About Arise

The SEL concepts of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making are at the core of our “whole-being approach” to self-defense.

Through stories, discussion, role-play and other activities, we engage students in important topics that build personal and relational confidence. Topics may include boundaries, consent, conflict resolution, situational awareness, etc.

Don’t just take our word for the benefits of SEL. Read more here: Middle Years Development Index Report and here: CASEL

Physical literacy is defined as "the ability to move with competence and confidence in a wide variety of physical activities in multiple environments that benefit the healthy development of the whole person".

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense utilizes control, leverage and timing over aggression, power or strength to keep oneself safe; it is perfect for the smaller person as it instills the notion that “you are the boss of your own body”. Fostering one’s sense of bodily autonomy helps build their self-confidence.

Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) offers participants a cooperative and experiential learning opportunity, through which they get to practice, connect and embody their learning into their everyday lives. The five principles of ESD are Think, Yell, Run, Fight, and Tell.

*No previous martial arts experience required.

For more info on ESD, visit their website.

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Arise follows BC’s Revised Curriculum to guide instruction, ensure age-appropriateness and support schools to address these important topics with their students.

See connections here.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

Arise + the SDGs:

Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. The rate of children and youth experiencing mental health challenges is rising; to combat this, our programs utilize movement and martial arts along with discussion-based SEL activities to teach practical skills, activate feel good hormones and instil the notion that one is the boss of their own body.

Goal 4: Quality Education. Healthy schools breed healthy students. When students and staff work, learn and play in a culture of positive communication, respectful boundaries and empowering attitudes, students are set up for success. The SEL concepts of self-awareness, self-management, social-awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making are at the core of our “whole-being approach” to self-defense. These concepts are proven to reinforce positive relationships and self-confidence and reduce stress, anxiety and bullying.

Goal 5: Gender Equality. When girls, and those who identify as female or with the female and femme experience, feel safe and properly equipped to handle conflict, they grow in confidence, positive assertiveness and are able to contribute more to the world. While we hope for a world where gender-based violence is no more, the need to protect ourselves is our reality. Furthermore, by engaging in co-ed classes, boys can also learn how to use their behaviour, words and body to respect others, which is fundamental in the fight against violence.

Read more: https://sdgs.un.org/goals