Female Awareness Self Defense

I was a little nervous about going to this class at first – I’ve never been to a self-​defense class – but I’m really glad I did! I feel much more confident in my ability to keep myself safe when a situation gets sketchy. I plan to go back for the refresher class.

The class was an eye-​opener for me. I learned a lot and now feel more confident identifying risks and assessing environment. The physical exercise was fun. I’d go back for a refresher class from time to time!

Easily the best thing I’ve done in months! I was hesitant to take a self defense class because I wasn’t sure how much of it would be realistic to pull off in a dangerous situation. This was perfect!
The first hour is just sitting and listening/​chatting about how to avoid putting yourself in danger and how to get out of a creepy situation BEFORE it turns physical, which is so essential and rarely taught. Gabrielle seems like a complete badass, but she’s also funny, non-​intimidating and really cool. She’s especially great about teaching techniques that seem like no-​brainers once you hear them, but I wouldn’t have thought to do on my own. Lots of «ah-​ha» moments during this session.
The second hour, everyone practices how to get out of just about any way someone could grab you (how to be smarter, not stronger, than your attacker — which is SO important for most women). She also demonstrates a handful of ways to strike someone where it hurts with minimal effort. You’ll leave with a packet of notes on everything she’s covered.
Honestly this class is a gem and it’s packed with so much information. I feel so much more confident and I’m SO glad I took it. I recommend it for every woman!

This two hour self defense class is definitely a worthwhile investment. I have taken a self defense class before — back in college for an entire semester but it was quite a while ago. I didn’t see that many courses offered in the city and decided to check this out and was glad I did.
As others noted, the first hour is devoted to discussion on safety in general and how to avoid being a potential target. This includes safety tips and going over various common scenarios you may encounter in the city. Very useful, and while some things seems like common sense, I think it’s just hindsight bias — once you hear the answer it seems obvious. There are many things/​situations you gloss over or don’t think twice about so having your attention called to it is worthwhile so you can make smarter choices going forward.
The second hour goes over some physical self defense moves — getting out of grabs/​attacks and some basic strikes with proper technique and where to aim them for maximum effectiveness. This is also useful and seems easy once you see the technique, but as Gabrielle reminds you, these are things you need to practice in order to remember them and commit them to muscle memory so they become reflex, which I think is key and can’t be emphasized enough. I realized a few days after the class I had already forgotten how to get out of one of the grabs and wasn’t sure even from the handout what the correct maneuver was. And in a real situation, the ability to think actively and recall the technique (quickly) and react may be clouded by anxiety and fear, so having the moves in the toolbox is even more important. Fortunately, there are physical refresher classes offered periodically (and not expensive) to practice and refresh your memory.
At the end of the day, the first half of the class is as important if not more important than the second half of the class and should not be underestimated because you definitely want to avoid getting into a physical confrontation if at all possible.
Buy a safety device (or two) after class! And I highly recommend following the facebook page as well — they post some good articles and links to things that are very useful, including safety tips, escape moves (i.e. rape escape), etc. t

Gabbie is such a great teacher. She makes you feel very easy about the subject, and has a nice balance of not scaring her students but keeping the vibe about being aware and empowered. She also offers a refresher class to make sure you retain it after the class and this is part of the class you paid for. She has the right amount of humor and is willing to speak to her students after class and on email. Highly, highly recommend her to anyone you care about.

I took Gabrielle’s course and it is great. I learned a lot about how to avoid situations before they happen and being aware. But ultimately if you can’t avoid a situation, you have to know how to get out of them so we learned a lot of moves and maneuvers to do and we had an opportunity to practice them in class. I highly recommend this course to every woman, it is worth the time and effort.

I’m so glad I learned the block technique here.

I took this class after having a scare and wanted to do something proactive in helping me not become a victim in the future. I love how Gabi gives real life scenarios to illustrate how to react in everyday situations. Whether it’s coming from a bar, going to work, getting in an elevator and other day to day activities, she really helps a person prepare to get into a certain mindset, and if it comes to confrontation how that person can react physically to disarm them and get away safely.
I’ve always heard about self defense courses, but what set her’s apart from traditional classes is that it’s not about being aggressive or stronger than your attacker, but being smarter and using that to redirect and get control of the encounter. I like her in the sense that she knows what New York is about and that you don’t have to be a hermit to live in the city, but you just have to play by a certain set of rules to enjoy it. It’s just my personal opinion but I find her to be empathetic but tough as nails, comedic but serious all around badass. Her background in martial arts and experience living here definitely has helped shaped her perspective of how to survive in the city.
There are two parts of the course first part being knights of the roundtable where we discuss situations and she teaches us how to verbally ward off the attacker, with the later part being hands on physical defense techniques. It was a very relaxing atmosphere and don’t be afraid to do it alone, people were there by their selves. Some moves were scary but you really feel good after successfully doing different holds and strikes. Better for this to occur in a classroom environment where you can practice, prepare, and be ready in case it were to happen in real life. I also like that there are refresher courses that can be taken to show additional moves so we’re not just left blowing in the wind. I loved this class and would definitely recommend this to any young woman living in New York. I can’t wait to practice my moves.

I have daydreamed about being attacked by a stranger and in every scenario I kick his ass into a bloody pulp. I am aware that in reality things may go down a lot differently than I imagine and in that case this class has me more realistically prepared. There was one move in particular that I know I will never forget and I found incredibly powerful and valuable, a simple way to release my hands from a strong grip. I def recommend this class, the teacher acts out some scenarios as well that are pretty entertaining to watch.

All prior reviews are true! Gabrielle is a martial arts professional and a native NYer which means she gets us!!!
The first hour of the class is a talk/​discussion regarding how not to be a target for muggers and rapists. A topic NOT to be taken lightly, students shared their stories and Gabby told some of her own, putting a humerous twist on them with her sarcastic
Condescending attitude. Keep in mind, this attitude is what she is trying to advocate.
The second hour had all of us no matter what size shape form, athletic and not, practice basic grabs, holds, releases and strikes.
It was a revelation to walk away with an arsenal and feeling of empowerment!
I highly recommend this class to all women and girls. I am going to bring it into my high school PE dept. and teach it!
Can’t wait for the first refresher to practice some more.
Thanks Gab for what you do!

I can not say enough about this class I took last night or about how great Gabrielle is. A self-​awareness /​self-​protection course is something I’ve been wanting to do for years and I am so glad I took this one.
The class is divided into 2 sections. The first is a seated discussion about different situations you might find yourself in and how to react to each of them. And I tell you, every single woman living in New York City has found herself in at least one of these. She teaches you how to avoid getting into situations where you’re in danger. Follow your instinct and get out of a situation that may or many not turn into danger.
The second section is actual, physical contact. What to do if someone grabs you here. Or Here. Or here. Fantastic. Real life possibilities.
You don’t have to be physically strong to be able to protect yourself and Gabrielle teaches you this. What you need is to be aware and how to react to get yourself OUT of a bad situation.
I feel empowered and I implore every woman living in the city to take this class.

Gabrielle came to our offices and taught 11 of us what she knows. The first hour was just verbal. She spoke about how not to get in a situation. Believe it or not this hour was the most helpful. She really has great ideas and tips that even I, a born and bred New Yorker, haven’t thought of.
The second hour is more physical. She shows you how to get out of grabs and holds. This is the most unbelievably helpful information!
Seriously, every single person needs to know how to get out of grabs and holds. It really is important to be able to immediately get away from a dangerous situation. Once you are taken things could get much worse. You need to know how to not get taken.
I advise EVERYONE take this. It is so worth the money.

Gabi is hilarious, interactive and engaging. We had an on-​site course for our organization and it was amazing! Everyone enjoyed the accessibility of her teaching as well as her charismatic personality. I would highly recommend her for any organization or company that wishes to give their members the tools they need to stay safe!

I’ve looked at many of the martial arts studios in the area but was uncomfortable with the idea of joining or even testing some of the options due to my complete inexperience and due to the overwhelming and intimidating level of testosterone in those studios. So, when I came across this crash course for self-​defense, I thought it would a good place to start.
I didn’t really have any expectations going into this course, but I have come out of it highly impressed. The class is highly instructive and can adapt to a person of really any size or age. The class size is not too large and Gabrielle is great at creating a comfortable and fun atmosphere even while grappling with such a serious subject. And, she is very approachable with any questions or concerns you may have during and after the course. The class space is great and feels private which also contributes to the comfortable atmosphere.
I think everyone walked out of this class with more confidence and bravado than before. Perhaps I will finally go and try out one of those martial arts studios in the area…

After a mugging scare in my area, my friend convinced me to take this course with her. I learned a ton and even though I was like the worst in the class in terms of «moves» I definitely have a lot more tools in the toolbox… a long with a packet of information. It was nice to be surrounded by women like me who want to be independent in any situation, and the instructor’s confidence was contagious. I would definitely reccomend this class to anyone.

I’ve never taken any self defense class before and I’m not a woman so I don’t know if I’m the best person to be reviewing this class but it was a lot of fun and really helpful. The only reason I was able to attend was because my boss had the whole company go– smart lady.
What she’s teaching is pretty universal and transcends gender. The moves that she teaches are so simple that anyone can use them effectively. A lot of the advice is about the way you hold yourself and preparing so you don’t get into a bad situation in the first place. So much information is compacted into this class.

What a great class! The instructor Gabi provides a thorough, two-​hour lesson on all the does and don’ts of self defense and awareness.
The first hour is dedicated to how you can aim to keep yourself out of harms way and NOT become a target. The second our provides physical maneuvers that can save your life if anyone ever attacks you.
Gabi is matter-​of-​fact, funny and really well versed in female awareness and self defense. She knows what she is talking about! I would definitely suggest this course to every woman out there. Buy it as a gift for the ladies you love. It’s taught BY a woman for a woman! And can save a woman’s life. Hey, there’s your new tag line, Gabi! :)
M–

Every woman should seriously take this class. I set up a private class with five of my gal pals. You only need a minimum of six people to set up a private class, and it doesn’t cost you extra to do so. Just $ 65 per person, which is the same price as her open group classes.
In just two hours, you learn how to prevent yourself from getting into a bad situation in the first place and many techniques on how to defend yourself and get out of an actual attack. You might think it’s all common sense, but you’ll most certainly learn a lot of new things. And, even though it was a serious class, Gabrielle made it fun. There was lots of laughter going on in the room while we were throwing some elbows and kicks.
Right when I got home, I sorta tried the «bitch slap» move on my boyfriend, and he responded, «hahahahaha, wait, do that again?» Hm, guess I need more practice… and maybe try it when I’m not sitting… and maybe when I’m not actually scared to hit him. (All right, guess my first attempt wasn’t really an attempt at all.) But I surprised him 30 minutes later with the pinch move to the arm, and he responded, «OW!!!» Ok, yea, that works. :oD
Thanks, Gabrielle!!!

The first thing I did when I got home from this workshop was email my NYC-​based female friends and tell them to sign up for it.
I’d taken self-​defense and martial arts classes before and absorbed brotherly and sisterly tips, but I found Gabi’s class helpful, practical, and geared towards living in this city.
Best bits:
— Laughing for two hours;
— Learning that the position I most feared because of something a martial arts instructor had told me years ago was possibly one of the best positions to be in;
— Leaving the class feeling more confident.

I was really impressed by the Female Awarenss self-​defense class and think it’s something that all women (and men) in NYC should take. First and foremost, you will learn how to keep yourself out of danger. Second, you will learn simple moves to get yourself out of any attack situation (regardless of size or strength). My entire office has taken this class, and I can’t count how many times we’ve used the invaluable lessons.
In the first section, Gabi will give you an invaluable lesson on awareness, with common sense advice on HOW TO AVOID dangerous situations. Most of the examples were typical behaviors that we never think about (or habits that we know are dangerous but do anyway) — where you stand in an elevator; how long it takes to find your keys in your purse while standing outside your apartment building at 3am; and the «illusion of safety» that iPods and cell phones can cause.
She will also teach you how your reaction to a potential attacker can make the difference in whether or not you become a victim.
The second section is about escaping — not overtaking your attacker, but getting away and running to safety. You’ll learn and practice simple defense techniques that don’t require acceptional strength or skill but will get you out of any situation.
Finally, Gabi will teach you how to make your apartment safer, and which «tools» (ie. pepper spray, whistles, etc.) will or won’t make you safer.
I always considered myself pretty street smart, but this class really taught me a lot. Gabi is frank and open, she’ll any of your questions and help you review personal situations. You will leave with a totally new outlook and confidence!
Note: You can register on-​line for an existing class, or schedule your own private class (I think there’s a 4 person minimum).