CVPSD Concludes Self-Defense Training at Columbus Grange, Brings “ConflictIQ” Skills to South Jersey
- william demuth
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Columbus, NJ – October 27, 2025 – The Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD), a dedicated non-profit organization based in Freehold, New Jersey, has successfully wrapped up its latest ConflictIQ Self-Defense Training class hosted at the Columbus New Jersey Grange. This event, held on October 25, brought essential violence prevention and self-protection skills to members of the South Jersey community, emphasizing a holistic approach to personal safety.
The four-hour workshop, titled "Self Defense for Everyone," was a collaborative effort between CVPSD and the Columbus Grange, aimed at equipping participants with practical tools to identify, prevent, and de-escalate potential threats.
Community impact
Attendees from diverse backgrounds gathered at the historic Grange hall to learn a blend of physical techniques and psychological strategies, tailored to meet varying needs and abilities. The program highlighted topics such as situational awareness, verbal de-escalation, boundary setting, and basic self-defense maneuvers, ensuring that the training was accessible and inclusive for all.
CVPSD's ConflictIQ curriculum stands out for its evidence-based methodology, focusing on both the mental and physical aspects of self-defense. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization's mission is to foster violence prevention by empowering individuals to become agents of positive change in their personal lives, communities, and broader culture. Founded with a commitment to comprehensive education, CVPSD offers classes that cover personal safety, street safety, and broader violence prevention strategies, drawing from real-world applications to build confidence and resilience.
What participants learned
Threat awareness and decision-making using easy heuristics to notice, assess, and act before a situation turns dangerous.
Verbal and behavioral skills for de-escalation, including stance, voice, and space management.
Legal and ethical considerations around reasonable force, proportionality, and safe escape.
Simple physical tactics aligned with the body’s natural flinch and extensor reflexes, designed to create a window to exit and get help.
The event saw strong community interest, with spots filling up quickly in the lead-up to the session. Participants praised the interactive format, which included hands-on practice alongside discussions on adapting techniques for everyday scenarios. "This isn't just about fighting back—it's about being smart and proactive in avoiding danger altogether," noted one attendee, echoing the program's core philosophy.
What’s next
CVPSD is coordinating additional ConflictIQ sessions with community organizations across South Jersey. Local groups interested in hosting a class at their site can request details on scheduling, accessibility options, and instructor availability.
Online Violence Prevention and Defensive Tactics Training Brought To You By Generous Supporters
The Center for Violence Prevention and Self-Defense Training (CVPSD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to research and providing evidence-based training in violence prevention and self-defense.
Through a combination of online and in-person training, workshops, and seminars, CVPSD provides practical self-defense skills, violence prevention strategies, risk assessment tools, and guidance on setting personal and relationship boundaries.