Impact

Specialties

IMPACT is a unique personal safety and self-​defense curriculum that teaches students effective strategies to resist threats, intimidation and violence perpetrated by strangers and people they know. Classes are taught by a team of two instructors, one of whom takes on the role of a perpetrator. He wears a full suit of body armor so students can safely defend themselves using the same force needed in a real attack.

As a nonprofit business, IMPACT has a strong commitment to serving those most affected by violence who may not otherwise be able to afford our services. IMPACT has developed innovative safety and violence prevention programs for homeless shelters, domestic violence organizations, low-​income youth, and people with disabilities.

History

Established in 1987.

IMPACT began nationally in the 1970s and came to Boston in 1987. It was created by martial artists who wanted to teach self-​defense in a more realistic practical way and to reach a wider audience. Since that time, IMPACT has served people from all walks of life– accomplished athletes and people who haven’t been to the gym in years— with practical effective self-​protection and assertiveness skills.