"It is an unfortunate fact of life that crime is on the rise not just in cities but suburbs as well. Women of all ages need to be aware of not only where they are going but their surroundings and others around them. Shihan Whitfield stressed not only these basic preventive strategies but more importantly what to do should a woman be confronted by an attacker. Through role play, participants became familiar with using their voices and simple body techniques that would enable them to get away or disable their attacker. I firmly believe that women should not only take a self defense course offered by Shihan Whitfield, but she should encourage her daughter, friends and sisters to do so as well."

C. Mariakakis

"As a participant in the R.E.A.L. Self-Defense workshop, I learned how to defend myself when faced with any number of specific situations. It was invigorating to realize that I don't need fancy moves to repel an attacker and that I CAN get out of situations that are especially scary for women. I strongly recommend that people of all ages attend this workshop to learn practical, no-nonsense safety tips and techniques that can help save a life."

B. Duncan

I found the R.E.A.L. Self-Defense course a safe and comfortable environment to learn how to protect myself in a variety of dangerous situations. The self-defense techniques I learned were simple, instinctive and showed specifically how a woman's body - usually thought of as "weak"can be a huge advantage in defending against an attacker. I learned the importance of a positive, "never give up" attitude and was given the opportunity to practice the sikills I had learned in the class. I came away from it feeling more confident, knowledgable and empowered"

M. Kraine