This 4-week long class series is designed to respond to the recent increase in verbal and physical assaults, to teach participants (respecting race, gender, LGBTQ, religious, or political beliefs) skills for de-escalating verbal and physical aggression, and for responding physically to the threat of assault through awareness, escape, and ultimately physical martial arts techniques.
FIrst recognizing the reality of fear, social persecution, and blatant racism that many people in our community face, this workshop will provide tools to respond in the moment, to reduce the chances of freezing or responding with aggression.
Designed for beginners, what makes this self-defense workshop unique is that the instructor is a therapist with 23 years of experience, who brings sensitivity, empathy, and compassion to a potentially fearful and challenging subject: personal safety. The skills will be based on aikido, a martial art focused on resolution and reconciliation rather than aggression and violence.
This is a 4-week long series of hour classes that can serve as the next step after taking the 3-Hour Workshop, or as an alternative for those who would prefer the longer format. This series will also include equal parts verbal and physical techniques, however we will greatly increase the time we have to explore scenarios, additional techniques, and enjoy the necessary practice time needed for skill acquisition.
Our first priority will be to create a safe space where we can all practice without fear of accidental injury, and so our practice will be slow and deliberate, where no one is hurt by us, and where no one allows themself to be hurt. While the subject matter is serious, we will purposefully bring joy into the training.
While primariy designed for adults, this class welcomes teens above the age of 12 years.
Wear comfortable clothing, and shoes that are easy to slip off. Minimize jewelry, and do not wear watches or braclets.
The cost is $120.
DIrections to the dojo, River City Aikido at 3421 Hawthorne Ave, RVA 23222 are on the website www.rivercityaikido.com
As a thank you for attending, each participant will recieve a voucher for 4 free classes and waived registration fees ($100) if they choose to become a member of the dojo.
Feel free to call the instructor, Brian Hill, at 804-387-2279 or email at bthill70@gmail.com with any questions you may have.
