Free Self-Defense Training for At-Risk Populations
Until now, some of the most at-risk people in our community could not afford the self-defense training that would increase their confidence and teach them skills to defend themselves when they’re caught in potentially harmful situations.
Teri Coffee McDuffie is on a mission to change that.
Teri has taught self-defense in Santa Barbara since 1987. Now she has founded the Coastal Self Defense Academy to provide free training to these vulnerable segments of our local population. They include senior citizens, college students, young children, people in recovery centers or shelters, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Those with physical impairments, such as failing eyesight or hearing loss, or who are physically unable to move out of harm’s way quickly are least able to protect themselves.
Because of perceived weaknesses, members of all these groups are easy targets for rapists, muggers and bullies.
Feeling helpless can be frightening. Self-defense training teaches students not only how to respond physically but also how to use mental skills to stay calm and make rational decisions. Someone may start out feeling timid and fearful. But with training, that person can quickly develop the ability to meet abuse, bullying, coercion and unhealthy relationships with personal strength and inner power.
Knowing they can take care of themselves makes it possible for them to move through the world with confidence and a belief in their own self-worth.
And that leads to more positive, happy, peaceful people in our community.
To learn more about Teri Coffee McDuffie and her long history with martial arts and self-defense, go here.