How do you learn Self-Defense without joining the Marines? (My clinics are made for REGULAR people - just like you!)
Book your own private or semi private clinic for yourself, your group, or your company. Don’t worry - it’s not super expensive and price information is given below!
Self Defense for Women (and men too).
Hi, my name is Shelly Blanco.
I’ve spent most of my life teaching women (and men) how to defend themselves. I’ve taught big corporations like the Anderson’s, the Toledo Board of Realtors, and even Ford motors, but I’ve also taught dozens of small clinics for groups and individuals either in my facility, or in homes, gyms, and sometimes even backyards.
At the end of every clinic, I want my clients to walk away knowing just how powerful they can really be. My goal is to make self defense quick, easy, and fun!
You might not know exactly what you DO want from one of my clinics, but I’m pretty sure you have a good idea of the things you DON’T want.
Here are some of the reasons you might NOT want to try my class.
Are worried about a daughter (or son) who is getting ready to go away to college? You don't want to worry, instead you want to keep them safe!!
It can really be scary when our kids go away for the first time. When a young person leaves home, it’s a wonderful feeling to know that they can take care of themselves!
Helping kids keep themselves safe while at college is one of my specialties. What I teach works in the real world, — it’s based on PERSONAL real world experience!!
“You defiintely get a confidence boost!”
“You feel like you can walk with your shoulders back and your head up high, and you no longer have to look down for fear of making eye contact with someone. You know that whatever situations come your way, you will definitely be able to handle it.”
- Janae Vargo
You don’t want a class that is filled with “theory”. You want something that works in the real world and is based on real world experience!
My mission of keeping women safe started in the 1980’s after I was brutally attacked by an intruder while sleeping ALONE in my apartment. The perpetrator was never caught!
I lived in FEAR for years after this experience. I was forced to move from my home, switch jobs, and even hide my name.
Because of my attack, I was motivated to find a solution to my fear. I started studying martial arts, and began to attend as many self defense clinics as I could find. I was always looking for those secret keys to keeping myself safe. More often than not, I found well meaning teachers, but few practical tactics that would give me the help that I really needed.
NBC 24’s interview with Shelly, relating to her real world experience as a victim, and how she now uses her experience to keep women safe.
I decided that women needed something MORE than the typical well intended self defense taught by martial artists, or even by law enforcement. Women needed a short class that would give them RESULTS!
The clinics I’ve designed today took decades to develop. They are based on my real world experience. I’ve taken out the unnecessary, but I’ve left in the few things that really count.
I teach what worked for me - and what will work for you too!
You like to learn self-defense without feeling like you joined the Marines?
Every day people have fun, learn, and feel empowered all while supporting a great cause.
Most people are afraid that self defense will be intimidating. Often self defense is taught by martial arts, law enforcement, or even military folks. But my mission is different. My clinics are for everyday people who want to get results fast but also want to have FUN.
Self defense is a serious subject, but learning to keep yourself safe does NOT have to be serious. People learn best when they are engaged. Engagement comes by making my class something you ENJOY!
My secret sauce is that I don’t take myself too seriously, but I do take teaching with professionalism very seriously. You will leave feeling confident and empowered. You will feel safer than ever, but learn in a way that makes you feel good!
Have had an experience where someone’s behavior scared you? Do you feel fear when you are home alone? You want to feel safe. You don’t want to feel afraid!
Sadly, these days we face more uncomfortable situations than ever! When you know what to do, not only can you relieve some of the fear, BUT you can learn practical skills to prevent a situation from escalating!
My goal is for you to know what to do, so that you can take positive action and keep yourself safe. Most people never have to use the skills I teach, but the feeling of well-being you will gain, you will enjoy every day!
You don’t want to look foolish, or you are afraid of being asked to do something that is difficult or complicated.
Most self-defense clinics are filled with complicated moves. But I’ve found it’s the simple moves that work BEST, (and you will also be able to remember them).
I’ve designed my clinics so they can be done by anyone. I’ve taught many young adults, but I’m especially proud that my clinics can be attended and enjoyed by the elderly too. My goal is for every person who attends to walk away feeling great!
Just one of Shelly’s many groups. Young women from Premiere Volleyball Academy take a break from the court, and enjoy a fun afternoon of Self-Defense training.
You are concerned that your group might be too small. (Or maybe you are afraid your group is too large.)
I am co-owner of one of the largest martial arts schools in Ohio. We have tons of parking, a beautiful 7,000 square foot facility, and lots of places to eat and shop right here in the Shops at Fallen Timbers. But I can also come right to you! I’ve had individuals schedule their clinic so that I can work with them one on one. I’ve had small groups taught in backyards, and I’ve had larger groups that even required additional staff.
No clinic is too small or too large.
You are worried this kind of training will be too expensive.
My clinics last about 90 minutes, and the cost is $249.00 for groups up to thirty people (additional charge for larger groups that may require another instructor). But don’t worry, because an extra qualified instructor only adds $80.00 per teacher to the cost of the event).
It’s not unusual for my clients to charge their members a small fee. This fee usually pay for the event entirely. I even have non-for-profits and other charity groups that make a profit for their organization with my events!
“At first I was worried about cost, but in the long run it was really so worth it!”
“You can’t put a price tag on self-esteem, on growing stronger, on making your mind stronger, there really is no price tag on that!”
- Tamara Pahl
You’re afraid that setting up one of my clinics might be hard, or even complicated!
Sometimes getting a clinic set up feels daunting. You feel like there is just so much to do! I’ve tried my best to make it easy.
The best way to get started is just send me an email at the link below. You can let me know what size group you might have in mind, and you can even give me a few dates to see if I’m available. A few emails later you can be on your way to having your own clinic!
Thanks for stopping in to my site. I can’t wait to speak with you in person!
Shelly Blanco
Co-Owner - Ohio Martial Arts, RN, and Head Women’s Self Defense Coach