On The Right Self Defense

On The Right is a company created to bridge the gap between traditional self-defense and the needs of trauma survivors, specifically victims of domestic violence.  Derek and Ryan Romig (brothers and co-owners of On The Right) were inspired after working with women in abusive relationships connected to a local domestic violence agency.  The women shared their struggles to stay calm, make good thoughtful choices and to feel capable and strong enough to fight back in order to keep themselves safe when in danger.  The women's lack of skill in these areas led to repeated physical and emotional injury, loss of self-worth and a belief that they were powerless to change their circumstances.  Derek and Ryan partnered with trauma-trained therapists and created a curriculum offered in a series of workshops that empowers trauma survivors.  Victims learn how to use their bodies through the art of Brazilian JJiu-jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing and tactical control work (taught by Derek and Ryan) to protect themselves from attacks and to position themselves in the safest possible way to get out of the situation or to "safely disengage".  Local trauma--trained therapists infuse skills throughout the workshop on staying in control of emotions (particularly fear) and keeping the body and mind calm and present in order to remain aware and focused leading to safer and more thoughtful decision making.  The feedback from the participants of this workshop was overwhelmingly positive, women reporting feeling empowered, capable and more in control than ever before.  Women shared stories of using the new skills and techniques they learned and the ways they actually kept themselves safe.  Some women began to realize they could do things differently and ultimately have a different life.  They took something magnificent away...they finally had HOPE.  Majority of the participants expressed not only a desire to continue training but a desire to bring friends and family members so they could benefit too.  Derek and Ryan realized that the need in our community is great.  In Monroe County 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men are victims of domestic violence.  Count the women and men you have in your life and think about that stat for a minute (mind blown).  Derek and Ryan know first hand the impact of trauma on a family.  They felt strongly that they were being called to act thus On the Right was born.  On The Right was named in honor of the soldier who is on the right of the marching line, who is the least protected by their team but is the most skilled protector in the line.  The soldier On The Right is a fierce warrior who's position was hard won.  On The Right is about teaching people who have been hurt when they shouldn't have been how to be a skilled protector, how to tap into their fierce warrior and how to move toward the hard won position of healing and freedom from abuse.  Now here is where we need you.  Majority of victims of domestic violence experience financial abuse and have little or no access to resources.  Helping victims also means helping them access workshops and training such as this.  Derek and Ryan plan to build this business over-time (and in their off hours because they both continue to have full-time jobs and families!!) by incorporating many other forms of training but in order to get started they need support from our community to purchase necessary equipment, secure safe space to provide training and to offer scholarships to people who need to but can't afford the workshops.  By contributing to On the Right you will literally be saving the lives of people impacted by trauma and domestic violence who are unsafe every single day.  Whatever you may be able to contribute our gratitude is immense and we thank you from our whole hearts for your support.  We look forward to sharing the success of this venture with you in the near future.