CVPSD Hosts Back-to-School: Back To College Self-Defense Class in Freehold, NJ
- william demuth
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3
As students across New Jersey, gear up for the new academic year, the Center for Violence Prevention and Self Defense (CVPSD) is offering an empowering opportunity to enhance personal safety through a specialized back-to-school and back-to-college self-defense class. Held at their Freehold training facility, this initiative is designed to equip high school and college students with practical skills, situational awareness, and confidence to navigate the challenges of campus life and beyond.
Back-to-School: Back To College Self-Defense Class Initiative
With the 2025-2026 school year approaching, concerns about personal safety are top of mind for students, parents, and educators. From navigating busy campuses to walking home late after study sessions, young adults face unique risks. CVPSD’s self-defense class addresses these challenges head-on, offering evidence-based training tailored to the needs of students transitioning to high school or college environments.
The class, open to individuals aged 16 and up, emphasizes real-world scenarios, teaching participants how to prevent, de-escalate, and respond to potential threats. “Our goal is to empower students to feel confident and prepared,” says Will, a lead instructor at CVPSD with over three decades of experience in conflict management and personal safety. “Prevention is the best defense, but knowing how to protect yourself is a lifelong skill.”
What to Expect from the Back-to-School: Back To College Self-Defense Class
CVPSD’s self-defense program is not a traditional martial art like karate or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Instead, it focuses on practical, easy-to-learn techniques that work for all body types and fitness levels. No prior experience is required—just a desire to learn. The curriculum includes:
Situational Awareness: Training students to recognize potential dangers, such as identifying red flags in their surroundings or assessing risky situations.
Conflict De-escalation: Techniques to diffuse tense encounters before they escalate, a critical skill for navigating social dynamics on campus.
Physical Self-Defense: Simple, effective moves to protect oneself in emergencies, including strategies for standing and ground-based scenarios.
Boundary Setting and Consent: Lessons on asserting personal boundaries and understanding consent, fostering respect and autonomy.
The class is conducted in a supportive, ego-free environment, ensuring participants feel comfortable regardless of their experience level. “I was nervous at first, but the instructors made it fun and engaging,” said a recent participant. “I left feeling like I could handle myself if I needed to.”
Students are encouraged to wear comfortable, athletic clothing, such as a t-shirt and sweatpants, to allow for a full range of motion. Safety is a priority, with instructors emphasizing controlled, pressure-tested techniques to minimize the risk of injury.
Why Self-Defense Matters for Students
The benefits of self-defense training extend far beyond physical protection. For high school and college students, these classes offer:Increased Confidence: Mastering self-defense techniques boosts self-esteem, helping students carry themselves with assurance and reducing their likelihood of being targeted.
Physical Fitness: The training provides a dynamic workout, improving strength, balance, and coordination.
Stress Relief: The mental and physical challenges of the class offer a healthy outlet for the stresses of academic life.
Social Connection: Group classes foster camaraderie, allowing students to meet peers who share their commitment to personal growth.
For college students, in particular, self-defense training is a critical component of campus safety. CVPSD’s initiative aligns with a growing movement in New Jersey to integrate self-defense education into college wellness programs. By equipping students with these skills, CVPSD aims to create safer, more resilient campus communities.
CVPSD’s Commitment to Community Safety
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CVPSD is dedicated to preventing violence through education and empowerment. Based in Freehold, the organization serves communities across the Mid Atlantic region. Their evidence-based programs have trained thousands worldwide, earning over 400 positive reviews for their impact and accessibility.
CVPSD’s back-to-school self-defense class is part of a broader effort to reach students through partnerships with schools, colleges, and community groups. In addition to in-person classes, CVPSD offers virtual training options via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, making their programs accessible to remote or large student groups.
Recent testimonials highlight the program’s transformative effect. “The class was empowering both mentally and physically,” said one college student. “I learned so much, and I feel safer knowing I have these skills.” Another participant added, “The instructors were knowledgeable and made the course so well done. I highly recommend it!”
How to Get Involved In Our Back-to-School: Back To College Self-Defense Class
The back-to-school and back-to-college self-defense class is scheduled to take place at CVPSD’s Freehold, NJ, training center in early August 2025, just in time for the new academic year. Interested students can sign up through CVPSD’s website, www.cvpsd.org, where they’ll find a local class schedule and registration details.
For those unable to attend in person, CVPSD’s live remote training provides the same core content in a digital format. Organizations or schools interested in hosting a tailored self-defense workshop can contact CVPSD directly to discuss customized training options, including hands-off approaches for compliance requirements.
A Step Toward a Safer Future
As students in Freehold and beyond prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the new school year, CVPSD’s self-defense class offers a powerful way to build confidence, resilience, and practical skills. By investing in their personal safety, students are not only protecting themselves but also contributing to a stronger, more empowered community.
Whether you’re a high schooler stepping into a new chapter or a college student navigating campus life, CVPSD’s back-to-school self-defense class is an opportunity to take control of your safety and embrace the academic year with confidence. Sign up today and take the first step toward a safer, more empowered future.For more information or to register, visit www.cvpsd.org.
Online Violence Prevention and Defensive Tactics Training Brought To You By Generous Supporters
The Center for Violence Prevention and Self-Defense (CVPSD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing violence by educating at-risk individuals and communities.
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.
Partnering with public and private organizations, schools, nonprofits, community groups, and government agencies—including those under the General Services Administration (GSA)—CVPSD works to empower individuals with the knowledge and skill.