Self-Defence Classes for Toronto

Our School and Corporate Self-Defence programs are designed to empower and educate in a unique and engaging way. We understand the importance of safety and confidence in both educational and professional environments. Our classes are tailored to suit the needs of each group, ensuring a personalized experience that is both effective and inspiring.

For Schools: Our sessions for students focus on building awareness, confidence, and essential self-defence skills. We create a safe and respectful environment for students to learn and practice these vital life skills.

For Corporations: We offer tailored workshops for corporate teams that emphasize personal safety, team-building, and stress management. These sessions are perfect for team offsites, wellness days, or as a part of ongoing employee development. Our corporate self-defence classes not only teach practical self-defence techniques but also foster a supportive team environment.

Each session is conducted by experienced instructors who are experts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence. They bring not only their technical expertise but also a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of self-defence, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

The Importance of Self-Defence and Why We Use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Self-defence is not just about physical protection; it's an empowering tool that boosts confidence and promotes mental well-being. Understanding how to defend oneself in various situations is crucial in today’s world. At our core, we use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as the foundation for our self-defence training. BJJ is uniquely suited for self-defence for several reasons:

• Effectiveness Against Larger Opponents

  BJJ techniques rely on leverage and skill rather than brute strength, making them effective against larger opponents.

• Empowerment in Vulnerable Positions

  BJJ teaches how to turn vulnerable positions into advantageous ones, revealing hidden strength in worst-case scenarios.

• It’s non-violent

  Most women’s self defence courses teach violent techniques – gouging eyes, kneeing groins, etc. These are valuable, but they assume we’re facing a stranger in an alley. Imagine the teenage girl who is with someone she wants to be there with, and that person crosses a line. If the only tools we’ve given her are to poke out eyes, have we given her any at all. Yes, she has the right to use them, but if she doesn’t feel comfortable maiming someone she knows, we’ve left her without options. Jiu-Jitsu is that option. It allows us to control our personal space without having to hurt the person.

Skills Taught in Our Self-Defence Programs

Our self-defence programs cover a wide range of techniques and skills, ensuring a well-rounded training experience. Some of the key skills taught include:

• 1 Proper footwork and balance
• 2 Fundamental strategies – always keep them in front, manage distance, understanding positioning, etc.
• 3 How to manipulate our weight to prevent anyone pulling or pushing us
• 4 Getting behind and away from someone who is wrapping your arms up
• 5 Escaping a headlock with only bodyweight
• 6 Escaping various grips and grabs without relying on strength
• 7 How to throw someone who grabs you from behind
• 8 Preventing someone from taking us to the ground, putting them to sleep if necessary
• 9 The psychology of strength – how to look like someone who is not to be messed with
• 10 Verbal Jiu-Jitsu – our words can be our greatest tools – learn what to say and how to say it
• 11 One secret for remaining calm in stressful situations – valuable in every area of life
• 12 Escaping various pins
• 13 How to neutralize someone who is trying to choke you
• 14 How to prevent someone from using their weight against you
• 15 How to not get hit when you are on your back
• 16 How to get up and away when you are on your back
• 17 How to put the opponent to sleep when you are on your back and you can’t get away

In-Gym Private and Group Self-Defence Training

We offer comprehensive in-gym training for those seeking a more traditional learning environment. Our sessions cater to a range of preferences, from individual private lessons to group classes.

These sessions provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants, regardless of their skill level.

"Absolutely phenomenal experience with Open Mats Martial Arts! Their coaches, Grace and Amber, went above and beyond by bringing their expertise to our women affected by violence. Their patience, knowledge, and compassion created a safe and empowering environment for our clients.

The self-defense program they led was tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients, and it was incredible to see the confidence and resilience it inspired. Grace and Amber's dedication to sharing their skills and promoting community safety is truly admirable.

We wholeheartedly recommend Open Mats Martial Arts to anyone seeking top-notch self-defense training. Their commitment to empowering vulnerable populations is inspiring, and we're grateful for their contribution to making our community safer.

Thank you, Grace, Amber, Stephen and Open Mats Martial Arts, for an unforgettable experience and for being champions of community well-being!

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