A Fighting Chance Rape Prevention & Self-Defense for Women

A Fighting Chance isn't a standard "safety course." This is women-only training built around a hard reality: women face particular disadvantages in size, weight, and reach against most attackers. The program teaches techniques that target an offender's weakest points and emphasize a woman's strongest "weapons."

One in four women will be attacked during her lifetime. Eighty percent of the time, she'll know her attacker.

The program teaches women to avoid an attack, escape if you can't avoid it, and survive if you can't escape. Beyond physical techniques, the curriculum covers:

• •Most common rape scenarios and escape techniques
• •Prevention strategies and boundary-setting
• •Emotional effects of trauma and recovery
• •Steps to take after a completed attack

The instructor leads the class, but participants practice against a male "bad guy" wearing a protective padded suit. This lets women experience kicking and striking with full force against a stronger, larger attacker—and feel that their techniques work. That's the confidence builder most self-defense courses miss.

The program best suits women ages 12 and up, though classes can be modified for younger students. Participants range from teenagers preparing for college to seniors wanting confidence living alone. Many women come after experiencing a close call or having known someone who was victimized. The instructor is trained to provide extra emotional support for those who need it.

Classes are held at Indianapolis Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy (1764 E. 116th Street, Carmel, Indiana), making them convenient to Fishers, Noblesville, Indianapolis, Carmel, and Westfield. Join an open class session or organize a private group class for your workplace or organization.

A Fighting Chance is affiliated with the Midwest Regional Network for Intervention With Sex Offenders, National Organization for Victims Assistance, and Indiana Crisis Assistance Response Team. The program partners with domestic violence and sexual assault prevention organizations throughout Central Indiana.