Self-Defense
Meet other local Self-Defense practicers. Gather and discuss various self-defense methods and trade training tips.
19,298
members
92
groups
Largest Self-Defense groups
Newest Self-Defense groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out self-defense events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the self-defense events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find self-defense events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Self-Defense Events Today
Join in-person Self-Defense events happening right now
DC Kali's Beginner & Advanced Class - Saturday Meetup
Covid Alert:
We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and the dojo on Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and a mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. On Saturdays, class is limited to the first 5 persons to rsvp (until further notice)
"DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there.
Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor
· FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ )
Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based on Tuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth.
Please pick one of the following class and fee combos:
Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class)
Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or
Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or
Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Cash and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali )
• One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) •
Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra.
Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html
Soccer Zero
Be there or get chubby. You decide.
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/b/7/2/600_364811122.jpeg
RSVPs are required. The reason is that it should increase your own enjoyment. You see, the ideal number of players for a pickup soccer game is perhaps 6x6 - 8x8; some players won't attend if they think the turnout will be low, and others will just assume the game will be cancelled even though we always play. (As a practical matter, smaller games are less fun since the comics won't have the audience they need, but, they do have two hidden benefits: shorter, more intense games/workouts and fewer face kicks/yellow cards. So we play no matter how small or large.) So non-RSVPers are a little short sighted, since they don't seem to want to maximize their own enjoyment in the long run. Rational and sane players who have a good chance of attending RSVP a week early both here and at https://meetup.com/dcsoccer , the parent soccer group.
Hot Stones & Restorative Aerial by Candlelight: A Self-Love Journey
NOTE: You MUST sign up and pay via our website to reserve your spot (https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events). Simply responding yes to attend via Meetup does not hold your spot. Thank you for your understanding!
Join us for a 90-minute candlelight workshop where you’ll begin by writing a heartfelt love note to yourself, setting the tone for a self-love journey. In this session, your body becomes your date as you explore restorative poses in the hammock at a low setting, combined with the soothing warmth of hot stones. These gentle stones will be placed on key areas of your body to help release tension, deepen relaxation, and restore balance.
Using different props and the support of the hammock, you’ll reconnect with your body, release stress, and leave feeling grounded and nurtured.
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a sweatshirt in case you get cold.
**Cost of workshop:** $65 with hammock rental, $55 without hammock rental
**Sign up:** [https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events](https://flyingbuddhastudio.com/#Events)
**About your instructor:** Belinda has been a part of the Flying Buddha community for over eight years and is certified in Level 1, Level 2, and Restorative Aerial Yoga, as well as completing a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. A passionate outdoor enthusiast and solo traveler, she brings fun, connection, and the joy of movement to her classes, inspiring others to embrace the beauty of the outdoors.
Saturday Practice
**If you plan on attending lessons or borrowing equipment please let us know in the comments below. If you do not comment for a spot in lessons or for equipment by Thursday we will ask you to come back another day.**
YOU KNOW THE DRILL!!!
We'll have our usual practice at Needwood Lake at 1pm until we get tired. And as per usual, dinner will follow to whoever wants to come! Just walk right up and say hi!
We'll be having our introductory lesson starting promptly at 2pm going until 4pm. You can bring your own equipment, or are welcome to borrow some. Though our arsenal is limited, we will do our best to get a bow into everyone's hands during this period. Availability is is first-come-first serve, with priority going to new attendees and people participating in lessons.
If you are bringing a +1 please include their name in the comment. If you, or your +1 are under 18 years old, please include the ages of the participant(s) in the comments.*
Latecomers to lessons will be asked to come back another day.
Groups of 4 or more, or for private parties, please message Natasha and Stefani directly.
Although we do not charge for lessons or equipment use, we highly encourage a $10-$20 cash donation to the Club's Equipment Maintenance & Tasty Snack Fund (aka. The George Jar), or if you don't have cash, you can Venmo your donation to @GeorgeDCA.
All members and participants are encouraged to pitch in to the Tasty Snack Fund.
We highly recommend that everyone reads and understands our club policies and range etiquette found on our message board here: https://www.meetup.com/DC-Archery-Club/messages/boards/
Questions? Just ask! See you at the range!
*Minors are required to have a parent/legal-guardian present at all times, or they will not be allowed to participate.
Self-Defense Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Free Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema (Takoma Park)
**✅ First class is FREE – only 10 spots available!**
Learn real self-defense skills in a small-group setting. No experience needed, open to all adults.
📲 RSVP now and text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm—once spots are gone, they’re gone.
## **Free Intro Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema**
Want to learn how to protect yourself while also improving your health, focus, and confidence?
Join us for a free first class at **Maryland Systema**, a unique approach to self-defense that blends both physical and mental training.
***
### **Why This Class is Different**
Unlike most programs that only teach physical moves, Systema trains your body **and** your mind. You’ll explore:
* **Structure** – staying balanced under pressure
* **Breathing** – keeping calm and controlling fear
* **Relaxation** – avoiding panic and wasted energy
* **Movement** – adapting naturally to any situation
You’ll also learn to read an attacker’s intentions and respond proportionately—aligned with Maryland’s self-defense laws.
***
### **What You’ll Gain**
✔ Practical skills you can use right away
✔ Better stress control and awareness
✔ Improved strength, mobility, and coordination
✔ Confidence in handling real-world situations
***
### **Class Info**
📍 **Location:** The Dance Exchange - Studio #3 - Takoma Park (free parking)
🕒 **Length:** 1.5 hours
👥 **Small Group:** Max 10 students for personalized guidance
👖 **What to Wear:** Comfortable long pants and clothes you can move in
💵 **Cost:** Free for first-time students
***
### **How to Join**
RSVP here on Meetup to save your spot, then text Jim at **301-326-9146** to confirm.
Spots are limited—once the group fills, we close registration.
***
**Maryland Systema**
Real-world self-defense training for adults—helping you stay ready, stay calm, and stay safe.
Learn Heart based Group Meditation on Sundays in MD
Discover the path to stress management, life's tranquility, and self-improvement through Heartfulness Meditation. Embrace relaxation, meditation, and emotional detoxification practices to unlock your best self. Join our free sessions every Sunday at 8 AM and Wednesday at 7 / 7:30 PM at various centers in MD and VA. Experience the profound benefits of these simple yet powerful practices. Commit to a few months of meditation and witness the transformative impact firsthand. We eagerly await your presence at these enlightening sessions.
NOVA JJJ Training (Sterling)
This is our weekly training session. NOVA Jujutsu is a self-defense focused system incorporating Geri (Kicking), Atemi (Striking), Uke (Blocking), Tai Sabakai (Body Movement), Tai Hodoki (Escapes), Kansetsu Waza (Joint Locks), Nage Waza (Throwing), Shime Waza (Choking), Katame Waza (Grappling), Tantojutsu (Knife), Bojutsu (Bo), Kenjutsu (Sword), and Kata (Forms).
Come on down to a class and see for yourself what this group has to offer. You will get a great workout! You will have an awesome learning experience! You will meet some good people!
We look forward to meeting you.
See you there.
TAGS: japanese, martial arts, self-defense, jujutsu, jujitsu, juijitsu, bujutsu, defense, karate, koppo, kenjutsu, bojutsu, tantojutsu
Sunday Skate with #WAR - Crystal City and Del Ray Loop!
Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital!
Freedom Plaza is currently closed for construction, so we are shifting the starting line. We will meet at the corner of E St and 14th Street NW, right outside the WWI Pershing Memorial, across from the Willard Hotel. If that area is covered with snow, skate down 14th street one block and meet in front of the Wilson Building (south of Freedom Plaza, across Pennsylvania Ave.
This Sunday Big Mike will lead us on a great intermediate 14+ miles skate!
Join us for a 14-mile urban excursion through DC and Northern Virginia. We’ll start by crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge, heading south through the heart of Crystal City.
The route stays on the pavement as we navigate the streetscapes of Alexandria and the Del Ray neighborhood before making our return trip back to the District. It’s a solid, straightforward loop with plenty of local flavor.
The Route: A 14.3-mile street-skate featuring a mix of long straights and neighborhood turns.
The Bridge: Iconic views as we cross the Potomac via Memorial Bridge.
Secret Adventure: I’m aiming to scout a "secret adventure" along the way—no promises, but keep your eyes open.
The Details
• Meeting Point: Corner of E St and 14th St NW
• Meetup Time: 11:00 AM
• Roll-out Time: 11:10 AM
• Distance: 14.3 Miles
• Elevation Gain: 500 Feet
• Level: Intermediate (Moderate Urban hills and navigation required)
It's going to be a great day, and you don't want to miss it!
The route:
https://onthegomap.com/s/22r6bvki
For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram.
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/
We hope to see you soon!
Orchid Display at African American Museum - Feb 28
[More Than a Flower | National Museum of African American History and Culture](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower)
[https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower](https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/more-flower)
**More Than a Flower Exhibit \| National Museum of African American History and Culture**
***More than a Flower* shares the fresh and fragrant beauty of live orchids and connects stories, scholarship, and art to this extraordinary species.**
**I have 4 tickets, and Sri has 9 tickets for 1:30 PM on Saturday, February 28th.**
***SO, there are 13 tickets, and I limited the number of attendees to 13.***
***Feel free to go at another time that works for you. The exhibit will be there until April 26.***
Bring: Water, fully charged batteries, empty cards, and comfortable shoes
Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.
By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
Sand Volleyball at Windmill Hill Park Alexandria VA- BB level or Higher
Cost: free
Court Type: Outdoor Sand
Transportation: Parking will be right in front of the courts.
MINIMUM 4 people (no incthe host) in attendance otherwise event will be cancelled the day RSVP ends (the day of event).
Level: BB and higher level
This is an advanced volleyball at BB or higher level.
Self-Defense Events Near You
Connect with your local Self-Defense community
How to Get Over Losses and Betrayls & Build Lasting Relationships
Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships.
Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships?
Are you burdened by a stressful relationship?
Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse.
Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well.
Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship.
Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action?
Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships!
Break free from self imposed limitations
Here we will discuss:
• How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes.
• Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you?
• Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it?
• Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love?
• Fights & arguments - what's really behind them?
• What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others?
• How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change?
• Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them?
• How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about?
• How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career?
Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general.
Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person.
Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life.
We look forward to having you join us!
This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.
Fundamentals: by do Jung Ishu/ the art of fighting
We are a real world Martial arts group. \
Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \
Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \
We have been around a while. \
We are donation based.
Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \
Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \
If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \
We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec center in the auditorium, upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295
Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm
From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \
\
You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\
Wear workout clothing \
Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \
WE HAVE GLOVES. \
Hope to see you soon :-).\
We are run off of donations. \
let me know if you have any questions :)
Free In-Person Event: Handle Self-Confidence & Motivation to Achieve Your Goals
This is an in-person meeting.
Would you like to know the Real You, not just a shadow of yourself? Does your life energy feel somehow trapped within? Does your self-confidence get easily shaken? Do you get in the way of your own goals? We will discuss the real source of all this, what holds you back in life, and how to handle it so you can achieve more successful and happier living.
Perhaps you get weighed down with negative emotions you can't seem to shrug off. Or find yourself doing strange and irrational things - not really being yourself. We will cover why that is and tools that work to help you unearth your self, your self-confidence and motivation.
This meeting will help you learn about how to effectively overcome:
-Out-of-control unwanted emotions
-Low self-esteem
-Anxiety
-Negativity
-Stress
-Irrational fears
-Traumatic or painfully emotional incidents
-Breakups
-Betrayals
-Feeling like you're not really yourself
-Self-doubt...
We will discuss how to unleash the inner you and tap into your true potential. So come to this online meetup!
This meeting is sponsored by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio
Ohio Fight club
We are a real world Martial arts group. \
Called DO JUNG ISHU (the art of fighting) \
Based off of Jeet kune do we just continued where Bruce Lee left off. \
We have been around a while. \
We are donation based.
Every week we get together and work technical skills and live pressure testing. \
Almost all of the instructors have been in everything from altercations in the real world to the ring and some still compete in the cage. \
If you want to take your skills up, improve your confidence, gain self defense skills, get in better shape, test yourself or just want to kill some time and possibly get hit a bit come on down. \
We will be located at 3923 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214 inside the whetstone rec in the auditorium, center upstairs in classroom B or outside in the grass between the playground and horseshoe area. our instructors are normally in a black and red art of fighting shirt \ if you can not find us call or text me at 6143570295
Saturday 1pm Wednesday 5:30pm
From Age 16 and up. attendees under the age of 18 must have a guardian with them. \
\
You must have a free leisure card for the rec center and must be registered for our class specifically .\
Wear workout clothing \
Bring a MOUTHPIECE! \
WE HAVE GLOVES. \
Hope to see you soon :-).\
We are run off of donations. \
let me know if you have any questions :)
Anger and Resentment, How to Handle their Source and Live a Better Life
Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to overcome your feelings of anger so that you not only control them, but you no longer have the urge to lose your temper in the first place?
And how about being able to shake off resentments, persistent annoyance, or even feelings of vengeance?
We’d like to invite you to an event on how to overcome anger and resentment. We will show you why people have trouble controlling their temper and where resentment comes from.
Flaring anger can ruin a meeting, a relationship, an opportunity, or just about any aspect of life. Worst of all, outbursts towards our family can create hurt that lingers throughout a lifetime.
You want to have a civil conversation, and you’ve vowed that you wouldn’t lose your temper, but a few minutes later, the anger flares up. Maybe you’ve realized that being angry doesn’t get you what you want so you internalize it. Or maybe you avoid the knockdown, drag-out fights, but stewing in resentment is exhausting and takes an emotional toll.
In this event we show you how to get to the root of your anger so that it stops being an issue to you. You’ll also learn why people harbor resentments and how to move on.
Don't continue to struggle, make a difference in your life, and join us for this local event.
Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This Meetup is sponsored by your local Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.
Free in Person Meeting - Get Over Losses and Betrayls
Do you want more motivation and confidence to build Lasting Relationships?
This is a free, in-person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships.
Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse.
Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well.
Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship.
Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action?
Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships!
Break free from self imposed limitations
Here we will discuss:
• How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes.
• Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you?
• Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it?
• Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love?
• Fights & arguments - what's really behind them?
• What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others?
• How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change?
• Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them?
• How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about?
• How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career?
Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general.
Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person.
Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life.
Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there.
This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.



























