Feminist Self-Defense

Empowerment Through Action

Take control, build confidence, and strengthen your boundaries with the right kind of self-defense training

Empower yourself with Feminist Self-Defense—dynamic workshops designed for individuals of all genders, ages, and abilities. Led by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and Women's & Gender Studies professor Rachel Piazza, these sessions blend verbal and physical strategies to help you assert boundaries and navigate challenging situations with confidence. Through interactive discussions, role-plays, and hands-on instruction, you'll gain practical skills to safeguard your well-being and foster healthier relationships.

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What Is Feminist Self-Defense?

Too often, self-defense courses are victim-blaming, and make the participants feel even more vulnerable. Feminist Self-Defense is different. This holistic self-defense program is informative, fun and safe; a place where participants can learn to identify their boundaries, and gain skills to set and enforce those boundaries both verbally and physically.
Why Is It Important?

Feminist Self-Defense goes beyond physical techniques—it’s about building confidence, setting boundaries, and navigating challenging interactions with ease. Participants develop skills to foster healthier relationships, de-escalate conflicts, and ultimately reduce their risk of sexual assault.
Who Can Participate?

This class is meant to empower individuals of all genders, ages, and abilities. It is open to everyone, regardless of experience, fitness level, or background. All classes are inclusive and adaptive to individual needs.

What You’ll Learn

How to recognize and interrupt boundary violations

Physical self-defense moves for real-life scenarios

How to understand and communicate boundaries

Verbal de-escalation techniques

Assertiveness strategies

Testimonials

“Simple, yet POWERFUL! This is a MUST for anyone who has ever felt powerless! Knowing and understanding your boundaries puts YOU in the POWER seat! The training will be WORTH your time!”

“The way Rachel taught the physical skills was great - she made it simple enough for us as beginners, but also allowed opportunity for us to challenge ourselves, explore the natural tendencies and power of our bodies.”

“I think the training was great, not only to develop those skills individually, but to learn them and feel confident in our ability to share those skills with our students.”

“I think the training was incredible. I truly did not know I could use my body to create space and build trust. I am feeling very excited!”

“I loved that the whole training emphasized boundary setting and the power within. The social and physical boundary-setting exercises all felt connected and cohesive.”

The instructor’s confidence and experience made it easier to be at ease and be comfortable with taking chances as well as helping to step out of your comfort zone. She was easy to open up to and helped make the overall experience super fun!”

“Rachel is an incredible facilitator. She is kind, thoughtful, and patient. Spending a week learning from her increased my confidence in so many ways!”