October is Domestic Violence Month, and last week I got the chance to take a women’s self defense class at Chamberlain Studios in Dallas with a bunch of other great bloggers.
Professor Nick Chamberlain, who is the owner of the 35 yr old school and a 10th degree black belt, led the self-defense class.
The number one tip we got was that prevention is always the best form of defense.
After that, train yourself to be alert and aware of potential dangers. Learn to notice things out of place. Be confident, assertive, and determined. Don’t walk around with your head buried in your phone.
Other tips to keep in mind while you’re out and about: If you’re going to be out, especially at night, let someone know where you are going and how long you will be. And if you can, travel with a friend or friends.
Avoid getting gas late at night. Plan ahead and fill up your car during the day. When you’re walking to your car at night have your keys in your hand ready. Always park under a street light or close to stores. And never ever leave valuables in full view inside your vehicle. If you’re nervous, or see something suspicious, ask for an escort from the shop or building back to your car. If you are worried about someone following on foot, cross the street or change direction. Head for a shop, office building or where there are people.
If you carry mace/pepper spray, it needs to be in your hand, not in your purse. And walk in busy, well lit areas, even if it makes the trip a little longer. Going along with that, avoid taking short cuts through parks, parking lots, or alleys. If you’re taking a bus or train, wait for public transportation in well lit areas.
And if someone is following in a car, turn and run in the opposite direction, they’ll have to make a U turn before following.
While you’re walking, if someone stops you to ask for the time, directions, money, whatever, avoid getting to close or distracted.
Whenever possible, wear clothing and shoes you can run in if you have to.
And for when you’re at home, make sure you have a peephole installed on your front door at home. You do not have to open the door for anyone. Never let anyone into your home that makes you uncomfortable. Ask for identification, or phone their employer if you have concerns. And if you think your house has been broken into, do not enter. Call the police and wait for them to arrive.
No matter where you are, walk tall and be confident in everything you do. And take one of Chamberlains Self Defense classes!
After our course with Professor Chamberlain we were treated to a sushi lunch.
And a chance to break a board for a buck. It was so much fun to watch some fellow bloggers take the challenge and break their boards!
Chamberlain Studios has some great events coming up, starting with their Brew HaHa at Oak Highlands Brewery on November 7th. This is the 3rd annual Brew HaHa event, benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter. Nick Chamberlain, a 10th degree black belt, and John Sims, Head Brew Master of Oak Highlands Brewery, have designed a work out including a ceiling keg hoist, a grain bag squat and toss, martial arts moves, beer curls and more. But new to the Brew HaHa this year is a chance for participants to ‘Break a Board for a Buck’. This is an empowering exercise where participants can karate chop a wooden board in half with their bare hand; and the ‘buck’ goes to Genesis Women’s Shelter. Check out the video from last years event.
November 21st there will be a Free Women’s Self Defense Course that is open to the public. The course will be held at St. John’s Episcopal School (private Lakewood school). Women will receive a free 2 hour interactive self defense course and work out including self defense tactics and safety tips. And free child care is provided by the Chamberlain trained staff in neighboring gym where kids (potty trained and up) will experience martial art school activities and exercises. The Dallas Police Department Northwest Substation will also have an officer there to cover general/holiday safety and awareness topics. After the class free Pizza for adults and children provided by Primo Brothers Pizza. Comfortable clothes are recommended. At the course women can also ‘Break a Board for a Buck’ where each dollar will benefit Genesis Women’s Shelter.
There are plenty of recurring events happening at Chamberlain Studios. Every last Saturday is FREE Family Fitness Day at Chamberlian Studios (Lakewood and Bachman locations). The entire family is welcome to any of the classes below.
Lakewood location:
8:45-9:15 for ages 4-6
9:30-10:15 for ages 7-11
Bachman location:
9am-9:30 for ages 4-6
9:30-10:15 for ages 7-11
Parent’s Night Out is the 2nd Friday of every month.
The Chamberlain martial arts curriculum for kids and their program called ‘3 Steps to a Great Kid’ teaches character virtues (etiquette, sportsmanship’s, manners, respect) to their young students. This program truly differentiates them from all the karate schools in town as the students build character all along while building their martial arts skills.
All second degree black belt students are gifted a sake pottery set hand crafted by Professor Nick Chamberlain.
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