Prepare Your Teen for Life Beyond High School in Garwood, New Jersey:

The Most Practical, Confidence-Building Safety & Self-Defense Program for Students.

Our Leave the Nest program equips teens with the awareness, boundaries, and self-defense skills they need to navigate college, travel, and independent living with confidence. See why schools and parents trust us to prepare students for both safety and success.


Join us for a program that empowers young adults to step into the world with resilience and peace of mind.


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Personal Safety

We prioritize student safety by teaching situational awareness, boundary-setting, and decision-making strategies that reduce risk in real-world environments.

Life Skills Development

We instill responsibility and independence by emphasizing respect, self-regulation, and goal-setting as students transition into adulthood.

Confidence & Preparedness

Our curriculum builds mental resilience and physical readiness, helping teens handle high-pressure situations with calmness and clarity.

Practical Self-Defense

We focus on simple, effective techniques that anyone can use — empowering students to protect themselves without relying on size or strength.

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  • A group of children are practicing karate in a gym.
  • Find Your Confidence: A Personal Safety & Self-Defense Program for Teens Transitioning Into Adulthood.

    As an educator or parent, it can be challenging to find the right program that not only prepares students academically, but also equips them with real-world safety skills. You want them to gain confidence and independence while knowing they can make smart, safe choices in new environments.


    Most self-defense workshops focus only on physical techniques, neglecting the critical mental and emotional preparedness students need. Others are too short to make skills stick, leaving teens without long-term confidence or practice.

    

    Leave the Nest delivers a complete solution. By addressing awareness, boundaries, and practical self-defense through consistent training, we give students the tools they need to thrive in college, work, travel, and beyond — all within a safe and supportive learning environment.

    The Top 3 Challenges Teens Face Today…
    And How Leave the Nest Helps

    Challenge 1: Safety & Independence

    little girl looking at her mother concerned

    As teens prepare for college, work, or independent living, one of the biggest worries for parents and educators is safety. Without the right tools, young adults can feel unprepared in new environments. Leave the Nest provides students with situational awareness, boundary-setting, and practical self-defense skills so they can confidently navigate unfamiliar or high-risk situations.

    Get Started Now
    little girl looking at her mother concerned
    little girl looking at her mother concerned
    A young boy is sitting on the floor playing with a tablet.
    A young boy is sitting on the floor playing with a tablet.

    Challenge 2: Mental & Emotional Resilience

    A young boy is sitting on the floor playing with a tablet.

    The pressures of school, social life, and mental health struggles can weigh heavily on today’s teens. A single workshop isn’t enough to build lasting confidence. That’s why our program emphasizes consistent training that strengthens self-regulation, decision-making, and emotional resilience under stress — preparing students to rise above life’s challenges.

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    Challenge 3: Real-World Preparedness

    A young boy is sitting on the floor looking at his cell phone.

    Too often, teens graduate with academic knowledge but little preparation for real-world risks. From parties and rideshares to campus safety, students need relevant skills they can apply immediately. Leave the Nest bridges this gap by providing realistic, scenario-based training so teens are ready to step into adulthood with confidence and independence.

    Get Started Now
    A young boy is sitting on the floor looking at his cell phone.
    A young boy is sitting on the floor looking at his cell phone.

    The Solution:
    Life-Changing Personal Safety & Self-Defense Training

    Leave the Nest is more than just learning a few defensive moves; it’s a program designed to empower students with confidence, awareness, and real-world readiness. Here’s how our training makes a lasting impact:

    Stronger Awareness & Sharper Decision-Making

    Through scenario-based training and guided instruction, students learn how to recognize risks early and make safe, confident choices. They gain practical tools for handling high-pressure situations like parties, travel, or campus life, all while building the self-assurance needed to act decisively.

    Students Build Confidence & Independence

    We teach essential life skills such as boundary-setting, respect for self and others, and personal responsibility. Confidence grows as students practice clear communication, assertiveness, and self-defense skills that don’t rely on size or strength. These experiences prepare them to step into adulthood with resilience and self-worth.

    Improved Mental & Emotional Resilience

    Today’s teens face stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Our program provides consistent training that develops emotional regulation, stress management, and self-control. Students learn to remain calm under pressure, boosting both mental health and overall well-being as they prepare for life beyond high school.

    Helping Teens Feel Secure & Capable

    With every session, students gain not only skills, but also a sense of security in their ability to protect themselves. As they progress, they develop pride in their growth and confidence in their independence. This supportive environment fosters empowerment, discipline, and long-term preparedness for the challenges ahead.

    Give Your Teen the Tools for Independence and Confidence — Join Leave the Nest Today!

    What You Can Expect in Every Session…

    A group of kids are sitting on the floor in a martial arts class

    Awareness Training

    Students begin by learning how to scan their surroundings, recognize early warning signs, and practice safe decision-making strategies. These exercises build sharper focus, reduce risks, and prepare them for real-world environments like campuses, travel, and social settings.

    Practical Self-Defense Skills

    Teens are guided through simple, effective techniques that anyone can use, regardless of size or athletic ability. Using demonstrations, partner drills, and scenario-based practice, students learn to defend themselves while building confidence in their ability to stay safe.

    Life Skills Development

    Beyond physical techniques, sessions emphasize respect, self-control, and independence. Through guided discussions, role-playing, and stress management exercises, students develop confidence, responsibility, and resilience — key skills for adulthood.

    A Closer Look Into Our Program

    Incorporating Our Top 5 Fundamentals of Every Leave the Nest Session:

    A young girl in a karate uniform is sitting on the floor.

    01

    Warm-Up & Awareness

    Each session begins with light physical and mental warm-ups. Students practice focus drills, situational scanning, and awareness exercises to prepare both body and mind for real-world readiness.

    A group of children are practicing karate with a teacher in a gym.

    02

    Demonstration

    Our instructor demonstrates practical safety strategies, boundary-setting techniques, and simple self-defense moves anyone can apply in everyday situations.

    A boy and a girl are practicing taekwondo together.

    03

    Scenario Practice

    Students work in pairs or small groups to rehearse real-life scenarios like parties, rideshares, or walking alone. These role-play drills help them build confidence and apply skills under pressure.

    A man is kneeling down next to a young boy in a taekwondo class.

    04

    Skill Application

    Using guided practice, teens reinforce what they’ve learned through controlled drills, practicing verbal assertiveness, de-escalation tactics, and safe physical responses.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is the Leave the Nest program?

      Leave the Nest is a personal safety, awareness, and self-defense program designed specifically for high school students. It prepares teens for college, work, travel, and independent living by teaching them practical skills for real-world situations.

    • How is this different from a regular self-defense class?

      Absolutely not! No hidden fees – just one straightforward monthly membership fee that unlocks a world of incredible benefits. Our commitment to transparency ensures you can confidently enjoy all the fantastic perks without any unexpected costs. Join our growing community of thrilled members who have already discovered the exceptional value we offer.

    • Who teaches the program?

      The program is led by Arthur Hearns, founder of Hands of Life Martial Arts, who brings over 20 years of teaching experience and a passion for empowering students through practical, real-world training.

    • Where can the program fit into a school’s schedule?

      Although any sport or activity has some risk involved, our team of certified instructors follow safety protocols to ensure a safe and supportive environment for our students. In fact, unlike sports which has one adult supervising an entire team, we have multiple instructors monitoring a room at all times making sure everything runs smoothly. We understand that each student has their own unique limits and we encourage rest and feedback during exercise.

    • What skills will students walk away with?

      Our classes are tailored towards accommodating students regardless of their weight, age, abilities, or energy levels. Astonishingly, many of our students have tried sports and other athletic activities only to realize it’s not for them. Martial arts is often a sanctuary in these cases as competition is eliminated and each student only attempts what they feel comfortable doing.

    • Is the program only for high school students?

      The program is tailored for high school teens, but it can be adapted for middle school enrichment or even staff training to create a safer, more aware school community.

    We’re More Than Just a Safety Program

    Leave the Nest is a program designed to prepare teens for the realities of life beyond high school.


    It goes beyond basic self-defense by combining situational awareness, boundary-setting, and emotional resilience training to help students navigate new environments with confidence and independence.


    This program isn’t just about safety skills — it also develops leadership, decision-making, and stress management through real-world scenarios and consistent practice.

    

    Enroll today and give your teen the tools they need to step into adulthood prepared and empowered.

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