Be Your Own Hero
Empowering Preteen Girls Since 2020
Be Your Own Hero is a fun, empowering program for young girls that helps them feel strong, safe, and confident in who they are. Through movement, games, age-appropriate discussions, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-defense 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. 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 friendship skills and emotional awareness, 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
Take a FREE quiz to find out if Be Your Own Hero is the right fit for your daughter
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 on their belt for every 5 classes completed
After earning 6 stripes, they’re eligible to test for the next belt level
Belt testing is built into regular class time to celebrate learning and put it into practice
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!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Who is this for?
Be Your Own Hero is for preteen girls and non-binary 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 inclusive space where every participant is respected, supported, and celebrated for exactly who they are.
Participants build:
✔️ Confidence
✔️ Body and self awareness
✔️ Boundaries and voice
✔️ So much more!
No experience needed — just a willingness to learn, move, and grow.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Register today!
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: 77 East 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC
Day/Times: Fridays, 4:30-5:45 pm
Spring Term: Sept 18 - Dec 18 (14 weeks)
Pricing: $420/term (+ free uniform)
Drop-in: $33/class (+ one time uniform fee $30)
Referral: Bring a friend/sibling and get a 5% discount
FREE Trial Class for newcomers only
TAKE THE QUIZ
September Registration Form
Parent Reviews
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“My 12 year old thoroughly enjoys all aspects of this empowering program. She looks forward to attending each week and is learning amazing skills for overall wellbeing, confidence and self defence. Jess and Ashley are wonderful!”
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“We enrolled our daughter with Jess at Arise Self-Defense to help her gain confidence as she starts to gain more independence. The classes are very welcoming and our daughter had a lot of fun. I was surprised by the skills she developed and how strong she was when I partnered up with her at the open house!!”
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“We loved the self defence program at arise. Jess helped my daughter gain skills and confidence and we saw just how proud she was of what she learnt each week. Jess focuses on positivity and inclusion and the girls really learn how to support one another and feel good about themselves while learning valuable skills!”
Quiet Strength. Lasting Impact.
Register for the upcoming Fall term.
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 5 classes. After six 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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Our uniform is a purple T-shirt and a belt. Beyond that, participants can wear what they feel comfortable to move in and a water bottle. We train barefoot on mats — no special equipment is required.
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Be Your Own Hero is open to girls, non-binary, 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.
Our Team
Lead Instructor - Jess
Co-facilitator - Ash
Youth Assistant - Rhysa
