Jules

Rachel provided to our team an incredibly enlightening workshop. Her enthusiasm and ability to engage the different comfort levels of people in the room made the practice of learning how to protect ourselves physically that much more accessible. She is tuned into the oppression that certain groups face and provides tangible strategies to stay safe enough in some dangerous situations. Our team looks forward to having her back to provide other self defense workshops!

Jules, LCSW, Program Director

Amber

"Taking a self-defense workshop with Rachel will make you feel more confident. There's no need to feel shy or uncomfortable while she is teaching. Not only do you learn techniques to potentially protect yourself, but you have fun while doing so."  

- Amber Marriot, Feminist Self-Defense Student

Hollaback

Rachel Piazza has been hosting self-defense trainings at our Rally for International Anti-Street Harassment week for years, and every year hers is one of the most sought after. We consider her an invaluable resource for keeping women safer in New York City.”

Nicola Briggs

“Rachel’s workshop is an empowering experience. She is able to clearly demonstrate techniques in a fun and non-threatening environment. Rachel’s way of presenting the material is both enthusiastic and encouraging for women at every level. She makes women feel that they can apply the techniques themselves, which is a real confidence booster.

- Award-Winning Activist, Nicola Briggs

Charlotte Testimonial

Rachel's classes left me feeling more confident in my own skin."

- Charlotte, Feminist Self-Defense Student

Jerin Arifa

"At 5’2’’, I always considered my small stature a disadvantage, insecure about my abilities to defend myself physically. Watching Rachel made me realize--in addition to the verbal and non-verbal techniques I use to communicate confidence and competence--I could also use my body. A lifelong activist, I’ve had to be assertive in other ways in my life. Rachel’s accessible, approachable and skilled techniques showed me that I can be powerful physically, also."

-Award-winning activist who spearheaded the campus sexual assault policy for the largest urban public university in the nation, Jerin Arifa