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Faith-filled Female Empowerment

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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

 

 

The Great Flip online self-defense

Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense

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(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.

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 

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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

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.

 

 

 

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

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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.

Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com.

online self-defense for girls

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

online self-defense for girls

online self defense for girls online self defense for girls

 

American Heritage Girls flex leadership muscles with The Great Flip

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Callie’s story

Callie, a Pioneer in an American Heritage Girls (AHG) Troop in Oregon, wanted to share her love for martial arts with her troop and earn the Harriet Tubman Level Award. When she heard about an AHG program alliance called The Great Flip, she found 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 also earn the AHG Martial Arts Sports Pin using The Great Flip online videos and lesson plans.

Callie’s AHG troop leader, Karrie said about Callie’s leadership;

“I was very impressed by her ability to keep the girls focused, encouraging them to show her the skill, and willingness to show them, individually, how to perform some of the moves.  It was a fun day and very informative.  It was great to see our girls stepping into leadership and mentoring roles.  What a great example to the younger girls in the Troop.”

Callie took a few moments with Coach Jody, creator of The Great Flip to answer these questions:

What is your name, charter and troop number? (I have deleted personal information for her protection ❤️)

Her name is Callie. Her “charter” is the church that sponsors her AHG troop. Her “troop number” includes her home state of Oregon and her troop number). To learn more about starting an AHG troop click here. 

What is your AHG troop rank?

“I am a Pioneer, which is the second oldest unit.”

How did you use The Great Flip online self-defense program with your AHG troop?

“I used it for my Harriet Tubman level award.”

Why did you decide to use The Great Flip for your leadership project?

“It sounded really fun when I first heard about it. My troop had already been planning to do it but none of the leaders knew anything about Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). I did. I have been training in BJJ for almost a year. When I taught The Great Flip, I was a white belt with four stripes. Since then I have been promoted to a first-degree gray belt.”

What did you do to prepare for your project?

“I watched the videos and practiced them with my mom until I felt comfortable enough to teach them.”

Who participated?

“Almost all of the girls in the troop (and a few of the leaders, who paired up with the girls who didn’t have a partner) participated.”

What did you like the most about teaching self-defense to your troop?

“It was really fun. The girls did really great. They came ready to learn and were open to advise and correction.”

What was most challenging about teaching self-defense to your troop?

“None of the girls knew anything about BJJ, so I had to start with the basics.”

What would you say to a girl who is afraid or nervous about learning self-defense?

“The more self-defense you know the less likely it is that you ever have to use it. However, if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, you will be prepared.”

How would The Great Flip make the learning experience better or easier until they are ready to go to a martial arts academy?

“It familiarizes BJJ and teaches some techniques that are used during live matches at an academy.”

 

Thank you, Callie! I’m so proud of you! – Coach Jody

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

American Heritage Girls values alliances with like-minded organizations and works to establish relationships in order to offer additional resources and benefits to its members. The Great Flip is an AHG program alliance focused on teaching girls life skills. The Great Flip offers online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment resources. AHG Troops and families subscribe to The Great Flip, gain access to simple self-defense videos inspired by the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Creator and Coach, Jody Token is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor and Christian girl influencer. She teaches girls to seek God’s Power instead of girl power. To learn more about The Great flip and request a free self-defense video at www.thegreatflip.com

Want to use The Great Flip in your next AHG troop meeting? Click here to get started.

Click here to learn more about The Great Flip and request a free self-defense video.

online self-defense for girls

 

More shots from AHG troops across the country training with The Great Flip!

Share your action shots with me on social media @thegreatflip on Instagram or Facebook #thegreatflip

See you on the mat!

 

Two things only a father can do to empower his daughter

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Countless books and studies have been published on the father-daughter relationship. And as a daughter, wife and mother myself, I have witnessed the powerful force between a father and his daughters. I’m blessed to have a husband and two daughters who seek to build a strong father-daughter relationship. I’d like to share two things only a father can do to empower his daughter(s) to make their relationship strong. 

Stick around to the end, you can watch my YouTube video featuring my husband teaching our daughter a fun self-defense skill!

Here’s the podcast I produced last year, but it’s still valuable today.  Enjoy. Be sure to scroll down to subscribe and see the offer for free stuff!

Studies show that a good father-daughter relationship leads to increased confidence, better body image, higher intelligence and overall wellness in a girl’s life. Don’t get me wrong, a girl needs her momma, but for totally different reasons. And yes, I know, a mother and daughter can engage in these two activities (highly recommend it).

However, when a father embarks on an intentional journey to do these two simple things, something magical happens. There is a unique and mysterious bond every girl desires to have with her father. And if this bond is missing or broken, the girl will have brokenness in her heart. 

Girls seek approval and attention first and foremost from their dad. Studies show that a girl’s sense of self-worth and confidence is tied directly to her relationship with her father. What he thinks about her and how he expresses his affection for her is a central source of her perceived value. It also affects her femininity and teaches her how to relate to boys and men. Every girl needs a father and/or father figure for future healthy relationships with boys and men in her life. 

Of course we live in a broken world. And fathers and daughters mess up. Sometimes there are little flaws, but many times big, ugly flaws leave scars in relationships. However, it’s never too late to rebuild and restore the father-daughter relationship. These two things are the foundation of the father-daughter relationship. (Be sure to read to the end of this blog to read “What does a good, good father look like?”)

Those two things.

There are two things only a father can do to empower his daughter. These two things will work at any age. Be sure to enter into these activities with an open heart and with the intention to truly connect. I think the father and the daughter will truly be empowered.

Conversation.

Talk to your daughter. Often. Girls tend to connect emotionally through spoken words. I know my daughters love “words of affirmation” from their dad. They love to hear him compliment them, praise them and encourage them. Don’t make this complicated. Talk at home, in the car, on the phone. Send silly texts and emails. Write simple notes and place cards in her backpack or on her pillow. Be intentional about your conversations. As girls get older and schedules get busy, schedule time together to talk. Go to breakfast, lunch and “date nights” together. Talking includes listening. At first, it might be simple or one-ended. But over time, the dialogue will grow as trust deepens. Be willing to be vulnerable. Put down the cell phones. Listen and talk. Look her in eyes and talk to her. 

Touch.

When your daughter is little, physical contact is easy. Hugging and kissing that sweet baby girl usually comes naturally. But as daughters mature, dads tend to draw back mostly because their daughters are going through those awkward puberty years. But don’t drawback. Daughters still need to be hugged. Daughters need to see and feel how a gentleman treats a young lady. Studies show that girls directly link a father’s physical attention to emotional connection. When a father stops hugging his daughter, she feels abandoned and may perceive she’s done something wrong. Physical connection should not be lost as a girl matures. It might change, but she still needs her father’s loving physical touch. 

 

Online self-defense to empower your daughter!

Teach her the Brazilian jiu-jitsu style “arm bar.” I have simple step-by-step videos for you.

Try my online self-defense videos to make physical touch intentional and empowering with your daughter. It takes three easy steps to begin online self-defense training.

  1. Choose an online program perfect for you and your daughter.
  2. Enroll and
  3. Begin training.

It’s that easy. Welcome to The Great Flip, online self-defense inspired by the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu, safety and faith-filled empowerment.

Choose your video training. Enroll now.

Don’t get me wrong, the father-daughter dance is sweet.  But from my experience, when the precious father-daughter dance moment comes to an end, the dads head for the nearest corner while the girls head for the dance floor. 

A  father-daughter self-defense event might be a fun way to physically connect with your daughter and give her life skills to last a lifetime! Simply watch the videos and practice empowering techniques together. 

The Great Flip is a great activity a father can do to empower his daughter.

Life Skills for Girls

Try the wrist escape with your daughter.

Want to try a technique now? Click on the picture to the right and try the wrist escape! Every video at The Great Flip is less than three minutes. Short. simple. empowering for girls ages six and up.

Let’s get started. 

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

 

 

 

Great Time to join The Great Flip

 

What does a good, good father look like?

You will not find perfection in your earthly father or any earthly father figure. And if you no longer have your earthly father or a strong male role model, there is a Heavenly Father who wants to extend these same two activities to you. He offers his spoken word through the Bible. He offers his physical touch through baptism and communion. The Heavenly Father reveals himself through his perfect son, Jesus. He offers his unending love, compassion and forgiveness which leads to healing, hope and love. He loves you.  This is a free gift … for you. 

  • “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
  • “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

To learn more, find a Christian church in your community that teaches “faith alone. grace alone. the word alone.”

The most important gift you can give your daughter is the gift of Jesus Christ.

 

Someone is going into the lake. Guess who? Watch this video of my hubby teaching my daughter a few self-defense skills: Click here.

 

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 national program alliance for American Heritage Girls. These girls value fun father-daughter activities! This is a great activity a father can do to empower his daughter. Coach Jody has spent twenty years inspiring young women to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Enroll now.

 

(I recommend “Bringing Up Girls,” by James Dobson, whose insight helped me write this blog)

How To Be Strong This Summer

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“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.

 

5 Surprising Ways To Teach Your Daughter To Care For Her Body

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As featured on the My True Girl Blog.

Teaching your daughter to take care of her body is important. Eating whole food instead of processed food, drinking water instead of soda, getting enough sleep and exercising instead of prolonged screen time are four amazing ways to decrease obesity and increase our immune system.

But God’s word says something else brings health and nourishment to your body and bones. Check out this proverb:

“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

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.

But how does it make us healthier?

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. When your body and bones are healthy, you desire to trust God, seek after the life Jesus has intended for you through the power of his Holy Spirit.

I offer this proverb, not to increase your list of things to do. (I know you have plenty of that) Instead, I offer the proverb as a promise from God. When he says “trust in the Lord…”, remember He is trustworthy.

My favorite children’s Bible is “The Jesus Storybook Bible.” The author says it best. “Some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing. It’s about God and what he has done.”

Jesus lived a perfect life … for you. He trusted perfectly … for you. His Holy Spirit lives in you and gives you faith to believe his word is  … for you. Even faith is a gift.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

Now read this passage of Scripture again and instead of hearing a “to-do” list, read it as a promise for you and receive faith.

Because of Jesus’ great love for you, you can joyfully:

“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

What are five ways to bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones:

  1. Trust in the Lord

  2. Don’t lean on your own understanding

  3. Submit to him

  4. Do not be wise in your own eyes

  5. Fear the Lord and shun evil

Okay, so technically, there are six points there, but I put five and six together.

Now, go get your daughter! Review the five ways to bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Grab a journal and/or calendar. As you set wellness goals for you and your girl, be sure to include a way to reduce the stress and increase your trust in God!

Jody Token, along with Dannah Gresh, Staci Rudolph, and other women who love tweens, writes daily devos for True Girl subscribers.  Jody 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.

Looking for more ways to bring wellness into your daily lives?! Check out the all-new True Girl subscription box! This month, we are shipping THE WELLNESS BOX! It contains all the great stuff you need to complete a simple but life-changing month of mom+daughter wellness!

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

online self-defense for girls

the great exchange

The Great Exchange is The Great Flip

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It is finished. Not only did he take your sin and the sin of the whole world. He “became” your sin! And in exchange, he gave you his righteousness. You “became” the righteousness of God!

Put on your royal robes and crown of gold, ladies! You are a daughter of the most-high king!

Rejoice in this. Ponder this mystery. You did nothing to deserve it. “While you were still a sinner, Jesus died for you.” Martin Luther refers to this mystery as the great exchange. The greatest gift of all … for you.

I call it The Great Flip! 

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

“Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. John the Baptist proclaimed these words when he saw Jesus approaching. Today, you can proclaim these same words. He takes your brokenness. He takes your shame. He frees you from the power of death. He doesn’t ask for your permission.

 

Jesus is a holy thief. He takes away the sin of the world and nailed them to a cross. He did it all for you because he loves you.  It is finished. Listen, Jesus, the Word enters into your ears and creates faith.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” 

For more encouragement about the meaning of Easter and the gospel message, read my blog or listen to my podcast from last Easter. Click here. 

Welcome to The Great Flip

Hi friends, my name is Jody Token. 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 created a fun, playful and empowering experience to learn simple self-defense skills and share the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. My resources give you an opportunity to talk about bully prevention and God’s healing words for girls and have fun learning life skills.

Be sure to request a free video and lesson plan. 

And find an online plan right for you and your family, church, school and/or after-school enrichment program.

Contact me. I look forward to serving you.

Blessings,

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.

 

 

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

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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

 

An Empowered “True Girl” Podcast Every Girl Should Hear

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Girl power says be tough, be in their face, be loud, be aggressive.

God’s power says:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

What is a girl to do? 

Every girl needs to hear my guest, Staci Rudolph, the lead Bible teacher at True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh, on The Great Flip “empowered girl” Podcast!

If you desire to raise a faith-filled empowered girl, Staci offers specific ways you can equip and encourage your daughter to seek after God’s truth; including her online Bible study and subscription to the True Girl subscription box (see links below to get signed up).

Girl Power vs. GOD POWER (ps. God wins which means you win!)

I am on a mission to empower girls and their parents. But not as the world. I’m seeking experts who are countering the culture with God’s power. In every “empowered girl” podcast, you will connect with like-minded “God Power” experts who will give your hope, encouragement and resources to raise up the next generation of God-powered girls. 

My expert is True Girl, Staci Rudolph, a Dannah Gresh Ministry.

Staci Rudolph is a lead teacher for True Girl. From co-hosting online Bible studies like Habakkuk: Walking By Faith Through Difficult Days to teaching and leading worship at True Girl Live events, Staci is passionate about encouraging tweens and teens to walk in God’s Truth. She strives to journey with tweens and teens through the confusion often encompassing these years and to help them firmly plant themselves in God’s word and find their identity in Him.

True Girl believes it is possible to raise a girl who is confident in her faith and in herself, even in this culture. While moms may feel ill-equipped to navigate their daughters through the pressures of their tween years, studies show that parent-child connectedness is one of the main risk reducers for all the pressures tweens face. 

So moms: you can make a difference. No matter how broken you might feel, your relationship and connection with your girl matters.  True Girl makes this connection easy by creating opportunities for moms and daughters to discover deep Biblical truths together, so you’ll grow closer to each other and closer to Jesus. Because once you both know the Truth, it will set her free. Amen? amen!

Enjoy The Great Flip “empowered girl” Podcast wherever you enjoy listening to podcasts. Please subscribe to my podcast at your favorite venue. This episode is less than 30 minutes long; Just long enough for a good workout, lunch break, carpool, etc.

Listen to this podcast with your daughter!

Jody Token is the creator and coach at The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls. Girls age six and up learn self-defense skills at home, school and after school using The Great Flip online videos and lesson plans. The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girl national program partner.
online self-defense for girls