Upgraded Certification Training

Up until 2024, Pretty Deadly Self Defense Instructor Certification has been a hybrid of 3 days online + 2 days live training sessions. While this was a great format during the pandemic years starting in 2020, we've had more and more requests to move certification trainings entirely offline and conduct live only sessions.

Everyone has had their fill of online courses, whether pre-recorded for on-demand learning, live webinars or even interactive on Zoom. There's still an important place and reason for online courses, but let's be real: you simply can't learn self defense online, and you can't learn to teach it online either. Self defense, by it's very nature, requires direct contact with a training partner -- and we don't mean a padded partner in a Red Suit, but unprotected body in a controlled environment, so clients can learn what it feels like to make contact, how body dynamics actually work, and the real effect of their techniques.

Just as learning effective self defense online is ridiculous, so is learning to teach it. Instructors also need to know what their clients will be experiencing, how to tell when someone is in pain or about to trigger, and how to dial both training and instruction back to ensure client safety.

And with Pretty Deadly, instructors also need to know how much fun their clients can actually have.

Starting in March 2025, we’ll be switching to live only sessions for full instructor certifications. Certification courses will span two half-days and two full days, and take place every quarter in San Francisco, CA. Our live training will cover elements that aren't possible to cover on line, including adding a Pretty Deadly Master Class so instructors can get a taste of what clients experience in a Pretty Deadly class.

Self defense techniques, exercises and safety protocols are all included, as well as methodology, psychology, trauma awareness training and support, along with the building blocks to develop a self defense workshop using everything you’ve learned, and deliver it to the public as your final exam (don't worry, we facilitate everything).

If you've registered for an existing 2024-style certification course, just let us know and we'll honor your registration. And if you're new to Pretty Deadly, you can still take advantage of our final two 2024-style certification courses if you register by January 10. Use code LASTDANCE24 to take 15% off. You'll still be eligible for your NASM/AFAA/CIMSPA continuing education credits.

We're excited about this new step for Pretty Deadly, and we hope you are too!