Empowering Students
& Their Schools with Self Defense
Want confident, resilient students?
We’re helping K-12 schools in Vancouver and beyond build safe and supportive communities through evidence-based, interactive, resiliency-building self-defense workshops and units.
We provide student and educator workshops, PHE units, and programs that utilize a unique blend of social-emotional learning, mindfulness, empowerment self-defense, martial arts, and interactive games to build young people’s sense of safety, confidence, and belonging.
For elementary schools, we equip students with the tools and growth mindset they need to navigate common friendship, relationship, and bullying scenarios.
For secondary schools, we focus more on dealing with interpersonal violence and safety in relationships, as well as safety at parties and for other aspects of their growing independence.
For educators, we provide supporting materials, lesson plans, resources, and opportunities to continue the work after we’re gone.
Our Approach
Empowered Minds
Social-emotional learning leads to enhanced emotional intelligence, fostering resilience, empathy, and effective communication & relationship skills.
Empowered Bodies
Martial arts, movement games, and physical literacy lead to improved physical & mental health, bodily autonomy, self-discipline, and confidence.
Empowered Communities
Engaged and collaborative efforts in social and community initiatives lead to more sustainable, supportive, and resilient societies.
Learn about our services
-
Get your young students moving, learning, and having fun!
Our mission is to empower young students to feel confident and equipped to deal with everyday challenges and common bullying scenarios.
With our elementary school program, our trained facilitators bring curriculum-based lessons directly to your school, ensuring a fun, convenient, and impactful experience for students.
Adapted for each age range, we utilize storybooks, discussions, active learning, and movement games to address key social and emotional learning skills and then combine those skills into action through learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-defense.
Martial Artist in Residence
Our "Martial Artist in Residence" program is for the whole school. It is a unique, immersive educational experience designed to offer more than a one-off workshop.
Our trained facilitators integrate into your school community (usually setting up in the gym) for an extended period, delivering 2-3 lessons per class.
We also offer customized plans for smaller groups of students. Get in touch for more info! Pricing starts at $350 for half day instruction (up to 3hrs).
BONUS: Get a FREE self-defense workshop for staff with bookings over 5 days.
-
Our secondary school curriculum incorporates the five principles of Empowerment Self-Defense: Think, Yell, Run, Fight, and Tell, providing students with a comprehensive toolkit for personal safety and empowerment.
We blend interactive discussions, games, movement, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu based self-defense to provide students with an educational experience that is practical and relevant to the everyday challenges of teens.
Booking options include PHE units, special education programs, pro-d student conferences, counselling initiatives, etc. Get in touch with your ideas and we’d be happy to collaborate.
Pricing starts at $250 per block (75min).
-
Looking for an impactful way to spend your next Pro-D Day or PAC meeting?
We offer customized workshops for both staff and community members that dive deep into topics like empowerment self-defense, social-emotional learning, physical education, and more.
Designed to empower and engage, our workshops offer staff, parents and community members a hands-on experience of empowerment self-defense. Beyond the instructional value, our workshops act as a wonderful platform for community building among participants.
Workshops can be customized upon request.
-
Our program aligns with BC's Curriculum, helping teachers address important topics and core competencies related to personal safety, social-emotional skills, and healthy relationships.
Review connections to BC’s PHE Curriculum: HERE
We address essential topics including but not limited to:
Strategies for navigating uncomfortable or unsafe situations assertively.
Responding to discrimination, stereotyping, and bullying.
Fostering skills for building and sustaining positive relationships.
Preventing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Gender-Based Violence.
-
Our approach to Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) is rooted in a holistic and practical methodology that empowers individuals to protect themselves while fostering personal growth and resilience. Here's a breakdown of our methodology:
Empowerment: Our primary goal is to empower young individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to feel confident and secure in various situations. We achieve this through a combination of physical techniques, mental preparedness, and emotional resilience. Our approach follows the 5 principles of Empowerment Self-Defense: Think, Yell, Run, Fight, and Tell. These principles offer a structured approach to personal safety, helping individuals assess and respond effectively to threats or uncomfortable situations.
Martial Arts-Based Techniques: We draw on the principles of martial arts, specifically Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to teach self-defense techniques. These techniques focus on control, leverage, de-escalation, and personal safety rather than aggression or violence. Students learn how to use their bodies effectively to protect themselves and others without resorting to harm.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Our program integrates SEL principles, helping students develop essential life skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and responsible decision-making. These skills are crucial for recognizing potential risks, managing conflicts, and building positive relationships.
Adaptability: Our methodology is adaptable to various age groups, settings, and levels of physical fitness. We tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of teenagers, ensuring that the training is age-appropriate and engaging.
Safety First and Trauma-Informed: Safety is paramount in our approach. We prioritize creating a safe and inclusive learning environment where students can explore their boundaries and build confidence without fear.
Our ESD methodology goes beyond physical self-defense; it equips individuals with the tools to navigate life's challenges confidently, respond effectively to difficult situations, and develop into empowered, compassionate, and resilient individuals.
-
Choose from one-off workshops, half-day, or full-day programs to suit your school's specific needs.
We also offer customized programs for special education classrooms, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to benefit from our unique blend of martial arts and social-emotional learning.
For detailed pricing information and to discuss the best package for your school, please contact us directly. We'll be happy to provide you with a personalized quote.
Testimonials