Our Women's Self-Defense program is about more than physical techniques. It builds confidence, awareness, and mental readiness, because understanding and avoiding a situation is the best self-defense outcome there is, and knowing what to do if you cannot is where real confidence comes from.
At the workshop, you practice noticing distance, using your voice, moving to safety, and responding when you cannot simply leave. A coach explains each drill and adjusts the pace to the room.
What you will learn
Situational awareness, spotting potential threats before they escalate, and using body language, distance, positioning and movement to stay safer.
Simple escapes from common grabs, holds and unwanted contact, from the front, side or behind, plus ground-safety basics: protecting yourself and getting back to your feet.
Strikes with the palms, elbows, knees and legs that rely on leverage, timing and targets rather than strength, alongside verbal boundary-setting and assertive communication.
The workshop also practices making fast decisions under stress and getting to safety, in realistic drills run in a supportive, controlled environment.
A Focused Workshop, and a Path to Continue
Women's Self-Defense runs as a scheduled workshop that works through the curriculum above, with coaching that stays calm, practical, and centered on capability.
The workshop is structured for ages 13 and up. A 12-year-old may join when accompanied by her mother or guardian. Dates are on the events calendar.
For individual instruction, Private Women's Self-Defense Training offers one-on-one coaching in awareness, boundaries, escapes, striking, and ground defense. The coach adapts the work to your experience, goals, and comfort. This is separate from the scheduled workshop and starts with a free consultation.
Between workshops, you can keep training in Women's Only Kickboxing or Women's Only Strength & Kickboxing. See the class schedule for current times. The Forge Women's Kickboxing Starter is a simple way into those classes: four coached classes, gloves included if you want them, and four weeks to use them. See the starter.
Practice is the point
No class can control every situation, and we will not tell you otherwise. What a coached workshop gives you is practice: you try a response, hear feedback, and try it again until the movement feels familiar.
Drills start at a controlled pace. You practice being grabbed or held with a partner, at a speed the coach sets, so the first time you work through that moment is in a coached room.
Confidence you can hear
"I feel stronger, more sure of myself, and way more capable, especially when it comes to self-defense. That growth has even carried over into my everyday life."
"The instruction is clear, hands-on, and focused on awareness, technique, and knowing how to react if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation."
"A feeling of trust, excitement and belonging."
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Workshop questions
What happens in the Women's Self-Defense Workshop?
The workshop is a focused, coached introduction to Forge's self-defense system. Participants learn practical ideas drawn from Haganah F.I.G.H.T. principles and fundamental Gracie Jiu-Jitsu skills, including awareness, natural movement, positioning, control, striking, escapes, and ground response. Women practice at a controlled pace, with coaching adjusted to their experience and comfort level. The environment stays calm, practical, and focused on building capability rather than fear.
How often is the workshop offered?
It runs about every two to three months, depending on demand and scheduling. The next dates are listed on the events calendar, and you can call or text to register.
Can my daughter attend with me?
Yes. The workshop is structured for ages 13 and up, and a 12-year-old may attend when accompanied by her mother or guardian. When registering, tell the front desk that you plan to bring a minor, and we will send you the appropriate waiver form to complete before the workshop. All minors must participate with an adult unless Forge specifically states otherwise for that event.
Do I need martial arts experience or a certain fitness level?
No. The workshop is designed as a starting point, and coaches adjust the training to each participant's experience and comfort level. The system uses natural movement, positioning, control, and technique rather than depending entirely on strength. You do not need previous martial arts experience or a certain fitness level to participate.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable workout clothes and a water bottle. You do not need a uniform or any equipment for the Women's Self-Defense Workshop at Forge Athletics in Naples; every drill is coached at a controlled pace and adjusted to your experience. The workshop is a separate event from the weekly Women's Only Kickboxing classes, so check the events calendar for the next date when you plan your visit.
Can I keep training after the workshop?
Yes. Between workshops you can try a free Women's Only Kickboxing class, or take the Forge Women's Kickboxing Starter: four coached classes at Forge Athletics in Naples, $99 for Classes only or $129 with Forge boxing gloves. The Starter covers Women's Only Kickboxing and Women's Only Strength & Kickboxing, not workshop admission, and the four classes are used within 28 days of the first one.
Make time for yourself. Learn what you can do.
Learn proper punches and kicks, work on your strength and get guidance from a coach who helps you find your starting point. Train alongside other women in a welcoming class where beginners can ask questions and build at their own pace. No sparring.
Start with four Women's Only Kickboxing or Women's Only Strength & Kickboxing classes. Your Forge boxing gloves are included, fitted at your first class and yours to keep.
- Four coached group classes
- Forge boxing gloves, fitted at your first class and yours to keep
- Use your classes within four weeks of your first class
One-time purchase for one person. No automatic membership enrollment. Take your first class within 60 days of purchase. Full refund within 3 business days of purchase. Paying by credit card adds a 2.9% processing fee. For new students only. One per person. Not available to current or former members.
Prefer to try one class first? Start with a free session.
Ask About Self-Defense Training
Tell us whether you want a workshop or individual coaching. Private training starts with a free consultation; contact us for workshop dates and details.