Self Defense for Women in Ontario Testimonials

Detective Cheryl Rogers, R.C.M.P. E Division
Major Crime Scene
participated in one of our self defense seminars and had this to say: "Well executed yet fun training that will accommodate all ages and levels of abilities. I highly recommend it for personal safety, professional development or formal martial arts. Everyone could benefit from this experience!"

Jaclyn Carere, Athletic Coordinator,
Holy Name of Mary College School
organizes yearly workshops with us for her phys-ed program and wrote: "I cannot thank you enough for the outstanding self-defence workshops you provided at my school. The workshops were extremely well organized, they provided the students with a solid foundation of self-defence, and most of all - they were active and so much fun! Each day was packed with hands-on skill practice, demonstrations, very practical information and discussions on important life lessons. The workshops were directly related to the Ontario Curriculum - thank you for your flexibility and cooperation in planning with me. Many of my students were very reluctant and timid before you came, but were completely convinced in their own strength by the time you left. They all asked if you would come again next year! You and your team were amazing role models of female strength, power, and confidence. I especially thank you for speaking to the girls on such a personal level, with genuine care for each one of them. You really made them each feel special and valued. I would recommend your program to anyone who teaches girls - it is a must have as part of a complete female health and
physical education program."

"Kiai! The Pathfinders would like to thank you for a fun filled evening of self defense. You opened our eyes to many situations where we may feel threatened. We were taught to be aware of these situations and how we should handle them. We finished our meeting feeling strong, powerful and confident. Who would have thought learning self defense would be so challenging yet FUN! We look forward to our next karate challenge"!

Gundi Barbour, President, Status of Women, Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario wrote after hosting two of our seminars at their spring conference: "The feedback was fabulous and we really enjoyed having your crew and their competent skill present for our women and girls"! Thank you for making special arrangements to accommodate Upper Grand E.T.F.O.'s needs. Both the women and girls have benefited from your expertise and enthusiasm."

Angel Ottema, Owner, Dance Spirit Studios
hosted one of our seminars and had this to say:
"Thank you so very much for the informative and fun workshop at my dance studio. We all had an amazing time and learned so much from your group. Our participants were varied in ages, levels of ability and needs but somehow you managed to accommodate us all so well. Everyone left with a smile on their face and a desire to learn more, and many people suggested that we have a workshop several times throughout the year instead of just one time! Thank you once again for presenting a truly organized, well thought out and informative workshop - it was definitely a rewarding experience for many participants and something they will keep with them for a lifetime. I look forward to future workshops with Sanshin Martial Arts!"

Jackie McLarnon, Supervisor of Fitness, YMCA-YWCA of Guelph wrote: "I wanted to thank you very much for the women's self defence seminar. Our members really enjoyed it and thought it a valuable lesson. There was very positive feedback from participants." YMCA-YWCA members written feedback comments included: "very valuable!", "awesome experience!", "very informative and fun!", excellent instructor and helpers!"

Stephanie Allin, Director/Certified Instructor, True Pilates, wrote: "I participated in Sandy's "Self Defence for Women" workshop at the YMCA-YWCA of Guelph with my 18 year old daughter. What an awesome learning and FUN workshop! We both learned some great skills, but I think I was most happy for my daughter who was in first year residence at university. Walking on campus - especially at night - was something I was concerned about for her. She really loved what she learned in Sandy's workshop. My daughter's friends have all benefited too as I have passed it along to them. What I loved most was that everything we learned was good and PRACTICAL. You can use it!!"

May Touma, Youth Resource Specialist
The Newcomer Centre of Peel
hosted a seminar with us for her teen girls group and wrote:
Thank-you for giving us the important and practical knowledge we need to keep ourselves safe. Also, thank you for the hands-on training. You helped increase our confidence and knowledge. From all of us here at "Girl Talk",
thank-you! Notes from the girls included: "I am grateful for your help", "thanks for teaching us how to protect ourselves, I love you guys a lot", "thanks for everything you did for us ... amazing information and I hope you'll be back so I can ask more questions still in my head", "thx,thx,thx very much, looking forward to seeing you again"

Lin Sallay, Social Worker,
Loft Community Services, Toronto
hosted a workshop with us for her staff of co-ed social workers and wrote: "Sandy, yesterday was awesome! I have already heard back from staff how confident they felt leaving last night. Thank-you to you and Mary Ann for coming into the city and spending a bit more time with us than what we booked. We really appreciate it. You may hear from other Loft Community Service offices to book
a seminar as well."