I always wanted to take a self-defense class but never had the time between school, work, and all of my other activities.

Since I finally have a lighter semester than usual, I decided this was the year to do it.

Honestly, I was a bit nervous going in. All of my female friends were busy so I attended the class alone so I was anxious. Once I walked in there were other women just standing around not really talking to each other so I knew they came alone too. This put me at ease because I knew I wasn’t the only one. I built up the courage to introduce myself and after the ice was broken the whole course was a lot easier.

We learned the moves in a large group of about 20 females but then we were asked to pair up and spar for other techniques as well.

I took this class to educate myself but I didn’t expect to have so much fun. I loved punching the bags and learning the moves. I felt completely safe. I even liked being surrounded by people I didn’t know that well because it gave me the opportunity to go all out without worrying about what anyone else was thinking.

After learning all the moves, it was time to apply what we learned to simulations. All three of our teachers dressed in head to toe cushioned suits. We all had knee and elbow pads, gloves, and helmets. The simulations were intense but I fought off three aggressors multiple times.

I never felt so empowered.

All of these women I was surrounded by were funny, intelligent, and fierce. We were all different heights, weights, ages, and races but none of that mattered.

All that matters is that as women, we are strong.

Women are fighters.

Women are mighty.

So now when people ask me what I learned at my self-defense class, I say that I learned more than just how to defend myself.