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The Arise Self-Defense Club offers weekly classes for women and teens to learn empowerment self-defense, develop assertiveness, and feel more powerful in their everyday lives.

Your New Friday Night Ritual is Here

Train, connect, and grow in a space where your safety and voice matter. The Arise Self-Defense Club blends 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.

  • Classes are 75 minutes

  • We’ll follow a 10-week cycle to revisit techniques and build muscle memory over time.

  • Discussion topics will vary every week. We address a range of topics following Empowerment Self-Defense principles: Think, Yell, Run, Fight, and Tell.

No Experience Required

Come as you are — whether you’re brand new to self-defense or coming back for more. Classes are beginner-friendly, inclusive, and designed for all fitness levels and body types.

Two women in a yoga studio, one with long dark hair and the other with hair tied in a bun, engaging in conversation. The studio features a mirror, martial arts weapons hanging on the wall, and a framed artwork. Overlay text reads 'LIKE-SELF-DEFENSE' surrounding a pink flower with the word 'ARISE' in the center.

What to Expect

These classes blend physical self-defense with mindset and verbal strategies, because empowerment starts before anything physical happens.

  • Warm-up & movement-based mindfulness

  • Self-defense techniques grounded in Empowerment Self-Defense and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

  • Scenario-based practice for confidence and reflex building

  • Group discussion and reflection

The benefits:

  • Practice using your voice, setting boundaries, and situational awareness skills

  • Build strength, confidence, and body awareness

  • Connect with a supportive, like-minded community

  • Leave feeling more grounded, capable, and in control

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Friday Class Details

Starting: Friday, Sept 12th (ongoing every Friday except holidays)

Time: 6:15 - 7:30 PM

Location: Flow Martial Arts, 1355 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC.

Who: Female/femme/GNC adults and teens (ages 13+)

What to Bring: Comfy clothes, water, and a readiness to learn and move

Safety: Waiver required — sent via email after registration

🔗 REGISTRATION LINK

A group of people sitting on the floor against a wall in a martial arts studio, with the words "FIND YOUR VOICE." overlaid in large white letters.

Registration

  • Drop-In: $30

  • Buddy Deal: $55 (bring a friend or loved one!)

  • Packages: 5 classes for $135 / 10 classes for $250

  • First Class? Use code FIRSTCLASS for 25% off

  • Capacity: 16–20 participants

  • Questions or to etransfer to avoid Eventbrite fees: Email Jess at hello@ariseprograms.com

📸 Follow us on Instagram for updates: @ariseprograms

🤲 Join The Arise Self-Defense Club, our free online Facebook community.

Women engaging in a fitness or dance class in a studio with motivational posters, with the words "Find Your Place" overlaid.

Your Life. Your Safety. Your Strength.

FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Not at all. Our classes are designed to be accessible to a wide range of bodies, abilities, and experience levels. We offer modifications and encourage everyone to participate at their own pace. If you have specific mobility or access needs, we’re happy to adapt — just let us know in advance so we can support you.

“Jess is a thorough and experienced instructor, and is very relatable in her approach to teaching self-defense … She is an excellent teacher, wonderful person, and will definitely help you elevate your self-defense skills and training to the next level!” — Participant