Be Your Own Hero
An empowering afterschool program for preteen girls
Be Your Own Hero is a fun, empowering self-defense program for young girls that helps them feel strong, safe, and confident in who they are. Through movement, games, and age-appropriate conversations, we teach them how to trust their instincts, speak up for themselves, and navigate the world with more awareness, resilience, and boldness.
Why this matters.
Growing up can be tough. Kids and preteens are learning how to manage friendships, set boundaries, and handle tricky situations — sometimes without the tools they need.
Be Your Own Hero gives them those tools. We teach practical safety skills alongside emotional awareness and communication strategies, all in a supportive and playful environment.
Our approach blends social-emotional learning with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-based self-defense and trauma-informed practices. Kids learn through doing — and having fun. Weekly topics may include:
💬 Using your voice: Saying “no,” setting boundaries, and speaking up
🧠 Tuning into your instincts: Recognizing when something feels off
🥋 Moving with power: Learning basic self-defense positions and escapes
🤝 Building confidence and respect: Through teamwork, games, and reflection
What to expect.
Be Your Own Hero follows a simple, motivating belt system to help students track progress and celebrate growth:
On day one, students will receive our signature purple t-shirt and a white belt
Students earn 1 stripe for every 10 classes completed
After earning 4 stripes, they’re eligible to test for the next belt level
Stripe testing is built into regular class time, with no pressure or performance stress — it’s more of a celebration of learning
This system encourages consistency, effort, and self-confidence rather than competition
Progress is personal — everyone moves at their own pace, and every step is celebrated!
Who is this for?
.Be Your Own Hero is for girls and gender non-conforming children ages 9–13 who want to feel more confident, strong, and safe in their bodies, their friendships, and the world around them.
Whether your child is outgoing or quiet, sporty or creative, bold or still building courage, this program meets them where they’re at. We create an affirming space where every participant is respected, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Participants build:
✔️ Confidence
✔️ Body awareness
✔️ Boundaries and voice
✔️ Real-life self-defense and social skills
No experience needed — just a willingness to learn, move, and grow.
Register today!
More Than a Class — It’s a Community
We don’t just teach self-defense. We build connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Whether your child is shy, high-energy, or somewhere in between, they’ll find a place to grow and thrive at Arise.
Fall Term Details
Location: 341 East Broadway, Vancouver (basement)
Day/Times: Thursdays, 4:00-5:15pm
Weeks: Sept 11 - Dec 11 (14 weeks)
Pricing: $420/term or $30/drop-in + uniform $30
FREE Trial Class for newcomers only
Fill out the form below, and we’ll be in touch!
Quiet Strength. Lasting Impact.
FAQs
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Your child will learn how to use their voice, trust their instincts, set boundaries, and respond to unsafe situations. We teach simple self-defense techniques, emotional regulation tools, and confidence-building strategies — all in a fun, supportive environment.
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While it’s not a traditional martial arts class, we do teach self-defense techniques based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — and we use a belt system to help track progress and build motivation.
Students earn one stripe for every 10 classes. After four stripes, they can test for their next belt level. The focus isn’t on competition but on building confidence, consistency, and skill over time in a supportive environment.
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Yes. Many participants come in feeling unsure or nervous. Our instructors are trained to create trauma-informed, inclusive spaces where each child can participate at their own pace and feel safe and supported.
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Jess and Ash!
Classes are led by certified Empowerment Self-Defense instructors with experience in education, youth work, and martial arts. All facilitators are trained in trauma-informed, inclusive teaching practices.
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Just comfy clothes they can move in and a water bottle. We train barefoot on mats — no special equipment is required.
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Absolutely. Be Your Own Hero is open to girls and female-identifying youth ages 9–13. We welcome participants of all backgrounds, abilities, body types, and lived experiences.
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Submit this form and we’ll be in touch.
