“To overcome fear is the quickest way to gain your self-confidence.”
Roy T. Bennett
What is Fit4Defense?
Fit4Defense is the parent company for the PowerEd courses, courses designed to increase empowerment through self-defense, assertiveness training and the development of life skills. Bullying and violence are serious problems facing not only our youth, but children, adults, and seniors. Be it in the schools, in the workplace, or in the community, it is everyone’s right to feel safe. The program provides information and techniques to gain life and leadership skills, improve communication and manage anger for the purpose of violence prevention, increased safety and risk reduction. It helps to transform fear into confidence, self-reliance, and action.
The 4 depicted in the Fit4Defense logo represents four A’s – Attention, Awareness, Avoidance and Action. These concepts are crucial to building confidence and self esteem, a realistic self awareness of the problems we face and a belief that we have the means to solve them. It requires self acceptance, to feel good about ourselves just as we are. In order to do this, we need to feel competent, connected to others, yet independent. For this reason the focus of the PowerEd curriculum is on rights, values, strengths, feelings and communication.
The context of the training is always towards expanding a caring attitude and respect towards the self, empathy towards others and a meaningful connection to the community. Self-awareness training serves to enhance positive attitudes, confidence and self-esteem, which can be reinforced by healthier lifestyle choices.
Who is the Program For?
The program was initially designed for gender specific and mixed classes of youth and high risk youth but it soon became apparent that there was a need to expand its reach. It has since developed to include classes, workshops, and camps for elementary school children, seniors, families and specialized groups such as sport and social service referrals.
How is the Program Delivered?
A “Train the Trainer” Instructor Certification provides teachers, martial artists, youth workers, recreational workers, and any other interested persons with a comprehensive process for acquiring the knowledge and skills needed to plan and lead PowerEd training in schools, community centers, social service agencies, seniors’ centres, workplaces—essentially anywhere there is a need and a want. This builds the resources and capacity within communities so that the benefits of anti-bullying, violence prevention and assertiveness are sustained over the long term.
Participation in the program varies, depending on the setting and the age group. In schools, classes are sometimes a part of the curriculum. In the workplace, employers and/or employees may be required to attend. In community centres, there may be an enrollment fee.
How is the Program Funded?
Fit4Defense is delivered throughout Canada. Fees are based on two different models. They could be funded by national and provincial sports organizations, parent advisory councils, grants, private schools, institutions and community organizations. Alternatively they could be paid directly by participants.
The PowerEd training is customized for each group. Fit4Defense will work with organizations to determine program needs and budget requirements and then assist to identify funding options and grant opportunities.
If you are looking to run PowerEd classes in your school, community centre, senior centre, workplace, or other venue, we would be most pleased to speak with you. Contact us at info@fit4defense.ca or call us at 604-644-7837.