Testimonials
I left this class EXCITED!!! I feel more able to be aware & avoid a variety of potentially BAD SITUATIONS. I did also trust Jay the instructors professional skill to “read the room” as to what we may need help with. I felt safe with him & the class to share that I had past traumas & my boundaries were kept & reassured & I accepted with warmth:) I will be registering for more “STREETWISE SELF DEFENSE” classes ASAP!! I would give SO MUCH to have this information when I needed it.
Excellent instructor who really cares and knows his stuff. Showed us all the various defensive moves for an array of situations and made us practice. Exactly what we were looking for. Highly recommend.
Jay was a fantastic instructor, and I really felt like I learned more at this self defense class than any self defense class I had taken previously! He was great about thoroughly explaining the movements and the reasoning behind the movements as well as checking in with individuals to make sure they were comfortable. I highly recommend the class!
Jay customized a mother/daughter class for 3 families in our neighborhood who have girls under the 12+ age limit that is the standard for the community center classes. He did a wonderful job of adapting to a younger age group and addressing both the mothers and their daughters in a way that was age appropriate but also direct about the topic. He let the girls rough him up a bit, which they thought was really cool but more importantly showed them that they can effectively defend themselves. This was really critical because that age group, and all of us really, need to see cause and effect. If we fight back, we have a much better chance of defending ourselves and escaping harm. He was really encouraging to all of us and we left the class with new skills and more confidence. I would highly recommend Jay’s class!
Jay made everyone feel really comfortable in a pretty uncomfortable situation. I felt like it was a safe space and you could tell that Jay wanted to help everyone feel empowered. I was nervous at first but after the class I felt strong and like I could take on the world. It was great to learn new techniques to protect ourselves. This is the second self defense class I have taken (from two different places) and I feel like I learned so much more after this class. I highly recommend trying a class.
I highly recommend Jay and Streetwise Women's Self Defense. I think this is a class that every woman and teen daughter should take. I learned so much from this workshop and I feel so much stronger and empowered having a set of tricks and tools that I can use if I am in a bad situation. Jay set up a private class for our group and it was nice to be in a small group setting and practice everything that we learned. I plan to take more classes with Jay so that I can continue learning and improving my skills!
Recently took a self defense class with Jay and learned a lot. I felt comfortable throughout the entire class, even though the topic could be triggering for some. We practiced lots of different techniques with Jay helping us on our form. Learning the move and then practicing made me feel more comfortable in my ability. I feel like I have some tools in my toolbox now that I can use if needed. Highly recommend this course to moms, daughter's, aunts, sisters,etc.
Thank you, Streetwise Women's Self Defense! Jay kindly arranged to teach a class while he was coming through Boise to 11 of us, including 7 women and 4 of our daughters aged 15 and up. I had been wanting to take a self-defense class with my 19-year-old before she strikes out on her own, and Jay's class was just what we'd hoped for. Jay was great about covering several topics around safety and self-defense, was great about listening and being open to conversations and questions that came up, and was great about making sure everyone was participating at a level that they felt safe and comfortable with. Jay was very professional, and we had a lot of fun as well while practicing movements and taking the class together. The topic of self-defense, Jay explained, can be difficult and triggering at times, and that is certainly true. We appreciated Jay's professional, experienced, and kind tone throughout the entire course. My daughter came home with a little boost in confidence as well, which I so appreciated.
My daughter and I highly recommend Jay's "Streetwise Women's Self Defense" class. We learned some very useful techniques that made us feel stronger and more confident in defending ourselves if we are ever in a dangerous situation. We thought that Jay's hands-on demonstration and knowledge were really impactful. This class would be very beneficial for any female (both young and old) to attend.
I highly recommend streetwise for all ages and abilities!! We participated last night with my daughters, 12 and 16. The girls were so nervous to go initially but within the first 30 minutes they were bringing it and by the end we all felt empowered, strong and confident, I could see it in my girls as they both walked a bit taller to the car!! The class inspired more enlightening conversation on the way home and I’m sure there will be more in the coming weeks! thank you so much streetwise and look forward to participating again
I took this class tonight with Jay and a local women’s group and came away feeling wonderfully empowered. I plan to take more classes to build that muscle memory and confidence. The class was well run, all questions and scenarios given time and consideration. We got to practice a lot which was very empowering. I came home and showed my friend a few moves right away and she was impressed with how little strength it can take to subdue someone. Thank you!! I hope to do more soon!
Jay and his volunteers did an amazing job empowering our group of women and girls! We learned about setting boundaries, simple self defense techniques and more complex maneuvers to practice when faced with potentially life threatening situations. We were wisely reminded to listen to our intuition and inner voices, pay attention to our surroundings and ultimately be prepared to get out of situations without needing to fight. Excellent class!
Jay was fantastic! It was very evident that he has a passion to help women of all ages gain confidence and the knowledge to learn how to better protect themselves. This class went above and beyond my expectations. I attended with my daughters who are 17 and 13. They walked in feeling a bit apprehensive but left feeling very confident. Jay, Riley, and Emma were excellent teachers. They were patient, knowledgable, and fun to work with. I appreciated how Jay did not shy away from tough topics such as rape and assault but was sensitive and used age-appropriate terms when describing different scenarios. I would HIGHLY recommend this class and we will definitely be going back!
Jay is amazing!! He has trained both myself and my 9 year old daughter in self defense. He made me feel comfortable in the adult classes and both my daughter and I had a lot of fun in the mommy and me classes. I highly recommend Street Wise! His classes are fantastic and Jay really cares!!
Thank you, Jay, for offering your class at the Boise Downtown YMCA. I walked away feeling more confident "if" I ever encountered an unpleasant physical situation. I feel we all were thoroughly informed about our own personal defenses and how to use them to our advantage. Thank you for your knowledge and thank you for continuing to help others to FIGHT BACK!
It was so informative and the people teaching were super nice and understanding! They took things at your own pace and your comfort level. I was able to learn a lot and I recommend anyone who is interested to take a class!
This class was an eye opening exposure to real life skills. It gave me a new outlook and set of tools. Highly recommend this instructor for his depth of skill and tact in teaching sometimes sensitive positions and thought processes. Really recommend taking this course!
All I can say is wow. Jay taught me so much in the little time I took just the simple basics- and it's helped me so much, over time. My self-confidence has and is growing.... And by darn! I have a backbone! (Literally- get it? Ha ha ha). My point is- you want to learn the basic survival skills without the BS and feel safe?? Streetwise Self Defense, Jay is your guy. I truly hope this program sky-rockets. After my most recent assault, I thought everything was over. But then I heard this voice- "It's all about your mind. This is all mental. Are you going to let him win?? Nooo! You are a survivor. A warrior! Now pull yourself up!" And.... I have been. Art- painting- is my healthy escape along with exercise. Thank you, Jay. To the end of this world and back!
We signed up for this class a girls’ night out and had a really good time. It was fun to learn the techniques with friends and made a serious/scary subject a bit more light-hearted. We learned a ton of tips and walked away feeling much more confident!
This class was great! Very informative and you get an opportunity to try what you are learning. Some of the techniques are easy to remember so that you could truly implement them in a panic situation. All of the techniques are very helpful but some take more practice to get them down where you could use them in a stressful situation. Jay was a good teacher and we all felt comfortable in the environment.
Jay's Women's Self Defense class is the best thing I have done for myself in years. I have wanted to do something like this for a long time, and I'm glad I finally did. It was a real hands on class, we practiced the moves, which is crucial. Jay was such a good sport, letting us practice on him. Being a small person, 5' 1", 95 lbs., I wanted to see if I could actually execute the moves and deter or stop him. I'm proud to say that I was able to "take him down"! Thanks Jay!
I had the great privilege to host an event with Jay this past weekend. He was a great instructor! Jay is very knowledgeable and personable. Everyone in the class received personalized tips to maximize the effect of moves he taught. We got to do things in class that I haven't done in any other class I've taken. It was a great time and I would recommend Jay to anyone looking for a self defense Instructor.
This class was very empowering and made me feel like I could take on any threat. I know when and when not to use certain moves, and how to make it possible to get out of something bad. Jay is respectful and elegant with his work. I was impressed and intrigued by his skills. Any teenage girl or even older ladies contimplating on taking this class, i completely encourage you to do so. I am very glad I dd. Thank you Jay
As the Director of Health & Wellbeing at the Downtown Boise YMCA I have had the opportunity to work with Jay Beecham. Jay teaches a Women’s Self Defense class at our facility every month. With well over 125 members that he has served, I have heard time and time again how good the class was from them. Some even ask if we will provide more training. His solid reputation has moved beyond our walls and I often get calls from our other branches inquiring on his availability. This has expanded to other organizations, like St Luke’s, Gates of Hope, and the Garden Valley library to name a few. Jay’s selfless passion to ensure that women are provided the tools they need to stay in control of their environment is highly evident, and when coupled with his skills and expertise, it provides an exceptional training experience. If ever my wife, sister, or any of the women I know found themselves in a challenging situation I would certainly want them to have been trained by Jay at Streetwise Self Defense!
It was an awesome class!!! I brought my daughters (one in high school and one in college) with my sister to learn to be confident and smart! Jay did a wonderful job in equipping us to be fighters. I pray we never have to use these skills but should that time ever come we are ready. We look forward to taking more classes!
Awesome class!! I took the class because I'm going to be an RA at college next year and now I'm equipped with the tools and knowledge to be able to defend myself in potentially dangerous situations.
Absolutely one of the best decisions I made this summer. I'm feeling so much more confident about going to college out of state! Would 100% recommend this class.
Great class! I decided to do this class because I will be traveling in Europe this fall for several weeks, and i wanted to feel prepared and secure before leaving. After taking this class I now believe every girl/woman should take a self defense class. It was very informative and empowering. Jay taught how to best avoid or break free from an abduction or sexual assault attempt. Most moves were easy to remember and perform. I highly recommend this class and I am planning to take it again before I leave.
Jay customized a mother/daughter class for 3 families in our neighborhood who have girls under the 12+ age limit that is the standard for the community center classes. He did a wonderful job of adapting to a younger age group and addressing both the mothers and their daughters in a way that was age appropriate but also direct about the topic.He let the girls rough him up a bit, which they thought was really cool but more importantly showed them that they can effectively defend themselves. This was really critical because that age group, and all of us really, need to see cause and effect. If we fight back, we have a much better chance of defending ourselves and escaping harm. He was really encouraging to all of us and we left the class with new skills and more confidence.
I would highly recommend Jay’s class!
“Whole-heartedly recommend this workshop!”I organized a private group session with Jay for mothers/ younger kids who were just a little too young to participate in any of the city parks & rec organized offerings ( 9-12) . It was a powerful experience.
Jay was absolutely professional in setting this up, lining up a venue, and communicating prior to the event.
During the well- thought out presentation -a little theory but mostly hands on demonstrations- we felt he gave us his all and kept even the youngest kids engaged at all times, making sure everyone had their turns to practice safely and their questions answered. I had shopped around to find options for that age group before finding Jay, and the class was very reasonably priced in comparison. We’ll happily be back for a refresher down the road.
If you have any doubts or fears on taking Jay’s Self Defense Class, don’t. Jay makes you feel comfortable from the beginning by sharing his story about why he started this organization. He makes sure you are okay with potentially triggering scenarios, and he encourages you all the way through with humor, kindness, and care. I was brought to tears at one point not because of a traumatic self-defense scenario, but from his encouragement and sympathy towards the fears women (and men) face after being attacked or in an abusive relationship. I recently moved to San Francisco and feel more relaxed when I walk in the city alone because I know I have the tools I learned from Jay to escape from any perpetrator. I couldn’t recommend this class enough and believe every woman should take this class without any hesitation. You will come out of it feeling empowered and confident in yourself wherever you may go.
I signed myself and 17 year old daughter up for this class on a whim, with her nervously and reluctantly agreeing to go. Signing up was a great decision. The class was informative, professional, respectful and FUN! Jay made everyone feel comfortable right from the beginning. Even my very introverted daughter was engaged and participating the entire class. We bonded with the other women there and came away feeling confident and powerful. Jay knows what he’s doing and how to present this sensitive topic. There is something that strikes to the core about feeling empowered to defend yourself and we can’t wait to go back for more. If you are hesitant to sign up – don’t be – it is a great experience!
This is a truly wonderful and empowering class! I found Jay respectful, compassionate, and sensitive to the fear I brought with me. Jay hit all the right notes so that I not only felt safe emotionally, but began to learn some physical skills I want to remember. I highly recommend this experience!
Thank you, Streetwise Women’s Self Defense! Jay kindly arranged to teach a class while he was coming through Boise to 11 of us, including 7 women and 4 of our daughters aged 15 and up. I had been wanting to take a self-defense class with my 19-year-old before she strikes out on her own, and Jay’s class was just what we’d hoped for. Jay was great about covering several topics around safety and self-defense, was great about listening and being open to conversations and questions that came up, and was great about making sure everyone was participating at a level that they felt safe and comfortable with. Jay was very professional, and we had a lot of fun as well while practicing movements and taking the class together. The topic of self-defense, Jay explained, can be difficult and triggering at times, and that is certainly true. We appreciated Jay’s professional, experienced, and kind tone throughout the entire course. My daughter came home with a little boost in confidence as well, which I so appreciated.
My daughter and I highly recommend Jay’s “Streetwise Women’s Self Defense” class. We learned some very useful techniques that made us feel stronger and more confident in defending ourselves if we are ever in a dangerous situation. We thought that Jay’s hands-on demonstration and knowledge were really impactful. This class would be very beneficial for any female (both young and old) to attend.
I highly recommend streetwise for all ages and abilities!!
We participated last night with my daughters, 12 and 16. The girls were so nervous to go initially but within the first 30 minutes they were bringing it and by the end we all felt empowered, strong and confident, I could see it in my girls as they both walked a bit taller to the car!!
The class inspired more enlightening conversation on the way home and I’m sure there will be more in the coming weeks! thank you so much streetwise and look forward to participating again…
Jay was incredibly kind, knowledgeable and easy to work with when he assisted my students in organizing a self-defense workshop for their fellow high school students. Jay met with the student-organizers ahead of the workshop so they could run through the moves themselves before assisting their peers in learning on the day of our workshop. The students and I found Jay and his assistant to be patient, funny and empowering to the (mostly) young women who were taking his course. After the workshop, participants felt stronger, more powerful and more confident that they can keep themselves safe and, in the event of an attack, they would be able to defend themselves. As a teacher, I’m so grateful to Jay for coming to Boise High School, for working with our young people and for offering his services to us. Thanks, Jay!
I feel so much more confident both for myself and my daughter after learning the moves Jay taught us in self-defense class. He gives fantastic instruction and is dedicated to helping women feel safe with simple tools of wisdom.
It was an awesome class!!! I brought my daughters (one in high school and one in college) with my sister to learn to be confident and smart! Jay did a wonderful job in equipping us to be fighters. I pray we never have to use these skills but should that time ever come we are ready. We look forward to taking more classes!
Awesome class!! I took the class because I’m going to be an RA at college next year and now I’m equipped with the tools and knowledge to be able to defend myself in potentially dangerous situations.
This class was very empowering and made me feel much more confident. I know when and when not to use certain moves, and how to make it possible to get out of something bad. Jay is respectful and elegant with his work. I was impressed and intrigued by his skills. Any teenage girl or even older ladies contemplating taking this class, I completely encourage you to do so. I am very glad I dd. Thank you Jay
Attending Jay’s self-defense class with a group of teenage girls we mentor regularly was such a beautiful and empowering experience. Jay taught with great respect and knowledge and every one of the girls LOVED learning how to own their own space and stand up for their rights. I would highly recommend his class to anyone and we can’t wait to go again and learn more! Thank you so much Jay!
“Since my twelve-year old daughter joined this self-defense class, there is a distinctive change in the way she views herself as a female. What she has learned in this class is an awareness about her physical and inner strength. Her self-confidence and sense of self-worth have increased. She feels empowered. She gets excited about spending a Saturday learning ways to defend herself and further understand why there are reasons that she might have to defend herself one day. She has fun even in the context of tough topics. She continues to participate, grow, and thrive as she expresses herself in brave and bold ways. As her mom, I hope she never has to defend herself; however, if she does have to defend herself, she can. Jay has a way of making the girls feel comfortable as he helps them to help themselves in challenging scenarios, This is time and money well spent – invaluable.”
Great class! I decided to do this class because I will be traveling in Europe this fall for several weeks, and i wanted to feel prepared and secure before leaving. After taking this class I now believe every girl/woman should take a self defense class. It was very informative and empowering. Jay taught how to best avoid or break free from an abduction or sexual assault attempt. Most moves were easy to remember and perform. I highly recommend this class and I am planning to take it again before I leave.
Absolutely one of the best decisions I made this summer. I’m feeling so much more confident about going to college out of state! Would 100% recommend this class.
Jay was very knowledgeable and professional when teaching my friend and I self defense strategies. The information was relevant and helpful. Every woman should take the class!
I was a little apprehensive about attending as I am approaching 70 and have some aches and pains but my caring daughter signed me up and encouraged me to go. I am really glad I did, it was a wonderful class and Jay and Miriam did a great job. I know that you can be attacked at any age, not just the young. I know that if attacked my body would not feel good afterwards but because of Jay’s instructions I would try to give it all I had. Thank you so much.
Jay and Miriam were great!! They taught to Heidi and I’s comfort levels and ensured we both left with some great techniques. I was able to go home and show my kids the new skills I had learned!!!
Jay, thank you so much for making time for our class, and for offering such a fantastic curriculum. Both my young adult daughters said they were really pleased with everything they learned, and so was I. My younger one, at 19, is a tough audience to impress (so many things are a “waste of their time”), and I heard nothing but good things from her. And you did an artful job with my older daughter, who was anxious about participating. She was able to feel comfortable and take it all in. I will now worry less about them being out in the world, knowing what they’ve learned from you!
This class was so beneficial! I’m moving to downtown Saint Louis for graduate school in about a month, and I had never been in any kind of self defense or martial arts class before. I did some research online and found out about this workshop. My expectations were low, but I figured that something was better than nothing. I was completely blown away! We learned so much in such a short amount of time, and while I’m still going to try to avoid getting myself into situations where it would be necessary to use the tactics we learned, I feel so much better about how I would react now. Thanks, Jay!!!