workshop report: The women's self-defense course on Saturday Feb. 9th/08 was well received, concluding with warm applause. More than 20 attending on a sunny and warm afternoon - thank you to everyone for your commitment to personal empowerment! Our modest group was able to donate a few hundred dollars to the SBRCC, thank you! Many women spoke with me about their feelings: that the class was very helpful to them, they liked the pacing, they were happy to not be overwhelmed, pleased to be in community with others, some were reminded of past difficult experiences, and they felt encouraged. A few women described previous encounters that were powerful and inspiring for us all to hear.

The class discussed awareness/prevention, developing a strong standing base, learning to stand safely from a seated position, how to use the power of voice, striking with the heel of the palm, release from chokes, use of elbows, and hammer-fists, we discussed defensive sprays too. The group was a mix of all ages, with a number of 13-year old girls in attendance, some mid-teens, 21 years, and a range of youthful adults. Mothers and daughters enjoyed the bonding experience, young women heading to or already at college appreciated the important knowledge.

Feb. Self-defense workshop/fundraiser Press Release January 23, 2008

Women's Self-defense Workshop/Fundraiser
A Priceless Valentine Gift for the Women in your Life...
"Being prepared is not paranoid--it is powerful!" - Terra Wise

Fundraiser for the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center, Saturday, Feb. 9th, 1-4 pm
This benefit/workshop will empower women/teens while also supporting the RCC!!

Santa Barbara, CA -- A three-hour introductory self-defense workshop for women and teen girls will teach empowerment, self-esteem, and self-defense skills. At the same time this workshop/fundraiser ensures that sexual assault survivors have access to crisis counseling and ongoing therapeutic support from the Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center.

Empowering women to defend themselves is the goal of both workshop instructor Terra Wise, and Women's Athletic Club owner, and host for the event, Alice Huang. Ms. Wise is a certified women's self-defense instructor and has worked with women as a teacher and counselor in Toronto, Canada and California for 25 years. Her skills as a CA state-certified sexual assault crisis counselor, somatic therapist, and holistic counselor contribute to her varied workshops and private healing sessions. Wise says: " This course will teach women about empowering themselves, while helping others in need, it is also an opportunity to develop community and interpersonal support, plus, survivors of sexual and domestic assault are encouraged to attend because there is compassionate care and safety as a foundation in this training." To learn more about the work of Ms. Wise see her website, www.terrawise.net, or call, 805-275-1803.

The fundraiser/workshop is scheduled for Saturday February 9th from 1-4 pm. The donation is $30 per person, only $20 per person if you sign-up with another (friend, sister, mother, daughter). The host for the event is the Women's Athletic Club (WAC) located at 4175 State St, SB, 93110. For information about the club call, 805-845-4545, or visit, www.womensathleticclub.net. Ms. Huang has been involved in women's fitness as a personal training for over 20 years. " I am happy to play any role that can support the Rape Crisis Center, it is my pleasure to be involved with this fundraiser."

Facts to know:
Pre-registration is required for this course.
Donation is $30 per person -- or only $20 per person if you register together with a friend, sister, mother, or a daughter!
Location : WAC, 4175 State St. CA 93110.

Class description: The workshop teaches techniques such as blocks, strikes, releases from the ground/standing, and includes discussion about awareness/prevention, personal boundaries, self-esteem, power of voice, and defensive sprays. By the end of this safe introduction participants will have developed skills, confidence, and tools to build upon. Dress for comfort, freedom to move, bring a notebook/pen, water, and a yoga mat if you have one.
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The Santa Barbara Rape Crisis Center is located at 433 E Canon Perdido St., CA, 93101.
Contact: 805-963-6832. Website: http://www.sbrapecrisiscenter.org.
The 24-Hour Crisis Line is, 805-564-3696.