christian education Archives - Page 2 of 3

Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Request a free video.

Physical location. Physical touch. Physical fitness.

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

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

Bullies. Bad guys. Back to school.

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

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

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

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

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

Physical Location

At home & homeschool

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

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

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

Physical Touch

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

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

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

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Physical Fitness

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

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

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

My teaching method is fun, playful and empowering.

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

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

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

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

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

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

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.thegreatf lip.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.

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

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

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

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

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

Activity

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

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

Faith-filled empowerment tip

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

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

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

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

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

When did God choose you and love you?

How can you honor God with your body this week?

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

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

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

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

Shop online plans

Request a free video

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

No contact self-defense?

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Breakfall

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

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

You voice
You body language
Your distance

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

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

Shop Plans

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

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

God’s power revealed in his Word (and snow) ❄️

/in Empowerment, Motivation/by coachjody

The first significant snow is falling in my hometown. It’s light, airy and blankets the earth. Inside, I drape myself in a blanket and thank God for my comfortable home, warm coffee and fuzzy socks.

I watch each snowflake intentionally land in its place with a promise. A glorious, hope-filled promise to melt where it lands. To water the soil, then produce new life in the Spring.

This glorious hope never disappoints. It happens year after year. Season after season.

The same is true of God’s word.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

This is such a beautiful picture of God’s promise given in his word. When God speaks, God acts. His word is a guarantee to that which he speaks. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. “And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:3.

From those simple words, a glimpse of God’s greatest Word is not only heard but revealed.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made..” John 1:1-3

The apostle John, reveals that Jesus is the word. Look back in the Old Testament, read the stories again. Now you will hear Jesus from the very beginning.

Adam and Eve heard “Jesus” in the garden.
Moses heard “Jesus” at the burning bush and Jesus gave the 10 commandments.
Ezekiel and Isaiah heard “Jesus” speak prophecy.
Noah, Jacob, Job, David, Samuel, Solomon, Hosea, and Zepheriah heard “Jesus” speak and act on his word. On himself.

And of course, in the New Testament, the disciples heard Jesus speak then watched the fulfillment of all his words.

Now you can hear Jesus speak to you through his written word. Read it out loud. He has a promise for you when you listen to him.

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

Just as the snow falls, just as creation was made, so you will receive faith when you hear his word.

The Great Flip discussion question:

What Bible story can you recall where God is speaking and you now realize Jesus is doing the talking?

May God’s power strengthen you today through Jesus, the Word! – Coach Jody

Want more empowerment from God’s word? Listen to Coach Jody’ podcasts here.

Want to support Coach Jody so she may develop more God-powered podcasts and resources for girls?

Click here to support Coach Jody on Patreon.

Shop online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls!

Request a free online self-defense video!

American heritage girls train like a military hero

American Heritage Girls train like a U.S. military hero

/in Empowerment, Recent Blog Posts, Self Defense/by coachjody

Now you can train like a U.S. military hero with The Great Flip and American Heritage Girls (AHG).

For AHG’s U.S. Military Heroes Event, I gave their members a glimpse of the hard, physical work it takes to train like a U.S. military hero. I interviewed my pastor who is a former marine. I featured a recent West Pointe graduate who took us through an Army-style workout! This video is a family-friendly activity great for all ages … just like The Great Flip!

Ready to train? Let’s do it:

The Great Flip is an AHG national program alliance. AHG families and troops subscribe to online self-defense training videos at The Great Flip and receive these benefits:

Earn the AHG Martial Arts Sports Pin
Earn the self-defense requirements of the Pi/Pa Emergency Preparedness Badge
Earn The Great Flip Patch

To learn more about this relationship and enroll in The Great Flip program, click here.

American Heritage Girls (AHG) is a faith-based character development program for all girls 5 – 18 years of age. AHG is dedicated to the mission of building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. With an emphasis on Christian values and family involvement, girls participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences.

The Great Flip is online self-defense, safety and faith-based empowerment for girls age six and up.

The videos are fun, playful and empowering.

Families and educators use the online videos and curriculum at home, school and after school.

Request a free online self-defense video

In three easy steps, you can train with Coach Jody:

Choose an online self-defense plan.

Enroll.

Train.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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My Anti-Bully Ebook

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

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

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

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

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

Outcome.

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

The Great Flip Anti-Bully Ebook features:

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

Only $9.99 for a downloadable PDF interactive ebook

Click here to download My Anti-Bully Ebook

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

Want a free “sneak peek” download?

Sample My Anti-bully Ebook from The Great Flip

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

FREE DOWNLOAD

Send download link to:

New to The Great Flip? Welcome!

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

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

“I will make a helper” and girl power

/in Empowerment, Motivation/by coachjody

It is my desire to counter the culture with God’s truth and design for girl power. When God created Eve he said, ” I will make a helper…”

I believe being a helper is a position of strength, not weakness. What do you think?

Want to listen instead? Click here to listen to my podcast!

But make sure you read to the bottom to participate in my summer challenge!

The word “helper” has gotten a bad wrap, especially among girls and women. If I’m honest, my first reaction to the title of “helper” is to become suspicious, puffed up and offended.

But the Bible tells a different story about the attributes and strength of the “helper.”

The first mention of the word “helper” is found in the Old Testament in the creation account in Genesis. “The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Then several more times, Eve is referred to as Adam’s helper.

Why do I assume the “helper” status is lower than the one being helped? Doesn’t the helper allow the one being helped to be greater?

God, himself is referred to as “helper.” Moses referred to God as his helper who saved him. “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.” Exodus 18:3-5

The Psalms ofter refer to God as a helper. God is the helper of the fatherless. Battles are won because God is our helper.

“The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” Psalm 118:7

The New Testament writers remind us about the strong attribute of Jesus as our helper.

“God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.”

Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the “helper” to his disciples. This helper lives inside us. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:25-27

I’m not a theologian, but I have an opinion about that moment back in Genesis. That moment in the Garden of Eden. That moment when Satan targeted Eve. He knew the power of the helper. He knew she was the first of the helpers. The one who would bring forth our ultimate helper.

But his plan did not work. Our helper came forth to conquer sin, death and the devil. Our help is in the Lord, Jesus Christ. Now we have been called to help others in that same might and strength.

If God can be a helper … so can you! Stand strong in your attribute as a helper!

Who do you consider to be “helpers” in your family, community? Do these people seem weak to you? Or do they build you up? Step into your God-given strength as a helper. What does a helper look like to you?

God calls us to love him and love our neighbor. He helps us, help others. This is a position of strength, not weakness.

This is the kind of girl power God is creating in you.

This is #thegreatflip

– Coach Jody

Find an online self-defense course for home, school, almost anywhere!

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You can participate in the 2020 Summer Challenge!

A solution to the annoying headlock

/in Recent Blog Posts, Self Defense/by coachjody

My daughter and I are practicing the headlock escape for my online self-defense videos. I think she’s enjoying it a little too much. It’s okay to smile, giggle and laugh when you learn.

There’s no reason to create anxiety and fear when teaching self-defense skills to children, especially if they have been victimized and bullied.

If you are a subscriber, I just added two self-defense videos to your membership featuring headlock escapes from standing and on the ground.

Member Login

Not a member? Join now!

If you are not a subscriber but want to teach your children, age six and up, self-defense skills that are fun, playful and empowering, it’s easy to sign up at my website. My online self-defense videos and curriculum are ideal for home, school, after school, and church youth programming.

Enroll in the subscription plan

It’s that easy.

Have a question or comment before you sign up? Contact me.

Want a free video to review? Request your free video.

It’s not too late to add self-defense training to your summer camp. Live or virtual.

I have everything you need to teach self-defense at home, school, after-school clubs and church youth programming, including lesson plans and talking points. Check out the curriculum options.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

Learn self-defense at home

/in Self Defense/by coachjody

COVID19 Stay-At-Home ready! Who knew online self-defense would become more important than ever. Families and teachers are seeking wholesome, instructional and educational online curriculum. The Great Flip online self-defense is for everyone, ages six and up, inspired by the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu, safety and empowerment.

In this blog, you will learn how to set up a training space at home. The Great Flip is designed to be fun, playful and empowering. Each video inspires confidence and courage while you maintain a safe and controlled environment. Let’s get started!

Reasons to learn self-defense at home:

Increase your child’s confidence and courage in a controlled environment.
Avoid the germy gym.
Prep for a martial arts academy experience.
Introduce your children to the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu in a safe, positive and affordable environment.

Shop the Plan

Create an exercise area at home. Watch this short video and watch Coach Jody set up her training space.

Oh, and yes, distractions happen. Meet my dog, Brandy.

Now, let’s make your equipment list:

You!

Duh. I cannot wait to see you on the mat! You will be so happy you are learning a new life skill in the privacy of your home.

A training buddy

Grab a family member and/or group of friends. There are a several solo-drills and techniques, but most of the videos require a training partner. Plus, training with family and friends is fun! Go get your training buddy!

Soft training space

Before you start training, I recommend setting up a designated training space that’s soft. Yoga mats, beach towels and even the carpet is better than the hard floor. The best option would be mats. As you saw in the video, I bought the interlocking mats . These are reasonably priced and have multi-functions. The folding gymnastic mats are nice too. You can get fancy and buy jiu-jitsu/MMA mats, but that is not necessary. Bottom line, set-up a training space big enough for two people to train. I started with a 4×6 space and I just doubled it to have a little more room. I use the interlocking mats. I recommend the 8×12 space so two people can comfortably perform all the techniques.

I bought my mats on Amazon. The mats come in a 4×6 package for $20. So I spent$40. Share the price with your training buddies! Or, ask your school, church or fitness center if you can borrow mats! Be sure to keep them clean with disinfect wipes or spray before and after use.

Comfortable Clothes

You don’t have to buy fancy work-out clothes, but wear clothes you can comfortably move around in while standing and while moving on the ground.

No shoes

I prefer to train without shoes. Typically, I’m on an exercise or yoga mat which needs to stay clean. I don’t wear shoes or socks. Plus, wearing socks can be slippery. Training in bare feet will keep your training space clean, strengthen your feet and encourage better balance.

Hair bands

Yes girls, please pull your hair back into a pony tail or whatever you prefer. When your hair is up and out of your face, you can see better and train better. And when you work with a partner, you are less likely to accidentally pull each other’s hair.

A teachable spirit

I’ll be honest, when I started learning jiu-jitsu, I walked off the mat several times completely frustrated.

The techniques look so simple and easy, yet I was unable to do them right away. The techniques take practice. Be patient with yourself. The online instructional videos are designed to be watched repeatedly. And you can watch and practice from the comfort of your own home and training space until you master the technique.

I remember going to a one-day self-defense workshop and learning a million cool techniques. But when I got home to share my new knowledge, everything was mixed up or had vanished from my brain. I had not practiced enough to create the muscle memory. BJJ techniques are simple but requires practice. This is just like any other sport. You can’t expect to hit a three-pointer in basketball or pitch the perfect strike in softball without practice. Come to the mat with a good attitude, willingness to learn, discipline to practice … and you will succeed!

That’s it! Gather yourself, your positive attitude, friends and a soft place to train. See you on the mat!

Remember to tell me about your training space! Send me an email to jody@thegreatflip.com or follow me on Instagram @thegreatflip and use hashtag #thegreatflip in your posts!

Three easy steps to begin your online self-defense training experience.

Choose a training experience.👈
Enroll.
Train.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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