What Happens In a Typical IMPACT Class?

All IMPACT classes are hands-on. Students learn by doing.

IMPACT classes are designed to teach self-protection strategies that are effective regardless of size, age, or fitness level.

Instructors are trained at recreating common assault scenarios. In response, most students feel fear, and the training process will help you learn to manage your body’s natural adrenaline response and defend yourself successfully. IMPACT instructors are fully padded so that students can safely practice physical techniques by striking full-force.

What IMPACT Courses Emphasize

  • Using physical force is always a last resort. Verbal de-escalation skills are taught as the first line of defense.
  • If you have to use physical force, striking a vulnerable part of a would-be assailant’s body is the best chance for success.
  • Assertiveness and Boundary Setting — speaking up about uncomfortable or unsafe situations in our everyday lives helps create safety for ourselves and others.

Specific courses vary, but generally IMPACT courses contain these elements:

INTRODUCTION

Instructors give students information about what the class will involve. Students get an opportunity to talk about what they hope to learn, reflect on previous classes, or ask questions.

Blurryelbow DEMONSTRATION

Instructors show a physical or verbal technique.

STEP-BY-STEP TEACHING

Instructors break the technique into smaller pieces and give students the opportunity to practice each component.

DRILLSMikeeyestrike

After learning a physical technique, students practice on a kick pad or piece of the body armor as a way of seeing what it’s like to strike a surface full-force.

SCENARIOS

After students have learned a technique, they participate in a simulation of an assault or potential assault. The padded instructor plays the role of the would-be assailant while the lead instructor stands with the individual students on the mat and coaches them through the scenario.

Jocoaches GRADUAL PROGRESSION

As the class progresses, scenarios become more challenging. Students are prepared for each phase of the training.

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

Instructors create an environment in which students can openly acknowledge the challenges of learning safety skills. Students are encouraged to cheer for each other and be part of creating a positive learning environment.