Women, ages 12+
WE Rise Women's Self-Defense teaches awareness, boundaries, and Jiu-Jitsu-based responses to realistic situations, with no experience required.
WE Rise Women's Self-Defense combines practical Jiu-Jitsu-based self-defense with awareness and boundary-setting. Women train together in a welcoming environment, with no previous experience required and room to learn at their own pace.
Bushin Martial Arts · Richmond, VA
Women's Self-Defense in Richmond, VA
WE Rise: practical self-defense for women ages 12 and up. Learn awareness, boundaries, and Jiu-Jitsu-based skills with patient instruction and no experience required.
What to expect
Practical skills. A supportive community.
01
Build your self-defense foundation
The 15-lesson curriculum addresses 20 common attack patterns, including hair grabs, chokeholds, and bear hugs. Alongside physical responses, students practice recognizing threats and setting verbal and physical boundaries.
02
Develop your reflexes
After completing each of the 15 lessons once, students qualify for Reflex Development classes. These sessions help you connect techniques and practice responding to realistic self-defense situations with greater awareness and confidence.
03
Work toward your pink belt
Completing each lesson four times and at least eight Reflex Development classes provides a foundation for pink belt testing when you are ready. Throughout the journey, instructors and classmates support your progress without pressure or judgment.
Your first visit
Come as you are. Start with a free week.
Meet the instructors and try WE Rise at 6024 Brook Road in Richmond. Classes meet Monday and Wednesday, 5:30–6:20 pm. Membership is $125/month after your free trial.
Meet your Bushin instructors →
Looking for a beginner class open to adults and teens? Explore Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Richmond →
Try WE Rise free for a weekWomen's self-defense questions, answered.
Do I need martial arts experience for WE Rise?+
No. WE Rise welcomes women ages 12 and up with no previous martial arts experience. You will practice awareness, boundary-setting, and practical Jiu-Jitsu-based techniques in a supportive group.
When and where are women's self-defense classes?+
WE Rise meets Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:20 pm at Bushin Martial Arts, 6024 Brook Road, Richmond, VA 23227.
How much do self-defense classes cost?+
WE Rise membership is $125 per month. You can try a free first week to meet the instructors and experience the class before deciding whether to join.
How is WE Rise different from Jiu-Jitsu Foundations?+
WE Rise is a women's self-defense program for ages 12 and up, combining awareness and boundaries with responses to common attack patterns. Jiu-Jitsu Foundations welcomes adults and teens ages 13 and up and teaches 36 essential techniques in a cooperative beginner class.
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