact, the techniques will strengthen your body and promote coordination skills. Learning self defense is a great way to get physically fit while learning new life skills. You control the environment and the training partners. The Great Flip addresses three fear factors that girls typically face when they consider learning self defense. 

The Great Flip break fall

Most self defense programs rely on force-driven techniques and movements. But Brazilian jiu-jitsu relies on techniques and leveraging your body to move with intelligence. Girls are more likely to be the smaller person in a self-defense situation. She may not be able to muscle her way out of a situation. Jiu-jitsu will train your body to be stronger, and most importantly, to be smarter. Be sure to read my other blogs or listen to my podcasts in the self defense section to learn more about the benefits of jiu-jitsu for girls.

The Break Fall

There are two ways to subscribe to my online self-defense program. Both programs feature The Break Fall technique. The first program features 12 techniques (six from standing and six from the ground). Each video is approximately three minutes or less so you can watch, try, repeat, and master the technique. You can purchase all 12 videos for a one-time payment. No additional subscription content or videos are included in this option. Click 2 Ways to Join

The best program is a subscription program . For a small monthly fee, you gain access to all 12 techniques … and that is just the beginning. In addition, you gain unlimited access to my private “See You on My Mat” video series. In this series, I take you to my home studio and we break down each technique. I add variations, tips and challenges to the techniques. I also offer nutrition and faith-based motivation resources exclusively to my subscribers. Yes, you can learn these techniques at home. You’ll need a few simple supplies. Read this blog or listen to this podcast.

Click 2 Ways to Join to learn more

A Break Fall Video Promo

Now back to the Break Fall. Here is a video promotion to give you a sneak peak at the Break Fall technique. In this video I have designed a drill to simulate a fall and the proper way to get up off the ground to maintain a safe distance from your partner. This technique is called the Technical Lift. As I progress through the simple moves, I teach the girls about distance management.

 

 

Here is a break down of the first 12 Techniques you will learn from me here at The Great Flip:

The Standing Series includes:

  • The Break Fall
  • The Technical Lift
  • The Break Fall & Technical Lift Drill
  • The Wrist Escape
  • Choke Escape
  • Punch Protection (from Standing)

The Ground Series includes:

  • The Hip Escape
  • The Bridge
  • Ground Protection Drill
  • Hip Bump + Arm Lock Drill
  • Mount Escape
  • Punch Protection (from Ground)

Join me now! When you become a subscriber, gain access to more than 20 videos. More are being added all the time! I’d love to teach you and your favorite girls these simple yet powerful techniques. Subscribe now by clicking 2 Ways to Join!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is a National Program Alliance for American Heritage Girls