A fun and social approach to developing physical and mental strength for youth.

 

“From our perspective this training is an excellent motivator to engage young persons in fitness, sport and physical activities, which builds their confidence and encourages linkage to other community resources and activities”.

Bev Siver ProMOTIONplus

“When the girls began the class they were not relating to each other in a positive manner and by the end they had become very supportive and encouraging.” Phys Ed Instructor

“The well-structured lessons enabled the girls to assess their mental and physical awareness. They had great discussions, filled out questionnaires and brainstormed strategies on a variety of topics including; passive, aggressive and assertive behaviours. I would highly recommend this program to be offered to Middle and High School students as part of a P.E./Health and Fitness program.” Secondary School Teacher

“There are so few training opportunities of this kind that are so relevant to the day to day issues facing youth in their development.” Watari Research Association

“The students were constantly engaged in either a discussion, partner work, physical activity or hands on techniques.  You could see the confidence build from the beginning to the end of the program. The investment in these teenage girls with this type of program has such profound effects for their own futures and who they can become one day.  I felt like I was setting them up for success with tools and skills to use in their everyday life”. Fit4Defense Instructor

“This workshop provided a good mix between activity based instruction and curriculum discussion.”
“What I liked about the Fit4Defense Manual is how much my students needs will be met with this program from the physical to the emotional, social and intellectual aspects.”
“What I liked most about the workshop was both gaining new ideas and new ways to teach the usual activities with my kids in class. ”
“There were excellent demonstrations of the fundamentals with lots of help and feedback during the instruction.”
“I appreciated the knowledge and expertise of the instructors.”
“After taking this workshop I decided that I would like to participate in teaching a course with a mentor.”

Feedback from the Kelowna workshop.

 

And most importantly, from a student's perspective (as told by her instructor)

I was recently piloting the Fit4Defense Program at a middle school with a class of 24 students. One student in particular really stood out for me. She came across as the ‘tough girl’ who did not like to be told what to do. At the beginning of the classes you could see her go through the motions with a look on her face of either distain or disinterest. I found her challenging me on what I was teaching, disagreeing and being quite rude with her comments. Seeing past her hard shell I continually encouraged her and drew on her strengths, she definitely had some amazing talent! By the end of the program she transformed to having this softness as well as a confidence in herself and didn't come across as the ‘tough girl’ anymore. What an awesome transition to see in such a short period of time!

 

About three months after the classes ended I ran into her at the grocery store. She came right up to me and said, “hello!” Her demeanor was friendly and calm and as she spoke about how she enjoyed the classes so much that she started kickboxing, wow! What a great example of the positive effects of Fit4Defense, she was motivated to find a sport where she could release some of her pent up energy, feel confident within and challenge herself to grow. Her success was my success in seeing these positive changes happen right before my eyes!