Physical Education Archives

Three reasons kids don’t like P.E. class

/in Curriculum, Homeschool, Self Defense/by coachjody

P.E. class should be the favorite part of a student’s day! It’s the one place where they are not confined to a desk. But the top three reasons kids hate P.E. class are (Their quotes, not mine 😳)

“It’s only welcoming to athletic kids.”
“I don’t like sports and that’s all we do sometimes.”
“It becomes another place I might get bullied either in the locker room or in the gym.”

It’s hard to read these words. How can we make P.E. class fun, playful, and empowering for all children? As a parent and educator, I want children to be able to defend themselves, but I don’t want the experience to be scary or expensive.

This is why I created The Great Flip! It is an online martial arts resource filled with empowering self-defense videos and easy-to-follow lesson plans for students in 1st – 12th grade. You can make physical education fun, playful and empowering by teaching a martial arts unit!

Review Three Online Curriculum Plans

Educators understand the value-added benefits The Great Flip online martial arts program offers including this feedback:

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 School
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.
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.

Shop all online courses here.

Students from 1st grade through high school are enjoying my program. Here are a few pictures of students at a local YMCA, Lutheran School, after-school club, American Heritage Girls, and a family at home utilizing The Great Flip.

Now it’s your turn to enroll in my online curriculum!

Click here to choose a curriculum

Click here to request a Free Video

Contact Coach Jody

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

Jesus and Jiu-jitsu. Finding Faith and Empowerment.

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

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!

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-jitsu

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.

Membership Plan with The Great Flip. Click here to find a plan that works for you.
Internet connection to stream the videos from Vimeo.com.
Comfortable exercise clothes
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
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

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

The Great Flip Online Self-Defense Curriculum

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

Thank you! My online self-defense, safety and faith-filled resources have become a big hit for families.

Shout out to American Heritage Girls and True Girls everywhere for becoming faith-filled empowered girls! 💪🏼

It’s time to spread the word to more families so they can incorporate my online resources into their homeschool, in school (for P.E. class) and after-school enrichment activities!

Refer a friend and receive a free gift for yourself and your friend! Click here to learn more.

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

Why teach self-defense to children age six and older?

Confidence. Courage. Control.

Learning self-defense will increase your students’ confidence and inspire courage. And bonus … Online self-defense puts you in control of a safe experience.

The curriculum and videos will introduce students to fundamental self-defense 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.

Who is using Self-defense Curriculum?

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

The Great Flip Online Self-defense 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 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 read my “Welcome” blog for more information.

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.

The primary objective of The Great Flip online self-defense 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.

Educational Outcomes

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 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 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?

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.”

Coach Jody offers video-only plans called the Empowered and Strong Plans

Curriculum plans are called Confident and Courageous Plans.

Click here to shop all plans

Try a self-defense skill inspired by Brazilian jiu-Jitsu.

Now watch this curriculum-inspired video.

About Coach Jody

Coach Jody is a certified Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor and mother of two daughters. Her daughters inspired her to develop an online self-defense experience to gain a basic understanding of self-defense skills, prepare for the martial arts environment and improve overall health and wellness.

The Great Flip is a nationally-recognized program alliance for American Heritage Girls, a national Christ-centered character and leadership development organization for girls 5 to 18 years of age. Coach Jody has spent twenty years inspiring young women to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Coach Jody

Now it’s your turn

Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t do this when you fall.

We all do it. The most common reaction to falling to the ground is throwing our arms and hands back to break the fall. And of course, the most common injuries from falls include strained or broken hands, wrists, elbows, arms and/or shoulders. And sometimes serious injury can occur to the head and spine.

Try this test. From a safe seated position, roll backward and try NOT to use your arms or elbows to cushion you fall. We instinctively react by throwing our hands or elbows back to cushion the fall. I can teach you NOT to do this. I will teach you in a simple three minute video a better and safer way to fall.

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

Watch this video for an overview of the technique.

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

Choose your self-defense videos.
Enroll.
Train.

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

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

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

You can teach a martial art with The Great Flip

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

You can teach a martial art to your children using my online resources from The Great Flip!

Adding a martial art unit to your homeschool schedule and/or afterschool enrichment will fulfill your child’s physical education requirements and add 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 fear of bullies
You control the schedule and expense
It offers real-life application to self-defense
It’s a fun activity the whole family can enjoy
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.

Four tips to begin your online martial arts experience:

#1. 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.

#2. 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

#3 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.

#4. 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.

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.

Click here to read devotions by Coach Jody.

Overcome three fear factors with online self-defense

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Request a free video.

Physical location. Physical touch. Physical fitness.

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

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

Bullies. Bad guys. Back to school.

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

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

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

Shop online courses

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

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

Physical Location

At home & homeschool

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

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

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

Physical Touch

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

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

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

Shop online courses

Physical Fitness

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

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

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

My teaching method is fun, playful and empowering.

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

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

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

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

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

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

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

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

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

Create a martial arts experience at home.

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

Stepping onto the big blue mats at the martial arts academy was overwhelming for me and my daughters. I’d like to share a few observations from that experience then show you how to create a martial arts experience at home. You’ll be happy you did plus you’ll save a ton of money and your girls will learn valuable life skills! Oh, and you’ll have clean mats, just saying.

Not enough time.

Learning a martial art was not on my radar as a mother of two daughters when they were little. There were too many other activities to conquer like soccer, piano, American Heritage Girls, and the list goes on and on. There wasn’t enough time, but I valued the idea. By creating a martial arts experience at home, I was able to add a valuable life skill to my daughters’ character development.

(BTW, if you are an American Heritage Girls leader, click here to learn about earning the Martial Arts Sports Pin and more Program Alliance info.)

Fear vs. fun.

Then suddenly, I had a tween and a teen. How did that happen so fast? The outside world was just around the corner. I think my fear of bad guys and bullies was greater than theirs. After all, they had not experienced anything truly terrifying (praise the Lord), but the threat is real. The dangers of human trafficking and rape are real. How can I prepare my daughters for such evil at age-appropriate levels?

Great question! My husband and I choose the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. For a quick history lesson and its benefits for girls and the self-defense application, I recommend you read my blog “Why your daughter should learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu for self-defense.”

We signed up (Wowza, a one-year contract was required) and entered a whole new world. So many protocols to follow, bowing, hand slapping, knuckle bumping. What in the world was happening? Then, the physical nature of the jiu-jitsu. Wow, that took some time to get used to especially for me and my daughters. Suddenly men of all shapes and sizes were rolling around with us (and sweating on us …. EW).

I knew the experience was worth the momentary discomfort. We pushed through difficult moments knowing the outcome was greater. Now there’s a message to be made there, but I’ll push onward.

I continued the training and six years later, I’m a purple belt, certified instructor. My daughters couldn’t wait to finish the year and I had to drag them to class most of the time.

During that time, I learned valuable lessons about mainstream martial arts. There is a certain type of audience, mostly male-influenced coaching styles that do not motivate the mind of girls. The structure is tight, disciplined and rigid. The message is for the underdog or the bully, again, mostly for boys whose parents want them to be disciplined or toughened up.

The desired outcomes I had for my daughters did not match. I wanted values like courage, confidence and self-defense skills. When I turned to YouTube for online instruction, I found aggressive krav-maga style training suitable for adults, but not children.

Thus, I created The Great Flip, online self-defense videos, lesson plans and curriculum to introduce girls, ages six and older, to the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I walk you through the steps to recreate a martial arts experience at home using my program.

Follow these steps to create a martial arts experience at home:

Now you and your daughter can learn simple self-defense skills in a controlled environment where you control the message, the mindset, and motivation. Feel free to contact me if you have questions. Be sure to request a free video. You can also download a free sample of My Anti-Bully Ebook here.

Don’t let fear or germs stop your pursuit to try something new!

Create a martial arts experience at home with The Great Flip. I’ll coach you and give you a successful experience and your daughters will be stronger for it (and you too!)

A martial art tradition called “the bow.”

Why bow in the martial arts? Bowing is a common practice in the martial arts community. I participate in the bow when I step on and off the mat. I also bow to the instructor and to my teammates at the beginning and the end of class.

To me, the bow is a symbol of respect, humility and gratitude. These three attributes are expressed not only toward the head instructor but also to my teammates.

When I step onto the mat, I bow to symbolize clearing my mind. I go into the lesson as a blank canvas ready to learn. Many jiu-jitsu academies post the expression “Leave your ego at the door”. Students who stand on the mat with inflated egos go against everything the bow represents.

What does the bow mean to you?

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5

This is The Great Flip.

Jesus goes before me in all walks of life. He knows I have an inflated ego. He knows I am self-centered. My ego always gets in the way. And if you are introspective, you can admit that your ego, your self-centeredness, gets in the way too. If I bow in obedience, I bow in self-centeredness and ego. This is not a Christian issue, this is a humankind issue.

There is good news from the Christian world view. Read the Bible verse carefully. Go to your Bible and read the entire chapter in its context.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

I bow in my identity in Christ Jesus. The ability to be humble and gracious comes only from Christ Jesus. He will be humble for me. He will be gracious in me. Through his death on the cross, He takes my ego and buries it. He takes all my self-centeredness and nails it to the cross. Now every promise from God is mine “which is yours in Christ Jesus.” Now I can freely bow in my new identity with respect, humility and gratitude.

The Great Flip is the only self-defense, safety and faith-based empowerment program for girls! Join the movement!

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See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls Program Alliance

A family-fun, “girl-power” approved activity!

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

The Great Flip online self-defense videos are a family-fun, “girl-power” approved activity!

While my daughters are home from college, we are brushing up on our Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills. You can join us … virtually! Roll out your favorite yoga mats and interlocking mats and let’s roll!

Shop online self-defense plans here.

My coaching style is fun, playful and empowering for the whole family.

Request a free video to try online self-defense!

I trained for seven years and earned my Brazilian jiu-jitsu purple belt (a big accomplishment) when COVID hit the martial arts world and shut everything down. Suddenly, rolling around with strangers didn’t sound fun to me. I decided to step off the big mats for a while and train at home. With the information now available, I’m 99.4 percent sure I’d make a speedy recovery if I got sick. Maybe I’ve already had COVID. Leading a healthy lifestyle pays off in times like these.

But learning self-defense and safety skills is still important because bullies and bad guys don’t social distance!

Training at home with trusted family and friends is a great option until you are ready to resume public gym and martial art gym activities. My online program will help you accomplish these goals at home:

Introduce you to simple self-defense skills for ages six and up
Introduce you to the martial art Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Add fitness with a purpose to your family activities
Add physical education credits to your homeschool curriculum
Replicate a martial arts academy experience (American Heritage Girls earn their Martial Arts Sports Pin)
A fantastic full-body workout!

Shop online self-defense plans here.

My coaching style is fun, playful and empowering for the whole family.

Request a free video to try online self-defense!

Shop online self-defense plans here.

A solution to the annoying headlock

/in Recent Blog Posts, Self Defense/by coachjody

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

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

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

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

Enroll in the subscription plan

It’s that easy.

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

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

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

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

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

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

Fun, playful and empowering online self-defense

/in Recent Blog Posts, Self Defense/by coachjody

“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! 😍

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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!