the great flip Archives - Page 2 of 4

“The Deep Magic will be Appeased” and Three Lenten Devotions

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

The season of Lent, for me, is a time to remember God’s amazing grace, mercy and sacrifice for me. I know a lot of people give up things like food, drinks, activities, etc. to create time to pursue more of God. There is nothing wrong with fasting during this season. Those activities are meant to help us return to the Lord in a spirit of repentance.

But consider “the great flip” in this way of thinking. Instead of “doing more for God” try remembering all that God has done for you. Put yourself in a position to recognize all the gifts the Lord continues to give you every day. Consider that even the act of repentance is a gift. Remember, the top priority of the Lenten Season is the cross. Christ crucified for you. Then the joy of forgiveness and Easter morning will be all the more spectacular!

Here are three devotions to share with your children for the season of Lent:

The Deep Magic will be Appeased.

But now, once for all time, he has appeared at the end of the age to remove sin by his own death as a sacrifice.

{ Hebrews 9:26 }

Have you read Narnia’s “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe?” There’s a difficult scene where the lion, Aslan, appears to be defeated by the white witch. All because the boy, Edmond, was selfish, stubborn, and made a terrible mistake. The boy should have paid the price for his sin. Instead, Aslan sacrifices himself and saves Edmond. What appears to be a terrible defeat turns out to be a great victory. (Spoiler Alert! Read the book for the full story!)

“Narnia” written by C. S. Lewis, is also a story of the sacrifice of Jesus. We are selfish, stubborn people. We make horrible mistakes. We deserve punishment for our wrongdoings. But God in his great love for you, sent his son Jesus, to pay the price for your sins. It’s a difficult scene to watch Jesus die on the cross. But his great sacrifice is now your greatest victory.

Action Point: Write a letter or say a prayer to Jesus and confess your sins. Say you are sorry to him. Spoiler Alert! He is faithful to forgive your sins because of His sacrifice for you!

Restore me, and I will be restored.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.

{ Psalm 51:17}

Have you ever done something so terrible you thought it was unforgivable?

King David did. He had committed a terrible sin. David was crushed for the bad thing he had done. He saw no way to make himself right before God.

When your heart is broken, God will not reject you. You are experiencing a beautiful gift from God. It’s called repentance. To repent is to turn away from the bad and to turn toward the good. In Lamentations 5:21, the people realized only God can turn them back to him.

“Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!”

And when God restores your broken heart, he also restores assurance of His forgiveness.

“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 1 John 1:9

Action Point: How is God turning you back to him? Repent and read Psalm 51.

How to sit at Jesus’ feet.

Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.

{ Luke 10:17 }

How do you like to worship? Do you like to sing songs? Do you enjoy praying and reading the Bible, Or how about serving as an act of worship?

If your worship is more about what you do, then you might like the Bible story about two sisters who worshiped Jesus. One worshiped by focusing her attention on what she was doing for him. One worshiped by focusing her attention on what Jesus was doing for her.

There is nothing wrong with singing, praying, reading, and serving as acts of worship. Jesus instructs us to do those things, not to earn God’s love, but because we already have it.

The kind of worship Jesus seeks is the acknowledgment of his gifts to you, not our gifts to him. Jesus was so sweet to both sisters when he explained the simple truth that worship is more about receiving from him than doing something for him.

Action Point: Next time you are in church, pretend to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen to all the ways you receive God’s gifts as an act of worship.

Jody Token is the creator and coach of The Great Flip, online martial arts for ages six and up. She writes devotions for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls.

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The Great Flip on Repentance

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

Repentance is not something you do for God. Repentance is a gift to you and for you on account of Jesus. Here’s The Great Flip on Repentance.

Click here to watch my devotion reel about “The Great Flip on Repentance.”

I have more devotion reels now posted on Vimeo. Be sure to visit my Vimeo page. When you subscribe to my online martial arts program, you unlock access to the technique videos.

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Sharing your faith can be done during physical activity! That’s why I combine my love for martial arts and my faith. The Great Flip is online martial arts for ages six and up! You can teach your children martial arts using my online program. You will teach them self-defense skills, safety tips and faith-filled empowerment. Click here to get started.

Apply The Great Flip When You Read the Bible

/in Curriculum, Empowerment, Homeschool, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts/by coachjody

Not everything in the Bible is about you, but it’s definitely all for you! Sounds a bit shocking, but it’s true. Everything in the Bible points to Jesus … for you. I tend to read the Bible and insert myself into the story. But when I keep Jesus at the center, everything makes sense. Apply “The Great Flip” when you read the Bible. You’ll need your SON-Glasses! 😎

Share this one-minute devotion with your children and discuss it together.

Click here to watch the video devotion

Put on your SON Glasses!

“I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.” Psalm 119:8

It’s time to put on your “SON glasses.” That’s right, your SON glasses will keep your focus on Jesus when you are faced with doubt.

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible. King David wrote these words to follow God’s instruction blamelessly and obey God’s precepts perfectly.

But less than eight verses into the Psalm, David reveals the weight of these commands. He knows he is not able to do this perfectly. He cries out “do not forsake me.”

Have you ever felt doubt when you fall short of God’s commands? Put on your Son-glasses!

Now read Psalm 119:1-8 and see that these words are not about you, but they are about Jesus … for you!

Jesus walked blamelessly.

Jesus obeyed all the decrees.

Jesus was utterly forsaken.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by failure, put on your Son glasses and know that all of God’s commands and promises are yes and amen because of Jesus finished work on the cross … for you!

ACTION POINT: Put on some cool sunglasses and read all 176 verses of Psalm 119.

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.

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The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance. Coach Jody writes devotions for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

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

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

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!

Click to watch https://subspla.sh/px9rzsp

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

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How to Stop Fear with God’s Faithfulness

/in Empowerment, Motivation, Nutrition, Recent Blog Posts, Uncategorized/by coachjody

I love writing devotions designed to be read and discussed with your children. You can equip your children to fight fear with God’s faithfulness. I wrote this one for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh. Stick around to the end of the devotion and learn more about my faith-filled online martial arts at The Great Flip!

The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?

{ Psalm 27:1 }

What do you do when you are afraid? If it’s dark, you turn on a light. But what if you’re still afraid? What if your fear is something inside and you can’t figure out how to make it go away?

David, the person who wrote this Psalm feared for his life. Bad people were chasing him. He didn’t know what to do. He tried running and hiding, but he was still afraid. Soon his own thoughts made him feel more afraid.

When you don’t know what to do, you can reduce fear and remember what God has done for you. David began to recall God’s faithfulness. He remembered God’s light and salvation. Then he remembered God’s strength. “The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

Sometimes fear is real and it must be addressed. But something fear is caused by lies we believe. Shine the bright light of God’s truth to illuminate fear and create faith. His Word works! Read it and receive faith to fight fear. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17

ACTION POINT: What makes you feel fearful? Shine God’s word on that fear and replace it with his faithful promises. Write Psalm 27:1 on a post-it note or in a journal. Memorize the Bible verse and put it in a place you can read when you feel afraid.

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. This devotion was written for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

Want another Faith Over Fear Devotion?

Click here to read “Keep Calm and Keep the Faith.”

Four Tips for Empowering Homeschool Martial Arts

The martial arts will accomplish the health-based and skills-based goals of your physical education requirements in your homeschool.

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

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

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 of injury. Of course, there’s always some risk, but Bjj lends itself to learning real self-defense skills with low risks. My instructional videos 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.

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.

More About the Author:

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 choose an online martial arts plan

You Can Teach Homeschool Martial Arts

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

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.

Click here to review the plans.
Click here to request a free video and lesson plan.

#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

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

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?

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

The Great Flip is an American Heritage Girls national program alliance

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

Six Reasons Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the Best Martial Art for Girls

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

Parents tell their daughters to play nice. We instruct them to never hit, kick or hurt people. But the minute she faces a bully, panic sets in. And for that matter, panic strikes the heart of every parent. How should we teach our daughters to defend themselves? Here are six reasons Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the best martial art for girls.

Don’t worry, I couldn’t pronounce it either. Most practitioners go with “BJJ.” Go with it. Now back to my story.

A common reaction to fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and bullies is a bee-line to a martial arts academy. But which martial art is best?

When my daughters were in high school and soon into college, panic hit my heart. Soon, daddy nor I would be near our little girls. We began to research martial arts.

First, we researched Krav Maga which is a military self-defense and fighting system developed for the Israeli military. It requires a lot of strength, precision, and aggression. Three attributes many girls do not possess especially at a young age. And when confronted by a larger opponent, a girl will not be able to out-muscle the opponent. This style of training might be okay for adults, but not for children.

Two popular martial arts are Karate and Tae Kwon Do. These sports focus on movements and high kicks. These martial arts are fun and will definitely improve coordination skills, but they are not realistic in situational self-defense, especially when the fight goes to the ground. In these martial arts, the “game” is over when someone hits the ground. And in real life, the game is won or lost on the ground. Research reveals that more than 80 percent of altercations land on the ground. A high karate kick might be cool on the mat, but not on the streets.

Then we found Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ).

I discovered the martial art called Brazilian jiu-jitsu. I’ve been a fan ever since. The resources and training at The Great Flip are inspired by BJJ.

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

#1 BJJ allows students to live drill techniques with success.

#2 BJJ empowers smaller-framed people to use techniques and leveraging versus force to overcome a larger opponent.

#3 BJJ introduces children to physical contact in a safe environment.

#4 BJJ is a “grappling sport” introducing girls to movements on the ground which is realistic to self-defense situations.

#5 BJJ empowers girls to build confidence, and increase mental and physical strength.

#6 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 buddy.)

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Enroll in The Great Flip online courses

The Great Flip offers faith-filled empowerment interviews, blogs, and podcasts! Click here.

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

Coach Jody is a contributing writer to True Girl, a Dannah Gresh ministry, Christian Parenting.org, and Homeschool.com.

New Strength

Learning self-defense is fun. It strengthens the body. But God’s power strengthens the body, mind and spirit. Enjoy this devotion and activity with your daughter. (As featured in the True Girl subscription box.)

“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

#thegreatflip

Coach Jody’s True Girl Devotions

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

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!

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 }

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

“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

“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!

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

Refer a friend at The Great Flip

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

If you refer a friend and they subscribe to The Great Flip, send me an email and let me know. When I see their membership, I’ll send you and your friend a free gift. We could use more faith-filled empowered girls!

What would you like? Pick one.

A free ebook – My Anti-bully Activity

One “The Great Flip” Patch

Three “The Great Flip” Stickers

Thank you for referring a friend! Let me know how I can help. Contact Coach Jody

See you on the mat! – Coach Jody

The Great Flip is online self-defense, safety and faith-filled empowerment resource and curriculum for girls aged six and up. To learn more, click here.

The Great Flip is a national program alliance for American Heritage Girls. Coach Jody is the coach and creator of The Great Flip. She is a contributing writer for True Girl, a ministry of Dannah Gresh.

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.