Some settings are inappropriate for contact, and some people just don't wish to participate in a contact sport. It's still important to reach everyone with self defense training.

Fight or Flight, taught at the University of South Florida Recreation Center, is an example of such a class. It is taught in the style of aerobic kickboxing, but the movements are effective self defense, rather than jabs and high kicks. There is no contact, so there is no chance of getting hit or thrown. Conditioning for self defense is another focus of this type of training. All routines are focused on how to react if forced into a dangerous situation.

Students can supplement their martial arts or self defense routine with a zero contact class. Students who begin in a no-contact setting may also wish to participate in other class types in order to get a better understanding of the mechanics of techniques, and what a fight is like.