Our journey from 'fight back' to 'conscious combat'

Been with us since we were The Fight Back Project and wondering what's happened? Have no fear, we're still here. And still on a mission to kick gender-based violence's butt. Our new name signifies a new chapter in our journey. When we say "our", we're inviting you to join us. We'd love to have you in our corner. 

As a trauma-informed organization, we understand the power of language and how it can affect the healing process. In this post, we will share our thought process behind the name change and how it better aligns with our values and mission to provide a safe and empowering space for our students to learn and grow. Join us as we delve into the significance of conscious combat and what it means for you, our community.

Outdated connotations

Our previous name had some outdated connotations that we wanted to move away from. While our program has always been focused on providing a safe and supportive environment for trauma survivors to learn kickboxing, our old name could be misinterpreted as promoting aggression and violence. Some folks thought we were a self defense school but that's not right. We teach trauma informed kickboxing. 

Better reflect our values

Our new name better reflects our values and the mission of our program. We wanted a name that emphasizes the importance of healing, empowerment, and community. 

Conscious Combat Club is hard and soft. It sparks the imagination. It forges a pathway through tricky terrain.

Conscious is where the journey begins, intentionally and wide awake. Combat is where the action happens; a lightning strike through the middle. Club is where we land, with people feeling included, safe and connected.

Conscious

We chose the word "conscious" because it represents having knowledge and awareness. For our trauma-informed martial arts program, being conscious means recognizing trauma, understanding that everyone has different experiences, and being able to honor individual needs. It also means being aware of our surroundings and practicing consciousness, which can be challenging for trauma survivors. By being deliberate and conscious in our approach to martial arts, we can help individuals develop the resources they need to heal and thrive.

Combat

The word "combat" can also be seen as a metaphor for the struggles and challenges we all face in life. By learning to navigate these challenges in a safe and supportive environment, we can become stronger and more capable of handling whatever life throws our way.

Club

 We chose the word "club" because it reflects our values of inclusion, community, and support. The word "club" implies a sense of belonging and camaraderie, which we believe is essential for creating a safe and supportive space for trauma survivors. We want our members to feel like they are part of a community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards a common goal: healing and empowerment through martial arts.

This is no ordinary combat class. Our name is a reflection of that. It points somewhere powerful and new.