Back in early September, I had an inspiring experience with the women from the 267th Security Forces squadron at the McChord Airforce Base. Sexual assault is a devastating problem that occurs worldwide, but the statistics are especially staggering on military bases. I find it extremely encouraging to see the military taking the initiative to help equip their women with the tools to defend themselves not only on the field, but also in their everyday surroundings.

Rener Gracie and I were brought in to teach these women the ten core techniques of the Women Empowered program, as well as principles of awareness and boundary setting to help reduce the risks of ever being put into potentially dangerous situations. This was the first time we had taught all ten of the core techniques in only two days, with just four hours of training each day! Although doubtful at first, all the women became so invested in the course, and with their extreme level of focus, cooperation, and willingness to help each other- the seminar was a complete success!

Every single participant in the course agreed that the material surpassed their expectations of what solutions “self-defense” could offer them. Whitney, a participant in the civilian’s course, and founder of ‘I Tap Boys! Women’s Jiu Jitsu’, wrote “I attended the Women Empowered Seminar in Burien, Wa on September 15th, 2001 led by Rener Gracie and Eve Torres. Having trained in jiu jitsu for over 2 years, I had never taken a formal self defense course and I was curious to see how the Gracie Academy had developed a women’s self defense program based on jiu jitsu concepts. Some of the things I was really impressed by were Rener’s and Eve’s ability to teach both experienced jiu jitsu athletes and beginners. The environment they created was non-threatening and yet very serious which felt appropriate for the subject matter at hand. This seminar really took my jiu jitsu to the next level. I learned how to use the guard position to not hold, control, and submit someone but to escape a worst-case-scenario situation. Some of these techniques I probably never would have learned in my regular jiu jitsu class. I would highly recommend this course to all women regardless of their experience in jiu jitsu”.

Although a ‘combatives’ program is offered to most of the military, some women expressed hesitation to involve themselves in such courses because they often become aggressive fighting grounds for the participants. The Women Empowered program thrives in a cooperative setting and is an effective course that focuses on defending against sexual predators at various stages of an attack.

Just because women are still the minority in the military doesn’t mean they should endure more incidences of sexual assault. Educating both men and women in the military about sexual assault, and offering our female soldiers courses like the Women Empowered self-defense program can reduce the military’s disproportionate numbers.

I was so proud of and inspired by the women I met at McChord Airforce Base. Our military women deserve to feel safe when they retreat to their lives off of the field, and I hope the military continues the initiative to empower the women who play a vital role in defending and protecting our country.

To bring the Women Empowered to your base, contact womenempowered@evetorres.com

The success of the seminar was also covered by the “NorthWest Guardian”.