Will this seminar cover my specific self defense needs and concerns?
In every scenario, there are key principles, concepts, strategies, and techniques that are fundamental to security and self-defense. "Less is more, core is more." And these core strategies will be covered in every seminar.
Our experience shows that this addresses the vast majority of concerns. There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask your specific questions, or you can speak with the instructor privately.
What's the difference between this seminar and your ongoing self defense classes?
In ongoing classes we cover more area, delve deeper, and work with students to hard wire in the techniques. Ongoing classes allow us to take students to a greater level of skill and confidence.
This three-day seminar is the distilled, core foundation of the ongoing curriculum, providing a crash course with an immediate impact. It's a stand-alone course but also foundational to further self defense training, and we recommend it as the starting point for everyone.
You will walk out of the Hard Target seminar with crucial tools, new awareness, and a viable game plan for encountering threats.
Will there be strenuous physical activity?
No, the seminar is light to moderate activity suitable for most fitness levels. Everyone comes with different abilities and levels of fitness. As with all our training programs, everyone progresses at their own pace and level.
I have no background in any martial arts. Can I learn this?
The skills you will learn involve gross motor movements that are natural to your body. NO complicated techniques or finesse will be required from you.
Generally people are pleasantly surprised at how easy and natural it is.
I have a traumatic past history. I'm concerned about the physical contact in the training.
This is a common concern for many people who seek out self defense. You are not alone. We emphasize a safe training environment, both physically and psychologically. This includes going at your own pace and comfort level, including opting out of any exercise or taking breaks as needed. All physical skills are practised solo, on striking pads, or with a chosen partner in an atmosphere that emphasizes having fun while we learn.
We have witnessed again and again the power that self defense training can have for empowering the individual and giving back a sense of safety, confidence, and control. The feedback we hear most often from those with a traumatic past history is that they feel safe and comfortable in our environment and start to get their power back through training.
You are also welcome and encouraged to speak with the instructor before the seminar, or at any point during, to inform us of your concerns or requests around participating.
What is the format of the seminar?
Throughout the course we will alternate between lecture and physical training to keep you fresh and engaged. We have found this is the optimal format for learning and retention. It avoids overloading the mind with too much information at once, and avoids tiring the body with too many skills at once.
How does the lifetime-access work?
We want our students to be able to maintain their self defense skills for life. For many years we've had a policy that everyone who attends the Hard Target seminar once is welcome to attend, for free, any future Hard Target seminars hosted by Wise Warrior Gym.