Women-Only Program

Women Empowered^®

A self-defense program built specifically for women, trained in a room of women only. The focus is direct: escaping common threats and dangerous situations, practiced until the response is automatic.

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A group of women from the Women Empowered program standing and kneeling together on the mat.

Who it's for

Any woman, at any experience level.

Women Empowered is trained entirely among women — no exceptions. Many students take it as their only program; others train it alongside Gracie Combatives for a broader foundation. Neither approach is more "correct" than the other — it depends on what you're looking for.

What you'll learn

Specific answers to specific threats.

Awareness and avoidance

Recognizing risk earlier and understanding how most confrontations against women actually begin.

Escaping grabs and holds

Techniques for getting free from common grabs, bear hugs, and holds from behind, from the front, and against a wall.

Ground escapes

What to do if a confrontation goes to the ground — including defense against a much larger, heavier attacker.

Decisive response

Creating the distance or opportunity to escape a dangerous situation, rather than trying to out-fight an attacker.

A student in a black-belt rashguard controlling a training partner on the mat.

Why technique, not intensity

You don't have to be the stronger person to win the exchange.

Every technique in this program assumes your attacker is bigger and stronger than you — because in a real confrontation, they often are. The program is built entirely around leverage, positioning, and timing, not strength or athleticism.

"The instructors, Maddie and Jess, are knowledgeable and it shows how much they enjoy what they do."

Andrea

"Great experience as a beginner with the Women Empowered class. Everyone is very friendly and willing to help."

Brianna

"Talk about empowering! The fact that it's a women's class is also a plus for me. It's intimidating to walk into a Jiu Jitsu class for the first time, but these ladies are all fun and relaxed and made me feel like part of their group on day one!"

Heather

Placeholder quotes shown for layout — replace with real, attributed student testimonials before launch.

Questions

Women Empowered® FAQ

Is this only for women who feel unsafe or have had a bad experience?

No. Students join for many reasons — general preparedness, curiosity, confidence, or simply wanting a women-only training environment. There's no prerequisite experience or circumstance.

Do I need to also train Gracie Combatives?

No. Women Empowered stands on its own as a complete program. Some women choose to add Combatives later for a broader technical base, but it isn't required.

Will I train with men at any point?

Women Empowered classes are women only. If you'd like co-ed training as well, Gracie Combatives is trained separately.

What if I'm not physically strong?

The program is built around leverage and technique specifically because it assumes your attacker is stronger. Strength is not a prerequisite.

Get started

Train in a room built for exactly this.

Book an intro class and see what a Women Empowered session actually feels like.

Book an Intro Class