Students discover that they are very capable of physically preventing an attempted rape, and it is incredibly empowering.

In today’s world this course is an absolute must for female students in the rape target demographic. These techniques greatly improve a coed’s chances of escape and survival, including regaining psychological health and balance in the aftermath of an attempted sexual assault.

We challenge you to avail yourself of the best training available. You are worth it!

 I’ve been afraid to be alone so long I don’t remember what it feels like to feel safe. Now, with your help, I know I have the strength to protect myself. This was the hardest and best thing I have ever done for myself. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know my own strength – I’ll never forget it! – S

-Courage Quest Graduate

I was only invited to come to this Friday and had no idea what we were going to be doing. I am a Community Advocate, working downtown and here in . . . with DV victims, almost all women. I do most of the 911 DV call-backs for . . . County and a lot of safety planning. I can promise you that what you and the others have taught me today will help hundreds of women – maybe even save a life. Thank you.

I was scared, but also found that I have a strength to draw on. I didn’t know it was there, having never been in a situation to test it. Just Thursday after escorting a DV victim to Protection Order Court, a batterer came looking for me in the building, trying to find out my name. It occurred to me that I could end up a victim too, if I wasn’t careful.

I learned some skills today that I hope to never use, but I will if I must. And I will pass on the new found sense of empowerment to as many as I can. Thank you, God bless you all.

JK, Community Advocate

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Thank you ‘to’ all the caring people who put together the recent personal safety course. It was challenging, invigorating, touching and well-designed. I would recommend this course without reservation to anyone, and I expect my daughter to take it before the end of the year. It should be a mandatory course for all high school students so that they can gain the confidence needed to avoid violence and become the kind of peaceful warriors in such short supply in this world.

Thank you for facilitating this remarkable experience. –

-P. Nelson

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You’ve given me the best gift of all – the ability to see my own strength. I’m not going to be paranoid anymore. Thank you so much.

–S

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Thank you for the gift to know what to do in any situation – I feel so confident.

- LS

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You’ve changed my life, helped me to conquer old ghosts. I have the “power”.

- LF

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Thank you for the greatest life course ever!

- DS

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I’ve been afraid to be alone so long I don’t remember what it feels like to feel safe. Now, with your help, I know I have the strength to protect myself. This was the hardest and best thing I have ever done for myself. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to know my own strength – I’ll never forget it!

- S

Our program is for anyone who wishes to be empowered.  You do not have to be physically fit.  All you need is a desire to learn.  To find out more, download our Courage Quest Flyer.

Sign up for our next Courage Quest class, call Ginny at (253) 495-2985 or contact us at ginny@safetyfirstpps.org, or download the application form.

Tatsuo Shimabuku

Tatsuo Shimabuku started studying martial arts at a very early age and in his lifetime, mastered many styles including Goju-Ryu, Shorin-ryu and various weapons.

He began teaching “Chan Migwha-te” (forerunner to Isshinryu Karate) to U.S.  servicemen after World War II.  It was during this time that Shimabuku began experimenting with new techniques to be quicker and faster.  He used kendo protective equipment during kumite (sparring).  He also started developing different ways to block and punch (most notably the vertical punch).

With the approval of his teachers, Shimabuku combined many techniques learned from those styles into his own style, and on January 15, 1956, officially announced the formation of Isshinryu Karate, meaning “One-Heart Way”, because according to him, “all things begin with One.”

An interesting note, Shimabuku’s chosen name of Tatsuo, means dragon.

It is by way of  Steve Armstrong’s original schools that our dojo has as its highest ranking belt, Bill Kortenbach, 7th Dan.

These young kids are defending themselves against abductors.  None of them are black belts, or police officers or in the military etc.   None of them are using illegal weapons of any kind.

Can you defend yourself like this?

Comment below and let us know!

Have you heard about The Street Wise Forum?  Tune in to KLAY 1180 AM on Saturday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m to join in on the conversation.  The show is co-hosted by Bill Kortenbach, Narva Walton and Mic Stump.  Join in and air your opinions on a variety of safety-related topics topics such as internet safety, dating and relationship red flags, child safety measures, personal boundaries, self-defense, self-rescue strategies and more.

This lively and thought-provoking show invites listeners to call in and share their experiences through a wholesome, fresh approach to educating and informing both children and adults.  Call in during the show at 253-584-1480.

Find The Street Wise Forum on Facebook!

For our little peeps under 7 years old, we now have half hour sessions on Mondays and Fridays at 6:00 PM.  This introduces kids to karate, teaches  focus, coördination and learning new ways of moving and just having fun.  We accept students on a drop in basis.

We appreciate everyone that have attended our weekly Wednesday, Black Belt Kata practices.  This is also open to those of brown belt rank who will be eligible to test for their black belt with instructor approval.  Diligent practice helps to keep us all sharp and more consistent in the standards set forth by Steve Armstrong and by founder Tatsuo Shimabuku.  It is also a nice way to stay in touch with our martial arts family.

We are proud to announce Black Belt promotions for our instructors:

• Allen Wheeler received his Yondan (4^th Dan) On August 20^th after giving a successful seminar that was fun and very informative with demos on his favorite bonkai (applications) based on moves within the Isshinryu katas.

We know Sensei Allen was enjoying himself but we’re not too sure if Jason wasn’t having second thoughts about being the ooki

• Ginny Smethers received her Nidan (2^nd Dan) on December 3^rdwhich is the official Instructor level black belt.Dec 3^rd lineup:  Allen Wheeler, Ginny Smethers, Jason Smith, new Shodan from the Sumner Isshinryu School, and members of the Armstrong Isshinryu Certification Board:  Bill Kortenbach (7^th Dan), Mike Odell (8^th Dan) and Tim Carter (7^th Dan).

  We congratulate our deserving students for their diligence in obtaining the next level in their karate training:

  • Kirk Johnson, Brown Belt
  • Shemaiah Walker, Blue Belt
  • Ryan Qusineberry, Purple Belt
  • Alexine Adonis, Orange Belt
  • Nicolas Adonis, Orange Belt
  • Wren Rocacorba, Yellow Belt
  • Christopher Bell, Yellow Belt

  Huge accolades to Abigail Pierson and Shemaiah Walker, who won 1^st and 2^nd respectively in their divisions at the Shin Tournament this summer; 2^nd year in a row that our girls ruled!  Do you hear a challenge guys??

Be on the lookout for Bill Kortenbach’s book, Counterpredators:  Survival Response Conditioning and the Parent-Child Connection, expected to be out in 2012.  CounterPredators will be available in the Amazon Bookstore, Barnes and Noble e-store and other major e-book retailers.

Are you ready to change your life?

More graduates were added to the roster in June and October including some powerful candidates for personnel.

   Please help to spread the word of this life changing journey of empowerment.  That is the best message ever.

   The schedule for 2012 is out on our website and we will send you an announcement that you can pass on to others.  If you need printed material, come see us at our Tacoma facilility located at 2550 Yakima Ave S, Suite B, Tacoma, WA. You can also send us an email at info@safetyfirstpps.org

2012 COURAGE QUESTS

Courage Quest dates for 2012 have been set.  The dates are:

FEBRUARY 11^TH

MAY 12^TH

AUGUST 11^TH

OCTOBER 13TH

 See our full calendar for complete details.

Contact Ginny if you would like to take part in an upcoming Courage Quest.