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A Life Skill Every Girl (and Her Mom) Should Learn

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

A dear friend of mine tripped and fell off a curb the other day. She broke both her hands. Another friend recently moved from the west coast to the midwest and experienced his first ice storm. He slipped and fell walking to his car. These accidents do not need to happen to you or your family. I want to teach you a life skill every girl (and her mom and dad) should learn … the break fall technique!

The Break Fall technique is the first self-defense technique I teach in all of my online self-defense series. It is an excellent self-defense skill, but most importantly, it is a life skill.

Don’t do this when you fall.

We all do it. The most common reaction to falling to the ground is throwing our arms and hands 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.

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. I can teach you NOT to do this. I will teach you in a simple three minute video a better and safer way to fall.

Statistically, we are more likely to fall than to be involved in a serious self-defense situation. Learning the break fall technique is not only a self-defense skill, it is a life skill.

Watch this video for an overview of the technique.

Ready to learn this important life skill and more! In three easy steps, you’ll be on your way!

Choose your self-defense videos.
Enroll.
Train.

Thinking about teaching self-defense and life skills at your school? Review this video and request a sample curriculum in the contact form:

Enroll here! See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

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

/in Safety, Self Defense/by coachjody

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.

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.

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.

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

Why Girls Should Learn Jiu-jitsu for Self-Defense

/in Self Defense/by coachjody

Why should girls learn jiu-jitsu for self-defense? I’m pretty sure (or at least I hope) we are in a place in our culture to already know girls are equally capable to participate in martial arts and learn basic self-defense skills. And like it or not, the necessity is real. Statistics reveal that girls are just as likely to be bullied by peers and more likely to be victimized into womanhood. Because we live in a broken world, girls must learn to defend themselves, therefore learning a martial art is a viable option. But why should a girl learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) for self-defense? And what additional benefits does self-defense training offer a girl?

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Jiu-jitsu for self-defense

BJJ is designed for weaker, smaller opponents to dominate larger ones using technique rather than strength. My husband and I have two daughters. We discovered jiu-jitsu was the best option for me and our girls. 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 any kind of movement required when a girl hits the ground and must defend herself from the floor. In jiu-jitsu, the game is won on the ground. Jiu-jitsu includes techniques like closed guard, punch protection, arm bars, kimuras, triangles and chokes to name a few. It incorporates Judo which teaches simple take-downs and leveraging. If a girl can’t be stronger is a self-defense situation, then jiu-jitsu will make her smarter!

I like the mindfulness of jiu-jitsu. It teaches girls to assess the situation and act accordingly. In comparison, a popular women’s self defense is the force-driven tactics taught in Krav-Maga, where girls are trained to immediately go for the groin-kick or eye-gouge. Granted, there is a time and a place for exerting force on an opponent, but a knee-jerk reaction may make the situation worse, not better. And quite honestly, I don’t think I could successfully kick or strike someone hard and fast enough (even in their personal space) to deter a mad-man. Jiu-jitsu has taught me to assert myself with my voice and my strong body language, assess each situation and take appropriate action. I’d like to equip girls with the same skills using jiu-jitsu as the foundation. You can read my blog about three life skills for every girl to learn more.

If you struggle with personal “excuses” to begin training jiu-jitsu, read my blog post about the three obstacles I overcame in order to excel at training. Using “The Great Flip” online instructional videos will equip you to overcome three excuses including physical location, physical touch and physical fitness. At any time, click on “2 Ways to Join” and we can overcome these excuses together!

The value of learning self-defense is most likely more than enough to motivate you to step onto the mats right now and begin training, but I’ve discovered BJJ has so much more to offer than self-defense training. And if you gather your friends and train with me at The Great Flip you too will discover these benefits and probably more.

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. Jiu-jitsu utilizes the strength of girls’ legs to control a stronger person and optimize her flexibility to escape a dicey situation. When she steps off the mat, she will begin to see herself for who she really is … “wonderfully made.” (See Psalm 139:13-14)

Jiu-jitsu gets you in shape

Instead of running on a treadmill and pumping weights, you 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. And not only did I get in shape, but I learned a new life skill at the same time. Girls can be physically and mentally challenged every time she trains. And no, she doesn’t need to be in shape to start training. (That goes for you too, mom and dad) But with time and consistency, like any other sport, jiu-jitsu will produce core strength, flexibility and endurance. The Great Flip instructional videos are a great way to begin your fitness journey or 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.

The combination of physical touch, trusting relationships and playful interaction create an environment for lasting friendships. Girls who train together becomes 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

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 a confidence that other girls desire. Click “2 Ways to Join.”

Jiu-jitsu is healthy living

And one more thing, Jiu-jitsu is more than self-defense. It includes resources for living a healthy lifestyle. This aspect was a pleasant surprise. I could immediately experience the fitness and friend benefits, but as I got to know the people and the sport, I realized I was surrounded by people who cared about nutrition habits. Soon I was consuming less sugars and eating more protein and veggies. And drinking more water! Of course, the focus on nutrition caused me to be healthier and better at jiu-jitsu.

At The Great Flip, I have three pillars of content in my blog; Self Defense, Nutrition and Motivation. I believe these three pillars are intertwined in jiu-jitsu. It is my hope to share my journey and the journey of others who are experts in these areas. It is my hope these resources will bless you and make your self-defense training much more than self-defense training. Click on Blogs to discover free resources. And when you become a subscriber, I have additional content just for you!

Jiu-jitsu is sharing

Do you have a self-defense technique you’d like me to demonstrate in my next video? I have videos being produced right now ready to upload. I can’t wait to make more!

You can watch free videos on my YouTube channel at The Great Flip Self Defense or here’s a link to a video on my channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHhC__zMvBI&t=20s

I’d love to hear about your jiu-jitsu journey. Feel free to snap a picture or video of yourself doing the techniques. Then post it on Instagram with a shout-out hashtag #thegreatflip. Or send the media to me and I’ll post it on my page @thegreatflip.

I’d love for you to train with me and enjoy all the benefits of jiu-jitsu. It’s time to click on the “2 Ways to Join” button to get started. Feel free to send me a comment or ask a question through my Contact Form.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody