Do you need any prior experience to attend this class? Do I need to be in top physical shape to participate?
No, this program is designed for the average woman with no previous experience or background in physical skills training.

What is the cost to attend the program?
This free program is offered by the Mt. JUliet Police Department as a public service to our community's women.

Can I bring my teenage daughter with me?
Yes, we encourage mothers and daughters to attend this program together. In addition to developing and enhancing your self-defense options, this four-part series makes for an excellent mother/daughter bonding experience.

How long is the program?
This 20-hour program is divided into five 4-hour sessions.

The Course, corresponding with the Equalizer Women’s Self-defense Program (EWSP) handbook is for women and teen girls. The handbook is divided into three chapters Personal Safety; Residential Security and Self-defense. The first two chapters may be covered in four hours. The third chapter, Self-defense, is divided into four phases. Each phase is four hours in length. A certificate of completions may be given to participants successfully completing any portion of the program. Students must pass the open-book written exam to be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion from their EWSP Instructor. These courses are taught by Mt. Juliet Police staff who have been certified as EWSP Instructors.

Students should wear long pants such as sweat pants or workout pants. T-shirts and sweat shirts are acceptable. Knee and elbow pads are highly recommended to prevent injuries. Only tennis shoes, stocking feet or bare feet are allowed. When wearing tennis
shoes, the students must walk onto the training mats and be certain that their shoes will allow their feet to turn freely on the mat. If a student’s foot sticks to or grips the mats tightly  they must remove their shoes before participating in any class to prevent injury.

In order to give the students a general idea of the fitness level required to participate in the Equalizer student course, they may grade themselves on this scale from 1-10. A grade of 1 would signify an individual who can walk, sit or drive a vehicle. A grade of 5 would signify an individual who can attend an aerobics class or go jogging for 20 minutes. A grade of 10 would signify an individual who is in superior physical condition. It is recommended that a student see a doctor before engaging in any physical self defense activity. Listed next are the subjects covered and the fitness level required for each phase.

Phases & Subjects Covered

Phase: One

Fitness Level Needed:1

1.Facts about violence against women, rape/sexual assault and stalking.

2.The effects of rape/sexual assault.

3. What to do if you or someone you know becomes a victim of rape/sexual assault or stalking and who can help.

4. Recognizing potentially violent situations and people.

5. Reducing the risk of becoming a victim of rape/sexual assault.

6. How to resist a physical assault.

7. Defensive striking

Phase: Two

Fitness Level Needed :2

Common grab defense

Phase:Three

Fitness Level Needed:5

1. Rear head-lock defense

2. Bear hug defenses

3. Striking and knife defense

Phase: Four

Fitness Level Needed:7

Ground Escapes