Self-Defense for Women

 

Why Take This Class?

Every day people find themselves in situations that can turn into potentially violent encounters like assaults, robberies, being bullied, domestic violence encounters, sexual assaults, and more.

 

Sometimes these situations can be avoided entirely and sometimes they cannot. We want to provide our community members with tools that will not only help them mentally prepare for a violent encounter, but also physically prepare them to survive and thrive in violent situations.

 

The techniques you’ll be trained in are realistic, easy to learn, beginner friendly, and adaptable to every person. These aren’t techniques that require 10 steps and are impossible to remember. They are techniques that use your natural instincts and body mechanics to help you overcome people trying to harm you.

• Our small class sizes allow for personalized instruction. We want to know who you are and what works for you. We don’t charge a fee because we believe having a community comprised of capable people that can defend themselves is better than any amount of money.
• There is no cost to attend this class, however, you must be a Longmont resident. This class will run a wait list if it fills, please be respectful of others trying to get into the class and withdraw if you can not attend, which will alert the next person waiting of class availability.
• The class size is limited to 20 participants. There are no exceptions.

 

Upcoming class dates

All classes are held at: Longmont Police and Boulder County Sheriff’s Department Firing Range Classroom Building located at 10916 County Rd 5, Longmont, CO 80504

• This class is only for Longmont residents. You must be able to provide a current utility bill or valid identification to participate.
• Time: 5pm – 9pm (4 hours in length).
• You must be able to attend the entire course.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the class starts so you can familiarize yourself with the facility.
• Class will promptly start at 5pm.
• Required waiver for class. The completion of an all-inclusive waiver will be required by every student at the start of every class.
• There is no prior self-defense experience needed to attend this class.
• While we don’t have specific physical requirements or medical exclusions for this class, the class does require participants to be able to perform the following types of movements; punching, kicking, squatting, bending at the waist, sitting, standing, jumping, running in place, etc.
• We don’t have an upper age limit, as we can tailor many techniques to suit mature participants.
• By signing the waiver for this class, you are acknowledging the physical/medical risks associated with a physically based class and waiving the City of Longmont, its officers, employees, volunteers and agents from liability from any and all claims, including the negligence of the City of Longmont, its officers, employees, volunteers and agents, resulting from any liability for injury or illness that may be incurred as a result of participation in this class, or using the strategies taught for defense. Please take this into consideration when reserving your spot and please reach out to us with specific questions about your ability to participate in the class.
• Register here for upcoming classes:
  • Saturday, December 6, 2025. 5 pm – 9 pm.  – FULL CLASS
  • Saturday, February 7, 2026. 5 pm-9 pm. Class registration will open Dec 8.

Method of Instruction:

This class has mixed methods of instruction. The initial portion of the class will include lecture and demonstration. The second portion of the class will have hands-on practice of performing techniques. Questions and discussion may occur at any time as appropriate.

 

Attire:

• Participants are encouraged to wear athletic pants, a comfortable shirt (no thin straps), and athletic, closed-toe shoes for ease of movement and safety. No open-toe shoes will be permitted to prevent injury.
• Participants should not wear any hard/sharp/delicate jewelry, piercings, watches, or other items that could injure you or other participants. Piercings that cannot be removed may necessitate being wrapped or taped. Silicone rings are permitted.
• Due to the physical nature of this class, we recommend long hair be placed in a ponytail, braid, or bun to avoid injury.

Other Valuable Information:

• Students are not permitted to bring non-students to stay at the training.
• Childcare is not provided.
• Students must be at least 15 years old. Minors attending the class must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who can sign the class waiver at the beginning of class if the waiver was not filled out prior to class.
• Please bring your own water/sports drinks and a light snack like granola bars or fruit if you’d like. Short 5-10 minute water/snack breaks will be provided.
• No drug use of any type is permitted at our facilities.
• No weapons are permitted in the training room and safety checks of students will be completed to ensure no weapons are present for the safety of instructors and students. This includes guns and knives.
• If any special accommodations are required (i.e. language assistance), notifications must be made by email or phone to (303)651-8424 no later than 7 business days prior to the class.
• Transportation to and from this class is not provided.
• Lockers for valuables will not be provided. Please do not bring any valuables as we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. We recommend a backpack or bag to place your belongings in one location.

 

If you would like to be placed on a notification list for future classes, please email or call (303)651-8424.

 

For additional details follow the information for registration.

 

If you have additional questions which do not appear on the webpage or on the registration information please email or call 303-651-8534.

 

About your instructors:

• Officer Sonia Bragulla.
• Officer Josie VanVeen.