Tigris had a fabulous opportunity to attend a women’s self-defense workshop on the Soteria Method, hosted by Avital Zeisler a couple of weeks back. We were honoured our client from Condor Security invited us to be a part of such a unique event. We showed up Friday morning eager and ready to learn! Avital began by asking us if we had any experience in self defense.

Nicole told her she had taken Body Combat at Goodlife, but that was the extent of her knowledge. We realized we didn’t know any prevention methods on how to defend ourselves from an attack, and that was a little worrisome. As young women, we find ourselves alone quite often; whether it be taking the dog for the walk, grabbing the groceries, a staircase in a building, or taking a taxi cab. What would you do in the moment, if someone were to approach you?

If your mind draws a blank, you aren’t alone. Or if you have a reaction in mind, you may not be able to perform in the given situation. Avital taught us prevention methods, as well as physical self-defense to protect us from an attack.

Women’s Self-Defense Workshop: 3 Steps To Prevent An Attack

1. Situational Awareness

Are you aware of your surroundings? Do you know where the closest exit is?Avital taught us to make use of our peripheral vision so we can visually scan a larger area to spot something, or someone, suspicious. We practiced this by holding a conversation with our partner, looking them in the eye and still using our peripheral vision to be constantly aware of our surroundings. Try maintaining a conversation while using your peripheral vision – it isn’t as easy as it sounds!

2. Perform Drills In Your Mind

At the end of our physical training session, Avital asked us to sit in a circle and close our eyes. She asked us to visualize ourselves in an elevator where we occupied the space with another man. This man became the attacker, who attempted to choke us by wrapping his hands around our neck. We were then asked to visualize how we would defend ourselves from the attacker, using the physical defense moves she had previously taught us. Sounds pretty scary, but it’s a great way to remember the moves and mentally prepare yourself in case you are ever forced to use self defense.

3. Improvised Weapons

If you don’t know any self defense moves, be aware of your surroundings and what you can use as an improvised weapon. Your keys, a chair – anything you would be able to use as a safety mechanism.

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Using Women’s Self-Defense, Fitness & Empowerment to Create The Soteria Method

Avital was once a ballerina until she suffered from an attack in her teens. Her life was forever changed and it became her mission to empower women everywhere. Avital developed the Soteria Method which combines self-defense, fitness and empowerment. “I’m working really hard to redefine self defense and shine a positive light on it. It’s about letting your emotional guard down to create the best life possible but still learning how to defend yourself,” she says. “I figured out a way to get the body I want as a woman while being able to fight like a man.”

Upon meeting and training with Avital, it was clear to see how feminine yet how powerful she is. The event was so successful, that Condor Security will be hosting future events, with the next seminar to be scheduled in April. Avital will also be releasing her new book next month, “Weapons of Fitness – The Women’s Ultimate Guide to Fitness, Self-Defense and Empowerment”. Avital brought this book with her to our training session and even taught us self-defense moves directly from her book! They are super easy to follow along with step by step pictures and detailed instructions. Her story of authentic healing helps women overcome physical and emotional trauma from attacks, and how to prevent ourselves from an attacker.

Are you interested in attending a seminar with Avital Zeisler? Do you know someone who may benefit from her training method? Contact Condor Security for more information on the next training session, 416 665 1500 ext. 277 or email training@condorsecurity.ca. If you’re interested in learning more about Avital, or would like to pre-order her new book, click here.