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.
Techniques are simple to learn and effective regardless of your size or strength, taught by experienced coaches and practiced in realistic, supportive scenario training.
What you will learn
Situational awareness, risk assessment, and prevention tactics: recognizing potential threats early and making quick decisions to avoid them entirely.
Practical escapes from grabs, chokes, holds and hair pulls; blocks and counters using leverage rather than strength; ground defense to get up and out.
Powerful, simple strikes using fists, elbows, knees and feet, alongside verbal de-escalation skills and the body language that projects confidence.
The curriculum also covers defense against weapons and adrenaline management in scenario-based training, all in a controlled, coached environment. For striking fitness with strength built in, many members also train women's kickboxing.
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.
Daughters are welcome to train alongside their mothers starting at age 12.
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 currently runs as a quarterly workshop. Call or text and we will tell you the next date.
Can my daughter attend with me?
Yes. Daughters are welcome to train alongside their mothers starting at age 12. 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?
Wear comfortable workout clothes and bring a water bottle. You do not need a uniform or specialized equipment for the workshop.
Start with a free session
Come train once, meet the coaches, and feel what capability is like to build.