The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute. Trainer Program Manual. By Thomas Bloomfield

The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute. Trainer Program Manual By Thomas Bloomfield Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 1

Table of Contents Introduction 3 Training Best Practices 4 Equipment and Space 6 Legal Issues 7 Modules 11 Sample Agendas 19 Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 2

Introduction The purpose of this manual is to help you structure self-defense programs, and then teach them effectively. There is no limit to the number of different workshops and programs you can teach. We provide you with some ideas in this manual. However, we also know that your situation is going to be unique. Therefore, contact us anytime with questions or if you need some advice: member@familysafetyinstitute.com Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 3

Training Best Practices Here are some pointers for any programs that you lead: 1. Start each session with the following elements: a. The goals of the program. For instance, goals may include: make self-defense natural for you by reminding you of your instincts; learn how to respond to common self-defense scenarios; and learn how to avoid difficult situations. b. Let your participants know the agenda. Include the modules you will cover, breaks, and ending time(s). Pass out a written agenda (and include this in your marketing materials, too, so prospective students know what they are getting). c. Set some groundrules. Groundrules include: no full-speed or hard contact; stay safe; take things in slow motion; no interruptions (like cell phones); ask any questions; don t do anything that is not comfortable for you to do. d. Who you are and why self-defense is interesting to you. 2. Always tell participants where they have been, where they are, and where they are going in the agenda. For instance: We just covered long-range strikes. Now we are going to focus on mid-range strikes, which will lead naturally into close range strikes and the vital parts of the human body. 3. Demonstrate a technique in slow motion, then let participants try a technique with your supervision, and then demonstrate the technique again. Self-defense is best learned by watching and then doing. You might also use your DVDs and show a particular move on DVD first. Then you can demonstrate it and have participants work on it. 4. Have participants prepare ahead of time. Encourage participants to sign up for The Complete Self-Defense System. That way, you can have them review materials before each class. 5. Don t talk too much. You want participants out there trying the techniques. Don t ramble. Simply tell them that they are going to learn X, demonstrate X, and have them practice X. 6. Introduce each module by telling participants what they will learn and why it matters. For instance, Now we focus on learning that anything around you can be a weapon. This is important since you have some wonderful weapons always at your disposal if you know how to find and use them. 7. Once you have told the participants about the content and benefits of the module, explain the flow. For instance, What I m going to do is give you some examples of common things we can use as weapons. Then you are going to experiment with these items. And then, if we have time, we will use these common items in some scenarios. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 4

8. When you are done with a module, remind participants of what you taught them and why it matters. For instance: You ve just learned that anything around you can be a weapon pens, newspapers, shoes, the sheets of a bed, a jump rope, even a pair of plastic glasses. This is important since you have some wonderful weapons always at your disposal if you know how to find and use them. Now let s move on to 9. Keep track of time. You can easily shorten or lengthen a module as needed. To lengthen a module, have participants practice more. Or, have them add additional strikes at the end. If they get out of a situation, have them strike with a hammer fist. Then have them try a combination of a few punches. 10. Manage questions and side issues. You ll be amazed at the number of questions students have. Sometimes they ask questions because they are afraid of trying things. Manage questions by setting a limit on the number of questions or by saying, We ll have time for questions later, but for now, let s just jump in and try this. 11. Be available before the session, during breaks and at lunch. You want people to get to know you and to like you. That way, they are more likely to refer friends and family your way. 12. Speak in a confident but friendly tone. If you have never done so, sign up for a local training class on effective speaking, or join your local Toastmasters chapter. 13. Get advice. Ask your students to fill in an evaluation form about your training. Also, consider videotaping your sessions so that you can see for yourself how you did. 14. Have a local graphic designer create a nice Certificate of Completion that you can give to participants when they finish the course. This is a nice way to have students remember you fondly and a keepsake that others will notice and inquire about. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 5

Equipment and Space You don t need any special equipment or lots of space to teach people self-defense. You can teach the program in a small room with a few pillows to practice strikes. It is also a good idea to bring some paper (for practice keeping fingers together), rubber or plastic weapons, and props for the Anything is a weapon module. However, as your practice grows, you can consider getting a punching bag or Billy for students to use. You can also find kumidons for students to purchase, if you decide that it makes sense for you. You can purchase these items through dealers like Century Martial Arts. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 6

Legal Issues In my opinion it is best to set up your practice as an LLC or S-Corporation. These structures minimize your legal risk and maximize your tax benefits. Consult your tax and legal advisors to discover the best situation for you. Also, be sure that your clients sign a waiver before joining any of your programs. Following are two examples again, have your attorney review and improve it. The first one includes a physical questionnaire, waiver/release, and contact form. It is ESSENTIAL that everyone you train completes a form like this one. Do not train anyone who has not filled out a waiver that has been reviewed and approved by YOUR attorney, or you expose yourself to legal risk. IMPORTANT NOTE: Please check with your attorney about these forms before using them, as we are not providing legal advice but only giving you templates. If a client answers yes to any of the physical questionnaire, do not work with them until they get a waiver from their physician. This includes any problems with their wrist, knees, elbows, neck or back as well as heart trouble, dizziness, and high blood pressure. At the same time, observe the client and identify any potential risk areas (e.g. obesity, over age 65) that may warrant a physician waiver. Make sure that any children under 18 have at least one parent s written permission to participate. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 7

WAIVER/HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE EXAMPLE #1 HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE FOR: Read the following questions carefully and circle yes or no: 1. Do you have any current illnesses, like a cold or respiratory inflammation? Yes No 2. Has your doctor ever told you that you have heart trouble? Yes No 3. Do you sometimes have pains in your heart or chest? Yes No 4. Do you often feel faint of have dizzy spells? Yes No 5. Has your doctor ever told you that your blood pressure is too high? Yes No 6. Has your doctor ever told you that you have a joint or bone problem, like arthritis? Yes No 7. Do you have back or neck problems? Yes No 8. Do you have problems with your wrist, knees, elbows, or shoulders? Yes No 9. Are you pregnant? Yes No 10. Have you had surgery in the past year? Yes No 11. Are you over age 65 and not accustomed to physical exercise? Yes No 12. Is there a good physical or psychological reason not mentioned here why you should not begin, or why you should be especially careful, during an exercise program? Yes No NOTE: If you answered yes to any of the above questions, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BY PHONE OR IN PERSON, BEFORE INCREASING YOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL. Find out, with medical evaluation from your doctor, whether you are okay for: unrestricted physical activity, gradually-increasing activity, or restricted activity for a period of time. I have answered these questions accurately. Signed: Date: WAIVER/RELEASE FORM By signing below, you agree that training and exercise, and especially Self-Defense, are strenuous in nature and therefore potentially dangerous. You, the Client/Member, are aware that you are engaging in physical exercise and that the use of equipment, training, and instruction could cause injury. You are voluntarily participating in these activities and assume all risks of injury that may result. You agree to waive any and all claims or rights you may otherwise have to sue or otherwise bring action against or any agent, employees or instructors, or, for injury to you as a result of these activities. You further agree that you have consulted your physician prior to beginning this exercise program and have been cleared by your physician to participate. Signed: Date: Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 8

[NAME OF YOUR PROGRAM] Contact Sheet Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone (H): Phone (W) Email: Start Date: Age: Emergency Contact Name: Phone: Alternate Phone: Relationship to you: How did you hear about us? Please suggest three people who might also benefit from a Self-Defense program: 1. 2. 3. Name Contact Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 9

WAIVER EXAMPLE #2: RELEASE FORM I AM AWARE OF ALL THE INHERENT DANGERS OF MARTIAL ARTS AND SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING. I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT [YOUR NAME AND COMPANY] SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE IN ANY WAY FOR ANY OCCURRENCE IN CONNECTION WITH MARTIAL ARTS AND SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING, WHICH MAY RESULT IN HARM OR SERIOUS INJURY TO ME. IN CONSIDERATION OF BEING ALLOWED TO ENROLL IN THIS COURSE, I HEREBY PERSONALLY ASSUME ALL RISK IN CONNECTION WITH SAID COURSE, INCLUDING THE OWNER OF THE FACILITY, BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE PERSONS MENTIONED, FOR ANY HARM, UNJURY, OR DAMAGE WHICH MAY OCCUR TO ME WHILE I AM ENROLLED AS A STUDENT OF [YOUR NAME AND COMPANY] INCLUDING ALL RISK CONNECTED HEREWITH, WHETHER FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, AND FURTHER TO SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS SAID PROGRAM AND PERSON FROM ANY CLAIM BY ME, OR MY FAMILY ESTATE, HEIRS OR ASSIGNS, ARISING OUT OF MY ENROLLMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN THIS MARTIAL ARTS AND SELF- DEFENSE COURSE. I AGREE TO NOT TEACH THE TECHNIQUES OR PRINCIPLES LEARNED AT [YOUR NAME AND COMPANY] EXCEPT UNDER THE DIRECT SUPERVISION OF [YOUR NAME AND COMPANY]. I FURTHER STATE THAT I AM OF LAWFUL AGE AND LEGALLY COMPETENT TO SIGN THIS CONSENT AND RELEASE, OR, IF I AM A MINOR, MY PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN HEREIN CONSENST TO MY ENROLLMENT IN THIS COURSE AND ADOPTS THIS RELEASE IN MY STEAD. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE TERMS HEREIN ARE CONTRACTUAL AND NOT A MERE RECITAL, AND THAT I HAVE SIGNED THIS DOCUMENT OF MY OWN FREE ACT. I HAVE READ THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE BEFORE SIGNING IT. I HAVE HAD EITHER A MEDICAL EXAM, OR HAVE ASSUMED MY OWN RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSURE MYSELF OF PHYSICAL FITNESS AND THE CAPACITY TO PERFORM UNDER THE NORMAL CONDITIONS OF A MARTIAL ARTS OR SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING PROGRAM. I GIVE PERMISSION FOR THE USE OF MY PHOTOGRAPH, LIKENESS, OR VIDEO IMAGE FOR ANY PURPOSE BY [YOUR NAME AND COMPANY] PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN NAME: PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: DATE: Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 10

Modules Think of your Self-Defense knowledge as consisting of a variety of different modules. These modules include: Basic Themes (i.e., using your instincts) Scan the Environment Create a Scene Basic Vital Points Basic strikes Basic deflecting Basic kicks The Domino Effect The theory of Range Fighting Long Range Defense Mid-Range Defense Close Range Defense Body Vital Parts (and how to strike them) Scenarios (each scenario, or groups of scenarios, could be a module) Protecting children (each topic could be a module, or the entire section can be a module) Anything as a weapon Weapons defense Street Smart Guides and avoiding dangerous situations As noted previously, there is a pattern to teaching each module: 1. State the name of the module. 2. Describe 1-2 benefits of knowing the material in the module. 3. Demonstrate a concept (using your DVD and by doing it yourself). 4. Have students practice the concept. Make sure they practice slowly and in full control! 5. Demonstrate the concept again to seal it in students minds. 6. Take questions. 7. Move to the next concept. 8. End with a conclusion which reviews what students learned. 9. Tell students what is coming next. Following are notes for the various modules. If you are in doubt, and to master the content, review how I teach the materials in your DVD and training manual, or contact The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute for guidance. Basic Themes (i.e., using your instincts). Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 11

Basic Themes is a catch-all module that you can use for brief seminars, or as an introduction to the key points in a longer seminar. In it, you can cover some or all of the modules in Section 1 of your DVD program. A basic themes program can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a half day, depending on how you structure it. - Learn the basics of self-defense. - Learn how to rely on natural instincts. - Learn just enough to cause a scene and possibly get away. - Learn a framework for thinking about self-defense. Key Themes to Cover (Note that here it is up to you and your time frame how many of these themes to cover, and in what amounts of time): - Self-defense should be natural and instinctive. Scream, scratch, bite, spit, kick, and do whatever it takes to get away. - Scan your environment. - Walk confidently. - The defensive posture. - How to make a scene. - How to break the body into top, middle, and bottom and the key points to strike. - A few basic kicks and strikes. - Deflecting punches and kicks. - The Domino Effect. - Range fighting. - Practice biting, scratching, and spitting (without real spit). - Practice some basic strikes and kicks. - Practice deflecting punches. - Practice a confident walk. - Quiz people about different environments and ask them what to look out for, as well as what they can use as a weapon. - Demonstrate the Domino Effect. - Demonstrate range fighting. Scan the Environment - Learn how to avoid dangerous situations before they occur. - Set up escape routes in case something occurs. - Consider how to use your environment to your advantage if something happens. - Walking confidently. - Types of environments. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 12

- Key questions to ask about a given place. - Suggest different types of environments. Quiz participants on how to scan and think about each. - Ask participants to identify risky environments where they go, and what they need to do about it. Basic Defensive Posture - The defensive posture shows someone you don t want them to come closer without being overtly aggressive. - It also sets you up to react with a palm heal or other strike, if needed. Show the right way to get into the basic defensive posture and when to use it. Practice this posture and be sure everyone can do it. Create a Scene - EVERYONE needs to know how to create a scene. - This is invaluable for young children. - This is the way to tell people that you need help. - Combine with the Defensive Posture. - How to yell loudly. - Keep yelling until help arrives. - What to yell (per the DVD). - Have people practice creating a scene and yelling for as long as 20 seconds. Basic Vital Points - You can shock and disable an attacker if you know where to strike. - These vital points are easy to learn. - Break the body into three parts. - Show the basic points. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 13

- Show some basic strikes. - Quiz people on the vital spots. - Practice some soft, slow strikes to the vital spots. Basic strikes - There are simple strikes you can learn that don t require boxing or martial arts knowledge. - Review the basic strikes, just as I do on the DVD. - Practice the strikes on the ground, and then on a pillow, bag/dummy, or slowly with a partner. Basic deflecting - You don t need to be strong to deflect punches, kicks, or rushes. - Use the attacker s natural motion and energy to send a strike the way it wants to go. - Review and demonstrate how to deflect. - Practice deflecting punches per the DVD. - Practice deflecting kicks and punches. - Advanced option: Practice the mad punching exercise in the scenarios. Basic kicks - Like strikes, kicks can be natural without fancy martial arts moves. - Anyone can stomp a bug or kick a ball. - Kicks are excellent for keeping people at a distance, since our legs are our longest extremity. - Review the basic kicks and how to do them. - Practice the various kicks and then combinations of kicks. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 14

The Domino Effect - Learn to keep your attacker off guard by striking different areas in different ways. - Demonstrate how to shift from one vital spot or region of the body to another. - Practice the Domino Effect (or wait until a later point in your program, when people have a better grip on strikes and kicks). The Theory of Range Fighting - Understand that different distances call for different strikes, so that you can be most effective. - Avoid letting someone into close range if you can, but keep fighting if they get there! - Review the overall definitions of long, mid-, and close range defense. - Show in general terms how your strikes might change as the distance closes. - Show the DVD demonstrating this concept. - Later in the training, have students combine different ranges in slow motion. Long Range Defense - Know the best strikes for long ranges. - Define long range. - Cover the basic strikes and kicks, following the approach in the DVDs. - See the DVDs. - First break each strike down to its basics (i.e., by hitting the floor). - Next, practice on a pillow, partner, or bag/dummy. - Finally, combine different punches and kicks. Mid-Range Defense Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 15

- Know the best strikes for mid-ranges. - Define the mid-range. - Cover the basic strikes, following the approach in the DVDs. - See the DVDs. - First break each strike down to its basics (i.e., by hitting the floor). - Next, practice on a pillow, partner, or bag/dummy. - Finally, combine different punches and kicks. Close Range Defense - Know the best strikes for close ranges. - Define the close range. - Cover the basic strikes, following the approach in the DVDs. - Review the pressure points and nerves. - Make it clear that anything goes (as usual, but especially at close range): poking the eyes, scratching, biting, etc. Get free! - See the DVDs. - First break each strike down to its basics. - Next, practice on a pillow, partner, or bag/dummy. - Finally, combine different punches and kicks. Body Vital Parts (and how to strike them) - Same as in intro. - Review the basics and then get into more advanced/additional places to strike. - Review ways to strike. - Call out a body part and have partners work together to gently strike that part of the body. Use dummies if you have them. - Call out a series of body parts to help people get comfortable with The Domino Effect. - Practice the pressure points VERY GENTLY AND IN CONTROL. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 16

Scenarios (each scenario, or groups of scenarios, could be a module) - Now you will learn what to do if - Show what happens in the scenario. - Demonstrate how to deal with the scenario. - If time, demonstrate how to use the Domino Effect to continue striking (if needed). - Practice the scenario with partners. - Add new strikes at the end of the scenario. Protecting children (each topic could be a module, or the entire section can be a module) - Learn how to protect your children in common situations. - Each topic in the manual and Street Smart Guide can be a topic. Structure themes based on your audience and the time available. - Go through the Street Smart Guide and ask participants to check yes or no for each item. Then discuss based on results. Anything as a weapon - Learn how to be an even more inconvenient target by quickly finding and using weapons all around us. - Follow the example in the DVD. - Practice with the items in the DVD. - Randomly select some items in the training area and work with students to figure out how to use those items as weapons if needed. Weapons defense - Learn what to do if someone has a weapon. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 17

- Go through the same warning we use in the DVD about how difficult and uncertain a situation with weapons is. - Cover possible responses to each weapon. - Demonstrate each. - Practice with toy weapons. Street Smart Guides and avoiding dangerous situations - Learn how to avoid a situation which is the best self-defense. - Go through the checklist with participants. - Consider dividing the checklist into areas: home, work, travel, ATMs, etc. - Have people go through the checklist with you and describe key weaknesses/vulnerabilities. Then discuss. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 18

Sample Agendas Here are some sample agendas you can use. Of course, modify these as needed for your audience and time limitations. One-Hour Programs You can structure brief programs in three ways: review the basic principles of selfdefense and also showing one or two scenarios; review a group of scenarios; cover a single module. For instance: Option One: Overview 5 minutes. Welcome, introduction, benefits/outcomes today. 5 minutes. Self-defense should be natural and instinctive. Scream, scratch, bite, spit, kick, and do whatever it takes to get away. 5 minutes. Scan your environment and walk confidently (Include an exercise here). 10 minutes. The defensive posture and how to make a scene. 10 minutes. How to break the body into top, middle, and bottom and the key points to strike. You might introduce the Domino Effect here. 10 minutes. Review a few basic kicks and strikes. 5 minutes. Deflecting punches and kicks. 10 minutes: You can choose to cover a few scenarios, and/or get into the basics of range fighting. Option Two: Scenarios (This format works well to introduce people to your program and entice them to buy a longer program without your giving away all of the information). 5 minutes. Welcome, introduction, benefits/outcomes today. 5 minutes. Self-defense should be natural and instinctive. Scream, scratch, bite, spit, kick, and do whatever it takes to get away. 40 minutes. Choose 4 scenarios and demonstrate what to do in those situations. Add in other points from the course, such as using your natural strikes, using weapons, vital spots, and the Domino Effect. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 19

10 minutes. Questions and Wrap-Up Option Three: Single Module of Content. Here, you can offer a one-hour session on modules like: Street Smart Adults, Street Smart Children, weapons defense, and using anything as a weapon. A Weekly Program In the weekly program, you can offer twelve weekly hours of course material. A weekly structure can include: Week One: Basic Themes Week Two: Long Range Week Three: Mid-Range Week Four: Close Range Week Five: Body Vital Parts (with practice striking) Weeks Six through Eight: Self-Defense Scenarios, and Review of Strikes/The Domino Effect Week Nine: Keeping Children Safe/Street Smart Guides. Week Ten: Anything As a Weapon Week 11: Defending Against Weapons Week 12: Review and Wrap-Up. Here, you can even test students by calling out different strikes and body parts, and rehearsing previously-covered scenarios. One and Two-Day Programs In these programs, you basically take the weekly agenda and turn it into a one or two day program. For one-day programs, reduce the number of scenarios and exercises, or cut out programs that your audience doesn t care about (i.e., keeping children safe for a group of college students). Be careful not to try to cram too much information into your program. Adults need time to absorb material especially when it involves physical coordination. Give plenty of Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 20

time for practice. Cut out scenarios if needed, and focus more on the basic strikes and vital spots. Half-Day Program If you have three hours, you might consider this agenda: 60 minutes. Welcome and Basic Themes. 30 minutes. Additional practice with strikes. 60 minutes. Four or five scenarios. 20 minutes. Anything can be a weapon. 10 minutes. Wrap Up. Copyright The Family Safety and Self-Defense Institute and ATN Associates. 21