BASICS, Core Self-Defense Intensive
Our flagship, and the source every other course draws from. Over about 20 hours you move from situational awareness, boundary-setting and trusting your gut to full-force physical defense. Deep, emotionally honest, transformative work.
Who it is for
- Adults who want the whole journey. BASICS covers strangers and the people we know: a friend, a coworker, an acquaintance.
- Anyone ready to practice at full force, in a supportive group.
- Future instructors. Every IMPACT instructor takes BASICS as a student first.
Jennifer, IMPACT graduate
What happens in the room
What you practice
1. Awareness: noticing what is around you and trusting your gut
2. Boundaries: saying don't touch me, and meaning it
3. Voice and body language that match what you mean
4. De-escalation and confrontation
5. Practice scenes with strangers and with people you know
6. Escaping unwanted contact
7. Strikes and kicks, at full force
8. Defending yourself from the ground
9. Full-force practice against a padded, suited instructor
Format: about 20 hours over several sessions, with one small cohort that stays together. Past courses ran over a weekend, from Friday evening to Sunday.
Physical level: full-force strikes and kicks, standing and on the ground, at your own pace. Physical skills are taught so they are accessible to all.
The padded, suited instructor. A trained instructor in full protective gear plays the attacker, so you can practice at full force. We confirm each cohort’s schedule and instructors when dates are set.
Choice: you decide how far to go in every drill. You can sit out or step out at any time, no reason needed. Trainers always ask before any touch, and no one has to share a personal story.
Wear: clothes you can move in.
Emotional level: deep and emotionally honest work, in a supportive group.
Who teaches
BASICS is taught by certified IMPACT instructors, trained in trauma-informed care and physical safety. IMPACT Safety has taught empowerment self-defense in central Ohio since 1993.
Cost
$350, $495 or $750: you choose the tier.
When dates are set, a $60 deposit will hold your place. Nothing to pay now.
If none of the three fits, tick “I may need a reduced-cost seat” on the class list form.
Next step
Join the next cohort list and we will contact you when dates are set. No payment now and no obligation.
Or call (614) 437-2884 or email info@impactsafety.org.