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.
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.
DRILLS
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.
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.
