Workshops that Empower & Educate

Customize Your Own Experience

Arise self-defense workshops are designed to meet people where they’re at, no matter their age, background, or experience. We bring self-defense, confidence-building, and connection to a wide range of groups across our community.

About our workshops

We provide Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) workshops, a practical, research-backed approach that goes beyond physical techniques. Our workshops blend movement and mindset to help people feel stronger, safer, and more confident.

Each session includes:

  • Mindset and communication training through interactive discussion activities and active learning approaches

  • Practical self-defense skills based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

  • Confidence-building through movement, practice, and reflection

We follow the 5 core ESD principles: Think. Yell. Run. Fight. Tell.

Giving people tools to respond before, during, and after a conflict.

Workshops are inclusive, trauma-informed, and customized to your group.

Group of women in workout attire posing together in a fitness studio, some sitting and some standing, with a large window and staircase in the background.

Who we work with

Children & Teens

  • Schools, youth organizations, and summer camps

  • Girl Guides, afterschool programs, and sports teams

  • Leadership or empowerment programs

Adults

  • Women’s groups, newcomer groups, and staff team building

  • Community centres, neighbourhood houses, women’s shelters, and nonprofits

Custom Events

Looking to plan something special? We love working with groups to create meaningful, memorable experiences. Past events include:

  • Birthday parties

  • Mother-daughter workshops

  • Wellness retreats

  • Team-building for sports teams or friend groups

If you’ve got an idea, we’re in! Let’s make it empowering.

For detailed info about school programs or corporate workshops, visit our dedicated sites: Schools | Workplace

Group of women and children sitting on the floor of a studio, listening attentively to a presentation or instructor.

Why choose Arise?

  • Inclusive & trauma-informed: We meet people where they’re at.

  • Customizable: We’ll customize content to suit your group’s age, goals, and environment.

  • Engaging & hands-on: No boring lectures, we teach through movement, scenarios, and real talk.

  • Led by a certified educator: Jess Gordon is a BC-certified teacher, Empowerment Self-Defense instructor, and founder of Arise.

A group of children practicing dance moves in a dance studio with hardwood floors, decorated with Brazilian flags and artwork on the walls.

Ready to book?

Let’s bring an Arise workshop to your group!

Here’s how to get started:

  1. Fill out the booking form – Tell us a bit about your group, goals, and preferred dates.

  2. We’ll be in touch – We’ll follow up to confirm details, pricing, and to customize your workshop.

  3. You’re booked! – Once confirmed, you’ll receive a session plan, promotional materials (if needed), and a digital waiver link.

Have questions first? Reach out anytime at hello@ariseprograms.com, we’re happy to help.

Booking Form
A group of children and instructors in a martial arts or self-defense class, with a young girl sitting on the mat and waving, and another girl standing in front of her, wearing red and pink clothing. The instructors are smiling and observing the activity.

Join the Arise Self-Defense Club Facebook Community.

FAQs

  • ESD teaches practical safety skills, boundary-setting, and confidence-building through five core principles: think, yell, run, fight, and tell.

    It’s about prevention, awareness, and standing strong, physically and emotionally.

    What are the core principles of Empowerment Self-Defense?

    We teach using the Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) framework, which is based on five key principles:

    • Think – Build awareness, assess risk, and make informed choices

    • Yell – Use your voice to set boundaries and get attention

    • Run – Leave or escape when you can

    • Fight – Defend yourself physically if necessary

    • Tell – Reach out for support and report if you choose

    These principles are adaptable, research-backed, and designed to give participants options and confidence in handling unsafe situations, before, during, and after they occur.

  • We work with schools, community groups, nonprofits, and businesses.

    Sessions are adapted for different ages, abilities, and goals, from kids to adults, staff to clients.

  • Every workshop includes a mix of movement, discussion, and hands-on practice. We start with introductions and group agreements to create a safe, inclusive space. From there, we explore key themes like awareness, boundaries, and self-defense using the Empowerment Self-Defense framework: Think, Yell, Run, Fight, Tell.

    Expect a balance of:

    • Real-life scenarios and roleplay

    • Verbal and physical skills (like using your voice or learning a simple escape move)

    • Reflection and connection — so people leave not just with skills, but with confidence and community

    Workshops are always adapted to your group’s age, goals, and needs — and no one is ever pressured to do anything that doesn’t feel right for them.

  • We offer a range of formats, from 60-minute sessions to multi-week programs. We’ll help you choose the best fit based on your group’s time, goals, and size.

  • Our workshops are designed to be inclusive and affirming for people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, body types, abilities, and ages. We use a trauma-informed, student-centered approach and tailor each session to meet the needs of the group.

    Everyone deserves to feel strong, safe, and respected — and that’s at the heart of everything we do.

  • Pricing depends on the group size, session length, and location.

    We’re happy to work within your budget where possible. Just fill out the booking form, and we’ll follow up with a customized proposal that fits your needs.

“Our Guides loved the physicality of the program but also being able to talk about situations at school and how they felt. It was very empowering for them. We will definitely have you back.” - Girl Guide Leader