SAFE: Self-Defense For Women, By Women
Proof of vaccination is required to attend in-person classes.
Embrace The Freedom To Go Anywhere, Even Alone Or At Night, With Confidence
Women and girls are most likely to seek out our courses at a moment of transition:
Why? Because when we are in an unfamiliar situation, we feel less secure.
The beautiful thing about empowerment self-defense is that it not only prepares you to save your own life, or prevent an attempted sexual assault-- it also helps you tap into your personal power so you feel more confident, more secure in your own wants and needs, and more equipped to take on challenges of all kinds.
Another reason many women and girls consider taking a class is that they have had an experience where their safety was threatened-- anything from a threatening person, a stalker or a harasser to an abusive relationship or a completed assault.
If this is your situation, we encourage you to schedule a call with us to talk about what to expect in a class. For the vast majority of survivors, the class is empowering and even healing. In some cases, if a situation is fresh, we might recommend delaying the course and seeking other supports in the meantime.
- Starting high school or college
- Finishing school and starting work
- Moving to a new city (including Madison... welcome!)
- Traveling alone or out of the country
Why? Because when we are in an unfamiliar situation, we feel less secure.
The beautiful thing about empowerment self-defense is that it not only prepares you to save your own life, or prevent an attempted sexual assault-- it also helps you tap into your personal power so you feel more confident, more secure in your own wants and needs, and more equipped to take on challenges of all kinds.
Another reason many women and girls consider taking a class is that they have had an experience where their safety was threatened-- anything from a threatening person, a stalker or a harasser to an abusive relationship or a completed assault.
If this is your situation, we encourage you to schedule a call with us to talk about what to expect in a class. For the vast majority of survivors, the class is empowering and even healing. In some cases, if a situation is fresh, we might recommend delaying the course and seeking other supports in the meantime.
"I just walked home tonight with the most confidence I've had in a long time." --Tabatha D., SAFE participant
We currently offer 3 versions of our public SAFE: Women's Self-Defense Course:
- SAFE: Women's Self-Defense (8-Hours In-Person: Includes Complete Online Course)
- Tuesdays (6- 8pm): Four 2-hour sessions
- September/ October early registration (through 9/13/22) promo code: SEP22SAFE
- Sundays (10am- 2): Two 4-hour sessions (accelerated format-- includes lunch break)
- July early registration (through 7/17/22) promo code: JUL22SAFE
- Tuesdays (6- 8pm): Four 2-hour sessions
- Online SAFE: Women's Self-Defense
- Lifetime access
- Self-paced
- Includes access to online community, bi-weekly Zoom Q&A calls, 1-1 support
- Intro to Women's Self-Defense (90 Min In-Person: Does not include online course)
- Short, fun and high-energy
- Just the basics!
Early Bird Special: Act Now To Get $110 In Bonus Offers!
In addition to the course components listed above, students who register at least 1 week before the start of the hybrid SAFE course will receive:
- $50 off the overall price of the course with promo code (Regularly $299... Only $249 with early purchase!)
- An additional 2 weeks unlimited membership at Villari's Martial Arts Cooperative ($50 value)
- Free hand wraps to use at your first kickboxing class ($10 value)
July Special:
- Promo code (exp. 7/17/22): JUL22SAFE
Ask us about discounts for: additional family members, current Villari's members and SAFE alumni.
PRIVATE WORKSHOPS
We offer private workshops for corporations, non-profit organizations, sororities, campus clubs, and groups of all sizes. We require proof of vaccination from all participants.
Private workshops allow for a customized experience with the people of your choosing either in our space (25 participants or less) or at a space of your choosing (any size group).
We will travel outside of Madison! (Additional fees apply).
Need More Information?
Book a free support call to learn more about options for your group. We are available for both in-person and virtual instruction.
What Makes SAFE Different From Other Programs
- Hybrid program. Our online course includes lifetime support, so you can refresh your learning & skills any time.
- Current, research-based information on the realities of violence against women. This is not about fear mongering or imagining scenarios—our curriculum is grounded in facts.
- Trained male practice attackers. We know that although most men don’t commit violence, most violence is committed by men. Our male practice attackers are trained to give realistic feedback, increasing students' confidence in their abilities.
- Female black belt instructor. Master Murphy's curriculum includes simple, effective techniques accessible to women with no martial arts experience. Our instructors have years of martial arts training, but you don't have to!
- Options for continued practice. SAFE is an introductory workshop. To further develop your self-defense skills, we recommend Shaolin Kempo Karate. Just like hitting things? Try Kickboxing!
SAFE Graduates Speak Out
" I just walked home tonight with the most confidence I’ve had in a long time. That self defense class went way beyond physical for me. I’m a naturally nice and sweet girl and when our instructor was talking about people targeting victims, I can think of so many times that that has been me. Thankfully I put myself in positions most of the time where I have a big strong brother or someone else to protect me, and I’ve been pretty unharmed. However this class taught me so much about how it’s not only right, but okay to stand up for myself. It’s okay to say no and it’s not just being paranoid. People can be a******s and I need to be the one that makes sure they aren’t a******s to me. I had small expectations for this class, but now I’m recommending it to everyone! ... It was honestly amazing and will change this summer for me!"
-Tabatha D.
"I took a self defense class with Villari’s and it was perfect. I learned about ways you can intervene before an attack and lots of great physical and verbal interventions you can do to ward off an attacker and they even had real male attackers so you got great practice trying the interventions. Great class. Highly recommended!"
- Jessica K.
"I took the woman's self defense class here, what a great and informative experience! The staff are wonderful, very knowledgeable and kind. The facility has an empowering and welcoming atmosphere. I would recommend Villari's to anyone!"
- Laura K.
I've always been hesitant to take a self defense class. I was worried about getting an instructor who perpetuated rape culture while attempting to be helpful. Ali, who led the self defense class I took at Villari's, was exactly the opposite. She was extremely knowledgeable, very aware of the myths around sexual assault and careful to avoid them, and also very sensitive to the needs and experiences of her students. She did a wonderful job of making sure that all of us were comfortable, even though the experience of physically defending ourselves against the male assistants (also really terrific instructors) could have been very daunting. All in all, it was a very empowering and educational experience. The opportunity to practice physical aggression was kind of a revelation! I left the class feeling reminded of the fact that yes, I have the ability physically fight back if necessary (how did I forget this?) but with the knowledge and skills to really make a hit count if I need it to. I feel more confident being on my own than I did before. Can't recommend enough!
- Dayna Long