Self Defense / Anti Bullying
Situational Awareness and Self-Protection Programs
Developing techniques for self-defence is a great way to feel empowered and prepared in the event you might encounter a dangerous or threatening situation. When under pressure or facing a stressful situation like an attack or a survival scenario, we are most likely to revert to practiced methods of action. By considering scenarios that might be threatening, developing strategies for defusing, de-escalating, and defending, and repeatedly role-playing these strategies, your response becomes instinctual, giving you the best chance for a safe outcome.
5 Elements Situational Awareness and Self-Protection curriculum gives you the training to feel confident moving through life with the skills necessary to feel safe and capable.
Be Confident, Be Safe
Nobody wants to feel unsafe. You may have experienced a threatening situation. You might feel victimized by ongoing intimidation. You may have friends or family that have experienced violence. Insecurity can leave you feeling vulnerable, weak, untrusting, powerless, and even angry. Feeling unsafe is no way to live, and the best remedy is to arm yourself with skills to avoid dangerous situations, de-escalate intimidating incidents, and defend yourself physically when necessary.
Why is it important? Self-defence training can:
- Improve fitness and strength making you less of a target
- Increase confidence in a situation of threat but also whenever entering a new environment
- Impart a realization of your personal strength and your body’s abilities
- Give you your power back if you have been victimized by violence
The 5 Elements Situational Awareness and Self-Protection program provides students with the skills and tools to recognize and understand threatening situations and to protect their health, well-being, and safety. Using the physical, mental, and emotional practices of martial arts, we strive to provide our students with full competency to protect themselves and confidently avoid any harm.
5 Elements offers age-appropriate training for students 5 and up. Our programs can be customized for groups of any size, varied abilities and can be offered as intensive single-day workshops or over several sessions. Our curriculum can also be tailored for organizations who wish to incorporate self-defence into a team-building program.
Why 5 Elements?
Under the leadership of Maeghen Cotterill, 5 Elements Martial Arts is committed to providing an environment for all Calgarians seeking to explore the life changing benefits of Martial Arts. By building a community of people passionate about martial arts, we have created a family that welcomes diversity, holds a place for everyone, and celebrates every achievement.
A Place For Everyone
Inspired by the journey of her own son who lives with autism, Maeghen and the team at 5 Elements are proud to have developed an inclusive curriculum for children with special needs. With over 24 years of experience providing instruction for students with special and unique requirements, our staff are equipped to provide safe, supportive and inclusive training for students on the autism spectrum, with ADD and ADHD, physical impairments, mental health challenges, and survivors of trauma.
Our studio is built for everyone who wants to discover the benefits of martial arts. Contact our team today to learn more about our martial arts programs and classes.
Self Defence for Everyone
For Girls:
Unfortunately, we live in a world where violence against girls is a real and ongoing threat. Girls are still often perceived as the weaker gender and as easy targets. Our girls are still taught to be nice, polite, and not hurt people’s feelings. We believe every girl is strong and has the ability to harness their mental and physical strength. 5 Elements wants to empower girls to recognize threats and protect themselves in any situation.
Our program will:
- Teach girls to make quick assessments of a situation and respond with firm decisions
- Develop confidence and character
- Build self-respect and expect respect from others
- Believe in their own ability to keep themselves safe
For Boys:
Boys are often exposed to an environment of physical intimidation and are sometimes groomed to use violence to resolve conflict. They can also be conditioned to resort to physical dominance when they feel threatened. When they experience violence, they are often told to be tough, “man up”, not be a sissy. Boys that do not meet the typical expectations of masculinity can be left feeling lost and scared. Boys dealing with bullying, conflict at school, or violence at home need skills to harness their power and strength and channel it productively. 5 Elements wants to empower boys with tools to understand conflict and navigate resolution.
Our program will:
- Improve social interactions
- Develop physical and mental strength and emotional regulation
- Build self-esteem and confidence
- Teach techniques for de-escalation and self-defence
For Women:
According to WHO (World Health Organization), one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. Gender-based violence is a worldwide problem and many women feel fear and concern for safety on a daily basis. We want to give women the tools to own their power and live confidently without an ever-present fear of violence.
The 5 Elements program will:
- Provide a safe space to work through fears and vulnerabilities
- Strengthen body and mind
- Increase self-awareness and body positivity
- Develop strong safety strategies and powerful defence techniques
Our Students Say...
Our studio trains hundreds of students of every age, ability, skill, and motivation each week. We are proud of the community of martial artists we have formed and we are proud of the support we have offered each student on their personal journey through martial arts. Here we are proud to share the experiences of 5 Element students past and present.
Seeking Opportunities To Teach?
In creating 5 Elements Martial Arts as a place for students to explore martial arts, Maeghen also wanted to provide opportunities for individuals seeking to share their skilled expertise with students.
If you are an accomplished martial artist looking to build the career of your dreams sharing your passion and drive with others, contact our studio today. We are looking for people just like you!
Confidence Through Empowerment
The Situational Awareness and Self-Protection courses at 5 Elements teach the skills necessary to protect your health and well-being. Our curriculum is based on the principles of martial arts and is inclusive for all ages and all abilities. Students participating in the self-defence program can expect to:
- Build Self-Esteem and Confidence
- Improve Social Interactions
- Ease Fears and Vulnerabilities
- Develop Proactive Techniques for Avoidance, De-Escalation, and Defence
- Create a Community of Support with Peers and Instructors
Our program is designed to help anyone feeling fearful, insecure, powerless develop the skills to navigate every situation confident in their ability to communicate their power and protect their well-being. Contact us to explore the programs for self-defence best suited for you.
Join Our Family
5 Elements Martial Arts studio welcomes everyone interested in experiencing the benefits of martial arts. With a focus on technique and mastery but a penchant for fun, our inclusive and welcoming environment has a space for everyone. Follow these steps to begin your journey to health, wellness, strength, and empowerment.
Self-Defence: Frequently Asked Questions
Our experienced team members will connect you with the instructor most suited to your group's needs and demographics. Our instructor will work closely with you to deliver a curriculum suitable to empower your group.
5 Elements Martial Arts can conduct our Situational Awareness and Self-Protection courses at our fully-equipped and matted studio or at your location.
We will provide all equipment necessary for the program (matting not available for off-site classes). We are also able to provide remote instruction via video conference such as Zoom. Contact us for more details.
Our classes can be fully customized to be the most suitable for the age, ability, and needs of your group. But some of our common concepts taught are:
Situational Awareness: Are you safe in your environment? Are you taking inventory of your surroundings? Can you find allies? Are you trusting yourself?
Avoidance and De-Escalation: What is your role in this situation? Are you aware of your tone and word choice? What is your body language conveying? Can you ask for help?
Physical Strategies for Self-Protection: Face-to-face scenarios, arm grab defenses, choke defenses, strike defenses, rear and side attacks, ground defenses.
Resolution and Follow Up: Am I safe? Have I told authorities and members of my family and friends? How do I heal? What did I learn?
We Set The Bar
The 5 Elements team provides an elevated training experience in multiple disciplines to Calgarians seeking the best martial arts instructors and facility in the city. With a commitment to making martial arts accessible for everyone who wants to participate, we have built a strong and supportive community where each member has the opportunity to meet their goals and exceed expectations.
Our facilities are first-class. Our Instructors are top-notch. Our students are National and World Champions.
Find Your Inner Ninja
5 Elements is Calgary’s premier martial arts training facility. With highly skilled instructors, multiple martial arts disciplines, and opportunities to train in groups or with personal instruction we have the tools you need to achieve your goals for fitness of the body, mind, and soul.
Contact our studio at 403-201-8825 today and begin your journey to unlock your Inner Ninja.
