Women Empowered® 2.0
Not only will you learn how to use Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to defend against the most common threat scenarios, you will also experience empowerment, fun, and fitness in a safe and supportive environment!
More than a women's self-defense class.
Tues/Thurs - 6p
In this 15-lesson program, you will learn how to neutralize the 20 most common attacks carried out by perpetrators in a safe, supportive environment. This program addresses scalable self-defense options ranging from verbal boundary setting to lethal force techniques so you will feel prepared for any potential threat.
CTC Visitors: Friends from other CTCs, please email us at info@graciepdx.com so we can send you the CTC discount code and signup link.
Our School’s Commitments.
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Keep it Fun.
Learning BJJ takes time and we know the more you enjoy the journey, the more likely you are to continue and grow. If you aren’t having fun, you aren’t going to stick with it.
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Make it Safe.
No martial art is risk-free, but we strive to build a culture that prioritizes safety of all our training partners. If we can’t do a technique or submission safely, we shouldn’t be doing it.
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Always be Structured.
Rener and Ryron Gracie at Gracie University have pioneered curricula for every stage of your Brazilian Jiu-jitsu development. Whether you are brand new to BJJ or a Blue Belt and beyond, we have a well thought out program for you.
What Our Students Are Saying.
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“My first impression really made it easy for me to get my foot in the door and overcome my anxiety stepping into an unfamiliar environment. My first class I felt incredibly welcomed by all of the instructors and students. “
-Kara P.
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“Best place to go for your self defense development. Easy to learn from instructor. Really great small setting and class, I'm sure that won't last long so definitely book your sessions as soon as possible.”
-Yvonne W
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Our Process, Your Success.
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Step 1: Learn the Techniques
Law enforcement officials and survivors of sexual assault helped us identify the 20 most common attack strategies that a male assailant is likely to use on a woman. From hair-grabs and chokeholds, to bear hugs and weapon defenses, the Women Empowered programs covers it all.
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Step 2: Develop Your Reflexes
Once you complete each of the 15 Women Empowered lessons once, you will qualify to participate in the Reflex Development (RD) classes.
In Reflex Development classes, you will learn how to combine the 20 techniques to address the most common occurrences in a real self-defense situation.
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Step 3: Earn Your Women Empowered Pink Belt
Once you complete each of the Women Empowered lessons four times, and you’ve completed at least 8 Reflex Development Classes, you may be ready to test for promotion to pink belt! This is to test your understanding of the techniques and philosophies that are essential for survival in life-threatening scenarios. Once you earn your pink belt, you can attend WE classes for free, for the rest of your life!
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“Amazing school! Highly recommend for anyone that wants to learn jujitsu in a safe environment without the pressure of egos. The instructors are VERY helpful and respectful - the students are willing to help and the culture reflects that.”
-Jay H.
The Gracie University Advantage.
Gracie Jiu-jitsu Portland is a Certified Training Center in the Gracie University system. On top of our live classes, all our students receive a free subscription to Gracie University Online. This gives you unlimited online access to the Women Empowered streaming instructional video library.
With GU Online you’ll be able to review past lessons, learn upcoming techniques, and prepare for future belt tests 24/7.
Common FAQs.
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Absolutely! Specifically because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has proven reliable in defending against larger opponents for nearly a century, it is the perfect martial art for women.
Many women train in our co-ed Gracie Combatives classes, however we also have women-only classes (Women Empowered) available if that is preferred.
We love seeing the physical confidence develop in our female students as they gain self-defense skills on the mat!
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There are zero fitness requirements to be able to start our beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes! One of the benefits of BJJ is that it relies on technique and timing rather than strength, speed, or athleticism.
Our students start at all different fitness levels; however, you will find that you do enhance your fitness by doing our BJJ classes.
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First of all, we want to recognize your courage in seeking self-defense training. For many of our students, jiu-jitsu was the missing component of their healing process from past trauma. If you are looking for self-defense as a means to reestablish your power and feeling of safety, it is especially important that you find a supportive, safe, and self-paced training environment. That is why Women Empowered was created.
We recognize everyone in our classes has a different history, which is why all of our instructors are certified in taking a trauma-informed approach to our martial arts classes.
If a student does experience a trigger in class, we first want them to know that it is a normal, human response. We will support them in whatever way they wish to be supported, while giving them the space they may need to feel re-centered.
We always encourage our students to go at their own pace, even if that means not participating in certain techniques until they feel ready. We would be honored to support you on your journey, and hope to see you on our mats soon!
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Not at all. In fact, many students starting in our classes felt the exact same way. There is absolutely no experience necessary for any of our beginner classes, and there is no sparring amongst beginners, so you’re going to be safe and have a great time!
Give yourself some time, and you will be astounded at what your body is capable of, and how much you can improve! Our certified martial arts instructors are trained to keep their teaching simple, effective, and beginner-focused. So even the most uncoordinated person will develop ‘ninja-like’ skills! Come see for yourself!
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We recommend wearing comfortable workout clothing, such as leggings/sweatpants and a t-shirt. It will be important to wear a shoulder-covering shirt as this helps prevent mat-burn.
Be to bring a water bottle, as you will be working up a sweat!
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Just show up! Upon arriving, you will be given a uniform and a focused introductory lesson by one of our instructors before you join in the group class.
No previous experience is necessary for any one of our group classes, so you will never feel left behind.
Our program is structured by class number, so you will always know exactly what techniques you will be learning on any given day. You could even check out the techniques of the day on GracieUniversity.com before class to get a head start!
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“Always assume that your opponent is going to be bigger, stronger and faster than you; so that you learn to rely on technique, timing, and leverage rather than brute strength.”
— Grand Master Helio Gracie