I took the Women's Basics course after moving to LA and it changed my life! I would sign all of my friends up for this class if I could. This course teaches essential skills for verbal de-escalation, boundary setting, and physical self-defense, but what really sets it apart is how those skills are ingrained through fully-adrenalized, full-force fight scenarios. That, and the fact that the IMPACT instructors are phenomenal. I'm always impressed by their attentiveness, innovative teaching techniques, and their emphasis on students' safety during physical confrontations. Since taking the Basics course, I've successfully used verbal de-escalation tools twice in real-life situations, including during a frightening incident when a muscular man ran straight at me and blocked my path while I was walking in my neighborhood. I've also applied the skills I've learned in the workplace and most other areas of life. It may sound hyperbolic, but the class really changed how I walk through the world. If you can't commit to the full Basics course, consider taking the Intro Class. It's a great place to start. IMPACT also offers an advanced course and a "Defense Against the Armed Assailant" course for those who have completed the Basics. I took both and highly recommend! read more

10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND! I had wanted to take a Basics class for a long time but kept putting it off (so nervous) but one day I thought JUST DO IT, and I'm so glad I did! It's not like martial arts, there's not a ton of fancy tricks; it's accessible and practical skills..AND you get to fight an actual person. I didn't just learn skills to defend myself, I learned about what I was actually capable of. It changed my life! Can't recommend enough! read more

Really appreciated that my 13 year old son could attend their mixed gender basics class. Exceeded expectations. He is more confident and more comfortable now when we is walking in unfamiliar situations. read more

This was hands down one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. I never before attended a self defense class and honestly when I came across it I just thought that I would at the most get a good workout in and have a fun time with my girlfriends. This experience with the amazing instructors at impact personal safety was that and so much more!!! The education that my girlfriends and I walked away with is something I will never forget. I look forward to taking more classes and enhancing my safety and knowledge even more. All of the instructors are top notch and they really truly are there for you every step of the way. It was empowering, inspiring and fun!!! 5 stars hands down. read more

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Recently took a "Fight Night" class. It is a refresher class and a chance to fight full force. It has been a number of years since I had taken a class, and I wanted to see what my mind and body at this age and shape was capable of. The instructors were helpful, understanding and patience. The staff taught me updated techniques and had me drill them to create muscle memory. I am happy to say that my body remembered what to do after all these years . Great experience. Thank you read more

Very cruel and misleading instructors not transparent and considerate of others time and money read more

This is such a vital training for EVERYONE! Your safety is worth is the time and effort.

I've taken a few beginner handgun classes so that i can maintain my familiarity with my personal weapons as well as learn any new techniques out there. Since I was already familiar with Impact Personal Safety up in Los Angeles - I already knew this would be a first-rate program. I was very impressed with the Instructing team, the class layout and the range time. During the workshop - I noticed there was a lot of patience with each student - especially given that the range of experience was so vastly different. The class had first time shooters as well as experienced ones. The instructors were adept at handling each of us and even challenging us to go to the next level within our own capabilities. Carla and Gus made the day fun and taught me some new stuff. I will even take this class again just so i can see how well I do with their range challenges! I highly recommend this class. read more

Impact Personal Safety - my first grouping! - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This event was better than I imagined! Our Women's Empowerment Committee sponsored the Intro workshop for our members. Jennifer, Matt, and Dani were great. They really did an awesome job of not only demonstrating techniques we can use to stay safe but Jennifer made sure to check in with us constantly in case the demonstrations brought up feelings we didn't expect. Everyone wanted to have this class again and even attend the full basics class. You can bet we are looking into making that happen! read more

I've had the pleasure of taking the Women's Basics class and let me tell you, the things I learned were life changing. It wasn't just about learning how to fight, it was about how to use your voice and talk your way out of situations while being calm. I think that was the hardest part...but the skill I use most often. The instructors were professional, knowledgeable and were focused on ensuring our success. And there's nothing as empowering, thrilling and adrenaline pumping as hitting the padded attacker full force and seeing how powerful I really am. I am so thankful to IMPACT for what they do and teach because this is information everyone needs to have. We all need to be able to defend ourselves and with IMPACT you'll learn exactly that. read more

There are certain things in life that I consider to be essential. For instance, knowing how to read is essential, Hygiene is essential. The training available at Impact Personal Safety is ESSENTIAL. Their 20 hour Women's Basic Class transformed my life... really. That's not hyperbole. Once I discovered that I'm a potentially dangerous human being, my entire way of being was altered forever. This is an existential experience, accessed through personal self-protection. There's a profound shift in a woman's BEING once she discovers that she is truly capable of defending herself in the event of a physical attack. Of course, the irony is that once one learns how to defend oneself, the odds are reduced that you ever will actually have to... The same goes for the Kids' classes. How I wish I'd learned how to set boundaries with creepy adults when I was a kid. How I wish I'd known what to do when I didn't want to do something but was being coerced. These classes are as important to a person's well-being as medical care, or basic education. Run, don't walk, to sign up. read more

Took the 3-hour intro workshop in Sherman Oaks and thought it was fantastic. The instructors (Christy, Roland, and Laura) do a great job of explaining the very easy techniques and students are given ample time to practice them in full-force, full-contact situations. This is a co-ed class, the more intensive classes are gender-specific. Also, if you sign up for the workshop, the money you pay is applicable toward the tuition for the longer classes should you decide to continue on. I've taken other self-defense classes as well as done a little MMA training, and if you're looking for straight, simple, easy-to-remember self-defense techniques, this is the one to choose. I highly recommend it for both men and women of any age. read more

I just finished the Women's Basics Class and all I can say is WOW! This program is incredible, the instructors are amazing, and their vision is honorable. I am so glad I took this class. It has opened my eyes to better understand how to not only defend myself physically but helped me be more assertive and even allow me to talk to people I know about things that may be making me uncomfortable. This is class is one every woman should take! It seems a little pricey at first but let me tell you the experience you receive from Impact is PRICELESS! I am blown away with all the incredible things I have learned. I have always been a very shy and quiet person and this class showed me how to not allow myself to be a good target for an assailant. It showed me how to be assertive and how to say no! I could go on and on... There are so many wonderful things about this class. If I could have given ten stars I would. Lastly, let me finish by saying the instructors are all so professional, and emotionally supportive. They are a wonderful group of people! The assistants are also amazing. One baked us muffins! It just shows how much they all really care about us as people. I would recommend every woman I know to take this course! read more

I took the men's class and found it incredibly useful. I'm a big, burly sort of guy, but I haven't been in a fight since elementary school - every time I was in a sketchy situation, I was always worried. The class covers the physical skills necessary to stay safe (it's some brutally effective fighting, knowing what it'd be like to be hit that way), but also, and probably more importantly, the awareness and verbal skills to keep out of trouble. As another reviewer mentioned, the verbal boundary stuff comes in handy day-to-day as well. Probably the most important part of the experience for me, and something I haven't found elsewhere, is that the simulated scenarios created real responses in my body. Even though it was "just a guy in a suit", I got adrenalized and shaky at first, and by the end I was getting used to that feeling and learning to think through the fight or flight feeling. I've had friends take the course on my recommendation and they've loved it as well - it's a great progam. read more

Impact's classes have changed my life as well. I only wish I had done them earlier! The fighting skills are great, and trust me, if they can teach me, they can teach anyone, but even if you think you'll never need physical fighting skills, the boundary setting and verbal skills they teach in the Basics and Advanced classes are valuable for anyone. In my own life it has helped me have a cordial but acceptably distant relationship with a nosy neighbor, for example. Going through their training has also helped me keep a clear head in a adrenalized situations, which has helped me carry out difficult tasks at work (like make presentations to hostile audiences). I agree that this training is as essential as knowing how to balance your checkbook and feed yourself. Sign up! read more

Proud to say that I am a graduate of the intro class, basic class, and the advance class. A male friend recommended that I take the class after he attended the intro class. I travel frequently for business and pleasure in foreign countries and he felt these classes would benefit me. I am definitely no shy defenseless girl. But taking these classes opened my eyes and taught me so much. The instructors gave me a new prespective and a new level of confidence. When I walk out the door every morning, I am much more aware of my surroundings on a subconsious level. When I travel, I am confident in how I carry myelf so that I don't present myself as a victim. I highly recommend everyone to take a course. These classes are like nothing you have ever been in. Even just taking the single intro class can give you so much. The instructors and assistants are amazing people whose goals seem to be that every person that walk away from their class knows how to protect themselves. read more

Handguns have always scared the crap out of me, but that doesn't make them go away. So what better way to overcome a fear than to learn about it. Plus, it's a bucket list kinda thing. This class was everything that I was looking for. Carla and Gus are incredible instructors with vast knowledge, and a lot of patience for a newbie like me. The classroom portion was excellent where we learned the working parts of a firearm, loading ammo, proper stance, aim, and proper procedure when handling so the thing doesn't go BOOM unless you want it to. The range was even better. Terms like anticipation recoil, kick back, muzzle twitch, and grouping were used and explained when I had no idea what they were referring to . I have excellent grouping BTW! (Thank you Carla and Gus) Quality personal instruction was given to each individual so you feel comfortable handling the weapon and increasing your accuracy. Best part of this class is that I didn't feel timid or scared to ask a question. And that is really important when taking something for the first time. How am I supposed to know when the safety is off or on if I've never picked up a gun. Sure there's a red dot, but does that mean "deadly and ready to fire" or "stop you don't be able to fire"? Definitely looking forward to the next time I can sign up! read more

I consider myself a fairly skilled shooter, having taken a wide variety of firearms classes ranging from beginner to advanced concealed carry, but the Pistol Basics classes that Gus and Carla teach at Impact Personal Safety are the best I've experienced! These instructors are highly skilled, kind, patient, and very helpful; they sincerely want you to improve your shooting skills and have fun. Probably two of my favorite aspects of Impact is that they keep the classes relatively small, which enables very strong range control to keep everyone safe, and that every step of the way, Gus and Carla constantly offer quality personal coaching on how to improve your shooting technique. Pistol Basics II lets you practice practically everything you're not allowed to do at the typical range, from rapid fire and shooting from cover to moving and shooting multiple targets. Even with my years of taking firearms classes, I still learned so much from Gus and Carla. A very fun, rewarding learning experience, I would highly recommend Impact's Pistol Basics classes to anyone and will definitely be back! read more

I've been lucky enough to have had some good gun instruction over the years, starting back in the 90s, but I don't shoot regularly and don't even own a gun and am not likely to buy one anytime. But what I do have is allot of experience with training, especially in the area of self-defense. My conclusion about the quality of this programs instruction? Excellent!! They really delivered on their program's description, "So if you want to learn how to handle a pistol safely, improve your basic marksmanship skills, and do all in a in a supportive, not competitive environment, then this class is for you." Now I'm competent in different areas of my life, but when it comes to guns, I just want to make sure of three few things. One that the gun doesn't go "boom" when I don't want it to. Two, that it does go "boom" when I want it to. Three, that if I want it to go "boom", I have a pretty good chance of hitting what I'm aiming at. That's it. And that's close to how sophisticated I am about guns when compared to someone who really does know what they're doing with them, like the class's two lead instructors, Carla and Gus. So I went through the training, struggling even to find the words to describe this "boom" stuff, all the while worrying that I'll say and do something that would make me look like an idiot and embarrass myself. But I really didn't need to worry. These two really know how to isolate the key skills I needed to reach my goals and did it in a way that I felt like a capable learner, and not some clumsy dork. By the end of the class I felt that I had the whole "boom" "no boom" thing down and had the tools to get much better at hitting the target where I wanted. I learned a whole lot of information but didn't feel overwhelmed while doing it. And the key ingredient for that made this experience turn out so? The teaching style and personalities of the two lead instructors, Carla and Gus. They obviously know there way around "firearms" (I call them guns), but just as importantly, they really empathized with me as a learner. So bottom line, I had an "A+" experience. read more

Impact Personal Safety is by far the most effective intensive course in self defense I have encountered anywhere. I took the men's class, which not only teaches the physical skills necessary to defend yourself in a variety of situations, but verbal strategies to defuse confrontations and avoid fights. I have studied martial arts for years, and love them, but nothing is more effective than the adrenaline-based, full force training Impact provides. My wife has taken three lasses from them, and friends of mine have sent their children to Impact's kids classes, and both of those are excellent as well. read more

Impact Personal Safety has changed my life and POV of not only myself but others around me. I think the most important thing I got from IPS was the reassurance to trust my own intuition. That's on every level, made me more trusting of the unknown and confident. I feel so strongly that it's a must for every one of my friends and family. I strongly believe, that I wouldn't have been able to get what I needed from the courses if it wasn't for the staff. They really had my best interest at heart and supported the students every step. They truly wanted me to feel empowered and wouldn't let me fall. I had the opportunity to not only take the Basics course, I was able to complete the Advanced course and the Weapons course, which was so amazing! What a rush and what a feeling it is to know that I can take care of myself both physically and verbally and not have to rely on anyone else but me. Thank you Impact for the impact you made in my life! read more

If you want to move through the world with the knowledge that you can take care of yourself, that you can stand up for yourself with grace - take an Impact class. Skip the intro class and head straight to the Basics class. It's challenging to convey the transformative power of these classes but you will walk into the class as one person and emerge another. Every single member of my class expressed that they felt empowered to handle situations ranging from the creepy guy at work who says inappropriate things, to the husband of your friend who keeps trying to hug you too close, to the scary guy in the dark parking lot at night. We learned not only how to recognize situations that put us in harm's way, be it simple discomfort or true danger, but also verbal strategies and physical techniques to protect ourselves. In other words, we learned what to say and what to do to protect ourselves. Some of the learning was structured, and much was taught through improv which prompted us to find our own words and our own actions. Words and actions which we carry with us each and every day. Take the class already! read more

Very professional, knowledgeable staff. I first took an introductory one day class to learn what Impact was all about, and then signed up for the full Women's class. Not only is Impact about physical self defense, but also about verbally defending yourself. The instructors are well educated, and are always learning new techniques. Every time I sign up for another class I learn something new. I found it refreshing that my class consisted of women from all backgrounds and ages; from girls that were going off to college to women that were 65+ and wanted to be able to defend themselves. I would definitely recommend the course, and have had many of my friends sign up. read more

The personal self-defense tactics and strategies taught at Impact go beyond the physical. Impact is about keeping you safe - the first thing you learn is how to deescalate conflict. Avoid the fight if at all possible - BUT, if you have to fight, they'll make sure you are ready. The unexpected bonus is how this class has impacted my professional and personal life. One example - you know the guy (and isn't it almost always a guy) at work, who tries to slough work off on you, or take credit for something you did? Yeah, that happened to me last week, and my Impact-burnished animal instinct kicked in, and I stared the dude down calm and cool as pie and said 'No - that's not acceptable'. So after the dude picked his jaw up off the floor, he had to go off and do his own work, and I was free to focus on mine. Impact teaches you how to set and enforce personal boundaries in your life - you literally practice this in class. It's so simple and powerful and amazing. Take this course. Take it. read more

Run don't walk to do an Impact class. I just completed my third class with Impact - one at 40 years, one at 55 years, and now at 66. Each time, I left feeling stronger, braver, and more able to walk in the world safely and freely. As an early teen rape survivor, the effect of my work with Impact has been life altering. I brought a group of 9 therapists to work with Nicole, Don and Mike and we had a brilliant class with their incredible skill, kindness and humor. Everyone shocked themselves at the shift from day one to day three. This is an amazing program and it has such a huge endorsement from all of us. read more

I took a class through this organization over 10 years ago and I found it to be so rewarding and the information invaluable. You hope to never be in a situation where you have to call upon what you learn in a class like this. Last Friday I was attacked by a man who tried to steal my purse. Needless to say I had that moment of panick but somehow I knew what to do because of my training in that class. Of course I screamed my head off when he tackled me to the ground but then I started kicking him in the groin. That stunned him enough to pause while a bystander came to assist me. My attacker was arrested. I feel I was very fortunate that a bystander came to my aid but I was also prepared. It felt good to come out of that situation as a survivor and not a victim. read more

I just finished the Men's Basics class and it totally changed my outlook on practical self defense. I've been a martial arts instructor for the last 5 years and trained in martial arts my whole life, nothing before this has given me an experience that was more true to life. The attack based scenarios are realistic, immersive, and do a wonderful job of preparing students for the dangers of the real world. read more

there really aren't words that can explain how transformative going through an IMPACT personal safety course is. The incredible peace of mind it gives me, as a woman, to know with utter certainty that I am able to protect myself. The knowledge that deep down in the very heart of who I am, that I will be safe and okay, no matter what. It is such a gift. The boundary setting skills (with people you know and people you don't) that I learned from IMPACT help me in ways not related to personal safety. Being able to confidently and directly ask for what I need has been invaluable in both my personal and business life. I also love that the emphasis in the course was never "women against men" but instead, "Women and Men against Violence". The 20 hour womens Basic course is where the transformation begins. Attend a graduation and see for yourself. read more

This program changed my life!!! I never thought I could truly protect myself, if needed. But now I know, I CAN and I WILL. It's great moving thru life with a new found confidence. read more

The bottom-line up front... everyone, women and men should take a class from them. Not only could it save your life, it will definitely change it for the better! I took a men's class all the way back in 1999. I didn't know it then but it was a class that would definitely stay with me this last 15 years! I've always been a physical guy and I thought that I was more than capable of defending myself. What I didn't have know was that you have to have the ability to *think* in an adrenalized situation and know that fighting isn't always the best way out of a situation. The instructors have a great way of reminding you what's really worth fighting for and that as a guy, pride is not really it. My safety and that of the people with me is though. Since then, I've been able to interact with all kinds of people, in bars, social settings after hours and out on the street in less-than-questionable places and feel comfortable in setting a boundary and knowing that I don't have to simply resort to a physical solution to deal with it. Verbal strategies as a guy are something that you just really don't get these days. For women though, it's completely different. I can say that virtually all of my female friends have taken either a workshop or the full Basics class and the transformation I've seen in them is simply amazing! From assertiveness to boundary setting to knowing that they simply have the basic skills to protect themselves, I can say that all of my friends have walked away with something more than just knowing how to strike an assailant in face or groin, they're finishing the class with something a great deal more substantial. Every woman, regardless of any personal history or level of athleticism should take a class and know that they'll take something positive way from it. read more

The intro course should be taken by everyone. It provides the skills you need to get out of any situation. I highly recommend, I had my entire office attend. I purchased for my daughter and a friend they both attended the basic intro course and found it to be an invaluable tool for personal safety. Its fun but also could be life saving. read more

I attended this class last week. It was extremely well done. I am very familiar with firearms yet still learned ways to improve my skills. Those who had no experience with firearms all expressed significantly improved comfort levels around hand guns. read more

This was the second handgun safety class I participated in with this group. I am very impressed with the instructors' body of knowledge and method of delivery. Calm, patient, well-reasoned approach to handgun safety basics. Protocol for range practice was thoroughly explained and reinforced throughout the session. I enjoyed the change-up from standard 'firing from behind the stand' to the move-and-shoot practice. This perhaps more closely resembles a real-life situation where someone is firing from inside a structure or around obstacles in a building or a yard. Not likely we'll ever have the opportunity to take a slow and careful aim at an armed aggressor. Couple this training with the Impact 'defense against weapons' class and you come away with some really applicable skills. And the 44mag??? Totally awesome! We're gonna need more pumpkins. read more

I first took this program back in 1996 after a run-in with a man in NYC. And I regularly take refresher classes from Impact. (just finished one yesterday!) Hands down, the best experience I have ever had in learning to set boundaries - both verbal and physical. And the training has allowed me to live my life without fear of getting hurt, so I go where ever I want as late in the evening as I want. I recommend it to every woman out there. And if you have a daughter - get her in class asap. You won't regret it. And please don't think it's only about physical training, the best part is learning how to use your words to prevent bullying - from your boss, your ex-boyfriend or anyone else who wishes to take advantage of you. You Deserve This Training. :) And if money is an issue, they do have scholarships available. read more

Great group to learn from. I'm a new gun owner, and am now learning how to effectively use my firearm. I've taken a few basic gun classes, but Carla and Gus have a particular style that makes them very approachable by even the shyest of people. They make every attempt to have a safe and fun learning environment. They have a wealth of information and experience! When you start the live-shooting portion of the class, they help you correct yourself in the moment and are very encouraging! read more

Taking Impact classes was life-changing for both my daughter and myself. She was in high school when she started, and I was in my 50s. We think differently about how we move through the world now, and we have both used the verbal skills successfully in sticky situations. Thank goodness we have not had to use the fighting skills, but it is really empowering to know that we could. read more

Took the co-ed intro class by myself this past weekend (Sept 2013). Well worth the three hours. Well run, safe environment, learned great techniques to be more aware and how to react when I feel threatened or attacked. Everyone should know these basics. Highly recommend you go by yourself or with a loved one, friend, coworker etc! Wish I had done it sooner and I will be telling all of my friends in SoCal to sign up! read more

Take the intro class! If you have a daughter (mine is 14), bring her along! Whatever you do, take this class. I cannot recommend this class or company enough. I'm still talking and thinking about the class and we took it almost a month ago. Another reviewer said this class gives you a false sense of safety because now you think you can beat up anyone. I couldn't disagree more. In no world do I think I can get myself out of any situation, but suddenly, I have a lot more choices than I thought I did. This class made me realize how women (I know men have issues with men, but I'm a woman, so I'm coming at it from my perspective) are rarely rude to men we don't want contact from. We smile, we walk away (which is always preferable in a dangerous situation, so don't think they teach you to not get away), we sometimes don't listen to our gut instinct and intuition and that is was it actually dangerous. It is okay for my daughter to be rude (and get into the ready position) if some guy asks her for directions and then starts on about how beautiful she is, how old are you, all that crap we've all had to listen to all these years of being women. It teaches you how to USE YOUR VOICE! I hope I never have to use the skills they taught me, but at least I have them now. Also, I recommend reading the book, "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin DeBecker. Empower yourself, empower your daughters and sons. Even though only my daughter took the class with me, I came home and told my 10 year old about it and gave him some thoughts on if a stranger approaches him, etc. It opens up a dialogue with your children and that is so important! It was sobering when my daughter said to me, "I've never once been rude to a guy who has tried to talk to me while walking, or at a store" etc. And, that is crazy. She gets hit on all the time by adult men and she is 14. Take this class. Trust your instincts. Stop being polite (that's me talking). Talk with your children - male and female. Teach them what is appropriate and what is not right. I cannot tell you how much I loved this class. read more

I took a beginner's class and was impressed with the clarity of instruction, the availability of handguns and safety equipment. The instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful. I felt very comfortable in the class as a female beginner. read more

Gus and Carla are great instructors. Their knowledge of firearm safety and shooting is transferred in an easy manner for all to understand. The class sizes are kept small. There is a good balance of instruction and actual practice shooting. I felt the course was so beneficial I have given 2 course as gifts. This is a must take course for anyone interested in learning to safely shoot. read more