What can I expect at my first workshop?

Be prepared to have fun, be present, and leave feeling energized! We kick off every workshop with a short “mind stilling” exercise to center our mindset and connect our intention to the day’s lessons. Afterward we’ll warm up with a mix of body weight exercises, balance work, and kickboxing. We’ll then go through 2-3 self defense techniques that are meant to be accessible and easy to remember. We’ll discuss situational awareness and practice powerful command that are important in self defense. You may be paired up with a partner during the workshop. We wrap up with a cool down stretch, and that’s it!

Our workshops are open only to women unless otherwise stated on the event description. We may or may not have male instructors or assistants, but if you’re ever uncomfortable with this, please let us know and we are more than happy to accommodate.

How much do your self defense workshops cost?

Pricing for each workshop is different, so be sure to read the workshop description carefully. Your fee is due on the day of the workshop, and can be paid via Venmo, Paypal, cash, or check. Fees are not refundable.

Where are you located?

Our workshops are held at Colorado Kickboxing and MMA, which is inside of Fitness 1440 in Erie. From the front desk, the kickboxing room is in the back left corner, behind the cardio equipment. No need to stop at the front desk, but if anyone asks just tell them you are with the kickboxing class.

Do I need to bring gloves to a workshop?

If you have boxing gloves, please bring them! We have a limited number of loaner gloves, so if you don’t own any already, you’re welcome to borrow ours for your first workshop.

What makes Valkyrie Self Defense different?

It can be challenging to find a local training space that is dedicated to teaching women practical techniques that they can use to defend themselves in real life. Martial Arts is a male-dominated sport, and many dojos and gyms can be intimidating, and even sometimes feel unwelcoming to women and girls who aren’t as strong or as powerful as other students. Additionally, many teach techniques that are just not realistic or useful for women and girls who are looking to learn basic self defense rather than learn how to be a professional fighter.

Valkyrie Self Defense instructors teach accessible movements that are easy to remember and as effective as possible against an attacker no matter your size or strength. We also talk about important skills like situational awareness and speaking confidently while using powerful commands.

Do you offer weekly classes?

At this time we are only offering periodic in person workshops. If you’re interested in taking self defense classes more frequently, we recommend checking out Colorado Kickboxing and MMA. They offer a variety of martial arts classes as well as a women-only self defense class on Saturdays.

Where did the name Valkyrie Self Defense come from?

If you’re an ACOTAR fan, then you already know! For those not in the know… I chose the name Valkyrie Self Defense after reading a popular fantasy book series written by Sarah J. Maas. If you haven’t read the ACOTAR series, I highly recommend it (to adults)! In the series, a female character develops unhealthy coping mechanisms after suffering several traumatic events. She feels judged and misunderstood for her choices, causing her to lash out at her family and friends. She finds herself in a downward spiral of drinking and bad decisions. As a last ditch effort to help her, her family convinces her to begin training as a warrior to learn self defense and build strength. It turns out she likes it. She makes friends with other women who have survived their own trauma and convinces them to train with her. They don’t judge her or treat her differently for her past.

The women learn about an extinct unit of elite females called Valkyries, and begin incorporating the ancient training techniques into their own training regimen. The Valkyries were a unit of females from all races and backgrounds that rivaled even the strongest male units. It’s through the ancient techniques of the Valkyries, and their incredible friendship, that the women begin to process their trauma and let go of their feelings of guilt and shame. They build strong bonds and lift each other up, becoming stronger more confident.

One of my favorite quotes is from a harrowing moment in the story when the women are fighting for their lives: “Never again. Never again would she be weak. Never again would she be at someone's mercy. Never again would she fail. Never again, never again, never again.”

This series, and specifically the book A Court of Silver Flames is what inspired me to create a community where women and girls of all backgrounds and experience levels can train together, support each other, and share experiences without judgement; a community where we can gain the confidence to say “Never again.”