Training Method


Adrenal-Stress Scenario Training involves learning how to fight back with full power and commitment while experiencing the adrenaline induced reaction that usually accompanies a real violent attack. By simulating realistic situations (with the help of a fully padded male instructor) students learn how to respond verbally and physically to some of the most common types of assaults. This method of training helps students be better prepared in the event of an actual assault because they have already had an opportunity to experience what kind of reaction they might have and what type of response they will give, should they need to ever arise.

Self defense exists on a continuum that ranges from awareness and verbal boundaries, all the way to physical confrontations. We have found that an extremely effective way to teach the full spectrum of self-defense is to use a methodology commonly known as “state dependent learning”. It requires students to be in a particular state of mind when learning whatever information is being taught. In this case the information is verbal and physical self-defense and the state of mind is a real live adrenaline rush.

One common reaction to adrenaline is that the higher functioning portion of the brain, the part that controls cognitive thought and reasoning, shuts down. The body is left to rely on what is stored in the subconscious mind. If a student were to learn self-defense techniques on an intellectual level, those skills may not be available in the event of an adrenaline rush. However, by learning self-defense techniques while in the adrenal state, the information goes directly into the subconscious where it will be accessible, should the student need it in an emergency.

The program is taught using a teaching team that includes both a female and a male instructor. The male instructor wears complete protective gear (allowing him to receive full force strikes without getting injured) and assumes the role of a mock-assailant or “mugger”. The female instructor acts as a “coach” to help the students through realistic fight scenarios with the “mugger” in which they practice both the verbal and physical skills they have learned.