We help survivors of trauma set boundaries and defend themselves, so they can harness their true power, reclaim their control, and heal.
Self-defense begins
with the idea that
You Are Worth Defending.
What to Expect
In this ongoing empowerment program, we will cover the most common attack scenarios. You will learn many,
life-saving techniques, but it is the special focus on boundary setting, violence de-escalation, and criminal psychology that truly makes this a Total Empowerment Program. From dealing with an acquaintance or authority figure's unwanted advances to escaping from being pinned to the ground, this program will reframe your perspective on what your body is capable of.
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Who We Are
Rise is a self-protection school for women+ based on the principles of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Unlike most other self-defense programs that rely heavily on strength, power, and violence, the techniques we teach rely on leverage, timing, and violence de-escalation, making them easy to learn and effective, while allowing participants to avoid the escalation of violence.
Why BJJ?
For over a century, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu has proven time and again that it is possible for a smaller person to defend and/or escape from a larger, stronger opponent. Because we can usually assume an attacker would be larger, stronger, and heavier than we are, BJJ is the perfect martial art for women--it teaches us to react smarter, not harder.
Why Rise?
Most self-defense classes assume an attacker will be a stranger approaching in a dark alley, but statistics show us that the majority of assaults occur at the hands of someone the target already knows. Unequal power dynamics mean that a target might not feel it is appropriate to punch, kick, or act violently toward someone they know, respect, or even love. We focus on realistic solutions to common scenarios that reduce the escalation of violence while allowing an individual to escape an unsafe or uncomfortable situation.
At Rise, We truly believe that jiu-jitsu is for everyone. The problem is that most Brazilian Jiu-jitsu schools cater to male athletes whose goals differ greatly from that of a woman seeking self-defense training. When the curriculum is unsuitable, and the environment is uncomfortable, intimidating, and/or triggering, many women leave as quickly as they arrived.
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Our mission is to eliminate these barriers by making our school relaxed, safe, effective, trauma-informed, applicable to real life, and fun!
Maggie
I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to train in Jiu-jitsu with Justina. I have learned so many great self-defense techniques and strategies to defend myself from an assailant who is larger than me. I truly believe every woman should consider attending a jiu-jitsu self-defense program. I've gained confidence and I'm excited to further develop and refine my skills.
Lili
I was so excited to hear about this self-defense-focused class. I really appreciate that there are people like Justina who offer tools to the community that promotes safety and awareness. After my first class, I already felt stronger in body and in mind.
I have since had opportunities to use both the physical and verbal skills I learned in jiu-jitsu. It’s a really wonderful and empowering thing to see practice translated into positive real-life change. I was mostly excited to learn defense tactics, so I didn’t anticipate the mental strength that comes along with physical capabilities.
Justina is an awesome instructor - she is passionate and that creates a fun and powerful environment. I am so grateful to have had this experience, and I hope others will take advantage of this opportunity.
Anne Marie
Justina's lessons have changed my life. She has helped me heal from past traumas as I've learned new strategies for escaping an attacker. I am so grateful for Justina, and the new life she has given me.
"My goal is to arm women with the knowledge they need to recognize danger, the tools to defend themselves from violence, and the confidence to reach their greatest potential."
- Justina Lindeman
About Me
My name is Justina Lindeman. I was just a normal person until my life was dramatically changed through self-defense training. Now, all I want to do is pass my knowledge on. Although I have taken many self-defense classes, it wasn't until I discovered Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu that I found my calling, and decided to formally enter the world of martial arts to pursue my passion for self-defense and personal empowerment. As a certified Instructor, I am trained and committed to providing a trauma-informed, fun, safe, and empowering atmosphere for women to learn to defend themselves and their families.