(Featured photo: This is my training partner. His name … wait for it … is Angel. 😍 He and I teach the self-defense skills in many of the videos, then the girls, age six and up will demonstrate the technique with you. Request a free video.)
Self-defense training can be scary. The mere mention of bullies, bad guys and back-to-school may cause anxiety in children. But self-defense training doesn’t need to be scary. As a matter of fact, when children learn simple self-defense skills and techniques, they gain confidence and courage.
Now you can bring self-defense training to your homeschool, school and/or after-school enrichment experience. 
Maintain control of a positive, safe and affordable experience. Together we can give girls confidence, courage and faith-filled encouragement to be truly empowered!
Hi friends, my name is Coach Jody and I’m the creator and coach of The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.
I developed this online self-defense program to help my daughters overcome three fear factors. Now you can too. No martial arts experience required! My program features step-by-step videos and lesson plans to match your budget. I look forward to serving you! Let’s get started.
Request a free video.
Physical location. Physical touch. Physical fitness.
I’ll never forget the first time my daughters and I stepped into a martial arts academy. We were completely overwhelmed. My girls said the physical location, physical touch and physical fitness were obstacles to their learning experience.
These three fear factors were not what I expected. As a mother, I have my own fears that keep me awake at night. I fear my daughters will be bullied at school. I fear creepy bad guys that lurk around every dark corner (and on the internet). I fear the sex traffickers stalking and stealing children. And now, the germ factor is important to me. How do these gyms sanitize their facility. Some places were a little sketchy.
Bullies. Bad guys. Back to school.
I suspect my daughters fear these things too, which is why we decided to take self-defense lessons. Instead of relieving fears, they were compounded. One particular martial arts academy was geared for boys and the issues boys face. Girls have a different set of needs. I was seeking a place to build confidence in my daughters. They were geared to build respect and order. Don’t get me wrong. Those qualities are great. But my main goal is to create an opportunity for girls to gain confidence and courage. When you train with me using The Great Flip videos, you will be extremely encouraged by your daughter’s success. My teaching style is fun, playful and empowering. Plus, you can teach your daughter the way you know best.
Online self-defense training is a stop-gap solution to overcome fear.
At that moment in the gym, my daughters inspired me to develop an online self-defense experience. My goal was to design a program to help them gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness.
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Let’s talk about those three fear factors. Because we crushed it using The Great Flip!
Rather listen? Listen to “Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense” on my podcast:
Physical Location
At home & homeschool
I bought inexpensive interlocking mats for my home. If you have access to gymnastic mats from your school or church, ask to borrow those. You will need mats because you will be learning skills on the ground. You will be introduced to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. See my notes below called “Brazilian jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to self-defense.” Check out my blog called “You can learn self-defense at home” to see my home exercise space. Even yoga mats will work. 
At school, a church and/or (after-school)
If everyone chips in, your school and church can afford to purchase additional mats. Schools may qualify for grants and scholarships because The Great Flip teaches children safety and fitness life skills which may qualify for assistance from local or federal grants. Do some research and seek financial assistance and invest in mats.
Physical Touch
Self-defense training requires physical touch. Sparring with a partner allows children to feel resistance to techniques and simulate real self-defense situations. When physical touch is applied in a safe and trusted environment, children can concentrate on the techniques and not physical contact. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling sport, where moves and
techniques must be done in a live drilling situation. Other martial arts like karate and taekwondo tend to simulate movements but not in a real self-defense situation.
Be aware that some children have more sensitivity toward touch than others depending on their story, culture, or sexual history. When you control the experience, you can create open communication. Research has shown that safe physical touch is healing and healthy. Children who train Brazilian jiu-jitsu say the physical nature of the sport brings healing to their relationships, bodies and overall health and wellness.
If you are concerned about physical touch, The Great Flip curriculum offers solo, no-contact skills and drills. Contact Coach Jody for customized curriculum and courses.
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Physical Fitness
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard the excuse “I need to get in shape before I train.” No, No, No, you do not need to get in shape before self-defense training. The techniques are designed to make you stronger, flexible and fit. No
experience required. The videos are for beginners of any age. When I started training jiu-jitsu, I was overweight and in my mid-forties. I lost twenty pounds, gained muscle and increased flexibility. My daughters are inspired by the entire process and seek to live healthy lifestyles too. As a matter of fact, I never went back to a fitness club. All my fitness goals are met on the mat training Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The best time to start is now.
A quick glance at the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
I introduce children age six and up to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves or another against a bigger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground. To learn more about BJJ click here.
My teaching method is fun, playful and empowering.
There is no striking or punching in my curriculum. I focus on protection, escapes and submissions. Read “Will my students be karate-chopping each other?” blog here.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to self-defense
- BJJ allows students to live drill techniques with success.
- BJJ empowers smaller-framed people to use techniques and leveraging versus force to overcome a larger opponent.
- BJJ introduces children to physical contact in a safe environment.
- BJJ is a “grappling sport” introducing children to movements on the ground which is realistic to real self-defense situations. Most self-defense altercations (more than 80 percent) end up on the ground.
- BJJ empowers, builds confidence, and increases mental and physical strength.
- BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving children a positive martial arts experience.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
| Self Confidence |
Bully Prevention |
| Positive Body Image |
Teamwork |
| Trust & Respect |
Strength & Flexibility |
| Fitness & Conditioning |
Life Skill & Character Development |
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I look forward to serving you and equipping you to overcome three fear factors with online self-defense from The Great Flip. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.
See you on the mat! – Coach Jody
The Great Flip is a national program partner for the American Heritage Girls
The Great Flip offers faith-based talking points in the lesson plans, podcasts and blogs. The Great Flip seeks to counter the culture with the good news of Jesus Christ. Be sure to browse the blog and media portion of my website! Thank you.
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