Model Mugging Self-Defense Foundation — Turning Fear Into Confidence Since 1971

Everyone deserves to feel safe, confident, and capable of protecting themselves.

Model Mugging has empowered women, men, and young people through realistic, full-force self-defense training, crime prevention education, and personal safety awareness.

Unlike traditional self-defense programs, our original development of the padded assailant, allows participants to practice defending themselves against realistic attacks in a safe, supportive environment. Students learn to overcome fear, respond under stress, establish boundaries, and develop the confidence to protect themselves.

Training That Changes Lives

The greatest impact of Model Mugging often happens long after graduation. Graduates describe life-changing improvements in confidence, personal safety awareness, and their ability to establish and enforce boundaries. They learn to recognize warning signs, trust their judgment, communicate assertively, and avoid or de-escalate potentially dangerous situations before physical violence occurs.

Most graduates will never need to physically fight an attacker. The real success of self-defense is not simply winning a fight—it is recognizing danger, making safer decisions, setting boundaries, and preventing violence whenever possible. For those who do face physical assault, their training provides practiced skills and greater confidence in their ability to fight back.

For survivors of violence, this training can be especially meaningful—helping them rebuild confidence, recognize their strengths, and regain a sense of personal control.

Your donation helps us:

• Provide scholarships for people who cannot afford training.

• Expand access to self-defense and crime prevention education.

• Train and develop qualified instructors in more communities.

• Support survivors seeking to rebuild confidence and personal safety.

• Reach more families and young people with potentially life-saving skills.

Help us turn fear into confidence and make personal safety education accessible to more people.

Your vote, donation, or shared recommendation can help change a life.