Women's Empowerment & Self-Defense

Girls on Guard, 2/28/09

2009-02-20T17:57:00.001-08:00

We will be giving a Girls on Guard class on Saturday, 2/28/09, from 1 - 4 PM at Paradise Valley School of Karate.

Girls on Guard (GOG) -- This module centers on the "Go to People" principle and is probably the module most often taught initially in high schools and universities by instructors. The module covers date rape scenarios and provides the tactics and techniques students need to defend against an attack in a secluded area and escape to a populated area. It is designed to defend against attacks that can be perpetrated by acquaintances and, considering that 75% of all attacks are committed by someone who knows you, this module could be one of the most practical.

The address for the class is:
13647 N 32nd St. (SE corner of 32nd St. & Thunderbird)

The price for the class is $50/individual, or $40/person if you bring a friend.

Class size is limited to 12 attendees. Email me to register and pay in advance.

Fight Like a Girl 1/24/09

2009-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We are getting the Fight Like a Girl program back in swing after the holidays, finally!

We will be doing a Fight Like a Girl class on Saturday, January 24th from 1 - 4 PM.

The class will be held at:

Paradise Valley School of Karate

13647 N 32nd ST. (SE corner of 32nd St. and Thunderbird)
Click here for map

The class will be $50 for individuals or $40 if you bring a friend.

Please email me to register for the class by 1/22/09.

Fight Like a Girl (FLAG) -- This is the most popular course taught in the series. It is centered on the "Stay with People" principle and covers the most common sexual assault scenarios. (*Sexual assault scenarios means the student will actually learn how to escape from the very same positions in which rapists carry out their attacks.) This module is especially effective for attacks in parking lots, parking garages and other areas where it is imperative that you not be taken to a secondary location where you can be raped and murdered. The innovative method developed here is to start students in the worst position possible -- the attacker has you pinned on the ground and is in between your thighs. (Once this concept is mastered, all of the other attacks seem easy by comparison.) Students learn to effectively defend against this position as well as chokes, hits, and grabs. They learn to escape the dreaded and deadly "blitz" attack from behind as well as how to defend their space and keep an attacker from conducting a successful "interview".

Fight Like a Girl, Sunday 9/14/08

2008-09-05T18:32:00.001-07:00

We will be doing a Fight Like a Girl class on Sunday, September 14th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The class will be held at:

Paradise Valley School of Karate
13647 N 32nd St. (SE corner of 32nd St. and Thunderbird)
(Click for a map)

The cost of the class is $50/individual, $40 if you bring a friend. Class size is limited, so enroll now!

Email me to enroll by 09/12/08!

Girls on Guard this Saturday

2008-07-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

We will be doing a Girls on Guard class, this Saturday (8/2/08) at Paradise Valley School of Karate from 1 - 3:30 PM.

Girls on Guard (GOG) -- This module centers on the "Go to People" principle and is probably the module most often taught initially in high schools and universities by instructors. The module covers date rape scenarios and provides the tactics and techniques students need to defend against an attack in a secluded area and escape to a populated area. It is designed to defend against attacks that can be perpetrated by acquaintances and, considering that 75% of all attacks are committed by someone who knows you, this module could be one of the most practical.

The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (SE corner of 32nd St. & Thunderbird)
(Click the address for a map to the location)

The cost for the class is $45, $40 with a friend. Email me to register by Friday. Class space is limited to the first 15 who reply!

Defense Against Weapons, 6/23/08

2008-06-16T19:17:00.000-07:00

I will be conducting a Defense Against Weapons course at the Whitton Avenue Bible Church on Monday, June 23rd from 6 - 8 PM.

The address for the church is:

2601 E. Whitton Ave

Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $40, $35 if you've attended one of the other classes at the church. Attendance is limited to the first 10 people that enroll. Email me to enroll for the class.

Fight Like a Girl, 5/31/08

2008-05-13T22:55:00.000-07:00

We will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class on Saturday, 5/31/08 from 1 - 4 PM at:

Whitton Avenue Bible Church
2601 E. Whitton Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85016
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/7-6ro98HlFZ*GA

The price for the class is $40/person. You can click below to enroll ahead of time. Email me to register.

Defense Against Weapons 5/17/08

2008-05-12T04:59:00.000-07:00

We will be conducting a Defense Against Weapons class on Saturday, 5/17/08 from 1 - 4 PM at:

Paradise Valley School of Karate
13647 N 32nd St. (SE corner of 32nd St. & Thunderbird)

Defense Against Weapons (DAW) -- One of the most common questions women have is, "but what if he's holding a knife against my throat?". You must be prepared to defend against an armed rapist. Knowing that the unarmed defender is at a huge disadvantage against an armed attacker, this module is designed to provide responses that allow a women to neutralize an attack until help can arrive. Techniques include defense against being strangled with a cord, beaten with a club, stabbed with a knife or shot with a handgun. The principle here is "Stop the Killing" long enough so you can save yourself when there is no one else to save you.

The cost of the class is $50/person, $40/person if you bring a friend. Space is limited. Email me to register for the class.

Girls on Guard, 4/26/08

2008-04-13T18:57:00.000-07:00

We will be conducting a Girls on Guard class Saturday, 4/26/08 from 1 - 4 PM at:

Paradise Valley School of Karate
13647 N 32nd. St. (SE corner of 32nd & Thunderbird)
602-867-9204

This module centers on the "Go to People" principle and is probably the module most often taught initially in high schools and universities by instructors. The module covers date rape scenarios and provides the tactics and techniques students need to defend against an attack in a secluded area and escape to a populated area. It is designed to defend against attacks that can be perpetrated by acquaintances and, considering that 75% of all attacks are committed by someone who knows you, this module could be one of the most practical.

$50/person, $45/person with a friend

To enroll for the class, email me to reserve your spot. Class is limited to the first 15 women who enroll.

Fight Like a Girl, 4/19/08

2008-04-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

We will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class on Saturday, April 19th from 1 - 4 PM at:

Paradise Valley School of Karate
13647 N 32nd St. (SE corner of 32nd & T-Bird)

602-867-9204

Contact me to reserve your spot for the class. Space is limited to the first 20 participants.

Fight Like a Girl, 3/29/08

2008-03-19T15:20:00.000-07:00

I will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class, 3/29/08 at 1 PM at:

Curves
3636 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85012

Contact me or call them at (602) 222-4383.

Fight Like a Girl 3/24/08

2008-03-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

I will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class, Monday 3/24/08, from 6 to 8:30 PM at:

Ooh La La Permanent Make-up by Jacque
3241 E Shea Blvd. Suite #9
Phoenix, Az
602-574-0119

For more information contact me.

Weapons 4 Women on 3/16/08

2008-01-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Weapons 4 Women class on Sunday, March 16th from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Paradise Valley School of Karate. The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (S.E. corner of Thunderbird and 32nd St.)
Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $50/person, or $45/person if you bring a friend.

You must register with me by emailing me by 3/13/08.

Defense Against Weapons on 3/15/08

2008-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Defense Against Weapons class on Saturday, March 15th from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Paradise Valley School of Karate. The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (S.E. corner of Thunderbird and 32nd St.)
Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $50/person, or $45/person if you bring a friend.

You must register with me by emailing me by 3/13/08 or by clicking the link below.

Girls on Guard on 3/2/08

2008-01-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Girls on Guard class on Sunday, March 2nd from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Paradise Valley School of Karate. The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (S.E. corner of Thunderbird and 32nd St.)
Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $50/person, or $45/person if you bring a friend.

You must register with me by emailing me by 2/28/08.

Fight Like a Girl on 3/1/08

2008-01-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class on Saturday, March 1st from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Paradise Valley School of Karate. The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (S.E. corner of Thunderbird and 32nd St.)
Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $50/person, or $45/person if you bring a friend.

You must register with me by emailing me by 2/28/08.

Fight Like a Girl on 2/17/08

2008-01-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class on Sunday, February 17th from 1:00 - 3:30 pm at Paradise Valley School of Karate. The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (S.E. corner of Thunderbird and 32nd St.)
Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $50/person, or $45/person if you bring a friend.

You must register with me by emailing me by 2/15/08.

Fight Like a Girl on 1/27/08

2008-01-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Fight Like a Girl class on Sunday, January 27th at 10:00 am at Paradise Valley School of Karate. The address is:

13647 N 32nd St. (S.E. corner of Thunderbird and 32nd St.)
Phoenix, AZ

The cost for the class is $40. You must register for the class before Friday, January 25th by contacting me directly or by clicking the Pay Now button below.

Fight Like a Girl @ BMBC MOPS 2/9/08

2008-01-10T11:08:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a FLAG class for the Black Mountain Baptist Church MOPS group on February 9th. This class is open only to BMBC MOPS members. Members may register and pay for the class by clicking on the link below.

You must register before February 8th to reserve your spot in the class.

Girls on Guard January 26th

2007-12-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

I will be conducting a Girls on Guard class on January 26th (Saturday) at 1 pm at Paradise Valley School of Karate. You can download the brochure for the class here.

The address is:
13647 N 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032

The cost for the class is $40.

Space for the class is limited to the first 15 women who register; sign up soon!

Fight Like a Girl class, 12/8/07

2007-11-28T14:00:00.000-08:00

I will be doing a F.L.A.G. class at Paradise Valley School of Karate on December 8th (Saturday) from 1 to 3:30. The address is:

Paradise Valley School of Karate
13647 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032

The cost for the class is $40. Contact me at coryrk@gmail.com for the "Bring a Friend" discount or you can pay below by clicking on the PAY NOW button.

**Enroll by paying or by contacting me by December 6th.**

F.L.A.G. 12/1/07 at Atlas Martial Arts

2007-11-13T18:06:00.001-08:00

I will be conducting a F.L.A.G. class at 10 am on Saturday, 12/1/07, at Atlas Martial Arts studio. Their address is:

14651 N. Northsight
#139
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 556-9181

Contact them at randi@atlasmartialarts.com or me at coryrk@gmail.com for more information or to enroll for the class.

F.L.A.G. at Jokake

2007-10-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

I will be doing a F.L.A.G. class for Jokake construction company on November 7th, from 2 pm to 4:30pm. For more information contact me at coryrk@gmail.com.

What to do when trapped face down

2007-10-20T06:04:00.000-07:00

Many women have asked what to do if they are trapped, face down, with their attacked on their backs. Here is a link to the article on the Rape Escape website that explains what to do. The first move is fairly basic, the next moves are a bit more advanced.

You are attacked from behind and you've been pushed to the
ground or the floor. Maybe you've even been pushed down on
the seats of a car and the attacker is pinning you down flat in
an effort to beat or choke you into submission.

First of all, you are in a dire situation here -- by being face down
you have no ability to defend yourself. The blows rain down and
you are susceptible to being choked into unconsciousness.

You are going to need to know exactly what to do in this situation:

1. First, pull one elbow in toward your side and place your
palm along side of your face which allows your wrist and hand to
protect one side of your neck (preventing him from choking you
and to cushion the blows to your head somewhat);

Girls on Guard brochure

2007-10-17T11:20:00.001-07:00

Click below to download the Girls on Guard brochure as a PDF attachment.

G.O.G. brochure

Fight Like a Girl brochure

2007-10-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

Click below to download the Fight Like a Girl brochure as a PDF attachment.

F.L.A.G. brochure

F.L.A.G. @ MOPS 10/18/07

2007-10-10T14:13:00.000-07:00

Fight Like a Girl class, sponsored by MOPS.

Location:Vineyard Christian Fellowship
601 S. Cooper Rd
Gilbert, AZ

Date: 10/18/07 (Thursday)

Time: 6:00 pm

Click below to register and pay for the class.

F.L.A.G. @ MOPS 10/16/07

2007-10-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Fight Like a Girl class, sponsored by MOPS.

Location:Vineyard Christian Fellowship
601 S. Cooper Rd
Gilbert, AZ

Date: 10/16/07 (Tuesday)

Time: 6:00 pm

Click below to register and pay for the class.

Women’s Self-Defense Principles

2007-10-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

From the Fight Like a Girl website:

Women's Self-Defense Principles

1. Stay aware of people in your sur-roundings. Not surprisingly, criminals exhibit predatory behavior in preparing to attack. They will try to pick a casual location to look for their prey. They will loot at their intended victim for more and for longer periods of time than social norms. They will move when the prey moves. They will stop and look around for witnesses. They will often make several passes by the prey in a sort of „dry run‟, seeing if the victim will re-act or to get a sense of how the attack might work. Pay attention! Who is looking at you? Has the same person or car passed by you twice? Does someone appear to be moving with you?

2. Stay with people, go to people. Do not ever let yourself be taken somewhere. Cops call it the “secondary crime scene” and most of the time it will be where your worst nightmare resides. If you are approached in a public place do not get in a vehicle with him. Do not walk around the building to the alley — STAY where others can see you. His worst fear is the fear of getting caught, so you should drop to the ground if you need in order to prevent him from carrying you away. On the other hand, if you are in your house or another location that is private, you need to GO to people. His worst fear is the fear of get-ting caught — run out the door to a neighbor‟s. Crawl out a window onto the roof. Drive your car up to a diner or convenience store. Go where there are lights and others.

3. Keep a barrier between you and the bad guy. Use a barrier to block him or use distance to gain time. Keep your doors locked. Stay in your car. Force him to get through a barrier before he can get to you. Use a barrier of pepper spray. The more difficult you make it, the more time it takes him and that means he might be discovered.

4. Attract attention. The first thing he will say to you is “don‟t scream or I‟ll kill you”. He‟s telling you exactly what will ruin his plan! Go ahead, ruin his plan — create a disturbance, scream, throw things, blow the horn. If you think you should yell “fire”, go right ahead. You can‟t count on others coming to your aid, but you want to appeal to his fear of getting caught and make him think that someone could hear you and be coming to help.

5. Control his hips and his hands. This might sound strange if you‟ve not gone through the Rape Escape course, but the con-cept works. Control his hips to prevent pene-tration. If you can get your feet on his hips you can control the distance between the two of you. His hands are the weapons he will use against you. He will hit you, slap you, stab you, or shoot you, but he has to use his hands to do the damage.

6. Use your strongest weapons against his weakest targets. His weakest targets are those that are most valuable, yet ironically, cannot be entirely strengthened. His eyes, throat, groin, and knees are your primary targets. Your secondary targets are his face and his abdomen. Strong weapons that you can employ are your kicks using the bottom of your feet, your elbows, hammer-fists, palm-heel strikes, and knees.

Write up in AZ REpublic

2007-06-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

“Fight Like a Girl promotes self-defense”
The Arizona Republic
22 June, 2007: D2

Fighting like a girl may be considered a weakness.

Phoenix business owner Cory Kahabka thinks it is the best thing a woman can do.

Kahabka, president and co-owner of Absotively, which helps merging companies integrate, is a fourth-degree black belt in karate and teaches martial arts on weekends.

For the past two years, he also has been teaching Fight Like a Girl, a rape escape class that is based on the inherent strengths and reactions of women.

"We teach them to use their strength, and their strongest muscles are in their legs," he said. "So we teach them to lie on their back and use their legs in self-defense situations."

Kahabka said that when he was first introduced to Fight Like a Girl by Phoenix resident Brad Parker, who developed the class, Kahabka thought it was counterintuitive to tell women to lie on their backs because that is the position a rapist would want them to be in.

"But a woman's legs are her biggest weapon, and they are aimed right at the attacker," he said.

Kahabka said that if an attacker sees that a woman is going to put up a fight, he is more likely to back off.

Kahabka, one of several instructors of the class in the Valley and around the country, also teaches it sometimes as part of the women's driving safety course at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.

He counts 2006 Miss Arizona Hilary Griffith, a rape survivor, as one of his students.

Griffith was at an event where Kahabka demonstrated the technique and later enrolled in his 2 1/2-hour class.

"Women walk out after the class so empowered it isn't funny," he said. "It's incredible."