Everyone can be safer.
Empowerment self-defense classes and on-site trainings in central Ohio, since 1993. For individuals, workplaces, schools, agencies, and community groups.
Join a class
Two four-hour classes open to the public, and a 20-hour intensive for those who want the whole journey. No experience needed. No class dates are set yet. Join the class list and we will email you when they are.
We come to you
Safety 101 for work teams: two hours, two trainers, up to 25 people. IMPACT:Ability for schools and agencies serving people with disabilities. On site, or at an arranged venue.
Support the work
Your gift funds scholarship seats for people who could not otherwise attend. IMPACT Safety is an independent 501(c)(3).
Five ways to train with IMPACT
Every class draws from the same source: empowerment self-defense. Pick the intensity and the setting that fit your life. In every class you choose what you take part in.
4 hours, open to the public. Low emotional intensity, our most popular class.
4 hours, adults 18 and over, small group. You set your own pace.
2 hours, on site, for work teams. Booked by employers.
A series of sessions for schools and agencies serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Booked by organizations.
Allie, IMPACT graduate
What is Empowerment Self-Defense?
More than physical technique
Assault is never the fault of the person targeted. Accountability lies with the person who commits violence. Every class starts there.
Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) is an evidence-based approach to personal and community safety. It addresses the full spectrum of violence, from verbal harassment to physical assault, and it gives you practice noticing and interrupting it early.
Listen to your intuition. Notice the funny feeling and take it seriously.
Assess the situation. Name what is happening and decide what you want to happen.
Set boundaries and de-escalate. Use your voice and your body to say no clearly and early.
Respond, verbally and physically. Practice full-force skills so you have more choices if you ever need them.
“When we talk about self-defense, we say … our definition is anytime you’ve made a decision to keep yourself emotionally, your heart or your body safe.”
Julie Harmon, IMPACT executive director emerita
Impact at a glance
Since 1993
959
18+
88%
people reached across 48 programs in 2023.
years teaching for-credit self-defense at Denison University.
of IMPACT:Ability graduates knew a key personal-safety strategy afterward, up from 50% before.
From IMPACT Safety annual reports (2018, 2022, 2023) and program evaluations (2020, 2023).
“IMPACT helped me find my voice, my body, and my POWER. I feel more comfortable in myself and going after what I want, need, and deserve.”
Self-defense class participant, Columbus
“Thank you for making me remember how brave I am.”
BASICS student, Denison University, 2023
Who we are
The people behind IMPACT
IMPACT Safety has taught personal safety and empowerment self-defense across central Ohio since 1993, most recently as a program of LifeCare Alliance. In January 2026 we became an independent 501(c)(3) to sustain and grow the work. Every instructor is mentored, trained, and certified.
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Julie Harmon, PhD, Empowerment Self-Defense Practitioner (ESDP), Executive Director Emerita
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Erin Upchurch, Incoming Executive Director
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Venica Miller, Program Manager and Instructor
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Matt O'Brien, Director of Instructor Training
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And nine instructors
For workplaces, schools, and agencies
Bring IMPACT to your people
Safety 101 comes to your team as a two-hour session with two trainers, for up to 25 people, from $900 for nonprofits and $1,400 for businesses. IMPACT:Ability runs as a multi-session series with schools, agencies, and self-advocate groups, from $7,500 for 12 sessions, with grant-subsidized seats where funding allows. Any class can also be booked privately for a group. Send a request and we will call you within two business days, or call (614) 437-2884.
Support and stay in touch
Fund a seat. Hear when classes are scheduled.
Scholarships have extended our classes to more than a hundred people in a single year. Donations cover those seats and the gaps between grants. Board and fundraising committee members are always welcome.