guestbook Find FEMALE AWARENESS on YELP-NY Become a "fan" on our FEMALE AWARENESS FACEBOOK page! Find Gabrielle Rubin on LinkedIn Here's what some clients are saying... Reviews on YELP: "I was really impressed by the Female Awareness self-defense class and think it's something that all women should take. First and foremost, you will learn how to keep yourself out of danger. Second, you will learn simple moves to get yourself out of any attack situation (regardless of size or strength). My entire office took this class, and I can't count how many times we've used the invaluable lessons.  It actually brought us closer and we LOVE practicing the moves in the office with one another! In the first section, Gabi will give you an invaluable lesson on awareness, with common sense advice on HOW TO AVOID dangerous situations. Most of the examples were typical behaviors that we never think about (or habits that we know are dangerous but do anyway) - where you stand in an elevator; how long it takes to find your keys in your purse while standing outside your apartment building at 3am; and the "illusion of safety" that iPods and cell phones can cause. She will also teach you how your reaction to a potential attacker can make the difference in whether or not you become a victim. The second section is about escaping - not overtaking your attacker, but getting away and running to safety. You'll learn and practice simple defense techniques that don't require exceptional strength or skill but will get you out of any situation. Finally, Gabi will teach you how to make your apartment safer, and which "tools" (ie. pepper spray, whistles, etc.) will or won't make you safer. I always considered myself pretty street smart, but this class really taught me a lot. Gabi is frank and open; she'll answer any/all of your questions and help you review personal situations. You will leave with a totally new outlook and confidence! Note: You can register on-line for an existing class, or schedule your own private class (Gather at least 4 people, that’s the way to go!)  She gives you a couple page outline to keep and a whistle for your keychain." "I've taken this class and since encouraged every girl I know to take it too. I've never had any scary experiences in New York but I know people who have and just wanted to empower myself. This class opens your eyes and shows you how to better go about every day so that you hopefully never get into a bad situation. The physical portion of the class is good for all ability levels and shows you some moves that you can use just in case you ever need them. I feel better prepared after having taken this class and really encourage all women to take it." CITYSEARCH REVIEWS I feel like I can go fight crime now! Gabi's class was amazing! Along with EPDigs, we took it together with a group of friends and not only learned about how to be more aware of our surroundings, thereby reducing our risk of being a target, we had so much fun too!! I walked away from that class being less scared about those creepy dark streets of NYC and more empowered and confident in myself. I feel like I can go fight crime! Pros: Learning life saving tools and techniques that i can use the rest of my life I Feel SO Empowered! I just took Gabi's class with a group of friends, and what an amazing experience. Not only did she teach us very important lessons in staying aware and protecting ourselves, but she was incredibly funny and engaging as well. I am going to spread the word to every woman I know in the city! Highly recommended! Gabi's 2-hour class included a good hour of discussion on how to stay out of trouble, notice trouble-makers and react in an influential way. She pointed out many good details on how to profile people and assess situations. In addition to that, we got to practice for more than an hour! Gabi is a good instructor, she knows her stuff and presents her ideas in an entertaining yet thoughtful way. The class was enjoyable and extremely useful. I will definitely sign up for the follow-up class in order to refine my skills and remind myself how to be confident and strong! Highly recommended! Much more than a self defense course. A must for any woman, anywhere. I couldn't agree more with the other reviews. I'm a college student, who grew up in NYC. But it wasn't until I got to college, in a secluded urban town (in Pennsylvania), that I felt a bit uneasy in my surroundings. Believe it or not, I feel more comfortable walking around New York at night than I do when I'm off campus at school. The Female Awareness course has given me the confidence I was looking for. The class is easy going and it's fun because Gabi is so open with her students. She teaches with conviction, to make every woman more aware and able to protect themselves. I'm a petite girl, not very intimidating. But Gabi helped me see my mental and physical potential. I felt empowered after the class, and have continued to feel that way. Gabi's tools--her advise about everyday habits and situations, and the physical moves she taught--have stayed with me. I would recommend this class to women of all ages in any location because an attack can happen to anyone, anywhere. Actually, I want Gabi to come to Pennsylvania to teach my sorority sisters the things she taught me! Highly Recommended I absolutely loved the class and think every woman should take it. The class is taught at convienent times and is in a safe, comfortable location. Gabi teaches the class in such a way that makes everyone feel comfortable and open enough to ask questions and ask for help. The things you learn in the class are not only physical techniques, but mental techniques that train you to think in such a way so you don't end up in a dangerous situation to being with. I would honestly recommend the class to anyone looking to learn how to protect themself, whether they live in NYC or in a suburb. It's the best thing you can do for yourself! THIS COURSE IS A MUST TAKE FOR EVERY FEMALE Young, old, big, small, this course is an absolute must for any and every female. Gabi is a great instructor who takes the time to address not only what you can do if you find yourself being attacked, but also ways of prevention. I am originally from a VERY small country town and decided it would be a good idea to take this course after moving to the city. This course made me realize actions I had been taking (like talking on my cell phone while walking at night) that were potentially dangerous (even when I was in my hometown where I felt safe). Which brings to point, this is not a course only for women living in cities, but women living anywhere. With the defensive moves, Gabi will stick with you until you get it right. I truly feel more comfortable and confident about defending myself because of what I have learned in this class Every woman should take this course!!! I was physically attacked on a Sunday afternoon in front of Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue, by a homeless/mentally ill man. NOT ONE PERSOn on the street helped me. The next day I googled Self defense course in NYC and Female Awareness was the first website that popped up. I filled out the contact page and Gabi called me. I immediately signed up the course. Gabi gives you tips that you wouldn't even think of doing. Gabi has a lot of patience while showing you the physical techniques. If you are not getting the physical techniques right she will work with you until you get them. I recommend that every woman take this course. You will definitely walk away with something! Pros: You get a whistle and you are able to buy a kubuton and/or a personal alarm EVERY WOMAN NEEDS TO TAKE THIS COURSE!! This class was amazing! I was excited to go in and kick some butt, but what I got was something completely different...The instructor teaches you how to conduct yourself in everyday life, assessing all around you and how to be AWARE, hence the name! I have a totally new perspective-how I see things, handle situations, act and assess. In this day and age there are so many variables out there to be conscience of. We also learned how to get out of grabs, how and where to strike-it was awesome!!! Pros: You can set up private classes with your own group! Stands out from any other self defense course! This is the BEST self defense course out there! This is my 3rd self defense course I've taken but the true difference in this particular class is that she doesn?t just teach the physical techniques, she is the only instructor out there that address how NOT to get attacked. All other classes start from the moment of the attack but not hers. She teaches the IIllusion of safety and how to conduct yourself in public areas, etc.it is very beneficial not only for us women living in NYC but for women everywhere! The first part of the class is a "sit down" where the instructor teaches you "the illusion of safety" and the second part of the class is the actual physical aspect of protecting yourself. The instructor really spends time with each individual and makes sure that you are getting the "moves" just right. This class really makes you feel more aware and ready for any situation! I HIGHLY recommend taking this class! Pros: you get a free whistle! CLASS COMMENTS:  Mother from the "Mom and Tween Class"-(ages 10 and 11) "Again, thank you for such a wonderful life lesson in awareness and safety.  We were all so excited about the course and couldn't stop chatting about it over dinner.  Collectively, we all thought we had some idea of what we would do in an "attack" situation, and the reality is that we truly didn't have a clue. The girls and moms feel empowered with all of the information you shared.  What rings out most for all of us, as we hope to never have to use the physical techniques we learned, was how to take the necessary steps to keep from becoming a target.  We will no longer chat on the phone as we walk down the street.  We definitely feel safer, because we feel smarter! When we both had to make a call the other day, we made it a point to stop and put our backs against the wall as we spoke for our very brief conversations.  We also notice others on their phones and how much of their lives we are gaining access to from their conversations. We definitely feel safer, because we feel smarter!" Jenny, age 27 -"Thank you very much for the class last week. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot and so did my friends. You are a great instructor! And I'm so glad my friend recommended your class." Amy, age 37 -"This is the BEST self defense course! This is my 3rd self defense course and I LOVE that you teach all the verbal information in the beginning!!! That makes a HUGE difference! Thank you so much!" Ashleigh, age 24 - "Many thanks again.  I found the class so informative, and so many things that are common sense you don’t realize can make you a target. You were great & see you at the refresher course!" Michelle, age 39 - "Thank you so much for the class- it was great, and I tried out a few moves on my husband! Great job!" Dawn, age 33 - "I am a single woman in NYC and I feel MUCH more aware of how to handle myself-things I never thought of and took for granted before, I am looking at in a whole new way. I also love practicing with my friends and have even gotten closer with my neighbors since we all took the course together! Thank you!!!" Leslie, age 41 - "I am a mother in Westchester and was referred to this class by a friend. I didn't think I needed it, but after I took it I would without a doubt refer every woman I know to take an hour and half out to change your life! I will have my daughter take it too once she gets into high school." Margie, age 58 - "I am a real estate agent and a colleague of mine was attacked at her own open house. I then knew I wanted to take a self defense course for myself. I picked a few other women from my office and we got together with Gabrielle. I got SO much more out of the course than I anticipated. She gears the time to areas that apply to your specific group! I not only learned physical techniques, I learned how to assess my surroundings and how to NOT be a target in vurnerable situations. I would recommend this class to females of any age-there seems to be something for everyone!" _ Podcast Interview-Oct 2008 http://vivacitymedia.com/podcasting/?p=50