Self Defense for Women

Women Empowered



Women Empowered is the official Gracie self-defense program for women based on the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). In this 10-lesson program, we will teach you how to neutralize the 15 most common attacks ranging from having your hair grabbed to being pinned to the ground by a weapon-bearing assailant. Each one-hour Women Empowered lesson addresses two techniques. You can start the program at any time and participate in any class without previous experience. Unlike most self-defense systems that rely heavily on strength, speed, and coordination, the techniques in the Women Empowered program employ leverage, technique, and timing, so anyone, regardless of age or athletic ability, can make them work against larger opponents. Once you complete the Women Empowered program, you may test for promotion to pink belt!

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is the perfect self-defense system for women, but only if it is taught correctly. If you’re unsure about learning BJJ for fear of injury, embarrassment, or any other reason, then the Women Empowered program is perfect for you! If you’ve tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give Women Empowered a chance, and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat!



SURVIVE for Women



This 10 lesson program is designed specifically with women in mind. Each of the 10 lessons focuses on one of the ten most common ways you as a women can be attacked. The techniques we use do not require you to be an athlete to free yourself from a bigger and stronger attacker. These techniques are not designed to “beat up” or kill the attacker but to free yourself, put some distance between you and the attacker and to give yourself a chance to get to safety. In a real-life situation, your most important goal is to get away. Staying around and trying to hurt the attacker will most likely put you in even more danger.


This course is offered on an ongoing basis and you can take the same lesson multiple times until you feel comfortable with the technique. Lessons do not have to be taken in any specific order, but you should complete each one of the 10 lessons at least once before moving on to Level 2.

These classes are scheduled individually or in small groups during the Private Lesson time slots.  Please call Sensei Derrick directly to schedule these lessons.


Level 1

Everyone starts at Level 1. In these lessons women learn specific techniques that can be used to stop an attack or free themselves from the attacker. Each technique is explained in detail and broken down into smaller sections for easier learning. In addition to learning and perfecting specific techniques, women are also taut to be vigilant and aware of their safety. Being able to spot a potentially unsafe situation allows them to move to safety and avoid being attacked.


Level 2

These lessons build on the Level 1 techniques. Women will work on the same 10 techniques as Level 1 but with additional variations and simulated attacks. This is a much more intense course than Level 1 and is designed to prepare women for a real life situation. Level 2 lessons can be taken multiple times to make sure each student know the techniques well, is comfortable with them and can perform them under stress.


Final Examination

Once you complete Level 1 and Level 2 lessons you will be eligible for the final test. This will be scheduled with your instructor. Upon successful completion of your test you will receive a Certificate of Completion. At this point you should be able to comfortably defend yourself against a larger and stronger opponent.


Self Defense for Women Workshops



Our Self Defense for Women Workshops are offered by appointment only.  Class size can range from as few as 2 women to about 20 or so.  These private workshops can be scheduled at one of our studios or at your location.


The Self Defense for Women is by far our most popular workshop. It is a basic workshop that focuses on simple but effective ways women can protect themselves. During the 1 - 1.5 hour workshop you will learn about the importance of not looking like a victim and ways to deter a possible attack. You will be introduced to self defense techniques that are designed to be quick and effective, with only a few movements. Using these techniques, women have the ability to free themselves and escape after being grabbed or held by an attacker. 


This is a great workshop for beginners and younger women. It can be adapted to an intermediate level for those who have some experience in self defense or want a more intense workshop.

We can also customize the workshop to focus on specific self defense needs you and your group has. Simply give us a call so we can discuss your specific needs. 



Clark's Self Defense aims to

help women protect themselves and increase their fitness level.

Women will gain a wide range of benefits including:
- Self Protection Skills
- Improved Physical Fitness
- Weight Loss
- Increased Awareness and Focus
- Decreased Stress and Anxiety

Our Self Defense Workshops for Women will not only give you the ability to defend yourself but will also help you build core strength, improve flexibility and stamina, and help you lose the extra pounds leading to a more fit, more confident and happier version of you.

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