This course opened my eyes to the way that I want to be treated. I learned to recognize that I can say no to people and situations that make me uncomfortable. I feel so much more empowered to speak up and advocate for myself. I am now feeling agency and taking charge of my life. I have been thrilled to find myself having the courage and ability to speak up to people at home and at work in ways that I could not have imagined before.I also feel much safer walking around the city knowing that I have the physical skills to fight back if I need to. Practicing actually fighting full-force against men in padded suits is an incredibly empowering and effective experience that got into my muscle memory and changed the way I carry myself.The instructors were amazing: kind, intelligent, supportive. I felt very safe the whole time I was there, such a comfortable, positive, and non-competitive environment. I loved being in this course.

This course is amazing. I felt extremely safe. I could express my emotions and fears and I felt no judgement. There is a community here that is supportive and nurturing. I learned not only how to physically protect myself but how to mentally prepare myself. These lessons also go far beyond just being attacked my a stranger. They teach you how to speak up for yourself and how to put yourself first. They taught me skills on communication that I try to use in my every day life. Karen and Earnest were the best. There was also a really supportive aid that took the class with us and made us feel extra supported.

Ive taken the Prepare course twice in my life: once in 2012 when I wanted prepare myself to travel abroad, and another time six months ago, 2018. I live in NYC. I tell people all of the time that this is the best thing I have ever done for myself, to take this class. It is a safe and warm environment and I saw how the instructors were understanding and helpful and adapted to the needs of the people taking the course. There was an extremely wide range of ages of people taking the course both times I went, and all genders are welcome. The most useful things I learned help me in my every day life, feeling comfortable to just tell that creepy Uncle that I prefer handshakes instead of feeling pressured to let him come right up against me, to walk away from potentially dangerous situations, and to walk with confidence and awareness. My soft, gentle personality developed a voice that gave me confidence in this course, and I learned to not be afraid to use my body in simple motions to defend myself. I feel like a strong capable woman now, and teach others as much at I can from what I learned in that class. Every person, man, woman, and child, will develop awareness by taking this course.