Self Defense Classes

Self Defense Classes. Taking self defense classes is an excellent way to stay in shape and ready for any situation. Learn by taking self defense classes from some of the best martial arts instructors in the Greater St Louis area. At Gracie Barra O’Fallon, we teach valuable self defense skills in all of our classes, from our Brazilian jiu-jitsu programs to our children’s classes.

Take self defense classes from the Gracie Barra O’Fallon instructors who have produced countless MMA and Brazilian jiu jitsu champions and have taught invaluable skills to all kinds of people in our self defense classes. Join our self defense classes today and learn the skills that will keep you safe, in shape, and having fun. Reach out to us today to learn more or sign up for self defense classes.

Benefits of Self Defense Classes

Self defense classes do so much more than simply teach you a potentially life-saving skill set. That in itself is a worthwhile reason to take self defense classes, but by committing to a program, you’ll get so much more. Students of our self defense programs consistently see a wealth of benefits ranging from physical to psychological to emotional.

  1. Build confidence

    By practicing skills that keep you safe, self defense classes show you what you’re capable of. Through repetition, you will improve your skills and enjoy a newfound confidence you can take with you in your daily life.

  2. Improve balance

    Practicing self defense skills helps you work on your balance and coordination. This not only helps you in attack situations, but also makes you more physically effective in all you do.

  3. Develop self-discipline

    Just like any other new skill, learning self defense takes practice. Mastering the skills takes repetition and determination. You will find that with the support of your fellow classmates and your instructors, you can do what you set your mind to.

  4. Improve your fitness level

    Self defense classes are a workout! They keep you moving while teaching you practical skills. You will improve your balance, coordination, reflexes, strength, and flexibility.

  5. Practice awareness

    A large part of leveraging the self defense skills you learn requires knowing when and how to use them. You learn what you look for and, over time, become more alert and aware day to day.

  6. Increase your self-esteem

    Just enrolling in and showing up for self defense classes is an exercise in self-respect. You deserve to be safe and know how to protect yourself. By putting effort towards this new skill and spending time in class with other students as you show each other mutual respect, you will enjoy healthier self-esteem.

  7. Experience structure

    It’s important to have structure in your life. Self defense classes introduce structure in your schedule by having a set time and day of the week to come to class. You will set and achieve goals in class and develop the discipline to carry that structure into your normal life.

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Is Ideal For Self Defense

While a number of martial arts disciplines are often touted as the perfect way to defend oneself, there is one particular martial art that provides ample real-life relevence: Brazilian jiu jitsu. Since it was first developed in the early 20th century, its fundamentals have always been thought of with practical use in mind. Unlike other martial arts like aikido or tae kwaon do, BJJ elements such as takedowns, sweeps, and chokes are ideal for real-life self-defense situations, as they immobilize your foe and can hold them in an uncomfortable position until authorities show up at the scene. In addition, Brazilian jiu jitsu is learned not by rote exercises or katas, but by live drilling or rolling. Less time is spent on perfecting form and more time is spent understanding how, for instance, a certain submission is performed or guard pass is executed, both concepts that lend themselves well to real-life self defense.

BJJ has always been based around the concept of providing a method for a smaller person to defend themselves against aggressors. Part of this is due to the circumstances of its beginning: Helio and Carlos Gracie, the two brothers who founded the martial art, were notably smaller and more slight than other Brazilian men of their era. They were fascinated by judo and its emphasis on using leverage to negate the difference between a larger and smaller fighter. Mixing this with other martial arts the brothers knew and with an emphasis on ground fighting skills, Brazilian jiu jitsu has shown itself over the years to be the ideal martial art for self defense.

Gracie Barra Self Defense Classes

Our self defense classes are designed for everybody. Using the principles of Brazilian jiu jitsu and the other martial arts we teach, our instructors impart self defense skills upon our students that people of all ages, sizes, and ability levels can use to defend themselves. Self defense classes at Gracie Barra O’Fallon are a safe and fun environment where you can learn and practice the self defense moves and skills that can be used in any situation.

In our self defense classes you will learn a wide range of defense moves based on the principles of Brazilian jiu jitsu and other martial arts. We teach practical and effective self defense skills that even smaller-built individuals can use to subdue a larger attacker. From moves like standing headlocks and skills like using space, balance, and momentum, you will leave our self defense classes feeling stronger, safer, and more confident.

Through your participation in our self defense classes, you will develop both as an individual and an athlete. You will become disciplined, humble, and poised. You’ll develop athletically, knowing improved balance, reflexes, strength, and flexibility. As a part of our Gracie Barra programming, our self defense classes center around the three core values of the Gracie Barra organization: brotherhood, integrity, and development.

Self Defense Programs | Gracie Barra O’Fallon

Are you ready to master the moves to overcome an attacker while having fun and gaining valuable life skills? Your answer should be yes – and if it is, it’s time for you to enroll in one of Gracie Barra O’Fallon’s self defense classes. You will be amazed at how it changes your life. Sign up today or learn more by contacting us now or calling us at 636-544-3655 now.