Self-defense is a crucial tool for any woman to have under her belt, especially going to college in a big city. Long walks from the library by yourself or getting off work late can make you an easy target, so learning self-defense can help you protect yourself if you ever end up in a compromising situation. But where can you learn how to defend yourself?
Philly Self Defense, a studio in Fishtown, offers classes for those who are looking to be trained in self-defense. Philly Self Defense offers classes that instruct people of all genders and ages about using martial arts self defense by teaching a variety of different and useful skills.
Philly Self Defense found its permanent home three years ago when Allen Chambers and his fellow instructor, Joe, partnered up to teach the art. Both Allen and Joe had a long history of practicing martial arts, but they also had a passion for teaching. They believe that self-defense is the one skill that everybody should have, and decided to establish the company in order to pass that skill along to people.
The studio offers a few different modes of classes. They offer weekly groups that instruct students on practical self-defense, while also covering topics such as dealing with weapons, striking, grabs and holds, and ground defense. They also have a six-week course, priced at $125, which allows students to learn the basics on a tight schedule. For those who really want to become immersed in the training, Philly Self Defense also offers one-on-one training sessions. However, all of the classes are kept small so that there is individual attention.
Along with classes, they do small group workshops, corporate seminars, and guest talks.
Philly Self Defense wants to give back to their community as much as possible, and to do so, they start by teaching people self-defense. “Our goal,” Allen Chambers said, “regardless of who walks into our gym, is to provide that person with a tangible skill or concept, that they can take with them and have for the rest of their life.” They even try to offer reduced prices for their courses. Over time, Allen said, a student will learn more than just punching and kicking, but also the “vastness and intricacies of martial arts.”
If you’re looking to take some self-defense classes in the Philadelphia area, Philly Self Defense is a great place to check out! The instructors’ passion and the small class sizes will make you less vulnerable and more ready to defend yourself in case you need to.
Interested in being enrolled in a class at Philly Self Defense? Head out to Her Campus Drexel’s Yoga’ta #LoveYourself event in collaboration with Students Advocating Feminism and Equality (SAFE) and Drexel Recreational Athletics on Saturday, February 13th, from 12 to 2 p.m. at the DAC in workout room 216 for a chance to enter a raffle and win a FREE enrollment to one of Philly Self Defense’s six-week courses!Â