Weekly Self-Defense Classes in Vancouver
Build Confidence. On Your Terms. Register Here.
Your New Friday Night Ritual is Here
Our classes blend Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-defense with mindfulness, movement, and supportive group conversation — all in an empowering, beginner-friendly environment.
Come weekly or drop in when you can. You’ll leave feeling stronger, safer, and more grounded in your body and voice, surrounded by a like-minded community that’s here to lift you up and have some fun.
What You’ll Learn
Over our 10-week cycle, you'll begin building a foundation of practical self-defense skills:
Wrist releases, grab escapes, hug defenses
Strikes — palm, elbow, knee, kicks
Ground escapes and guard positions
Voice, boundaries, and assertiveness
Situational awareness and intuition
How to stay calm and think clearly under pressure
Every skill is revisited each cycle so your body doesn't just learn it — it remembers it. Start your cycle this Friday!
Find your base.
The Journey & The Recognition
This isn't just a fitness class. It's a skill and confidence building journey, and we want you to build reflexes so that these skills actually stick.
Every 10 classes, you earn a milestone certificate celebrating your commitment to growth. Four milestones. Forty classes. One ongoing transformation.
Level 1: Foundations Certificate — 10 classes
Level 2: Rising Certificate — 20 classes
Level 3: Confidence Certificate — 30 classes
Level 4: Owning It Certificate — 40 classes → come to class free, for life
People who reach Level 4 have built reflexes, not just knowledge. We believe that deserves to be recognized.
Find your voice.
Details
Day: Every Friday (excluding holidays)
Time: 6:15 – 7:30 PM
Class Structure: Intro & review → mini mindset lesson → warm up game or stretches → physical techniques → wrap up.
Location: Flow Martial Arts, 1355 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Who: Women, femme, and GNC adults and teens (ages 13+)
What to bring: Comfortable clothes (no shoes on mats) and water
No experience required — All fitness levels and body types welcome
Find your place.
Your Registration Options
Drop-In — $35 + GST
Try it out or come when you can. Perfect if Fridays are unpredictable.
Use code FIRSTCLASS for 25% off your first class.
5-Class Pass — $150 + GST
Build momentum over time. Use your classes whenever you're ready.
No expiry.
10-Class Cycle — $250 + GST
Best value. Best results. Commit to the full cycle and build real reflexes for your first milestone certificate.
Limited spots available.
FAQs
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Not at all. These classes are beginner-friendly and open to all fitness levels. Whether it’s your first time trying self-defense or you’ve trained before, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
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Yes! Many participants come solo and quickly feel at home. This is a welcoming, non-intimidating environment where you can connect with others while focusing on your own growth and confidence.
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Drop-in is flexible — come when you can, no commitment. The 10-class cycle is for women who want to build real reflexes and track their progress toward their Arise Self-Defense certification.
Cycle spots are limited to 6 and only available at the start of each new cycle.
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Yes, the cycle in continuous so you can start at any point. Each class is standalone so no previous experience is required.
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No problem! You’re welcome to drop in when it works for you. The 10-week cycle is designed to be flexible — so whether you come weekly or occasionally, you’ll still gain valuable skills and experience.
However, we recommend the 10-week cycle for the full transformative experience.
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It’s a bit of both — but more than either. You’ll get to move your body, learn self-defense skills based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and participate in reflective conversation. The goal isn’t fighting or fitness, it’s feeling strong, safe, and connected.
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Yes. Arise is committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Our women and teen classes are open to all female-identifying and femme-experiencing participants, and we’re always working to ensure our spaces are affirming, respectful, and inclusive.
If you have specific access needs or questions, feel free to reach out — you’re welcome here.
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Our classes are designed to be accessible to a wide range of bodies, abilities, and experience levels.
We do our best to offer modifications and encourage everyone to participate at their own pace.
If you have specific mobility or access needs, we’re happy to try and adapt — just let us know in advance so we can best support you.
What Women Are Saying
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"Jess brings a calm, grounded, and supportive presence to her teaching. She has a natural ability to make people feel safe and comfortable, even when working through topics and skills that can feel vulnerable or challenging. She is incredibly knowledgeable and deeply passionate about this work."
— Shea
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"I felt so empowered that I learned the guard position variations in my very first class. Jess and Janna are very welcoming and knowledgeable — you can see they love what they do."
— Sandra
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"I have been attending with my teenage daughter and we both find it very helpful to have these skills and learn how to stay focused when under stress."
— Celeste
Your Life. Your Safety. Your Strength.
Big Vision,
Real Impact
You already have what it takes. We'll help you find it. Arise Self-Defense is where women learn to protect themselves, trust their instincts, and own their strength — one Friday night at a time.
