Frequently Asked Questions

Is the FAST-Defence workshop safe?
Yes!  The majority of content is the Basics course is built around the foundation of using the voice as the primary method of stopping harassment and avoiding assault.  The physical module of the course is designed to be as realistic as possible, while keeping both participants and instructors safe from injury.  The instructors use specialized equipment and are specially trained to make the entire experience a success.  However, you should be aware that with any physical activity there is a potential for injury no matter how many mindful precautions are taken.  If you feel that you would rather observe the physical aspect and learn that way, you have the option of not participating.

Do I need to know martial arts or be in shape to take fastdefence?
No!  There is no physical criteria or previous experience needed to be able to participate.  Every year there are people out in the world who successfully defend themselves without any training at all.  They simply take advantage of the adrenaline rush in their bodies and work with their instincts.  We will show you how you can do the same thing!

Will I remember what I learn?
Yes!  Using the best techniques of science, sport physiology and martial arts we train the mind, body and emotions all together so that when you really need to tap into this training, it is there. Some students who have had to defend themselves either verbally or physically have told us that they heard the coaches voice in their heads successfully guiding them through the incident.

Am I too old to take fastdefence?
Never! As mentioned before the basis for the Basics Course is violence prevention through awareness and the use of assertive body language and voice. You are never too old to learn these skills. In fact, control of these abilities becomes more necessary as we mature and our lives become more complex and challenging.  We often hear participants say "I wish I knew this when I was younger," or "This really would have helped when ............."

I have an injury that I am worried about.  Should I take this course?
To learn the awareness and verbal skills alone make it worthwhile taking this course.  Even if you are unable to fully participate in the physical/combat component due to your current physical limitations, you will benefit greatly from the reinforcement of preparing & practising the steps while watching the other participants work through the demands of their varied scenarios.

I’m kind of scared about the whole concept of self-defence. I’ve never had to defend myself and I don’t think that I can. Am I wasting my time?
No! Our trained team of both men and women will guide you through your journey into finding your personal power in a positive and supportive way. You will turn your fear into power!

I’m kind of a "hothead". When confronted I tend to loose it and end up saying or doing something I later regret. What will I get out of fastdefence?
You will learn control. Instead of becoming a slave to the adrenaline response that occurs under duress your ability to make decisions and defend yourself will instead become enhanced.

What is the difference between fastdefence Basics and other workshops such as Ground Fighting?
The workshops that follow the Basics class address more of the physical side of self-defence. Most of what you will ever need to know about avoiding violence is covered in the Basics class as well as being able to respond to a physical attack if necessary. Higher level workshops look at increasingly more difficult situations that one may have to deal with such as defending yourself against an armed opponent or facing multiple opponents. Many people who take the Basics class really enjoy the physical module and continue on to explore self-defence further.

This sounds wonderful and I would love to take your workshop but I am just not able to right now for financial reasons. What arrangements are available?
We are happy to work out an installment plan to fit your budget. We also take MasterCard. We don’t want to have anyone who needs this training miss out.

I have a teen whom I want to take this course but they are giving me resistance and saying they don’t need it. Is this common?
Yes! Teens are at an age where they are constantly fighting for more independence. They often don’t want to admit they might possibly get into a situation where they wouldn’t know what to do or how to react. The truth is they are in need of fastdefence more than anyone. Scientists have proven that teenagers’ brains are lacking in development to respond to highly emotional situations the same way an adults is. (which explains why they often make such poor decisions at this age!). Combine this with a lack of experience and teenagers become a predator’s most likely target. We suggest you just be firm and explain that they will be taking the course and that they will be happy they did after. This is almost always the case! If necessary take the course with them to show them that learning never stops at any age.

I know someone who I want to take this course. Do you have gift certificates available?
Yes! Gift certificates make the ideal birthday, holiday or graduation gift! Feel free ton contact us.