Understanding and Applying Self-Defense Strategies

Course Overview

We can all subscribe to the idea that violence is not the answer, while also believing in the importance of being prepared. This course, Understanding and Applying Self-Defense Strategies, empowers you with the knowledge to enhance your personal safety through effective self-defense techniques.

Led by acclaimed Krav Maga expert and psychotherapist Dr. Tammy Yard-McCracken, this course provides 24 engaging lessons to help you understand your body’s responses and develop strategies for avoiding and managing threatening situations. Regardless of your background or fitness level, you’ll leave with a better understanding of conflict prevention and defense.

Course Lessons

1. Waking Up Your Natural Human Animal

Begin your journey by tapping into your body’s resources to understand the basics of self-defense, focusing on essential techniques.

Duration: 34 min

2. Other Bodies as “Meat Puzzles”

Understand your physical self and identify weaknesses in others while practicing balance and timing drills.

Duration: 32 min

3. Natural Targets on the Human Body

Learn about anatomical strengths and weaknesses, and practice targeting techniques through shadow boxing and drills.

Duration: 38 min

4. Weaponizing Your Body

Discover various physical moves, practicing drills that help you build muscle memory and effective self-defense techniques.

Duration: 41 min

5. Generating Power by Playing Smart

Understand your body’s survival stress response and how to use it to your advantage in self-defense situations.

Duration: 33 min

6. Expanding What You Are Willing to See and Do

Explore the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) and learn to react quickly in defense situations.

Duration: 32 min

7. Responding to the Ambush

Acquire techniques for quick reactions to ambush situations and minimize your reactionary gap through training.

Duration: 27 min

8. How Violence Occurs

Delve into the nature of violence, understanding the motivations and methods used by predators.

Duration: 25 min

9. Predator Behavior and Violence

Analyze predator motivations and how to better recognize potential threats in your environment.

Duration: 28 min

10. Social Conflict and Violence

Investigate social dynamics of violence and learn techniques for managing potentially violent situations.

Duration: 31 min

11. Escape and Evasion

Focus on techniques for safely escaping threatening situations and understanding the elements of a violent encounter.

Duration: 27 min

12. How and Why Conflict Escalates to Violence

Reflect on the psychological frameworks behind escalating conflicts and develop strategies to prevent violence.

Duration: 32 min

13. De-escalating Your Monkey Brain

Learn how to manage anxiety responses using techniques to maintain control and calm during conflicts.

Duration: 33 min

14. When and How to De-escalate Threats

Understand how to read nonverbal cues and take proactive steps to avoid confrontation.

Duration: 26 min

15. Verbal Boundary Setting and Predator Test

Master verbal skills to establish boundaries and spot potential threats before they escalate.

Duration: 28 min

16. Physical Boundary Setting and Defenses

Explore techniques for setting physical boundaries to protect yourself from potential harm.

Duration: 39 min

17. Ethical Articulation Skills in Self-Defense

Discuss the ethical considerations of self-defense and the importance of making decisions for safety.

Duration: 26 min

18. Physical Cheats in Self-Defense

Understand why winning in a self-defense situation may sometimes mean fighting dirty.

Duration: 36 min

19. Joint Locks in Self-Defense

Learn effective joint-locking techniques that can help you control or incapacitate an attacker.

Duration: 32 min

20. Preparing for Defense on the Ground

Acquire ground defense strategies focusing on mobility and effective techniques for combat situations.

Duration: 32 min

21. The Ground Problem from Start to Finish

Study a comprehensive approach to defending oneself when on the ground, including mobility and self-defense techniques.

Duration: 37 min

22. Weapons in Self-Defense

Explore both conventional and improvised weapons that can be utilized for self-defense, including potential legal implications.

Duration: 39 min

23. Protecting Your Very Important People

Learn how to protect loved ones in a threatening situation and enhance your situational awareness.

Duration: 34 min

24. Adapt Your Self-Defense to the Environment

Conclude with practical applications of self-defense techniques across different environments, solidifying your knowledge.

Duration: 33 min

Bonus: Extended Warm-Up, with Adaptations

Prepare for your lessons with a comprehensive warm-up session that includes adaptations for various levels.

Duration: 21 min