Volunteer Instructors – What’s Expected

None needed.  We will train you.

A couple of the instructors happen to be martial artists but that is not necessary to be an instructor.  Our philosophy is teaching true self-defense, NOT martial arts.  You do not have to be a ninja warrior to be able to defend yourself, and you do not have to study martial arts to teach self-defense.  We will train you to teach the information and physical techniques that every woman can use regardless of their physical abilities.  It is important to us that all women – young, old, fat, thin, weak, strong, fit or unfit – be able to defend themselves if and when necessary.  And it is equally important that they know how to prevent an attack whenever possible.

As an instructor you will receive training in self-defense and how to teach self-defense classes.  All classes use a co-teaching method with at least one man and one woman depending upon the size of the class. Either one of the instructors may run the class or they may run the class together.

During the physical portion of the class the students practice their techniques on the male instructor (i.e. they beat him up).  During this time the female instructor serves many roles.  She organizes the students, helps the male instructor stay safe, and protects the students from unforeseen difficulties.

Most of our classes are scheduled weekday evenings from 6:00 – 8:00 during the Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons.  We schedule only private classes in the Summer and those are rare.  Occasionally there is a weekend private class but those are rare too.  When classes are requested all instructors are asked for their availability and if we have enough instructors to accommodate the request the class is scheduled.

We also ask the instructors to help with two events if their schedules allows: An annual trade show by working a shift or two and our major fundraiser in late October, Thrill The World Kalamazoo.