WOMEN'S
SELF-DEFENSE
Course
Explore Your Potential.
With 200+ weekly classes, expert coaching, and access to Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Camarillo, Gracie Barra is more than training—it’s a transformation. Experience top-tier Jiu-Jitsu and boxing classes in Ventura County’s most accomplished martial arts community. Level up starts here.
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Jiu-Jitsu teaches you how to defend yourself by using leverage and technique, not just strength. This is why it's considered one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense, helping you control and escape real-life threats.
Jiu-Jitsu builds confidence by proving you can handle tough situations. Each time you improve, you feel stronger and more capable, boosting your self-belief on and off the mat.
Jiu-Jitsu creates a strong sense of community where everyone supports each other’s growth. Training together builds lasting friendships and a team spirit that pushes you to become your best, both in and out of the gym.
Jiu-Jitsu is a full-body workout that improves your strength, endurance, and flexibility. It helps you get in shape while learning valuable skills, making fitness fun and challenging at the same time.
Jiu-Jitsu promotes personal growth by pushing you out of your comfort zone and teaching you resilience. Every challenge on the mat helps you develop discipline, patience, and a mindset to overcome obstacles in life.
Meet some of our coaches
Professor Andre
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He started training when he was 12 years old in the very first Gracie Barra school. Professor has earned his Black Belt after 15 years of training the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has traveled the world teaching seminars, workshops and spreading the word of Jiu-Jitsu.
Coach Aiden
He is a highly accomplished Jiu-Jitsu competitor coach. He has won and podiumed at major tournaments such as the Jiu Jitsu World League and IBJJF Opens. With over 1,000 students coached across all levels and age groups, Coach Aiden brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and leadership to every class.
Coach Rawn
He has been training in Jiu Jitsu for four years, and it has changed his life. It provided him with both a hobby and a passion, and it helped him create a family. He met his wife through Jiu Jitsu and some of his best friends.
Coach Taylor
She is the No-Gi World Champion, Pan Ams and Europeans Champion, and a podium finisher at top events like the Brazilian Nationals and IBJJF Worlds. As the leader of our Women’s Program, she brings world-class experience, dedication, and inspiration to every class.
Coach Joel
He started training jiujitsu at the age of 7 and it’s been a huge part of his life since he started, now he trains twice a day everyday and is striving to be a top level athlete in the sport, hoping to inspire the next generation and current generation so they can have the same impact jiujitsu has had for him.
This course includes over 1.5 hours of instructional content focused on one of the most critical aspects of women’s self-defense: protecting yourself from chokeholds.
Led by Professor André Almeida, 2nd-degree black belt and Coach Taylor Pedersen, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt and IBJJF World Champion, this program empowers women with the knowledge and techniques to escape life-threatening situations with confidence and control.
CHOKE DEFENSE ESSENTIALS COURSE
Available Now
COMPREHENSIVE CLASSES
The course begins with Introduction & Mindset, establishing awareness and the psychology behind real-life attacks. It then moves into Drills and Practice, where students learn solo and partner exercises designed to build reflexes and confidence under pressure. The heart of the course, Essential Choke Hold Defenses, breaks down five of the most common choke scenarios — from front and rear attacks to situations on the ground or against a wall — with clear, step-by-step guidance.
HOURS OF CONTENT
1.5+
When to Run vs. When to Fight
Why Kicking or Scratching First Can Get You Hurt — And What to Do Instead
Speed & Instant Decision-Making
Targeting the Body’s Weak Points
How Your Body Language Can Stop an Attack Before It Starts
Legal & Aftercare Essentials
Welcome & How to Use the Course
The Reality of Attacks: Why Choke Defenses Matter
The 5 Chokes We’ll Cover in This Course
Warm Up
Solo Drills to Build Reflexes
Partner Practice (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Train Safely at Home or with Friends
Escape from a Front Choke (Two Hands to the Throat)
Escape from a Rear Choke (Standing, Attacker Behind)
Defense Against a Closed Guard Choke
Defense Against a Mounted Choke (Attacker on Top)
Pinned Against the Wall