In-Person Classes
IMPACT has scholarships available for all classes and we also accept payment through the Massachusetts Victim’s Compensation program
To apply for a scholarship please visit the “Scholarship Opportunities” page located at the bottom of the Public Classes menu or click here.
To pay through Victim’s Compensation please email us at: classes@impactboston.org
Classes are listed chronologically. To be notified of new classes, dates and when registration opens, please click here.
Note: due to high demand, we will be adding workshops that are open to the public for November and December. Please stay tuned – registration will be open soon.
COMMUNITY SAFETY & SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOPS
IMPACT’s commitment to personal and community safety is more vital now than ever — whether it’s responding to the current political climate or the enduring epidemic of abuse, violence and harm. We welcome anyone who is feeling unsafe right now to join us for community self-defense workshops. These workshops will teach physical and verbal strategies for responding threats, intimidation and violence.
Classes are taught by a team of two instructors— one teaches self-defense skills, the other takes on the role of an aggressor. This instructor wears a full suit of protective body armor so you can safely practice the skills you learn. People learn to swim by getting in the water. Self-defense is similar– the best way to learn is to get up and practice.
You will learn:
- Assertive communication
- Verbal self-defense strategies
- Physical self-protection skills
- Strategies for addressing hate speech whether you are the one being targeted or the bystander
IMPACT’s approach to self-defense is trauma-informed, social-justice-oriented and designed to teach practical safety skills in a way that challenges victim-blame.
Classes are free and open to the public. You are welcome to make a donation. All donations will support future free programs.
There is an Accommodation Form on the registration page. More information about accessibility can be found here: Accessibility Information | Impact Boston. All genders welcome. Ages 16+. Please contact us if you would like to register someone younger than 16 years old.
Monday November 25 (11/25/24), 6-9pm
Presentation School Foundation, 640 Washington St., Brighton MA, 02148
Thursday December 5 (12/5/24), 6-9pm
Non-Profit Center, 89 South St., Boston, MA 02111 (near South Station)
For LGBTQ+ Folks Only
Tuesday December 10 (12/10/24), 6-9pm
Multicultural AIDS Coalition, 9 Palmer St (Nubian Square), Roxbury, 02119
All-Gender 10-Hour IMPACT Program
10-hour class, open to all genders, ages 16+
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you’d like to register someone outside this age range)
Course Fee*: $200
*Scholarships also available
This 10-hour weekend course is for all genders, ages 16+. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, students develop physical and verbal skills to resist threats, intimidation, and violence perpetrated by both strangers and familiar people. Scenarios students learn to defend themselves against include front confrontations, attacks from behind, and ground fighting. Unlike our 20-hour course (IMPACT Core Program), this class does not include sexual assault scenarios, though the techniques students will learn are applicable to a variety of self-defense situations.
1/11 1pm – 6pm
1/12 1pm – 6pm
Must attend all sessions
Click the button below to register. If you are applying for a scholarship, email classes@impactboston.org for a form or download one from our website.
Introduction to IMPACT for Trauma Survivors
6-hour class, open to all genders, ages 16+
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you’d like to register someone outside this age range)
Course Fee*: $150
*Scholarships also available
This 6-hour class is designed for survivors or trauma who are interested in taking an IMPACT class. This is a good options for those who are not sure which class best suits their needs; those who would like to take a class that moves through the material at a slower pace, allowing students to learn self-defense at a pace that fits their needs; or those who would like to establish a foundation in IMPACT skills before jumping to a longer class. This course introduces students to IMPACT principles and basic techniques, while also heplung students to manage their adrenaline through breathing and body awareness exercises.
Sunday 2/2, 12-6pm
Location: Non-Profit Center, 89 South St., Boston, MA 02111
Click the button below to register. If you are applying for a scholarship, email classes@impactboston.org for a form or download one from our website.
Women’s Core IMPACT Program
20-hour class, open to those who identify as women/girls & nonbinary folks who would feel comfortable in a women’s class, ages 16+
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you’d like to register someone outside this age range)
Course Fee*: Sliding scale from $50 – $450
*Full scholarships also available
This 20-hour weekend course is specifically designed for women and teen girls, and nonbinary folks of color who would be comfortable in a women’s class, ages 16+. Students develop physical and verbal skills to resist threats, intimidation, violence and acts of discrimination perpetrated by both strangers and familiar people. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, students learn assertive boundary setting techniques and physical skills to defend and fight back against various threatening situations, including confrontations, verbal assault/harassment, attacks from behind, attempted sexual assaults, and ground fighting.
3/21 6pm – 9pm
3/22 10am – 7pm
3/23 10am – 6pm
Must attend all sessions
Location: 89 South St., Boston, MA (near South Station)
Women of Color Core IMPACT Program
20-hour class, open to people of color who identify as women/girls & nonbinary folks who would feel comfortable in a women’s class, ages 16+
(Please contact us at info@impactboston.org if you’d like to register someone outside this age range)
Course Fee*: Sliding scale from $50 – $450
*Full scholarships also available
This 20-hour weekend course is specifically designed for women and teen girls of color and nonbinary folks of color who would be comfortable in a women’s class, ages 16+. Students develop physical and verbal skills to resist threats, intimidation, violence and acts of discrimination perpetrated by both strangers and familiar people. In a supportive, trauma-informed environment, students learn assertive boundary setting techniques and physical skills to defend and fight back against various threatening situations, including confrontations, verbal assault/harassment, attacks from behind, attempted sexual assaults, and ground fighting. This class also addresses harm reduction strategies in response to state violence.
5/30 6pm – 9pm
5/31 10am – 7pm
6/1 10am – 6pm
Must attend all sessions
Location TBD at this time. It will be in or near Boston