Self-Defense
Meet other local Self-Defense practicers. Gather and discuss various self-defense methods and trade training tips.
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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
Just Enjoy Self-Care
Just Enjoy Self Care is your invitation to slow down, reset, and pour back into yourself. Reconnect and recharge with your pole & aerial buddies! And bring your whole crew -- no pole/aerial experience needed!
Flow through our self-care stations including making DIY Body Scrubs, Open Pole Flow, Vision Board & Journaling. Plus, treat yourself to an optional MASSAGE with our professional masseuse.
No pressure, no performance-just space to reset and enjoy yourself. Last weekend was about loving others. This weekend is about loving yourself!
Tickets also available on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/just-enjoy-self-care-tickets-1981395346820?aff=oddtdtcreator
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.
Morning Muay Thai (Kickboxing) Training in Herndon, VA 🥊
Join us for [Muay Thai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muay_Thai) kickboxing at [OSMA in Herndon, VA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/): an energetic morning class focused on striking technique, conditioning, and controlled sparring. 🔥
This adult (16+) class combines **technical instruction, pad work, partner drills**, and **cardio training** to build real-world skill and endurance in a safe, structured setting.
Beginners and experienced students alike will learn how to apply the principles of **Muay Thai: *The Art Of Eight Limbs***, through precise **strikes**, **timing**, and **defense**.
Classes take place every **Saturday** at **10:00 AM**.
The **drop-in fee is $20**, payable on-site, and note that we are located in **suite #130**.
Come train with us and see why so many in [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) choose One Spirit Martial Arts for top-tier martial-arts instruction.
**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: Is this class suitable for someone interested in **boxing**?
A: Yes! Muay Thai shares many of the same **striking fundamentals** as [boxing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing), including **stance**, **timing**, and **defensive movement**. Students searching for boxing gyms in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) or Northern Virginia train at OSMA to develop **solid punching technique** along with **kicks**, **knees**, and **elbows**.
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.
Sunday Skate with The Washington Area Roadskaters!
Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital!
For current 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!
Peace & Pancakes
* In these turbulent times, it is crucial that we develop peaceful minds to enable the emergence of a more harmonious world. The format of this class was designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche so that people have a special method to create the causes for world peace.
Classes include a short teaching and advice for life, two guided meditations, and inspiring prayers for world peace.
After the class, join us for a pancake breakfast, coffee, tea and other delicious treats! Feel free to browse our bookstore for unique items. Everyone is welcome.
Prayers for World Peace is free, you are welcome to make a donation. The pancake brunch following Prayers for World Peace is $7 a person.
**Advice from Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, 2001**
“World peace is very important; we cannot ignore this now. Once something happens, it will be too late. This world is now, as you know, very delicate, very fragile, and very sensitive. It is almost as delicate as the life of a single person; the world situation is so delicate. This is because there are so many disagreements. Political leaders are ready to fight; everybody is preparing weapons ready to fight, and are challenging each other. So we religious practitioners need to offer prayers because prayers are very powerful. This is because of our pure motivation, the powerful words of the prayers themselves, and especially at such times enlightened beings will bestow their blessings upon us, our environment and other living beings. So we should pray for world peace. We have had two world wars. If there is a third world war this will almost destroy the world because every country has very powerful weapons, and it is very easy to destroy the world. So I would like to suggest that every center organizes prayers for world peace at any time when local people can gather and pray for world peace.”
**Cost**
Free – Donations Accepted
Optional Brunch $7
* Event Schedule
Sun., Feb. 22
10am-10:45am Meditation & Prayers for World Peace
10:45am: Pancake Breakfast
Scythe
Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period. It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and valor.
Ultimate Frisbee - All Levels
Just good ole Ultimate Frisbee. Tons of fun. Great group. No stacks. No pick calls (but no picks!!!). Fair warning to those totally new to ultimate: it's a lot of running.
\*\*Please pay close attention to the rule #6 listed below.
*What to DEFINITELY bring*
1. Running shoes/Cleats
2. One white shirt *and* one dark shirt !!!! See this one !!!!
\-\-\- IMPORTANT you can play both dark and white so we can make teams when we get there; just pickup after all 😎
3. Water
*What you can ALSO bring*
4\. Snacks & Drinks
5\. Gloves \(winter\)
6\. Sunscreen \(summer\)
7\. Sunglasses 😎
House Rules -
1. Starting Play: Each point begins with both teams lining up on the front of opposite end zone lines. The defense throws ("pulls") the disc to the offense.
2. Scoring: Each time the offense catches a pass in the defense's end zone, the offense scores a point. The teams switch direction after every goal, and the next point begins with a new pull by the team that just scored.
3. Movement of the Disc: The disc may be advanced in any direction by completing a pass to a teammate. Players may not run with the disc. The person with the disc ("thrower") has ten seconds to throw the disc. The defender guarding the thrower ("marker") counts out the stall count.
4. Change of Possession: When a pass is not completed (e.g. out of bounds, drop, block, interception, stalled), the defense immediately takes possession of the disc and becomes the offense.
5. Substitutions: Players not in the game may replace players in the game after a score and during an injury timeout. (Modified depending on the number of the attendees)
6. Non-contact: Players must attempt to avoid physical contact during play. Picks and screens are also prohibited.
7. Fouls: When a player initiates contact that affects the play, a foul occurs. When a foul causes a player to lose possession, the play resumes as if the possession was retained. If the player that the foul was called against disagrees with the foul call, the play is redone.
8. Self-Officiating: Players are responsible for their own foul and line calls. The host will also step in if it is needed.
Please message the event host for any questions or concerns.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Smiley Social documents:**
1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg)
2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)
Self-Defense Events Near You
Connect with your local Self-Defense community
Ensō Brunch & Flow: Zouk Boot Camp
**Ensō Brunch & Flow: Zouk Boot Camp**
Sunday March 1, 2026
You decide what to pay. All proceeds support future events, and tips are paid directly to artists.
Connect with new friends and dance family over brunch and leave ready to take on the dance floor! Beginners welcome or come to sharpen your skills.
No partner, no problem. We suggest bringing a water bottle and non-grippy shoes to wear.
**Agenda**
**11:30 AM - 1:00 PM** - **Registration, Brunch & Mingle**
* We'll be bringing the mimosas, and invite you to bring your favorite brunch food to share.
**1:00 PM - 2:30 PM**
* Rhythm & body alignment
* Partner connection
* Linear basic
* Viradinha
**2:30 PM - 3:00 PM** \- Rest\, hangout\, & practice
**3:00 PM - 6:00 PM**
* Lateral
* Basic turns
* Soltinho
* Homework & Guided Practica
2390 Harper Isabelle, Columbus, OH
The clubhouse is located next to the dog park. Don’t forget to sign in when you arrive!
Present.
Connected.
Beautifully Imperfect.
We are **Ensō** dancers
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 :)
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.
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
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 :)
Hike Bexley
Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back.
Optional lunch at Trolley District.
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.






























