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American heritage girls train like a military hero

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

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.

online self-defense for girls

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

The Great Flip

 

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my anti-bully ebook

My Anti-Bully Ebook

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

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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

online self-defense for girls

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

 

Situational Awareness 101

Three tips to improve your situational awareness skills:

  1. Be present when you are out and about, keep your phone within reach, but not in your face.
  2. Scan your surroundings by keeping your head on a swivel (look around) and take note of who and what you see.
  3. Always locate your exists and take a moment to think through how you can safely leave should you need to.

Want to modify situational awareness training for your children? Think about these tips:

Be a good example of situational awareness by giving your children your undivided attention (that means no texting or social media while your child is trying to speak with you).

Teach your children to identify and use their senses when you go places. How can touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste improve your situational awareness skills?

Next steps:

Learn more about Coach Jody and her online self-defense program at The Great Flip.

 

 

 

online self-defense curriculum

Five ways to fund online curriculum

This blog is intended for Christian educators seeking to fund online curriculum in their school, homeschool co-op, P.E. class, and after-school program. Feel free to share with those seeking an online curriculum like mine at The Great Flip. In this blog, you will learn five ways to fund online curriculum. 

Shop all online self-defense courses here.

I know COVID-19 is first and foremost on your priority list. The health and safety of your school community are of utmost importance. At the same time, you are tasked with providing an excellent academic experience to address the whole child; body, mind, and spirit.

Online learning must play an important role in your curriculum planning and it must be flexible enough to use at school and at home, if necessary. The Great Flip online self-defense curriculum is designed to meet these needs.

After speaking with principals, parents, and teachers, I have gathered five ways to fund an online curriculum like mine, and other back-to-school needs.

These educators understand the value-added benefits The Great Flip online self-defense program offers. Here are a few of the ideas schools are developing to make the most of my online curriculum:

  • My program gets students moving and active which improves physical and mental health.
  • The self-defense skills give students, parents, and teachers the opportunity to talk about the fears children are experiencing and apply faith in tangible ways. Bullies and bad guys don’t social distance. Students will learn how to apply confidence and courage to every situation.

    6th grader at St. John Lutheran in Ellisville, MO

  • Adding a self-defense unit to your Physical Education (P.E.) class allows all children to enjoy P.E. class, not just the athletic kids. (Read my blog called “Top three reasons kids don’t like P.E. class”)
  • Adding my program gives you another opportunity to talk about health and safety concerning social distancing, germs, and physical safety.
  • The Great Flip program can be used across ministries including youth events, family nights and PTO functions.
  • Use The Great Flip as an after-school program/club.
  • Use The Great Flip as a community event and a public outreach teaching kids about bully prevention and self-defense skills.
  • If schools must go through yet another quarantine and stay-in-place procedures, my online curriculum can be shared with school families.
  • Bonus: I will offer free virtual meetings to those who enroll in my online curriculum plans.

Review Three Curriculum Plans

I imagine more innovative ways will emerge from The Great Flip. Keep the ideas coming and I’ll be sure to share with everyone!

Five ways to fund an online curriculum from The Great Flip

  1. Seek a private donor to “gift” curriculum and school supplies. A mom in Nebraska will be “gifting” her school with my online curriculum. Great idea, mom! Do you know a parent, grandparent, or alumni who would be willing to financially support the school? The price range of my online curriculum is the perfect price point for an individual to “gift.”
  2. Ask your PTO, sports association, and nonprofits to fund The Great Flip online curriculum. 
  3. Seek Federal Grants that specify health and safety for children and the community. My friends at the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) recommend researching opportunities available to your school through Title IV. The Great Flip online curriculum can be used in school and after-school to meet your students’ needs, including anti-bullying activities, health, safety, and nutritional resources.
  4. Seek Thrivent Action Teams Grants. Is anyone on your staff or in your school a member of Thrivent Financial? As a Benefit member, you may qualify for $250 to lead a fundraiser, service activity, or educational event in your school and community. The Great Flip can be utilized as an educational event and community event. Here’s a link to the Thrivent Action Teams  information https://www.thrivent.com/what-we-offer/generosity/thrivent-action-teams.html 
  5. Good ole fashion fundraisers to raise money for school supplies and my online curriculum. Get innovative and set up a GoFundMe page for your school or specific cause. 

How are you finding funds? I’m sure other like-minded folks will want to know. Have these ideas been helpful? Let me know how I can support your educational goals. Contact Coach Jody

Choose an online self-defense curriculum

Here are a few pictures for students watching my videos and utilizing The Great Flip at a local YMCA, at an LCMS school, at an after-school program, and at home!

testimonialonline self defense for girls

 

Choose an online self-defense curriculum

Contact Coach Jody

online self-defense for girls

 

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

 

 

 

“I will make a helper” and girl power

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

what keeps you awake at nightonline self-defense

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

SHOP COURSES

You can participate in the 2020 Summer Challenge! 

The Great Flip summer challenge

 

annoying headlock

A solution to the annoying headlock

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.

annoying headlock

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.

summer camp

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

online self defense

Fun, playful and empowering online self-defense

“Fun, playful and empowering; Great for the whole family!”

This is how a parent described The Great Flip online self-defense videos. 

And this is exactly my hope for you and your family. I want the training experience to be empowering, of course, but also playful and fun. Self-defense training doesn’t need to be any scarier than the topic usually is for kids. Learning skills in a playful way can make the topic of self-defense easier to talk about with your family.

This is achieved in my step-by-step streaming self-defense videos suitable for ages six and up. 

Each video is three minutes or less and you will learn one empowering technique. I also have solo conditioning drills and “social-distancing” approved videos too. These videos will introduce you to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu and complement your fitness goals. Oh, don’t have any fitness goals?  … well, now you do! 😍

Request a free video

And while we are all at home quarantined due to COVID19, learning self-defense skills is a fun and meaningful family activity.

Give your kids confidence and courage while you maintain a controlled environment. You will discover meaningful time together learning these skills and talking about the value of these skills as you deem appropriate for your family.

And when you subscribe, I’ll teach you how to set up a safe place to train in your home (so you don’t knock over the lamp or hurt yourself). See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

 

Choose a plan and let’s get started!

 

 

online self-defense for girls

“Will my students be karate-chopping each other?” and five Q&A about the self-defense curriculum

In a recent radio interview, I was asked five questions about The Great Flip self-defense curriculum (the second question is definitely my favorite):

  • Can children really defend themselves?
  • After learning the techniques, will students be karate-chopping each other all the time?
  • How can a school implement the curriculum?
  • Does the teacher need to have martial arts experience to offer The Great Flip curriculum?
  • What age is the program intended for?

#1. Can children really defend themselves?

When we think of self-defense we tend to think of hitting back. However, I believe learning self-defense is more than a physical action or reaction. Self-defense training begins long before something physical happens. It begins with learning to be aware of your surroundings. It means understanding your personal space. Self-defense is learning how to use your voice to establish boundaries and communicate intentions. And self-defense training means learning physical movements and techniques that prepare children to defend themselves. Children can definitely learn to defend themselves.

#2. After learning the techniques, will my students be karate-chopping each other all the time?

This is my favorite question, because it addresses the personality of a child’s and teacher’s perception of a self-defense class. The last thing teachers want in their PE class is a bunch of wild ninja’s running around. But in all honesty, when students come to class be prepared for the inner ninjas to emerge! However, you will have the opportunity to share The Great Flip approach! Students will be introduced to the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu (Bjj) … where there is no striking or hitting allowed. Bjj addresses situations and strategies on the ground, which is where 80 percent of fights land. And Bjj empowers smaller framed people to defend themselves using leveraging and technique not force and aggression.

The Great Flip Approach. The Great Flip self-defense 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 learn distance management, situational awareness, punch protection and techniques to de-escalate and escape situations. They will learn discipline, teamwork and trust. Jiu-jitsu is a grappling sport which means many movements are happening on the ground. Students will be challenged mentally and physically while learning foundational Bjj movements to build confidence and courage while the teacher maintains control of a safe experience.

Request a sample curriculum to learn more about Brazilian jiu-jitsu

#3. How can a school implement The Great Flip self-defense curriculum?

The primary use of the self-defense curriculum is in PE class. The techniques are progressive in nature. The curriculum is designed to grow with your students from first-grader through 12th grade. The self-defense curriculum includes everything you need:

  • 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 

And something fun is happening! Now after-school programmers and youth directors are taking advantage of the self-defense curriculum. Anyone who wants to build confidence and courage in children is using the curriculum, including:

  • Students, parents, administrators, educators and programmers 
  • Private and parochial school athletic directors and physical education instructors 
  • After-school programmers 
  • Self-defense and martial arts program directors, coaches & instructors 
  • Homeschool educators 
  • Youth & children’s program directors and instructors 
  • Retreat and team-building programmers 
  • Director of Christian Educators (DCE) and church youth leaders 
  • Older students may use curriculum (with adult supervision) for leadership development 

#4. Does the teacher need to have martial arts experience to offer The Great Flip curriculum?

online self defense for girls

No experience necessary! Every segment of the self-defense curriculum is broken down into easy to understand parts including videos, lesson plans, and talking points. Anyone can teach this curriculum. And I, Coach Jody, offer professional support along the way! Simply call, Skype or Zoom and/or I’ll come to visit your location to help, based on location and availability. 

Request your sample curriculum, lesson plan, and free video.

#5. What age is the program intended for?

The Great Flip self-defense curriculum is for 1st – 12th grade … and mom and dad too! I love challenging the students to go home and teach their parents these valuable life skills (and no karate-chopping!) 😍

Let’s get started. Learn more and enroll.

 

Testimonial from St. John Lutheran School, Ellisville:

St. John School in Ellisville 6th graders warming up for self-defense PE class.

My sixth graders look forward to P.E. class during the self-defense unit. The videos are easy to follow and the students quickly picked up on the techniques. They definitely grew in confidence learning these skills.” 

– Bob Duebberke, Athletic Director/P.E. Teacher, St. John Lutheran School, Ellisville, Missouri

 

Testimonial from Immanuel Lutheran St. Charles:

 

What is The Great Flip?

Martin Luther, the great reformer, referred to the gospel as The Great Exchange. I call it The Great Flip.

“For our sake he made him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Through my instructional videos and online resources, you will experience great flips engaging your body, mind, and spirit!

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Shop Three Curriculum Plans Here

 

 

 

In less than three minutes you can learn this self-defense technique

Every video from The Great Flip is less than three minutes. And in every video, you will learn a simple and empowering self-defense skill inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Ready to give it a try?  In less than three minutes you can learn this self-defense technique. Find a training partner and get ready to learn the Wrist Escape technique:

Hi friends, I’m Coach Jody! I will be your guide and coach in the online self-defense courses from The Great Flip. My video library has more than 40 empowering self-defense movements and techniques. And I continue to grow the library each month. Each video is designed so you can learn a self-defense technique in less than three minutes. Once you subscribe to an online course, your videos will stream from Vimeo.

It is my hope to introduce you and your child to self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is proven to be one of the best martial arts because of its focus on real-to-life self-defense situations, ability to live drill and focus on ground “grappling” situations.

Self-defense training is like any other sport. It takes practice. You can’t expect to be the best at any sport without repetition and practice. But if your schedule is busy or your martial arts options are limited, expensive or sweaty (okay I’ll say it “smelly”), then my online self-defense training videos might be a great way to begin your journey.

Ready to learn more techniques? Click here to choose a self-defense training plan

Three easy steps to get started:

1. Choose your online self-defense videos.

2. Enroll.

3. Train.

 

Christian School and Homeschool Martial Arts

Adding a martial art unit to your Christian School and/or Homeschool schedule will fulfill your child’s physical education requirements and it adds a ton of value to your child’s character development. Instead of going out to a big box martial arts academy, bring the martial arts experience home. Here are a few reasons why:

  • It’s a fun and healthy outlet to release energy
  • It will improve focus on schoolwork
  • It will boost your child’s confidence
  • It will develop strength and flexibility
  • It will empower your child to overcome the fear of bullies
  • You control the schedule and expense
  • It offers a real-life application to self-defense
  • It’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy during or as an after school enrichment
  • It puts you in control of the experience

Let’s begin with the last point, first; “Mom & Dad, you are in control of the experience.”

This was the most important benefit to me. Let me preface this with the fact that I have daughters. I was ultra-sensitive to the messaging at a particular martial arts academy. The environment was male-dominate, built for disciplining boys, and lacked emotional intelligence for motivating different personalities.

I wasn’t looking for a participation trophy for my girls, but I was looking for a place where girls could thrive safely. Depending on your child, he or she may not be ready for a co-ed training experience. As a homeschool parent and coach, you get to control the situation and the talking points. You know how to motivate and discipline your child. When you bring the martial arts experience home, you can teach the skills and motivate your child as you see fit. And of course, you get to control the cleanliness factor too; just saying.

Here are four tips to help you bring martial arts to your Christian School and/or homeschool.

Choose a martial art.

I was seeking a martial arts experience that would have a strong self-defense application for my daughters. I picked the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu (Bjj). 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, gaining a dominant position, 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 training space.

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: https://vimeo.com/289726478

 

Get a training partner.

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.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu 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 a 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. Click here to request a free video.

  

Subscribe to a professional online self-defense/martial arts curriculum.

My husband and daughters inspired me to develop an online martial arts experience inspired by Bjj. 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, train with trusted family and friends and feel empowered. Before launching The Great Flip, I did peek at YouTube, but all I found were sweaty guys filming from their garage. Most videos were designed for older boys and girls encouraging violent and aggressive self-defense tactics. I’m not opposed to aggressive behavior, but for my daughters, I wanted a level-headed approach to their training. Again, Bjj offered the best approach. Children as young as first grade through high school can benefit from my introductory approach. My teaching style is fun, playful and empowering. See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

Check out my streaming videos on Vimeo. Click here.

Contact me for a free lesson plan and videos. Click here.

Find a plan that works best for you. Click here. 

Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls ages six and up. Request a free video at www.thegreatflip.com

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

Coach Jody is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. 

Coach Jody is featured on KFUO Radio “The Coffee Hour”

 

 
online self defense for girls

Online Self-Defense for Girls

It’s a tough world out there. Girls face the threat of violence, assault, kidnapping and sex trafficking. They face encounters every day with bullying, cliques, cyber-bullying and more. No wonder self-confidence is low and anxiety is at an all-time high. And we haven’t even hit on mental health and the negative effects of the internet and social media. It’s time for online self-defense from The Great Flip online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment for girls age six and up.

online self defense for girls

I believe martial arts can play a positive role in a girl’s life. It is a  valuable life skill available to our daughters. And I believe Brazilian jiu-jitsu can play a role to improve the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of girls. But sometimes going to a gym is unavailable or the teaching style is not geared toward girls.

And when I say “girl” I mean girls as young as six years old and up. Most parents wait until high school or college to expose their daughter to self-defense skills. But the time to begin teaching self-defense is when they are young.

I wish I had exposed my two daughters to martial arts and self-defense training at a younger age. When we finally went to a martial arts gym, we were overwhelmed by the physical location, the physical touch, physical fitness challenge. We pushed through these fear factors, but my daughters did not enjoy the experience. They were teenagers and did not appreciate the physical touch.  Imagine the anxiety a girl might feel who has already experienced physical abuse or worse. I decided there had to be a better way to introduce girls to self-defense. So I did.

The Solution. The Great Flip.

The Great Flip offers girls a safe place, safe touch and a safe training approach to self-defense training. The Great Flip is an introduction to self-defense inspired by the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. My training features real-life safety tips and faith-filled empowerment.

Hi friends, I’m Coach Jody and am here to equip you to empower your daughter to overcome her fear and anxiety with my online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment resources. You can accomplish my online program at home, at school practically anywhere. (Click here to head to my homepage and request a free self-defense video and lesson plans.)

What keeps your daughter awake at night (and you too)? bullying-fear-germs

  • Bullies and bad guys.
  • Germs
  • Fear and anxiety.

Parents say the videos are fun, playful and empowering. They see confidence and courage increase, while they maintain a safe and controlled environment.

Girls should train Jiu-jitsu for self-defense. Here’s why:

Many traditional martial arts such as karate and taekwondo have nice qualities but fall short in real-life self-defense situations. Katas are taught in these martial arts which are prescribed movements and coordination but do not address dynamic situations such as when a girl is pushed to the ground. More than 80 percent of all altercations are situations when a girl is forced to the ground.

online self defense for girls

Jiu-jitsu is a grappling sport which means its training focuses on gripping the opponent to seize control (vs. striking and kicking methods). Grappling focuses on taking the person to the ground for control and submissions. Jiu-jitsu looks a lot like wrestling. Jiu-jitsu relies on leveraging and techniques vs. strength and force.

BJJ empowers the weaker, smaller person to dominate larger opponents. This is why jiu-jitsu is good for girls who might find themselves up against someone bigger and stronger. If a girl can’t be stronger is a self-defense situation, then jiu-jitsu will make her smarter!

In comparison, a popular women’s self-defense method is Krav-Maga, where women are trained to strike and kick for the groin-kick or eye-gouge. Granted, there are times and places for exerting force on an opponent. But this martial art is for older women who are already strong and physically fit. But even the fittest female may not be able to go up against someone twice her size and strength. Training jiu-jitsu is a better, smarter approach to self-defense for girls and women.

I recommend beginning with jiu-jitsu training then add other martial arts depending on your comfort level and abilities. And highly recommend training at a reputable jiu-jitsu academy.  When shopping for a jiu-jitsu academy pay close attention to hygiene habits, teaching style and their attitude toward teaching girls.

Jiu-jitsu for Girls 

online self defense for girls

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. She will begin to see herself for who she is … “wonderfully made.” (See Psalm 139:13-14)

Jiu-jitsu gets you in shape

Instead of running on a treadmill and pumping weights, girls 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. I got in shape and learned new life skills.

online self defense for girls

The Great Flip instructional videos are a great way to begin your fitness journey and 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. Jiu-jitsu re-establishes trust and healthy relationships.

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

online self defense for girls

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 confidence that other girls desire.

Faith-filled Empowerment

Coach Jody equips girls and their parents with unique faith-filled empowerment resources to connect physical activities to social, emotional and spiritual growth. Girls will discover their true source of power comes

Life Skills for Girls

from God’s power (not girl power).

Download a free excerpt of My Anti-Bully Ebook.

Request a free lesson plan.

Read blogs to enrich your experience.

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

 

See you on the mat!

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girl program partner!

online self-defense for girls

no-contact safety tip your body

online self-defense for girls