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It’s All Gift

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These small-but-mighty devotions are written to read and then discuss with your children. Use the “Action Point” at the end of each devotion to facilitate a fun conversation.

How Great Are Your Works

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me! I sing for joy because of what you have done.

{ Psalm 92:4 }

You probably have a million things to do right now. Thanks for slowing down to receive some good news. Jesus doesn’t want to be on your “to-do.” list. He wants to be your “it’s-been-done-for-me” Savior. ukulele

You are not defined by your activity. You are defined by Jesus’ activity.

You are not defined by your activity. You are defined by Jesus’ activity. He worked to create you, redeem you, and give you a new identity in Him. Even your good works are his good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Thank goodness, because sometimes I do good things, but many times, my actions are not all that great.

This Psalm is referred to as “A song to be sung on the Sabbath Day.” God did not give us the 10 commandments like the Sabbath as a list of things to do. They are a gift to us. They point us to the gift of repentance and forgiveness because of what Jesus did for us. 

ACTION POINT: What’s your favorite worship song? Sing for joy because of what He has done!

 

It’s All Gift

You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

{ Psalm 145:16 }

Why did God create humans? Some people believe that God made us to serve and obey him. Sure, we serve and obey God, but that’s not why he made us.

At creation, God made Adam and Eve and gave them all of creation to enjoy and to manage. In the Psalms, it says God opens His hands and satisfies the desires of every living thing. It’s all gift!

It’s all gift. 

He made you and gave you the free gift of his Son, Jesus. Want more gifts?

  • You receive the gift of faith when you listen to His word. (Romans 10:17)
  • You receive the gift of forgiveness when you repent. (1 John 1:8)
  • You receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and salvation in baptism. (Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21)

We do not serve God to get his love. We serve God because we already have it through Christ Jesus!

ACTION POINT: What are some of your favorite gifts from God? Explain.

 

JODY TOKEN is the coach and creator of The Great Flip, faith-filled online martial arts for ages six and up. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com.

These devotions were written for True Girl, a ministry of Pure Freedom. 

To learn more about The Great Flip, online martial arts, click here to get started!

 

Request a free gift … a free self-defense video and a discount code. Click here!

 

Welcome to The Great Flip, online martial arts

You can teach self-defense, safety and faith to your children ages six and up!

 

 

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

The Great Flip is a preferred homeschool resource.

 

 

summer self-defense

Summer Self-Defense Starts at The Great Flip

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By the end of this summer, your children age six and up can learn the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills.

That’s right, you can teach martial arts this summer using my online resources at The Great Flip. Your children will learn self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment skills!

 

Here’s how it works:

Enroll in any of my martial arts plans at www.thegreatflip.com. 

Every plan includes the Top 12 self-defense skills. 

For those who want a quick “videos-only” training experience, I recommend The Empowered Plan or The Strong Plan. 

If you want easy-to-follow lesson plans, you will want the Confident and Courageous plans. These plans offer step-by-step instructions, valuable safety tips, and faith-filled talking points with every lesson. 

Every plan also includes a progress training guide and a certificate of completion. 

Once you have a martial arts plan, you gain access to martial arts videos and downloads.

  • Each video is approximately three minutes long, easy to watch, rewatch and train 
  • I teach one technique per video, you’ll see me teach the technique, then watch students of various ages try the technique. You’ll observe the progression of mastery as the students progress with age and ability.
  • No martial arts experience is required! Simply watch the videos and train! I have designed the videos so anyone can watch, learn and train together.

Request a free self-defense video and lesson plan here.

 

Before you jump in the car and head down to your local martial arts academy and spend too much money, you can teach a homeschool martial arts class.

 

Parents love teaching martial arts at home! The martial arts will accomplish the health-based and skills-based goals of your physical education requirements.  It adds strong character development skills and overall self-confidence. This confidence spills over into all aspects of life. Here is a recent blog post about boosting confidence with martial arts. Click here.

Request a discount code here. 

 

Want to know more about the Top 12 self-defense skills? Click here.

Train. Gather your family together for the training sessions and/or get a few of your favorite friends to train. To make the event most affordable, share a plan with other families.

Click here to Pick a Martial Arts Plan

 

One more thing … I couldn’t resist this flashback tune:

“There’s a hundred and four days of summer vacation,

‘Til school comes along just to end it,

So the annual problem for our generation,

Is finding a good way to spend it

Like maybe” – From Phineas & Ferb Theme Song 

Like maybe … teach your children the top 12 self-defense skills!

See you on the mat!

Coach Jody

homeschool martial arts

 

A faith-filled devotion

Five Surprising Ways To Care For Your Body this Summer.

(okay, maybe six)

Take care of your body this summer. Eat whole food instead of processed food, drink water instead of soda, get enough sleep and exercise instead of prolonged screen time. These are simple 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 and he is trustworthy!

“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.

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 and 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.

What are five ways to bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones, according to Proverbs 3:5-8?

  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, gather your friends and family to review these tips to bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Grab a journal and/or calendar. If tackling all five is a bit overwhelming. Pick one healthy habit each week and document your progress. 

Here are a few words about food, water, sleep, exercise, and a cool tip about reading the book of Proverbs.

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. Go to the grocery store together and pick a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried before. Eighty percent of your health and wellness is determined by what you eat. Only 20 percent is a result of exercise. Here’s a helpful hint when searching for a new health recipe; I always put the word “easy” in my search. 

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 lemons in your water. Yum! Put fun stickers on your water bottle as a reward.  

Get enough sleep. 

Tweens and teens need 10 or more hours of sleep each night. What time should you go to bed to get enough sleep? Try to wake up at the same time every morning. Your body functions better when you have a set bedtime and morning time routine. 

Physical exercise. 

Reduce screen time and exercise. Create a fitness experience. Start a fitness challenge with your family or friends. Play a new 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?

The Top 12 Self-Defense Skills fit right here. Just saying! 

Request a free video and lesson plan at www.thegreatflip.com )

Read the book of Proverbs.

There are 31 chapters in Proverbs. There are 31 days in the month. Read one chapter of Proverbs each day! It’s okay if you don’t understand everything you read. Keep reading and receive faith. (Remember Romans 10:17 and here’s a good one from Isaiah 55:1 “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.

This devotion was featured in part at True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

 

Click on these to browse Christian Homeschool resources.

Teach Them Diligently 2020 Homeschool Conventions Center Around Christian Homeschooling • Parenting • Discipleship • Marriage

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Four Reasons Parents Love Teaching Martial Arts at Home

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Be the hero in your child’s journey to confidence and courage. When they battle fear, anxiety, bullies, or low self-esteem, you can teach a martial arts class at home. Here are four reasons parents love teaching martial arts at home:

#1. Give the Whole Family Self-Defense Skills.

Middle school students at St. John School warming up to ground skills with The Great Flip martial arts program.

When you teach martial arts at home, you give your family the gift of self-defense. Every child should have basic self-defense skills as part of their overall character development. Why let someone else do this when you can?

Not all martial arts are created equal. If you want a martial art that addresses self-defense, I recommend Brazilian jiu-jitsu. BJJ is a “grappling sport” which means there is a lot of ground movement, similar to wrestling.

The overall strategy of BJJ is to control your opponent. It focuses on skills to take an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission.

Studies show that 80-95 percent of street fights end on the ground. The techniques learned in BJJ enable participants to escape, attack, or get into a more dominant position.

Bjj is also a martial art designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents. Participants use techniques and leveraging skills instead of relying on brute force. All martial arts provide confidence and courage, but only Bjj connects the sport to self-defense in a way that everyone, of all ages, can learn.

I picked the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu for these six reasons:

BJJ is best for a child’s first exposure to self-defense, because:

  • 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 self-defense situations.
  • BJJ empowers children to build confidence, and increase mental and physical strength.
  • BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving children a positive martial arts experience.

#2. Give Confidence and Courage.

A child with self-defense skills is a confident child. Parents liked training at home so their children would feel safe to try something new without adding peer pressure to the experience. The children can practice failing and succeeding in a safe place. Safe and successful training builds confidence.

Training at home builds courageous leadership. Parents are motivated to teach their children to defend themselves. But when I asked a group of girls why they like learning self-defense, they are driven by the idea that they can defend others. Martial arts give children the courage to be strong leaders. Here are additional benefits listed by parents:

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

#3. Control the Message and Motivation.

Only you know how to motivate your child. You know if they need a little tough love or lots of encouragement. Not every martial arts academy is created equal or meets the needs of every child. If your child has never tried martial arts, you can give them a positive experience at home. Make it fun, playful, and empowering. Your message and motivation will produce positive results.

 

#4. Get Off the Bench.

Extracurricular activities go something like this: Drop your child at their activity. Sit on the bench and watch. By the end of the day, you’ve spent the day sitting in the car or sitting on the bench. Get off the bench! Martial arts are a perfect family activity. Everyone can participate. Everyone can learn a new life skill.

 

Subscribe to a Professional Online Martial Arts Program at The Great Flip!

I created an easy-to-follow online martial arts resource called The Great Flip so you can teach martial arts at home!

No experience is required. No high-cost uniforms or belts are needed to participate. Simply download the lesson plans, watch the videos and train. I have everything you need to run a martial arts class at home. I have downloadable Lesson Plans, Progress Training Charts and Certificates of Completion. I have more than 50 streaming videos depending on the plan you choose.

Click here to shop plans.

My daughters inspired me to develop an online martial arts experience. After seven years of training BJJ and earning my purple belt, I took a leap of faith to bring martial arts to families with my online learning platform. My daughters appreciated the opportunity to train at home and feel empowered. Children as young as first grade through high school can benefit from my introductory approach. Train at home or with a group of friends at your Christian school or church. You can teach self-defense skills, give confidence, control the message and get off the bench with The Great Flip! Let’s get started!

 

Request a free video here. 

Be a hero. Create a hero. Teach your children martial arts at home!

Try a free video

Enroll in an online martial arts plan.

Set up your training space.

Watch the videos with your family.

Contact Coach Jody for more information

What parents and educators say about online martial arts with Coach Jody

 

“The classes are easy to follow and worked great for my boys. We had a great time learning these valuable skills together.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

– Jennifer, American Heritage Girls Troop Leader

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more testimonials, click here.

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody Coach Jody

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. The Great Flip connects Classical Conversations families to martial arts at home. I’d love the opportunity to connect you to my fun, playful and faith-filled program too. Click here. 

 

Best Christian Homeschool Resources!

Click on each image and explore faith-filled homeschool resources!

Teach Them Diligently 2020 Homeschool Conventions Center Around Christian Homeschooling • Parenting • Discipleship • Marriage

Counter Culture Mom Tina Griffin and Jody Token Flip Fear with Online Self-Defense for Girls

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This is what happens when two “counter-culture moms” get together! 🔥
As a former Hollywood actress, Tina Griffin is on a mission to reveal how pop culture and the entertainment industry is glamorizing harmful behaviors without showing the consequences and how these messages are eroding the foundational development of today’s youth.
Now add a strong dose of self-defense skills from The Great Flip! 💪🏼
When you give your girls self-defense skills you are giving them the confidence to navigate these troubled times. Use code Tina for a 10 percent discount on my self-defense plans!
A must-watch interview!

Take the fear out of today’s increasingly violent world and tumble headfirst into The Great Flip, an incredible faith-filled online martial arts training program developed by Jody Token, for parents to do with their children.

Jody created excellent streaming training videos, complete with instructional lesson plans in a teaching style that is playful and empowering for ages six and up. She teaches kids how to escape and de-escalate a scary situation, whether it’s an attempted abduction on the street or dealing with a bully on the playground.

Jody chose Brazilian jiu-jitsu to help girls know how to flee or fight a much bigger and stronger opponent. This self-defense course is perfect for kids of all ages and is perfect for homeschooling families, youth groups, or co-ops.

TAKEAWAYS

  • In a violent situation, girls typically end up on the ground – jiu-jitsu teaches girls how to escape from a pinned position on their backs
  • Escaping a violent situation is much smarter than attacking a potentially much bigger assailant
  • Training when the mind and body are at rest creates a muscle memory that will engage our reflexes automatically in an emergency
  • Girls may not be strong enough to overcome an attacker, but martial arts will make them SMART enough
  • Use Discount Code TINA for a 10 percent discount on most of the self-defense plans

🛠 TOOLS AND RESOURCES FROM THE EPISODE

REQUEST A FREE SELF-DEFENSE VIDEO

🔗 CONNECT WITH JODY TOKEN

https://thegreatflip.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreatflip

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatflip/

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DpeyDu

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/coach-jody

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thegreatflip/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/thegreatflip

 

🎥 VIEW ON VARIOUS PLATFORMS
Download the Counter Culture Mom App: https://bit.ly/landingpageCCM
🎧 TUNE IN
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You Can Teach Martial Arts At Home

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Welcome to The Great Flip! You can teach martial arts at home!

The martial arts will accomplish the health-based and skills-based goals of your physical education requirements in your homeschool. You can teach martial arts at home with The Great Flip.

online self defense for girls

Physical education, aka PE, should be an important part of your homeschool routine. Giving your children physical activity of any kind will create a positive attitude toward fitness. This will cause them to value their health.

Regular exercise reduces chronic disease and many health problems related to lack of exercise. Physical movement will improve cognitive function which promotes learning in other areas.

PE gives your child a place to explore skill-based activities such as team and individual sports. They will learn sportsmanship and competition while improving their social skills.

But the martial arts check every PE box plus some. Not only does it create positive health and exercise benefits, but it adds strong character development skills such as self-defense, safety awareness, and overall self-confidence. This confidence spills over into all aspects of life, for a lifetime.

Before you jump in the car and head down to your local martial arts academy, you can teach a homeschool martial arts class. Here are four tips to consider:

Choose a Martial Art

Not all martial arts are created equal. If you want a martial art that addresses self-defense, I recommend Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Bjj is a “grappling sport” which means there is a lot of ground movement, much like wrestling.

The overall strategy of Bjj is to control your opponent. It focuses on skills to take an opponent to the ground, controlling one’s opponent, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission.

Studies show that 95 percent of street fights end on the ground. The techniques learned in Bjj enable participants to escape, attack, or get into a more dominant position.

Bjj is also a martial art designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents. Participants use techniques and leveraging skills instead of relying on brute force. All martial arts provide confidence and courage, but only Bjj connects the sport to self-defense in a way that everyone, of all ages, can learn.

Create a Martial Arts Class at Home online self defense for girls

You don’t need a large amount of space to train at home, but to protect the lamp and china, you might want to create a training/fitness space. I purchased interlocking mats. You can also find inexpensive three-fold gymnastic mats. If you want to get fancy and go all out, you can purchase professional BJJ mats. I spent $40 on two sets of interlocking mats. I have a basement/lower level in my house for my exercise space. Some people use their garage or a spare bedroom. Many homeschool families get together in their co-op and/or church to purchase mats and find a communal space to train together.

Here’s a glimpse of my little training space at home.

Here’s an introduction to a homeschool martial arts class structure

Get a Training Partner online self defense for girls

You can begin with a few “no-contact” movements and warm-ups, but in order to get the most benefit from the experience, you need a training buddy.  Learning a martial art with your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. Inviting your child’s best friend and a group of friends enhances the experience.

Bjj is referred to as the gentle martial art. You and your child can simulate real techniques in real time with a low risk for injury. Of course, there’s always some risk, but Bjj lends itself to learning real self-defense skills with low risks. In my instructional videos, I focus on escaping, controlling, and submitting techniques inspired by BJJ movements. My teaching style is fun, playful and empowering for everyone.  Click here to request a free video.

Subscribe to a Professional Online Martial Arts Resource

I created an easy-to-follow online martial arts resource called The Great Flip. No experience is required. No high-cost uniforms or belts are needed to participate. Simply download the lesson plans, watch the videos and train. Everything you need to run a martial arts class is at The Great Flip.

I offer two paths for your training experience. For those who want a quick start “videos-only” training experience, I recommend The Empowered Plan or The Strong Plan. 

If you want easy-to-follow lesson plans to guide your experience, you will want the Confident and Courageous plans. These plans offer step-by-step instructions, valuable safety tips, and faith-filled talking points with each lesson plan.

Coach Jody

My daughters inspired me to develop an online martial arts experience. After seven years of training BJJ and earning my purple belt, I took a leap of faith to bring martial arts to everyone with an online learning platform. My daughters appreciated the opportunity to train at home and feel empowered. Children as young as first grade through high school can benefit from my introductory approach. Make your homeschool PE class fun and functional for everyone in the whole family. Request a free video here. 


Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, faith-filled online martial arts. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com.

Click here to Request a free video

Click here to choose an online martial arts plan

 

 

 

You Can Teach the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills

Every martial arts plan at The Great Flip will equip you to teach the Top 12 Self-Defense Skills for ages six and up. Click here to learn more about the 12 self-defense skills.

Read these blogs for more resources about teaching martial arts at home!

Four Reasons Parents Love Teaching Martial Arts at Home 

Share The Great Flip

Once you have purchased a martial arts plan, you may share it with a homeschool group or co-op. This will allow you to save money and give your children more training buddies.

Great Time to join The Great Flip
  online self-defense curriculum  
online self-defense for girls

Christian Homeschool Resources

These affiliates are listed as the Top 10 of Christian Homeschool Curriculum Packages. Click each icon to visit and see if they might be right for you. Blessings! – Coach Jody
Teach Them Diligently 2020 Homeschool Conventions Center Around Christian Homeschooling • Parenting • Discipleship • Marriage

Jesus and Jiu-jitsu. Finding Faith and Empowerment.

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Where else can you find Jesus and jiu-jitsu in the same blog? Right here at The Great Flip, you will receive faith and empowerment! First, some Jesus, then jiu-jitsu!

  • Have you been hurt or confused by the church?
  • Do you still watch church online?
  • Are you trying to decide if the martial art called, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is right for your family?

You will LOVE this podcast! I discovered my guest, Donavon Riley at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu. Pastor Riley shares his journey from drugs to faith, lies to truth, lost to found, and faith to empowerment. He shares his 12-year-old daughter’s journey away from taekwondo and toward jiu-jitsu. This podcast is for anyone who seeks to strengthen their faith and increase their courage to walk onto the jiu-jitsu mats. Pastor Riley’s intellect and honesty will inspire you to do both. Pastor Riley can be found at the intersection of Jesus and jiu-jitsu and at a ministry called 1517. org.

Click on the play button below to listen to this Podcast. Please subscribe to The Great Flip Podcast on your favorite podcast such as Spotify, Google, Apple, Anchor, etc. for more.

Do you go to church to give or get gifts?

I recorded this podcast in 2019. That was Pre-pandemic. That seems like a long time ago, doesn’t it?  Many have not returned to church. There are many excuses people give for not returning but I venture to guess one primary reason is their lack of understanding of the true meaning of church according to God’s design.

Church is meant to be a place to receive God’s gifts.

If you go to church to give God your gifts then you are doing it wrong. There is nothing wrong with praising God and giving back to your church community, but that is a secondary response to the primary purpose of the church. Church is meant to be a place to receive God’s gifts.  Yes, I know you can experience God in nature, at home, and anywhere you roam, but the Bible specifically promises the gifts of forgiveness of sins and faith nutrition in the church. In my church, we refer to this as the means of grace. God delivers his grace to us through his word and his sacraments. These are unmerited, unconditional gifts given to you through the crucified and risen Jesus.  The church is where we can receive the gifts to declare and defend the Good News that we are forgiven and free on account of Christ alone (1517.org)

  • I hope the podcast gives you faith and empowerment to return to Jesus at church.
  • I hope it gives you the courage to try the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Welcome to The Great Flip! Coach Jody

I’m Coach Jody and I teach online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment. My online instructional videos are designed for children ages 6 and up (yes, mom and dad too).

Here at The Great Flip, you and your children can learn simple self-defense techniques in the comfort of your own home. Simply subscribe to my online instructional videos. Request a free video and lesson plan.

Why Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the best martial art for your children

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

Six reasons BJJ is best for a children’s first exposure to self-defense, because: 

  • 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 girls 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. No other martial art addresses ground situations like Bjj. 
  • BJJ empowers, builds confidence, and increases mental and physical strength. 
  • BJJ is referred to as the “gentle martial art” giving girls a positive martial arts experience. 

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsubullying-fear-germs

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

What is Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art where the main objective is to control a resisting opponent. Since gaining control over an opponent has been proven to be easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the techniques of BJJ is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions. In its application in self-defense, I focus on control, defense and escapes for girls using BJJ principles. There is no striking or kicking in BJJ, but there is training to defend yourself from these attacks at an age-appropriate level. BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique. And students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.  The Great Flip online curriculum will introduce students to foundational Bjj movements and techniques. Students who participate in the curriculum (and continue to revisit the movements year after year) will gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness. My coaching style is fun, playful and empowering.

Request a free video

Enroll in The Great Flip online courses

The Gentle Art.

“Jiu-jitsu” translates from the Japanese as “the gentle art.” The idea here is that practitioners can execute moves realistically and at full speed without having to worry they will injure their partner. If caught in a submission, practitioners are taught to “tap” their partner to signify discomfort, and the submitter will release the submission. Jiu-jitsu does not believe in strength, it believes in technique. It uses leverage to overcome muscle and weight. 

What you will need to train BJJ from The Great Flip:

Whether you are training at home, at school or after school, you will need these items to get started. 

  1. Membership Plan with The Great Flip. Click here to find a plan that works for you.
  2. Internet connection to stream the videos from Vimeo.com.
  3. Comfortable exercise clothes
  4. A designated training space with mats (interlocking mats, gymnastics mats and/or yoga mats.) Here is my workout space at home: https://vimeo.com/289726478 
  5. A training partner. (I do have a few “no-contact” modifications to get started, but eventually, you’ll need a training partner.)

Teach Martial Arts in your Homeschool PE Class. Click here. 

 

Request a free video

Enroll in The Great Flip online courses

Great Time to join The Great FlipPunch Protection 101    

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

Here’s one of the devotions I wrote for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. Share it with your children!

New Strength

Learning self-defense is fun. It strengthens the body. But God’s power strengthens the body, mind and spirit. “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31 My daughters are small-framed young ladies. Girls, in general, are smaller and less muscular than our male counterparts. If my daughters were to find themselves in a self-defense situation and their adversary is stronger, no amount of their strength will win the fight.  My husband and I chose a martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The training method in jiu-jitsu says a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using leverage and weight distribution, taking the fight to the ground and using a number of holds and submissions to defeat them. Jiu-jitsu trains the body and mind to not grow weary, outsmart the opponent and overcome the situation.  When God spoke these words to Isaiah, his people were in exile. They had rebelled against God and overcome by a stronger advisory because of their sin. Yet, God in his mercy promised to rescue, redeem and revive them. Not because of their strength or ability, but because of his power, mercy and love toward them.  When you feel weak, powerless, tired and exhausted, God has good news for you. Romans 5:6 says, “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”  Wow! His death and resurrection power gives you new strength to overcome your toughest battles. Remember your identity and your power comes from Jesus!

Activity Point: Pretend and fly around the room like a soaring eagle thanking God for new strength through Jesus! To learn more about your identity and power in Christ, read Colossians 2. To learn about Brazilian jiu-jitsu contact Coach Jody at her online program www.thegreatflip.com. Contact me and I’ll send you a free video! 

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 at www.thegreatflip.com  

online self-defense for girls

A Homeschool Mom’s Review of The Great Flip

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I was blessed to share The Great Flip with Abby Banks, the host of Homeschooling with Moxie Podcast. If you are a homeschooler, you will LOVE Abby’s resources at 4OneMore.

Her criteria for any homeschool resource is that it must be easy to follow for homeschool families. The Great Flip met her standards.

Abby is a former classroom teacher, and now a homeschooling mom of five. She loves to equip and encourage homeschooling families. Her goals on her website and on her podcast Homeschool with Moxie Podcast are to inspire and encourage with actionable strategies to take you from overwhelmed to confident in your homeschool adventure. Her podcast is a great place to listen to interviews with amazing influencers in the homeschool world and beyond.

Abby’s goal was to make sure The Great Flip is easy to use by homeschool parents and worth your time and investment. Here’s what she said in her blog over at 4OneMore.

Jody’s program comes with easy-to-follow lesson plans that you can use at home with your immediate family. Or gather other families from your local homeschool group and use the video lessons together. Another great idea that Jody shared in today’s episode was for your older teen girls to work through the lessons on their own and then use Jody’s plans to teach the curriculum to the younger girls.

Of course, your boys can join in The Great Flip program too even though it was originally created specifically for girls.

In the podcast, you’ll learn about The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment;

  • how it works for a homeschool PE class,
  • how easy it is to teach (no martial arts experience is required),
  • how it gives your children usable self-defense skills and
  • how you can weave your Christian worldview in homeschool PE class!

Click here and listen to the podcast for more fun details!

HOW TO TEACH MARTIAL ARTS IN HOMESCHOOL PE

Learn more about The Great Flip and watch some of Jody’s videos to get a feel for how you could teach martial arts and self-defense in homeschool PE.

Self-defense not only is a great skill for your girls (and boys!) to learn but working a Christian worldview into the curriculum is what sets Jody’s program apart from others. If this is important to you in your homeschool, you’ll love The Great Flip.

Click here for more information about “Homeschool Martial Arts.”

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

Click here to review costs.

 

 

Abby wrote an excellent blog featuring practical tips for making your homeschool PE easy and structured whether you do it yourself or outsource it according to your child’s interests. This is a must-read!

homeschool with moxie

WHAT SHOULD BE TAUGHT IN A PE CLASS?

PE, or physical education, can be thought of in two broad categories. PE instruction can be health-based or skill-based. If you think of these aspects, it will be more clear as to what you can plan to teach in a homeschool PE class.

Of course, PE includes things like:

  • developing motor skills
  • learning sportsmanship
  • physical fitness
  • working up endurance
  • growing coordination, speed, and strength

Sometimes it is easiest to have your kids join a local sports team to “cover” homeschool PE easily. Other times, your child might enjoy a more independent sport, like ice skating or gymnastics. Many high school boys enjoy weight lifting to fulfill their homeschool PE requirements.

For many years, we joined the homeschool gym and swim class at our local YMCA to have that organized “gym class” time with other kids and then to enjoy a splash in the pool.

HOW TO TEACH HOMESCHOOL P.E.

Of course, when you think of the aspects of health and skills that homeschool PE targets, you can also just do homeschool PE in your backyard.

You can set up obstacle courses and have your kids work to improve their time. Go on family bike rides to increase motor skills and endurance. Organize a weekly kickball game with your homeschool co-op. All of these things are easy ways to teach homeschool PE.

Another simple way to teach homeschool PE is to find online fitness videos to use in your own home with your kids.

HOMESCHOOL PE IDEAS

Think of the team sports that your children might join as they grow older. Now work on individual skills related to those team sports.

For example, if your kids might like to join a basketball team, figure out the foundational skills they need to learn and use your homeschool PE time to practice things like dribbling, shooting lay-ups, passing the ball, and such.

HOMESCHOOL PE CURRICULUM

I know that sometimes it’s just easier to have a homeschool PE curriculum planned out for you. That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to today’s guest on episode 175 of the Homeschool with Moxie Podcast.

Jody Token is the creator and coach of an online curriculum for girls called The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith. Homeschool and Christian school families subscribe to her online training videos and learn fun, playful and empowering self-defense skills.

The Great Flip is part of the National Program Alliance with American Heritage Girls.

Listen to my conversation with Jody on episode 175 of the HWM Podcast.

homeschool martial arts

Click here to get started with Homeschool Martial Arts from The Great Flip!

 

Contact Coach Jody

 

 

homeschool martial arts

You Can Teach Homeschool Martial Arts

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You can teach a homeschool martial arts class!

Make your homeschool physical education (P.E.) class fun and functional with homeschool martial arts from The Great Flip.

No martial arts experience is required. I will equip you with everything you need!

 

Here’s how it works (It’s easy to follow.)

#1. Subscribe to one of my online plans.

#2. Designate a training area at home. Click here to see my at-home training space.

#3. When it’s time for P.E. class:

  • Sign into your purchased homeschool martial arts account at The Great Flip.
  • Gather your students to watch and train one or two martial arts skills per training session. Remember, no martial arts experience is required. Simply watch, train and have fun!
  • I recommend at least once or twice a week for homeschool martial arts. But you can do it as much as you’d like. Repeat the program each semester and each year to retain knowledge and improve muscle memory (Just like any sport, you need to practice!

You will replicate an authentic martial arts experience, just like going to a big gym, but you are in charge of the message and a positive experience. Each session can include warm-up exercises, stretching and conditioning drills.

Simply watch the streaming video (less than three minutes) practice together and train.

Want to try one now? Click here to request a free martial arts skill video. 

Read this homeschool mom’s review of The Great Flip

 

Homeschool Martial Arts Resources

You Can Teach Homeschool Martial Arts

How to Teach Martial Arts in Homeschool PE Class

Four Tips for Empowering Homeschool Martial Arts

 

 

The Great Flip is an online self-defense, safety and faith-filled resource for the whole family, age six and up.

Hi, I’m Coach Jody and I’m the creator of The Great Flip. When my daughters and I tried a big box martial arts academy, we were overwhelmed by physical contact, rough teaching style, and uncomfortable spiritual influences. So I created an at-home martial arts experience.

Learning a martial art will increase your child’s confidence and inspire courage. And bonus … Online martial arts puts you in control of a safe experience. No martial arts experience is required. I will equip you with everything you need to teach homeschool martial arts to your children.

The lesson plans and videos will introduce students to fundamental movements and techniques inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. You will introduce elements of a martial arts experience to your students including bowing, teamwork, discipline and respect.

The primary objective of The Great Flip homeschool martial arts curriculum is the exploration of physical movement for self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. They will grow mentally, physically and emotionally with this curriculum.

Who is using the homeschool martial arts lesson plans?

The online self-defense curriculum is now available for 1st – 12th grades. The curriculum is being used by educators to meet physical education and extra-curricular goals in the public, private, parochial and home school environments:

  • Mom & Dad
  • Physical education (PE) teachers
  • Athletic directors
  • After-school program directors
  • Homeschool educators
  • Youth leaders
  • Directors of Christian education
  • Camp directors
  • Team-building directors
  • Self-defense instructors

online self defense for girls

The Great Flip Online Martial Arts Curriculum includes:

  • A total of 32 videos
  • Online curriculum PDF
  • Eight lesson plans PDF
  • Eight Talking Points PDF
  • Class Structure Video
  • Warm-up Exercises Video
  • Stretches Video
  • Animal-inspired Conditioning Drills Video
  • Jiu-jitsu-inspired Games Video
  • 20 Self-Defense Technique Videos
  • Seven Bonus Self-Defense Technique Videos
  • A total of 27 Self-Defense Technique Videos

The homeschool martial arts curriculum is complete with downloadable lesson plans, talking points, and online videos for every segment of your class experience including warm-up exercises, stretches, conditioning drills, jiu-jitsu-inspired games and of course, empowering self-defense techniques and movements.

There’s a plan for every budget. Click here to pick a plan.

What you need to provide:

  • Mats
  • Training space
  • Strong WiFi
  • No experience is required
  • A teachable spirit

 

 

Click here to see what you’ll need for your homeschool martial arts training space. 

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan

 

The Great Flip Approach

The Great Flip Curriculum is a non-combative approach to self-defense. The student will not be taught to strike, kick or use aggression or force. They will explore movements in a safe and positive environment. They will learn life skills such as falling safely to the ground. They will learn discipline, teamwork and trust. They will learn about distance management, situational awareness, punch protection, and techniques to de-escalate and escape situations. They will be challenged mentally and physically while learning foundational Bjj movements without fear.

Check out all my podcasts, especially the one called “Homeschool Martial Arts” at KFUO Radio. Click here.

 

 

Educational Outcomes

online self defense for girls

  • Introduction to, and basic understanding of the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).
  • Introduction to, and basic understanding of a typical martial art class experience.
  • Introduction to self-defense techniques and physical movements inspired by Bjj.
  • Improved physical fitness by learning and executing movements and techniques.
  • Improved confidence and courage in executing self-defense techniques.
  • Increased control of physical, emotional and mental self.
  • Increased confidence in gaining positive body language skills.
  • Improved situational awareness learning how to assert, assess and take action.
  • Improved character development skills understanding self-defense as a holistic approach to life.

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan

 

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is best for children’s first exposure to martial arts, because:

  • 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. No other martial art addresses ground situations like BJJ.
  • 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

What is Brazilian jiu-jitsu?

self defense from the ground up

Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art where the main objective is to control a resisting opponent. Since gaining control over an opponent has been proven to be easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the techniques of BJJ is centered around the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions.

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique. And students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.

The Great Flip online curriculum will introduce students to foundational Bjj movements and techniques. Students who participate in the curriculum (and continue to revisit the movements year after year) will gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness.

The Gentle Art.

“Jiu-jitsu” translates from the Japanese as “the gentle art.” The idea here is that practitioners can execute moves realistically and at full speed without having to worry they will injure their partner. If caught in a submission, practitioners are taught to “tap” their partner to signify discomfort, and the submitter will release the submission. Jiu-jitsu does not believe in strength, it believes in technique. It uses leverage to overcome muscle and weight.

A brief history.

In the last days of the 19th century, some jiu-jitsu masters emigrated from Japan to other continents. Mitsuyo Maeda was one such master. Maeda arrived in Brazil in 1915, and settled in Belem do Para, where he met a man named Gastao Gracie. The father of eight children, among them five boys and three girls, Gastao became a jiu-jitsu enthusiast and brought his oldest son, Carlos, to learn from the Japanese master.

For a naturally frail fifteen-year-old Carlos Gracie, jiu-jitsu became a method not simply for fighting, but for personal improvement. At nineteen, he moved to Rio de Janeiro with his family and began teaching and fighting. In his travels, Carlos would teach classes, and also proved the efficiency of the art by beating opponents who were physically stronger. In 1925, he returned to Rio and opened the first school, known as the “Academia Gracie de Jiu-Jitsu.”

Faith-Filled Empowerment.

Coach Jody equips parents to teach unique faith-filled empowerment resources to connect physical activities to social, emotional and spiritual growth. Children will discover their true source of power comes from God’s power (not girl power).

Jody Token is the coach and creator of The Great Flip, a self-defense, safety and faith-filled online curriculum for girls age six and up. Jody has spent twenty years working in the nonprofit industry inspiring young women to be tomorrow’s leaders. Jody intends to counter the culture by exposing “girl power” lies and proclaiming the good news of God’s power. The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls (AHG). Jody writes content for AHG, True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh and various Christian ministries.  Jody’s daughters inspired her to develop an online self-defense experience to gain a basic understanding of the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu and improve overall health and wellness.

Download a free excerpt of My Anti-Bully Ebook.

Request a free lesson plan.

Read blogs to enrich your experience.

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

Gather your family and your friends and train together! Yes, you can share a subscription with a group of families or co-op. But please do not share outside of your group to protect your password and my hard work. Let’s get started!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Click here to shop all plans

Request a free video and lesson plan

 

 

Anti-bully Handbook Coach Jody bullying-fear-germs

 

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance

To learn more about The Great Flip, click here for the home page

 

 

 

the great flip break fall

Try Two Self-Defense Skills and Drills for only $4.99

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I’m trying a new feature over at DropBox and I would love for you to check it out. For a short time, you can try two self-defense skills and drills for only $4.99. You’ll learn the Break Fall skill, the Technical Lift skill, and then you will put the skills together into a fun drill.

It’s a great way for you to try my self-defense videos without a long-term commitment. Of course, it’s my hope that you will LOVE your training and sign up to gain access to all my videos and save money in the long run.

My videos follow this format:

  • Each video is approximately three minutes in length, easy to watch, rewatch and train with girls age six and older (the whole family can get in on the action too);
  • I teach one technique per video, you’ll see me teach the technique, then watch girls of various ages give it a try. You’ll observe the progression of mastery as the girl progress with age and ability.
  • No martial arts experience is required! Simply watch the online videos and train! I have designed the videos so anyone can watch, learn and train together. 

Click here to get started

Try Two Self-Defense Skills on DropBox

Two Safety & Self-Defense Skills Every Girl Should Learn

Would you know what to do if someone pushed you to the ground? Whether it’s a bully or a slippery situation, Coach Jody, creator of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith, will teach you and your daughter how to fall and minimize injury. You will also learn how to get up safely. Each video is three minutes or less and equips you to teach your daughter self-defense skills that are fun, playful and empowering for ages six and up. Gain access to all the streaming self-defense videos and Christian worldview resources at www.thegreatflip.com Roll out a yoga mat or interlocking mats and let’s get started! Click here to purchase this training series. 

Click here 

 

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

Overcome fear.

bullying-fear-germsWhat keeps your daughter (and you) awake at night?

  • Bullies
  • Bad guys
  • Fear
  • Anxiety

Give her courage.

  • Create your own online martial arts experience
  • Teach self-defense at home, school and after school
  • An online self-defense training experience that’s fun, playful and empowering

Shop Online Plans

Request a Free Video

Let me know about your experience at jody@thegreatflip.com

Coach Jody

Benefits of online self-defense training:

AT HOME

Learn self-defense skills in the comfort of your own home with trusted family and friends. Homeschool, physical education, after-school enrichment.

AT SCHOOL

Add online self-defense to your school. The Great Flip offers everything you need to teach the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu for physical education, homeschool co-op and after-school enrichment.

ANYWHERE

Add online self-defense to an after-school enrichment program, youth group camps and retreats, a fitness center, a martial arts club, almost anywhere! No experience is required. I’ll equip you with everything you need. Let’s get started.

 

Coach Jody’s True Girl Devotions

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There’s nothing better than proclaiming the good news of Jesus’ love … for you! The Gospel (the good news) is my primary concern in every devotion I write. It’s the upside down or “the great flip” of scripture. He took all your sin and gave you his perfection. Martin Luther called it the great exchange, but 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

When God sees you through the lens of Christ crucified, he sees you restored, redeemed and perfect.  No amount of good work earns this salvation. It is on Christ alone that you are free. It is my hope that from this good news you are compelled to tell your friends and family about God’s great love for them too, thus extending the kingdom of God. Not “for” your freedom, but “from” your freedom.

I was privileged to write devotions for my friends at True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. True Girl ministers to mothers and daughters to create opportunities to discover deep Biblical truths together, so they grow closer to each other and closer to Jesus. Because once you know the Truth, it will set you free.

Share these devotions with your girls. Participate in the “Action Point” at the end of each devotion to create personal application to each Biblical truth.

 

Health for Your Body and Bones! girl power vs God's power

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. { Proverbs 3:5–8 } 

It’s important to take good care of your body. Eating whole foods like fruits and veggies, drinking water instead of soda, spending more time being active than you spend on screens, and getting enough sleep are four awesome ways you can do that! But the Bible says there’s something else that brings health and nourishment to you. When you trust in the Lord, you have less stress. When you have less stress, you worry less. When you worry less, your body becomes healthy and your bones grow strong. Why trust God? Because He loves you! “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). That is a promise you can trust! Let it sink into your body and bones! 

ACTION POINT: What do you worry about? Write about it in your prayer diary and ask God to help you trust Him with that part of your life. 

 

Rest Is a Gift

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” { Exodus 20:8 } ukulele

When it comes to taking care of your body, mind, and spirit, it’s important to remember the Sabbath day. That’s what the Bible calls a day of rest. Rest matters just as much as being active does. After riding your bike or playing soccer, your body needs rest to recover. The same goes for everyday life.

My daughter, Megan, is a senior in college. She struggles with perfectionism and anxiety. But she’s discovered the joy of Sabbath rest. It has changed her life and helped her be more peaceful. She now sees Sabbath as a gift. It provides the motivation she needs to work hard all week, so on Sunday morning, she can enjoy church with her friends, grow spiritually as she hears God’s Word, take communion and celebrate her baptism. Megan doesn’t think about homework or her “to-do” list. Instead, she gives it to God, and He gives her rest and joy. Not every week is perfect, but it’s a pattern of living that’s brought order to her routine. Sunday afternoons, she takes time to hang out with friends, lay on the couch, do art projects, plays her ukulele, or go for a hike. This commandment is now a beautiful gift she enjoys every Sunday. You can enjoy it too! 

ACTION POINT: Talk to your mom about Sabbath. What activities do you need to prioritize during the week to give your family the gift of Sabbath rest? What would you do if that day was free of “to-do” lists? 

 

Motivation 101 jump for joy

“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 }

I’m not a math whiz at all. Far from it. But there’s one math equation that motivates me to take care of my body, eat healthy foods, work hard, love God, and serve my neighbor.

It’s this simple equation: Jesus + nothing = everything.

Let me show you the opposite, false equation: Jesus + something = nothing.

The world teaches us to do more to get more. But God’s math is different. When we do good things like show kindness to others or memorize Scripture verses, we aren’t trying to earn God’s love. We already have it! And we cannot take credit for it. Sometimes our bad math even shows up when we think about our salvation story. Anything good we have or do is because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross. That includes God’s gift of salvation. Sometimes it’s hard to understand this and just accept Christ’s death on the cross as a gift. But that’s just what it is: a free gift! 

ACTION POINT: In your diary, write today’s verse. Under it, list a few reasons you are grateful for God’s grace to you. Then, thank God for all of His finished work on the cross. 

 

Receive New Strength

“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” { Isaiah 40:29–31 }

My husband and I wanted our daughters to learn self-defense skills. We chose a martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The training method says a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent. It trains the body and mind to outsmart the opponent, overcome the situation, and not grow weary.

God’s people felt weak and powerless when they were in exile. That means they’d been taken from their home and forced to live in a foreign land. They’d rebelled against God and were overcome by a stronger adversary because of their sin. Yet God, in His mercy, promised to rescue and redeem them not because of their strength or ability, but because of His power, mercy, and love toward them.

When you feel weak, powerless, and exhausted, God has good news for you. Romans 5:6 says, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” Wow! His resurrection power gives you new strength to overcome your toughest battles. Remember, your identity and power come from Jesus! 

ACTION POINT: Pretend to fly around the room like a soaring eagle and thank God for new strength through Jesus! To learn more about your identity and power in Christ, read Colossians 2. 

 

Girl Power Vs. God Power online self-defense for girls

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” { Philippians 4:13 } 

When my daughter first saw this verse, she was excited by the possibilities! She could win first place in her cross country meet or ace her math test. But no matter how hard she tried, she didn’t get first place, and that math test was harder than she expected. She felt exhausted and defeated.

Who is the source of your strength? Your own girl power or God’s power? Girl power is driven by results. The promise is conditional. If you work hard enough and win, you get credit. If you work hard and fail, then you feel like a failure. Girl power is fake power. But God’s power is unconditional, never-ending, and a gift from Jesus.

This Bible verse, penned by the Apostle Paul, promises Christ-followers the power of Jesus in all circumstances. That means on bad days, you can be OK. Christ’s strength empowers you in any situation, whether it’s good or bad. If you win, He celebrates with you. If you lose, God strengthens you with His comfort and peace. God’s power is real power. A girl can do anything not because of who she is or how hard she tries. A girl can do anything because of whose she is, and His name is Jesus! 

ACTION POINT: Write “girl power” on a piece of paper. Now rip it up and throw it in the trash. Next, write today’s verse and things you need strength for today. Thank God for His power in your life!

Coach Jody

Your Coach

 Jody Token, a certified Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor and national girl-ministry influencer, intends to empower girls (age six and up)  to overcome fear with faith and sneak in a few super-power ninja skills.

The Great Flip empowers girls with online self-defense, safety and faith-filled resources. Girls learn simple self-defense skills at home, at school and after-school.

Jody’s daughters inspired her to develop an online self-defense experience to gain a basic understanding of the martial arts, avoid the germy gym, and improve overall health and wellness. The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls, a Christ-centered character and leadership development program for girls five to 18 years of age. Coach Jody intends to counter the culture by exposing the lies of girl power and proclaiming the gospel of God’s power.

Jody Token, Press Sheet

Contact Coach Jody

Support Coach Jody

 

Click here to request a free video and learn a fun, playful and empowering self-defense skill from Coach Jody