If you know me, you know that, physically, there’s not much to me. I may be a strong dancer, but, admittedly, I don’t have a lot of upper body strength, and I’ve never considered myself very powerful. For those reasons, I figured taking a women’s self-defense workshop might not be effective—or even be a waste of my time. How would I, as petite as I am, be able to defend myself?

However, last week I had to open up the studio for Suzanne, the instructor for the Women’s Self Defense Workshop. Since I was already there, I figured I’d attend the class. Boy, am I glad I did!

Though Suzanne instructed the class on helpful moves that allows one to break away from an attacker, the workshop also focused on how to be aware of one’s surroundings, how to avoid potentially dangerous situations, and how to be prepared if you are attacked. I must admit that it made me think more about being aware, and it even made me realize that I can be powerful if I am prepared! Another student mentioned that she felt more confident and empowered after attending the workshop.

Of course being fresh in my mind, the lessons learned in the workshop seem very helpful, but I realize, as with most workshops, reviewing the material and practicing the moves will help reinforce what was learned.

If you are at all like I was, thinking a self-defense course might not be very valuable to you, I suggest you reconsider. If you attend the next Women’s Self Defense Workshop on Saturday, 11/16/13, you may leave surprised at how empowering it may feel. And you might even see me there for a refresher.