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Elle Beyer

This course is designed for women, by a woman. Coach Elle Beyer (co-founder of Free Flow Academy - The Largest and Most Diversified Parkour Gym on the West Coast) explains the importance of creating space between you and your attacker, and learning how to escape and flee a dangerous situation. With over 15 years of Martial Arts experience and 7 years of Parkour training, Elle understand what it's like to be physically vulnerable. To be matched against a 225 lb. MMA fighter, and to have to endure tackles, body slams, body crushing squeezes, mounts, and strikes to the face, head, and body. Learn how to disable someone 2x your size with 10% more muscle mass. Learn how to counter strike and defend, leaving your attacker blind, or even dead. Learn how to take a hit. Learn how to free yourself from bonds like rope, cords, or chains. Learn how to flee up and over obstacles (such as furniture or fences). Learn how to defend against multiple attackers. Learn how to conserve energy and plan your escape if you are raped and held in captivity. Learn how to make your attacker suffer and pay the ultimate price for messing with you.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Toss a 225 lb. attacker on his ass for trying to put his hands on you. send a clear message that you are a dangerous liability.
  • Understand and use threat analysis, and let your attacker know you will not go down without a fight! you have an 80% chance of surviving and escaping an assault if you resist your attacker verbally and physically.
  • Learn close quarter combat and escape some of the most common attacks used on women. leave your attacker blind, or even dead.
  • Throw a man 2x your size off of you from a mounted (rape) position and stomp his face out while you make a run for it.
  • Learn how to fend off multiple attackers and position yourself to an advantage while you rail brutal knee strikes into the attackers face.
  • Fight to end the fight. learn how to strike to injure, debilitate, and ultimately be completely ruthless in your defense tactics.
  • Learn how to dissipate and minimize a dangerous situation from escalating, but also know how to play the same mind games predators use on their victims. know the "dark triad" and make certain your attacker becomes the "fool".
  • Get access to badass conditioning regimes that will make you a ridiculously tough target.

Syllabus

Before you begin this course, do not expect a bunch of techniques being taught. Teaching a ton of techniques (in my opinion) are information overload. I teach MOVEMENT PRINCIPLES.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by a female coach with martial arts and parkour experience, which may help learners feel more comfortable and understood
Emphasizes movement principles over rote memorization of techniques, which may lead to more adaptable and effective self-defense skills
Includes conditioning regimes designed to make learners a tougher target, which may improve overall fitness and resilience
Covers topics such as threat analysis and the psychology of predators, which may help learners to better understand and avoid dangerous situations
Includes a section on legalities and navigating the justice system, which may be helpful for learners who have experienced an assault
Includes mature content related to sexual assault and rape culture, which may be triggering for some learners

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Reviews summary

Empowering, practical self-defense for women

According to learners, this course offers a powerful and empowering approach to self-defense, specifically tailored for women. Many found the instructor's no-nonsense and direct style highly effective, focusing on practical techniques to injure, escape, and survive rather than complex martial arts. Students particularly appreciated the focus on mental preparedness and addressing realistic, high-stakes scenarios. While the content is universally praised for being essential and life-saving, some noted that the intensity and emotional weight of the material can be significant. Overall, reviews indicate it's a unique and highly valuable resource for building confidence and survival skills.
Focuses on broad concepts, not specific moves.
"As the instructor states, it's more about movement principles than learning dozens of techniques."
"If you're looking for a traditional martial arts techniques class, this isn't it."
"I prefer the principle-based approach; it feels more adaptable."
"Some might want more step-by-step techniques, but the principles are solid."
Provides useful information on the law.
"The section on legalities was surprisingly helpful and demystifying."
"Understanding the legal consequences of self-defense is crucial and well-covered."
Includes relevant workout routines.
"The conditioning workouts are tough but relevant to building the strength needed for self-defense."
"I appreciated having specific exercises that tie into the course's goals."
"The physical aspect isn't neglected; the workouts are a great addition."
Emphasizes mindset and awareness.
"The modules on mindset and awareness were just as important as the physical techniques."
"Understanding the predator's mind and having a survival mindset is a huge takeaway."
"The 'Color Code' is a simple yet effective tool for everyday awareness."
"It's not just physical; the psychological strategies are key to survival."
Instructor is praised for her clarity and experience.
"Coach Elle is incredible. Her experience is clear and she delivers the information in a way that sticks."
"I loved the instructor's direct approach. No fluff, just practical, actionable steps."
"She is a true badass and her teaching reflects that. Very motivating."
"The instructor's tone is perfect for this subject - serious, knowledgeable, and empowering."
Teaches survival tactics, not just fighting.
"It's not about fighting fair, it's about surviving. The methods taught are brutal and effective."
"Learning how to strike to injure and create space is so much more useful than fancy moves."
"The escape techniques, especially from difficult positions, are invaluable."
"This course changed my perspective; it's about ending the threat and getting away."
Builds confidence and addresses real threats.
"This course is so empowering and practical! It doesn't sugarcoat anything and gives real-world advice."
"Finally, a self-defense course that feels like it's actually for *us*, dealing with the scenarios women face."
"I feel so much more confident knowing these strategies. It's scary but necessary information."
"The focus on escaping and surviving, not just fighting, is exactly what I needed."
Content can be heavy; trigger warning needed.
"Be prepared, this course covers very difficult and emotional topics."
"The realism is necessary, but it can be emotionally taxing to get through."
"Some parts are hard to watch/hear, but they are important."
"While vital, the content on sexual assault and captivity is very heavy."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Self Defense for Badass Women: Strike to Injure and Escape with these activities:
Review Basic Anatomy
Reviewing basic anatomy will help you understand the vulnerable points on an attacker's body, allowing for more effective strikes.
Browse courses on Human Anatomy
Show steps
  • Study diagrams of the human skeletal and muscular systems.
  • Identify major bones and muscle groups.
  • Research common pressure points and their effects.
Read 'The Gift of Fear'
Reading 'The Gift of Fear' will enhance your understanding of threat assessment and intuition, crucial for avoiding dangerous situations.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book, paying attention to the warning signs of potential violence.
  • Reflect on personal experiences where intuition played a role.
  • Practice identifying potential threats in everyday situations.
Practice Wrist Escapes
Practicing wrist escapes will improve your ability to break free from common grabs, a fundamental skill taught in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the wrist escape techniques taught in the course.
  • Practice the techniques with a partner, starting slowly.
  • Gradually increase the speed and resistance of the partner's grip.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Self-Defense Scenario Video
Creating a self-defense scenario video will help you visualize and apply the techniques learned in the course in a practical context.
Show steps
  • Choose a common attack scenario (e.g., hair grab, surprise attack).
  • Plan the video, including the attacker's actions and your defensive response.
  • Film the video with a partner, focusing on proper technique and safety.
  • Edit the video and share it with classmates for feedback.
Design a Personal Safety Plan
Designing a personal safety plan will help you proactively assess risks and develop strategies for staying safe in various situations.
Show steps
  • Identify potential threats in your daily life (e.g., walking alone at night).
  • Develop strategies for avoiding or mitigating those threats.
  • Practice your safety plan with a friend or family member.
  • Review and update your plan regularly.
Read 'Meditations on Violence'
Reading 'Meditations on Violence' will provide a deeper understanding of the psychology of violence and how to apply martial arts training in real-world situations.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on the author's insights into violence and self-defense.
  • Reflect on how the concepts in the book relate to the techniques taught in the course.
  • Consider how you can apply these insights to your personal safety plan.
Sparring and Scenario Training
Participating in sparring and scenario training with classmates will provide valuable experience in applying the techniques learned in the course under pressure.
Show steps
  • Find a partner or group of classmates to train with.
  • Practice sparring, focusing on applying the techniques learned in the course.
  • Create realistic self-defense scenarios and practice responding to them.
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other.

Career center

Learners who complete Self Defense for Badass Women: Strike to Injure and Escape will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Self Defense Instructor
A self defense instructor teaches individuals how to protect themselves from physical harm, and this course may be useful to those seeking this role. This course emphasizes movement principles over memorizing techniques and includes training on how to escape various holds and attacks. It also provides conditioning exercises to become a tough target. This course is specifically designed for women, and so would help anyone wishing to teach self defense to women. The instruction provided in this course would be applicable to a self defense instructor who also wants to teach others how to flee and escape dangerous situations.
Security Officer
A security officer is responsible for protecting property, assets, and people from harm and this course fits well into this role. This course teaches how to use threat analysis, close quarter combat, and how to react to surprise attacks. It also provides instruction on how to defend against multiple attackers, how to escape from restraints, and how to flee over obstacles. A security officer can greatly benefit from the mindset training provided, and the techniques for defending against a variety of different attacks covered in this course. The course also covers how to minimize a dangerous situation, which would greatly help a security officer in crisis.
Personal Protection Specialist
A personal protection specialist, also known as a bodyguard, is someone who safeguards their clients from harm. This course may be useful to those seeking this role, as the movement principles, mental awareness, and combat techniques provide a solid basis of skills useful in personal protection. This course focuses on how to escape various holds, attacks, and restraints, which is important for a personal protection specialist. Learning how to defend against multiple attackers and flee over obstacles would further help a personal protection specialist keep their client safe and secure. The conditioning exercises in this course would also help keep a personal protection specialist in top physical shape.
Martial Arts Instructor
A martial arts instructor teaches various forms of combat, and this course may be useful for those seeking this role. This course emphasizes movement principles and provides training on how to counter-strike, defend, and escape dangerous situations. It also provides conditioning exercises to become a tough target. A martial arts instructor can utilize the teachings in the course to better understand real-world self defense situations. Having expertise in the topics covered by this course would enhance the martial arts instructor's ability to prepare students for genuine threats while also reinforcing their own awareness and skills.
Law Enforcement Officer
A law enforcement officer enforces laws and protects the public. This role may find some value in this course. The course covers threat analysis, close quarter combat, and how to react to surprise attacks. It also provides instruction on how to defend against multiple attackers, how to escape from restraints, and how to flee over obstacles. While this course specifically focuses on women's self defense, the skills and knowledge would translate well to a law enforcement officer who needs to be able to handle physical confrontations in a variety of situations. This course also provides important guidance on how to de-escalate dangerous situations.
Corrections Officer
A corrections officer is responsible for the supervision and security of individuals who have been arrested and are being detained. This role may find some value in this course. The course covers threat analysis, close quarter combat, and how to react to surprise attacks. It also provides instruction on how to defend against multiple attackers, how to escape from restraints, and how to flee over obstacles. While this course specifically focuses on women's self defense, the skills and knowledge would translate well to a corrections officer who needs to be able to handle physical confrontations in a variety of situations. This course also provides important guidance on how to de-escalate dangerous situations.
Victim Advocate
A victim advocate provides support and resources to individuals who have experienced trauma or crime, and this course may be helpful to those seeking this role. This course includes training on threat analysis and mental awareness, which can help victim advocates better understand the perspectives of those they serve. While this course focuses on physical self-defense techniques, understanding the principles of self-preservation and escape can empower a victim advocate to provide more comprehensive support. The detailed discussions about how to navigate the justice system could also be useful for a victim advocate.
Emergency Medical Technician
An Emergency Medical Technician provides essential medical assistance to individuals in emergency situations. This role may find some value in this course. While this course primarily focuses on self-defense, understanding principles of threat analysis and how to react under pressure could be beneficial for an emergency medical technician, who must often work in chaotic and hazardous conditions. The ability to stay alert and think quickly could help an emergency medical technician to be more aware of their surroundings while on duty and avoid danger when possible. The conditioning aspect of this course also provides a framework for maintaining fitness needed in the field.
Parkour Instructor
A parkour instructor teaches students how to move quickly and efficiently through an environment. This course may be helpful to those seeking this role, as it is taught by the co-founder of a large Parkour gym and it includes instruction in fleeing over obstacles. Learning the principles of movement and escape could provide a parkour instructor with additional insights into how to better teach their own students. A parkour instructor, especially one teaching self-defense principles, could use the techniques taught on this course to inform their lesson planning.
Fitness Trainer
A fitness trainer designs and implements fitness programs for clients. This course may be helpful to those seeking this role as it includes specific conditioning regimes. The course emphasizes strength and endurance, and these elements could be integrated into a fitness trainer's workout plans for clients. A fitness trainer can use the conditioning elements of this course to offer their clients something that is functional and practical, especially if they are interested in practical applications of fitness.
Social Worker
A social worker provides support to individuals and communities facing challenges. This course may be helpful for a social worker who wants to better understand the impacts of violence and trauma. While the course centers on physical self-defense, the training in mental awareness, threat analysis, and the understanding of predator behavior can provide a social worker with an edge in their work. A social worker can also use knowledge of the “Dark Triad” to better assess the dynamics they observe in the systems they hope to improve.
School Counselor
A school counselor provides guidance and support to students on personal, academic and social matters. This course may be helpful for those seeking this role. While this course primarily focuses on physical self-defense for women, it includes elements of threat analysis, awareness training, and understanding of predatory behaviors that could be valuable for a school counselor. A school counselor can use that knowledge to help students who may be at risk and to develop strategies for prevention and safety.
Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator develops and implements programs that serve and improve their local community. Though predominantly physical, this course may be helpful to those seeking this role. The analysis of safety and security in the course may inform the community outreach coordinator in the design of community programs that foster resilience and safety. The discussions of victimization, consent, and the justice system can inform programs that tackle difficult issues facing the community. A community outreach coordinator can use the principles of threat analysis and awareness to create a more secure community.
Residential Advisor
A residential advisor, often in a college or university setting, supervises students and ensures their well-being. This course may be helpful for those seeking this role. While the course focuses on physical self-defense for women, understanding the dynamics of threat, predation, and response can be valuable for a residential advisor. A residential advisor may use the principles of mental awareness and threat analysis to better respond to potential emergencies involving the students under their care. The de-escalation strategies and discussions of consent could also be relevant to a residential advisor's role.
Youth Worker
A youth worker supports young people to develop skills and make positive changes in their lives. This course may be helpful to those seeking this role. While this course primarily focuses on physical self-defense, the training in awareness and threat analysis can be beneficial for a youth worker. A youth worker can use the information in this course to help young people develop and understand the strategies and principles of personal safety. The course also includes instruction on issues like consent and predatory behavior, which may be particularly useful for working with at-risk youth.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Self Defense for Badass Women: Strike to Injure and Escape.
Explores the realities of violence and how martial arts training can prepare you for real-world self-defense situations. It emphasizes the importance of mindset, awareness, and de-escalation techniques. This book is valuable as additional reading because it provides a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional aspects of violence, complementing the physical techniques taught in the course. It helps bridge the gap between training and real-world application.

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