Self-Defense Class (Benefitting Chester's Youth Development United)

Please join us on Saturday, January 21 from 3-5pm for an empowering 90 minute class followed by snacks and a brief, rejuvenating self-care workshop. It will be held at the Park Avenue Community Center at 129 Park Avenue in Swarthmore.

Recommended for ages 10+. 

Youth Development United, a 501(c)(3), is the beneficiary of this fundraising event. Proceeds will go toward holding a similar class in Chester.

As you choose your donation amount, please consider paying for one additional class attendee, as we hope to invite Chester residents to attend at no charge to help us reach class capacity (60).

Please note names of attendees in the comments section of the registration form. You can also register by noting "Self-Defense" in a payment via Venmo @CUYouthSoccer 

This self-defense program is not a course on fighting techniques, but instead teaches how to minimize becoming a victim of violence.  

You will also learn to use Stun & Run and the proven philosophy behind every PRO-TEKT: Personal Protection Program, just in case you ever have to physically deal with an attacker. 

 Women’s self-defense studies compiled by the University of Oregon found that:

•  "Empowerment Self Defense training empowers women in ways that go far beyond preventing assault. ESD training decreases women’s fear and anxiety and increases their confidence, their sense of self-efficacy, and their self-esteem. Learning self-defense helps women feel stronger and more confident in their bodies. Women report more comfortable and empowered interactions with strangers, acquaintances, and intimates, both in situations that seem dangerous and those that do not.  

• Six major studies over the past several years, including a large, randomized control trial, found that women who complete an Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD)  class are both more likely to avoid rape if they are targeted, and less likely to be targeted in the first place. Studies also report significant decreases in sexual harassment, sexual coercion, and physical violence.

• ESD training can be healing to survivors of sexual violence. 

• More details are available at https://selfdefense.uoregon.edu/research-on-self-defense/

More about Youth Development United:

Building on the foundation of its sister organization Chester Upland Youth Soccer, Youth Development United strives to give meaningful extracurricular opportunities to under-served children. Appreciating the extensive research that shows that extracurriculars help develop children's social skills and positive habits while improving self-esteem and mental health, YDU aims to help close the achievement gap that often limits the success of children challenged by socio-economic factors. YDU achieves this by working with the community we serve to create worthwhile programs led by trained, caring mentors. 

In 2022, programs included kung fu, bowling, career discovery field trips, run/walk club (which trained for Ridley's 5K, where the YDU team won a trophy) Chester's first bike rodeo (where YDU gave away 40 bicycles), winter wellness and school holiday camp.

With your help, we will keep up all those appreciated activities and do even more in 2023.

Thank you for any support that you can offer.