Nothing feels better than knowing you can take care of yourself. One of the biggest advantages to learning self-defense is the way it makes you feel.

Having skills to protect yourself is a confidence booster. And regular practice will improve both your physical and mental strength.

Many institutions — community centres, rape crisis centres, gyms, colleges and universities — offer self-defense classes.

Look for a class that is specifically intended for “self-defense.” A good class should teach you basic techniques in a short time.

A good self-defense class will also teach you tactics to prevent a physical confrontation including:

being aware of your surroundings

walking confidently and looking people in the eye

verbal techniques to de-escalate situations

If a physical confrontation is unavoidable, you’ll want to know ahead of time how to fight back effectively even against someone bigger or stronger than you.

Watch the video above to learn some basic moves of Wen-Do, a form of physical and verbal self-defence developed in Toronto in the 1960s. If you're ever faced with a threatening situation, these tips could help you stay safe and could even save your life.

Find out more about the instructor Arij Elmi in her own words: I'm not an alarmist — but as a Muslim woman I am genuinely alarmed

Watch Keeping Canada Safe Thursdays at 9:00/9:30 NT or online.