Weekly Self-Defense Classes in Vancouver
Build Confidence. On Your Terms.
Maybe it's the walk to your car after dark. The stranger who stands a little too close. The one time someone grabbed your arm, and you froze. You don't need a black belt — you need to know your body has your back.
That's what we build here, one class at a time.
Make Self-Defense Your New Ritual
Our classes blend Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-defense with mindfulness, movement, and supportive group conversation — all in an empowering, beginner-friendly environment.
Now with two nights to choose from, you can 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 — for the moment someone gets too close and your instinct is to freeze.
Strikes: palm, elbow, knee, kicks — real options for if a situation gets physical.
Ground escapes and guard positions — because many assaults end up on the ground.
Voice, boundaries, and assertiveness — the skill of saying no and being heard.
Situational awareness and intuition — learning to trust the instinct you've been taught to talk yourself out of.
How to stay calm and think clearly under pressure — because none of the physical skills matter if you haven’t practiced them.
Every skill is revisited each cycle so your body doesn't just learn it — it remembers it.
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 recognizing and honouring your commitment to growth. Four milestones, forty classes, and 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 for 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
Tuesdays, 7:30 – 8:45 PM — Vancouver Mind Body Centre, #170-809 West 41st Ave, Vancouver, BC
Fridays, 6:30 – 7:45 PM — Flow Martial Arts, 1355 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Same 10-week cycle, either night — come to whichever class works for your week. Your package, membership, or milestone progress carries over between locations.
Class Structure: Intro & review → mini mindset lesson → warm up game or stretches → physical techniques → wrap up.
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
Before your first class: You'll receive a digital liability waiver to sign upon registration
Find your place.
Registration Options
3 drop-in classes · 1-month trial
Not sure yet? Try three classes and see how it feels. If you decide to keep going, your $50 goes toward your first month of membership.
1 class a week · billed monthly
Make self-defense part of your weekly routine. Missed a week? It rolls over to next month. Plus one free guest pass a month. Cancel anytime with a month’s notice.
Join the membership here (select Core and quantity)
2 people · 1 class a week each · billed monthly
Train with your daughter, your sister, or your best friend. Everything in Core Membership, shared between two of you. It’s easier to show up when someone’s counting on you.
Join together here (select Duo and quantity)
10 classes · 4 months to use them · one-time payment
For when a weekly commitment doesn’t fit right now. If you switch to membership before your pack runs out, your unused classes come with you.
Duo Membership — $159 +GST ⭐ For two
10-Class Pack — $290 +GST ⭐ Pay as you go
Core Membership — $89 +GST ⭐ Best Value
Intro 3-Class Trial Pack — $50 +GST ⭐️ For Newcomers
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
FAQs
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Trying it out? Start with the Intro Pack.
Want training to become part of your week? Membership is the best value, and your skills build every class.
Training with someone? The Duo is made for two.
Can’t commit to weekly right now? The 10-Class Pack gives you four months to use your classes.
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Yes! Both nights run the same 10-week cycle, so whether you're on a Membership, a package, or dropping in, your classes and progress carry over no matter which location you attend.
Come to whichever night fits your week.
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Yes — the 10-week program runs continuously, so you can join at any point.
Each class stands on its own, so no previous experience or specific start date is required.
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Yes! Many participants come solo and quickly feel at home. We aim to make 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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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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No problem! You're welcome to drop in when it works for you. The program is designed to be flexible — so whether you come weekly or occasionally, you'll still gain valuable skills and experience.
However, we recommend training weekly 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 just 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.
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 — Tuesday or Friday, one class at a time.
